Christians around the world anxiously await the return of Jesus Christ. As sin runs its course and persecution is on the rise the thought of Christ’s return is a blessed hope for all believers. The apostle Paul writing to the church at Thessalonica encourages them of that future day as they were beginning to face persecution. He also commends them for their faithfulness and endurance in their persecution. Paul says God will use this persecution to show His justice and to make the church ready for His kingdom. “In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.” (2Thess.1:6 nlt)
This brings us to the other side of the coin. While Christians look forward to the return of Christ and the blessings it brings, the unsaved in this world have no such hope or blessings that come with it. Paul lays out in graphic detail the fate of those without Christ when He returns. “And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.” (2Thess.1:7-9 nlt)
Ignoring God and refusing to recognize Him and His plan of salvation through His Son Jesus has fatal consequences. Should one be alive at the return of Christ and have not accepted Him, this will be your fate. If you pass into eternity before His return, your fate is the same, judgment with eternal destruction, not annihilation, but forever separated from God in hell. The return of Christ will be a glorious day to be sure, but not all will find it glorious. You don’t need to be one of those on that day. While there’s still time. accept Jesus as your personal savior before it’s too late.
Let me first say I thank the Lord God and praise Him for the ceasefire that has been achieved as part of the ‘20-point Israel-Gaza Peace Plan.’ This war has been in effect since Hamas attacked and murdered innocent Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, along with taking 251 people hostage. The remaining hostages are to be released in a few short days, another praise to almighty God. Once the hostages are released negotiations on the next phase will begin. So, while we rejoice in the ceasefire and the soon release of the hostages, the world is very cautious not to get too overjoyed as things can turn around quickly.
Case in point, the plan will be implemented in phases with on-going negotiations. Phase 1 is the ceasefire and the release of hostages along with Israel releasing several hundred Palestinian prisoners. Other phases include Hamas disarmament, Gaza’s governance, Israeli withdrawal, and long-term security among other items as humanitarian aid. The problem is, although a good plan that was accepted by all the neighboring countries, it does contain 20 points which are all valid, but somewhere down this long road the unexpected could pop up and stop everything.
For all intents and purposes, even if this plan is implemented in every detail of every phase, this is only a temporary peace. The evil in the world will continue to prevail as controlled by Satan. The Jewish race is hated by Satan because they were the vehicle in which Jesus, the Messiah, came to redeem mankind and destroy Satan. Satan’s influence on those who hate the Jews will only increase prompting them to once again engage in violence. I pray this peace will hold for an extended period of time until the Lord returns. When Jesus returns He will save the Jews who put their faith in Him during the tribulation for they will be attacked once again during that period. So, even if this peace lasts until then, it is only a temporary peace.
Christians today have a responsibly to keep praying for peace in the Middle East.
We are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, pray for humanitarian needs, pray that the gospel of Jesus Christ will be preach, for Jesus is the only source and hope of peace we have on earth until He comes back to rule the world. So, we pray to that end, because this is a temporary peace.
“O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, ‘Your God is coming!’ Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm.” Isaiah 40:9-10 NLT
Two years today, October 7, 2023, the nation of Israel was savagely attacked by the terrorist group Hamas. 1,195 people were brutally murdered and 251 innocent victims were taken hostage by heavily armed and trained killers. 45 of the hostages have died during their captivity and as of this date 48 remain held in Gaza by Hamas. The world is closer today of seeing this tragedy end than any time during the last two years. But the problem with negotiating an end to the war is Hamas continues to push their ultimate goal of getting rid of every Jewish person in the land of Israel, even though they won’t admit it. It’s hard to reach a compromise when one party won’t be satisfied until you’re dead.
The day is coming when there will be total peace in Israel, all of the Middle East, and the entire world. The prophet Isaiah spoke to the Jewish people of that future day. He specifically said, ‘Your God is coming!’ Jesus, the Messiah, came the first time to save His people from their sins, and He is returning a second time to rule on the earth from Jerusalem restoring all of Israel’s land to its full God ordained boundaries. All of Isarel today wants peace and will negotiate in the spirit of achieving it and we pray to that end. But the day is coming when Hamas and those who hate Israel will be eliminated. Christ will rule and Israel will have their entire land and the peace to go with it.
So, in the meantime, what should Bible believing Christians be doing. First of all, we should always be praying for the peace of Jerusalem. (Ps.122:6) Second, we should be praying for the salvation of the Jewish people by recognizing and accepting Jesus Christ as their Messiah who has come to save them. And third, we should live godly lives before the entire world as we wait for our Lord’s return, because we do not know when that day is coming!
This week we venture into the last days of the Great Tribulation. It is hard for us to imagine let alone understand. That is why we will look to Jesus’ words very carefully to decipher as much as we can about this upcoming day, the close of the tribulation period and the return of Christ. Jesus is still answering His disciples question as to when will these things take place. Jesus gave them the signs to look for right up to and including His physical return to rule during the millennium.
Jesus continues His Olivet Discourse, “At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” (Mk.13:24-25 nlt) Jesus is making note what was prophesied in the Old Testament book of Joel about the end days. (Joel 2:10, 31, 3:15) It is at this time as explained by late Dr. John MacArthur that the universe begins to disintegrate. The millions of stars within the countless galaxies begin to fall out of place, the sun is darken meaning no moonlight, indeed this is the heavens being shaken. Then Jesus says, “Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mk.13:26 nlt) Everyone on the earth at that time will see Jesus, the Son of Man, coming down on the clouds in the same manner He ascended to heaven. (Acts 1:9-11) Yes, again this is hard to imagine that everyone wherever they are in the world will see this event, but if Jesus says everyone will see Him, then everyone will see Him.
Angels will be sent out to gather His chosen ones, those who believed during the tribulation. They will be gathered from every corner of the earth. None will be missed. All the saved will enter into the millennium period with Christ as ruler. Less we forget all the saints the Lord brings back with Him in His return. Yes, all the redeemed will be there! (Rev.19:11-16)
Jesus reminds the disciples of the signs He told them to look for and equates them to the fig tree. Observing when the branches sprout and leaves begin to form they know summer is near, so then, “In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door.” (Mk.13:29 nlt) Jesus’ next statement is a matter as to when and who it relates to. “I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” (Mk.13:30-31 nlt) It is best to understand this as the generation living at the time these things take place. There is also a thought this can refer to the Jewish people, as ‘generation’ can be noted as ‘race’ or ‘people.’ This would be the promise the Jewish people will survive until Jesus returns. Jesus then affirms it is impossible for God’s words to be destroyed or fade away. Heaven and earth will be destroyed, by God’s Word, never!
The Olivet Discourse concludes with Jesus telling us to be ready, be on guard, stay alert, and watch for Him. No one knows when that day will be, “not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” (Mk.13:32 nlt) Jesus in His humanity did not know the day of His return as He gave up His divine privileges when He came to earth in human form to save us. “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form. (Phil.2:6-7 nlt)
Jesus’ final words on this subject is to give us the example of a man leaving on a long trip. He gives instructions to all of his servants of what he wants done and assigns a gatekeeper to guard the gate outside the house until his return. The message for us is simple, Jesus gave us work to do in His absence. May we be doing His work. And we are to be as the gatekeeper always looking for His return for we don’t know when that will be. Remember Jesus’ words, “And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” (Mk.13:33, 36-37 nlt)
Next week we continue to look at the events of Passion Week leading up to the Last Supper. Until next week…….
“But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.” Mark 13:14 NASB
Jesus is the middle of His Olivet Discourse (the end times) with His disciples. They had asked Him when these things would take place and what signs they should look for. Last week in our study Jesus warned them and us of upcoming persecution for those who believe in Him. This persecution will come from governing officials, zealous religious leaders (Mk13:9), and our own families (Mk.13:12). Jesus summed it up by saying, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mk.13:13 nlt)
Photo AI Generated wordpress
Jesus now begins His teaching on the tribulation period and His return at the end of the age. He starts out with this, “The day is coming when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing where he should not be.” (Reader, pay attention!) “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills.” (Mk.13:14 nlt) It must first be noted that there are differences of opinion in the events of the last days and Jesus’ return. FYI, I am coming from a dispensational premillennial point of view.
Jesus refers to the abomination of desolation (sacrilegious object of desecration in the NLT) as a coming day in the future. Among the Jews, abomination was used to depict idolatry or sacrilege. Jesus was speaking of a future act profaning the Temple. This will occur during the tribulation period. The prophet Daniel wrote about this as the angel explained Daniel’s vision to him, “The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.” (Dan.9:27 nlt) This is a reference to the antichrist setting an image of himself to be worshiped in the Temple during the tribulation. Which, if we understand this correctly, means the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt. Something we should be looking to.
There is an event in Jewish history that foreshadows Jesus’ teaching here on the ‘abomination of desolation’ which the disciples would have been aware of. The king of Syria, Antiochus Epiphanes, invaded Jerusalem in 168 B.C. and built an altar to Zeus, a pagan god, on the Temple’s altar and sacrificed a pig on it. Surely an abomination. Another abomination of desolation will occur in the end times.
Jesus goes on to say, “(Reader, pay attention!) Then those in Judea must flee to the hills” (Mk.13:14 nlt) There will be those who will come to know the Lord during the tribulation period. These are believers who are to be prepared to when they see these things and flee to safety. This will happen at the midway point of the tribulation as prophesied by Daniel.
The urgency of the matter is stressed by Jesus. “A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter.” (Mk.13:15-18 nlt) There is no time to retrieve clothing or pack a tote bag. The example of pregnant women and nursing mothers refer to the difficult circumstances one will be under trying to escape. If occurring in winter during the heavy rains, it would be impossible to cross the streams due to the rising waters.
This is indeed the great tribulation. Jesus declares there will be greater anguish in this time that any other time in world history and will never be again. Unless that time is shorten, Jesus says no one will survive. “ But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days.” (Mk.13:20 nlt) His chosen ones, the elect, those who are saved during the tribulation. Warning is given to beware of false messiahs rising up to deceive those fleeing to refuge. “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.” (Mk.13:22 nlt) They are warned of the danger of these false messiahs and prophets. A warning for Christians today. There are plenty of false prophets in the world. False teachers flood the airwaves, social media, and churches. Witchcraft, tarot card reading, and fortune telling are prevalent today. All, believe it or not, capable of ‘performing signs and wonders’ as Jesus said to deceive us. This, of course, is from the evil one and his demons. That is why Christians are to stay far from them.
Jesus finishes His warnings with a final thrust, “Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!” (Mk.13:23 nlt) As we have been learning Jesus’ warning signs of the coming days of tribulation, it is a time no one would want to go through. Christians today will not go through the tribulation as the Lord will return for His church before then. But will you be one caught up on that day or be left behind? You can make sure today by accepting Christ as your savior. We don’t know when that day will come. With that said…..
As we continue next week, Jesus continues His teaching with the closing days of the tribulation and says this, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” (Mk.13:32 nlt) Until next week…….
Why are there so many people who hate the truth? It’s very simple; the truth hurts. Being confronted with the truth upsets the apple cart in life. The lifestyle, ideology, religion nuances, intolerance, and overall hatred for the truth of the Bible reveals one’s true feelings towards those who hold to Biblical truths. This is nothing new. Hatred for the truth of the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ has been active for centuries. It has been growing over the last century particularly in third world countries and in Europe, and most recently here in the United States over the last several decades.
This past Wednesday, the day before the anniversary of ‘911’ in the United States, another tragedy unfolded in the assassination of conservative civil rights activist, author, and private citizen Charlie Kirk. He was gunned down during an event at an American university speaking the truth as he has been doing for over a decade. Only 31 years old, he leaves behind a wife and two young children. Kirk had been very influential in changing the culture among young people especially on college campuses. He spoke the truth plainly and with common sense which could not be denied, but often it was perceived as hate speech and divisive. The truth is only divisive when not recognized and accepted as truth. It’s only divisive because the truth hurts.
Charlie Kirk was also a devout Christian who spoke boldly and was unashamed of his salvation in Jesus Christ. He often engaged with those who question him sincerely about his faith and also with those who rigorously opposed him. He was a friend to all and would speak and listen to anyone who wanted to dialogue with him.
The assassin wanted to silence the truth, because the truth hurts. The problem for the assassin and others who want to silence the truth is truth cannot be silence. Kirk’s voice may have been silenced but there are millions of other voices who will continue speaking boldly the truth about civil rights, liberty, and the gospel, some for the first time. The United States has reached a ‘turning point’ referring to Kirk’s organization and ministry. This tragedy has awakened many of us not to sit on our hands anymore. We have work to do. Satan and his minions will continue their attempts to silence the truth with vengeance. Sadly, this is not only an American problem but one that is raging in every country around the world.
Hatred for the truth will continue until Jesus Christ returns. Speaking the truth in love, boldly and unashamed as Jesus did, with those who disagree with us is our calling to this generation. Yes, they may hate us, but they hate the truth more, because the truth hurts.
“Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?” Mark 13:4 NLT
FreeBibleimages.org
In recent years conversations concerning the end times have risen dramatically. It stands to reason with all the chaos and evil happening in the world around us people tend to believe the future apocalypse is near. That may indeed be the case because there is no other prophecy in Scripture yet to be fulfilled. The next big event will be the return of Jesus Christ. Two thousand years ago, Jesus disciples asked Him when these things will take place and what signs should they look for in the approaching days. Today, we are asking the same questions and Jesus’ answer hasn’t changed it is still the same. His answer to the disciples is his answer to us. May we pay attention and understand for that day may be soon.
Later on that Tuesday of Passion week, “As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, ‘Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! Look at the impressive stones in the walls.’” (Mk.13:1 nlt) The disciples were mesmerized by the beauty and structure of the Temple. Herod the Great started a rebuilding project on the Temple in 19 B.C.. The current structure was over 500 years old and in need of repair. The Temple was surrounded by huge white stone, some as large as 37 ft long, 12 ft high, and 18 ft wide. Marble and gold was used as decorative material on the outside of the Temple reflecting a glorious shine as the sun shown on it. It was truly magnificent. Jesus then stunned them by saying those huge stones would not be in place on top of each other, as the whole Temple would be destroyed.
Jesus’ foretelling of the Temple’s destruction occurred 40 years later in A.D.70 by the Roman army led by General Titus who later became Emperor. The destruction of the Temple in A.D.70 is well documented by historians, so there is no reason for us today not to believe what Jesus foretells about what we prefer to as the end times.
FreeBibleimages.org
Jesus proceeds to the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley with a spectacular view of the Temple in the distance and sitting down with some of His disciples. “Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, ‘Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?’” (Mk.13:3-4 nlt) The disciples thought the destruction of the Temple would be the beginning of the end times, so they were asking for the signs when to anticipate the destruction of the Temple. Jesus now begins what is known as the ‘Olivet Discourse’ properly named for the place He spoke it, on the Mount of Olives.
The first sign Jesus said to look for is false Messiahs will emerge. “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.” (Mk.13:5-6 nlt) Jesus’ concern for them and us is not to be fooled by deception but be aware. We have seen several individuals in recent years claiming to be the Christ, the Messiah. Ironically, the first one came as early as A.D.130 and man named Bar Kochba who led a Jewish rebellion against Rome. As the centuries pass and we get closer to the coming of Christ, there will be an increase in these false Messiahs to deceive the world and we have already witnessed some of them in our day.
Secondly, Jesus said, “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” (Mk.13:7 nlt) In our present day we can’t go 24 hours without hearing of some conflict or war between nations. Jesus said these things will happen but the end won’t follow immediately. There have been hundreds of wars in the past 2,000 years, yet the sign Jesus is instructing us to watch for is the frequency of these wars.
Jesus then gives us third sign, “There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” (Mk.13:8 nlt) A quick google search on the number of earthquakes each year is staggering, and they do occur in many parts of the world. Famines are also increasing. An internet search on famines and food shortage will yield the same results of frequent occurrences. Jesus describes these as the beginning of birth pains. He says more will come. Again, the more frequent the birth pains signify the end of pregnancy is near. The more earthquakes, famines, wars, and false messiahs we have, the closer we are to the Lord’s return.
FreeBibleimages.org
So how are we to understand the current events of our day in light of Jesus’ sayings about the future. First we are to know that they are certain. They will come to pass, although we don’t know when. Second, these signs are becoming more frequent so the time is getting closer. The world is closer to Jesus’ return than when He first spoke these words to His disciples 2,000 years ago. And third, we should aware that it is imminent, it could happen at any time. So, we need to be ready. The question is, are we ready?
We continue with Jesus’ foretelling the future next week…….
“The LORD will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.” Isaiah 2:4 NLT
Eighty years ago today marks the end of World War II with Japan’s unconditional surrender to the United States. It was formally announced by President Harry Truman on September 1, 1945, and declaring September 2nd as V-j Day. (1) All the world celebrated the end of the deadliest war in history. “The conflict resulted in the loss of an estimated 70–85 million lives, which was approximately 3% of the world’s population at that time. It was marked by atrocities such as the Holocaust, where six million Jews were exterminated. Cities across Europe and Asia were reduced to rubble, impacting millions and disrupting civil life on an unprecedented scale.” (2) Our world has seen its fair share of wars throughout its history, but there will be a time when wars will cease, and it may be sooner than we think.
You have heard, I’m sure, people express ‘we are living in the last days.’ Before you discount it, this is very true. We are living in the last days. The last days era began at the birth of Christ over two thousand years ago. It is the Messianic era where the Messiah has come for the salvation of those who believe in Him. These last days will be completed at Jesus’ second coming, and at that time there will be peace on earth for there will be no more war. The prophet Isaiah wrote of that day, “Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.” (Is.2:4 nlt)
There will be no wars and only peace for one thousand years on the earth. It’s hard for us to imagine, but it is true. Will you be there during Jesus’ millennium reign on earth? The only sure way to know you will be there is to accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation. “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’” (Ro.10:13 nlt) Don’t put off another day of accepting Christ for we never know when our wars will end. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Ro.6:23 nlt)
You have a close friend who departed years ago promising to come back and see you again. With no definite time frame set you still eagerly anticipate the day you will see your friend again. The years go by and although you communicate quite frequently even talking with each other daily, your thoughts about the return are in a distant future. Then one day, unexpectedly, your friend shows up at your door. You’re overjoyed to see your friend but embarrassed by not being ready because you put off the importance of such a meeting concentrating on your own needs and desires.
Just like an unexpected visit from a close friend, Jesus promised to return for those who believe in Him. He also did not set a time but told us to expect His return by being ready. Jesus teaching His disciples said, “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.” (Lk.12:35-36 nlt) Believers in Christ should be in constant service waiting for His return. The Lord should find us faithfully doing His will on that day. A sure way to get ready is to speak with Him daily in prayer as you serve Him knowing that this could be the day.
Jesus says He will reward those who are ready. “But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.” (Lk.12:38 nlt) That doesn’t mean those who are not ready will be left behind, but with no reward they will be embarrassed as when you friend arrived at your door unexpectedly. It’s time to get ready for the unexpected.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 NLT
For those of us living in America, and those viewing the news headlines across the world, an updated version of the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution is on display. Peaceful protests have been redefined. Not sure who amended the First Amendment, but it sure looks like it was according to the news media and certain politicians. The fact is it was not amended, but still stands and says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” (1) It is hard to watch this chaos unfold with the ignorance of those who ignore it and remain silent.
So, for what it is worth, I’m not remaining silent. There is no need to state the obvious for all people with even a speck of honesty know the reality of the situation. This world is in chaos, and it saddens me to say the United States is contributing to it with the divisiveness in the country. It is no longer divided by politics but between right and wrong. ‘Right is wrong and wrong is right.’ ‘Good is evil and evil is good.’ Millions of people in the world fear the future in its current state, and there are sound reasons for that. The truth is that life on this planet will only grow worse until the arrival of Jesus Christ to set up His kingdom. But there is good news, a guaranteed perfect future for those who know Christ as savior.
John, the apostle, wrote of that future time through the leading of the Holy Spirit and said, “He (Jesus) will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Rev.21:4 nlt) The likes of the lies, corruption, violence, and chaos we are witnessing today will be gone forever. Yes, even the amended ‘peaceful protests’ will be gone forever. Real peace will finally be observed. Let us repeat after John at the end of Revelation, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev.22:20 nlt)
Word for the Soul 