The last two weeks in the United States have been a challenge for Christians defending their faith since the assassination of Charlie Kirk. But that hasn’t stopped them, nor should it. We are to continue to preach the gospel and be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks us about our hope in Christ.
Peter in addressing Christians scattered throughout the world suffering severe persecution wrote, “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1Pt.3:14-15 nlt) Especially when they were suffering for doing good, Peter instructed them to always be ready to explain to those who asked about their Christian hope. Peter knew most definitely that some would be asked when people observed their demeaner during insults and ridicule. (1Pt.3:9-11)
Christ followers have always suffered ridicule and persecution. Christians today are being murdered at a faster rate as any time in history. Still, we are told to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. You can be certain when those outside of Christ see Jesus’ light in you pursuing peace and working to maintain it during ridicule and persecution they will ask, where do you get this hope that is in you?
You can respond with Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:18, “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.” (nlt) And you can conclude with ‘I am safely brought home and have eternal life.’ So, be ready!
“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)
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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…….
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
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Tomorrow Sunday September 21st is ‘National Back to Church Sunday.’ Recognized on the third Sunday in September, it is a drive to invite people back to church, and if one has never attended church, now is a good time. It is community, and where you will find peace, but it is so much more than that. A Bible believing, preaching church will introduce you to Jesus Christ, God the Son. He is where true peace comes from. Peace in this world and assurance of life eternal. There is the ultimate community with brothers and sisters in Christ which the world cannot match. No matter where you reside in this world, find a Bible believing church in your area and attend this Sunday. See you there!
John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, coined the phrase ‘A City on a Hill’ while aboard the flagship Arabella upon arriving on the shores of present-day New England. An English Puritan lawyer, Winthrop was in pursuit of religious freedom along with many others in early 17th century England. His encouraging words to his shipmates set the tone for the work ahead of them lasting for centuries to come, “We must always consider that we shall be as a ‘city upon a hill’—the eyes of all people are upon us.” His sentiments have been repeated countless times throughout the years in the United States of America as a mode of encouragement most famously used by both President John F. Kennedy and President Ronald Reagan.
Jesus told His disciples they were the light of the world and a city on a hill. The landscape of America includes several cities that are elevated on mountainous terrain visible for all to see. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither can anyone who has accepted Christ as Savior be hidden from the world. Jesus’s words to His disciples apply to every Christian today. Christians are the light of the world and cities on a hill that can be seen by all. With such great amount of exposure, are we taking advantage of our opportunity to represent Christ, or are we allowing the clouds and fog of indifference to settle in?
People today are looking for light in a dark world. Christians possess the light of Christ and are placed on a hill of God’s choosing to bring the light of the gospel to others and to bring glory to God. Jesus said, “…..let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16b esv)
The Puritan settlers knew that future generations would look to them as a city on a hill. Christians today need to follow their example and live up to John Winthrop’s words, “We must always consider that we shall be as a ‘city upon a hill’—the eyes of all people are upon us.” For all eyes are upon us, the city on a hill.
Last week we started to look at the ‘Olivet Discourse’, Jesus’ teaching on the end times. Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple that occurred in A.D.70. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to Jesus asking Him when that would happen thinking that represented the end times, but it did not. Jesus then preceded to explain to them the signs to watch for when these things will take place. Being two thousand years from when Jesus first gave these signs to His disciples, the signs are now for us in this present generation. Should the Lord tarry His return, these signs will be for the next generation and each one after that until He returns. But be sure, Jesus will return and these signs will continue to increase right up until that time.
Jesus warned them to watch for false prophets and those claiming to be the Christ. We have seen our share of them over the years. Jesus said there will be wars and rumors of wars between the nations, and there are an increasing number of wars in our current day. Jesus then told them to watch for earthquakes and famines across the world. Again, these have been increasing in number and severity over the years. Jesus described these as birth pains, the closer and more severe the pains, the closer the end of the pregnancy. The closer and more severe these signs are, the closer we are to the return of Christ.
Jesus tells us when we see these things happening, “…..watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.” (Mk.13:9 nlt) Persecution of Christians is rising steadily. “A new report by Open Doors International said that more than 380 million Christians faced persecution and discrimination in 2024, an increase of 15 million from the year before.” (1) State governments across the world will up their persecution of Christians as the days get closer. Jesus explains to us this we be our opportunity to tell the gospel truth about Jesus. “For the Good News must first be preached to all nations.” (Mk.13:10 nlt)
Believers are not to worry about how they will respond in that day. We will be given the words to speak through the Holy Spirit. Jesus says it will not be us speaking, but the Holy Spirit speaking through us. Jesus will not abandon us during those days. “….for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Heb.13:5 esv) This is the age of grace, the time between Jesus’ resurrection and His second coming. It is an evangelistic period to preach the gospel even under severe persecution. There will be a day when we will preach no more, and until that day we to be aware of the persecution that may come to us but continue to preach just the same.
Jesus warns us of the painful effects of rejection by our families. Much of that occurs today as people accept Jesus as savior and are then disowned by their families. Some individuals even seek to kill family members who have turned away from their religion and turned to Christ. Persecution is here now, and as birth pains increase, so will the persecution of Christians.
All Christians will be hated in those days because they believe in Jesus and follow Him. The world is rapidly accelerating to that point with the amount of Christian hate against those who live for God and follow His Word. Jesus reminds us in the gospel of John, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (Jn.15:18-19 nlt) So, we need to be aware of upcoming hate and persecution even from those we love.
The Lord gives us a word of encouragement, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mk.13:13 nlt) Perseverance in the midst of persecution is a sign of loyal service to Christ and more importantly an example of one who is totally trusting Jesus Christ for salvation. We will be saved in the end. The time of Jesus’ return and the end days are not known to us, but we have plenty of signs that it could happen at any moment. May we be ready and busy in service for Him while waiting.
Next week we examine the tribulation period as Jesus unfolds it for us………
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.
“This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.” 1 Timothy 1:1 NLT
Christian hope is guaranteed. A Christian can count on it. It is sure because the basis for Chrisian hope is Jesus Christ. What is this Christian hope? It is the assurance of salvation guaranteeing forgiveness of sin and the assurance of eternal life in heaven with Christ for all who accept Him as Lord and savior. Yes, it’s that simple, and it is hope we can count on.
The various definitions of ‘hope’ in most dictionaries are found in Jesus.
Hope – 1. A feeling that what is wanted will happen. The desire to be assured of heaven is something all people want if they admit it or not. Jesus provides that feeling of assurance. 2. The object of this. Obviously the object of this hope is Jesus who makes it possible. 3. A person or thing on which one may base some hope. Again, this is Jesus. He is the basis for this hope.
Paul gives us verses he pointed out to Timothy in his letters of instruction and encouragement to him. I Timothy 2:5 reads, “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” (nlt) In chapter 4 Paul writes, “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.” 1 Tim.4:10 nlt)
Christians have a hope that is not wishful thinking but guaranteed by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The apostle Paul begins his first letter to young Timothy by stating he was appointed by the command of God and Jesus who gives us all hope. Paul wanted to ensure Timothy that all our hope in this world and assurance of eternity in heaven is found in Jesus Christ, the basis for our hope. Do you have the assurance of this Christian hope or is it still wishful thinking?
On September 11, 2001, tragedy united the citizens of America. A sudden terrorist attack came to shores of the United States. In New York city, Washington, D.C. and in a rural community in Pennsylvania four jet planes carrying innocent passengers to their destination were brought down by radical religious extremists. Innocent workers, by standers, and those who just happened to in the buildings suffered the same ill-fate of those on the planes. It was a day that is etched in every American mind as to where they where when they hear and saw the news, I know I do. Also what is remembered is the unity of spirit among people immediately brought about by this tragedy.
Tragedy has a way of uniting people and reminding them what is truly important. Christians are already united through the Holy Spirit, brothers and sisters in Christ, but there is a tragedy that should unite us stronger together and is the fate of those without Christ. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (Jn.3:3 nlt) This are Jesus’ words, not mine. The tragedy that awaits those we know, and love is real and should unite us in reaching out to the lost. Believe it or not, it is a tragedy far worse than ‘911’ as it is known in the United States. There is something we can do to avoid this tragedy for many people and that is follow Jesus’ last command to us before He ascended to heaven. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Mt.28:19 nlt)
The way we make disciples is to share the good news of the gospel. There is a tragedy on the horizon for all those who do not know Christ as their savior. It is a tragedy that will last for eternity if not dealt with in this life. This good news needs to be presented to them while there is still time, for none of us know when our last day on earth will be, as those on September 11, 2001. Let this upcoming tragedy unite all of us in Christ to lead those without Christ to His saving knowledge and advance the Kingdom of God.
“I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.” Galatians 2:21 NLT
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Have you done your good deed for the day yet? Depending on when you are reading this, the beginning of your day or ending it or perhaps on your lunch break, there is still time to complete that good deed. When and if you do a good deed, does it count towards your entrance into heaven? How many good deeds you have stacked up at the gate so far? What’s the magic number you need for the gate to open? How do you know if your reached it? Do your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds? You hope they do. But you can never be sure. Trying to work your way into heaven is a fruitless effort. It will never be achieved no matter how hard you try. So, why don’t you quit trying to be good enough to become right with God, because you can’t, and count on Jesus’ righteousness through accepting Him for salvation.
The apostle Paul was telling the churches in Galatia that following the law would never make them right with God. If that where the case, then there was no reason for Jesus to die for our sins, seeing we could handle it ourselves through obeying the law and doing good deeds. The truth is there is nothing we can do to stand righteous before God. It is only through Jesus’ righteousness applied to us as we accept Him as our savior. That is why Jesus came. He needed to come to be the perfect sacrifice for sin which we could never be. Isaiah wrote, “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.” (Is.64:6 nlt) Even our good deeds are as filthy rags. They certainly won’t get us into heaven. They won’t make us right with God. But faith through grace will get us both right with God and into heaven.
Don’t give up doing good deeds. But know they are not what gets you into heaven. Accept Jesus Christ as your savior, having His righteousness applied to you, and your good deeds will be done in the name of Jesus showing others you are a child of God.
“Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?” Mark 13:4 NLT
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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.
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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.
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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…….
Word for the Soul 