Jesus Rules

Battle of Armageddon – the end of this battle Christ’s establishes Kingdom. Satan will use the Antichrist to deceive the world.
Rev. 14 and 16 help us to understand that even though the Antichrist is the ruler there is unrest and war. When people are Godless they are loveless. (Jail illustration)
Battle between Satan’s army and God’s Army that rides out of heaven. (Believers from tribulation. will be bystanders, preserved)

Satan’s army will be destroyed

Rev. 19:11-13 Description of Christ
White Horse=Conquest conqueror
Faithful & True=He said He was coming back and now here He is
Eyes of Fire= Notice he judges in righteousness
Dipped in Blood, bought by blood of Jesus
Word of God=He is what God wants to tell us

v14 Saints with Christ

v15 Striking the nations= nations that followed Antichrist.
God will exercise justice
Wrath -because sin takes away God’s perfect plan
V16 To be the King of all

V17-Rev 20:3 Doom of Antichrist, False Prophet, rejecters final doom. Satan will be bound for 1000yrs

Rev 20:4-6
Jesus comes and conquers and now he sets up his kingdom on earth.

Who will be there? Mt. 13:41-43,49-50, Mt 25:41
Believers from the past (us) clothed in white linen
Believers from the tribulation period
No unbelievers until procreation happens

Matt 19:28- We will rule with Him and use our rewards to assist.

Here are then Characteristics if that Kingdom.


Jerusalem Capital Isa 2:4
Curse is lifted Is. 11:7-8 Animal harmony
Is. 65:20 Life span increased
Universal peace Is 2:4, 11:6
Fulfill land Boarders an promises Gen 15
Jesus will rule with an iron rod 19:15
Satan bound Rev.
Joy- Is 12:1
Knowledge of God and his plans Micah 4:1-2
Prosperity in crops and money Amos 9:13,
Holiness - people will be following the Lord, Christians will actually be people that you can look to for an example Zeph 3:11
God’s Glory- we will see all of God’s good gifts Is 35:1
All will be focused on the one true God, no false gods Zech 13:1


Rev 20:7-10
End will be set free for one last time and be able to deceive those who were born during this time. Even after they have witnessed Christ is fair rule and a perfect human society they will still give in to deception.

What us that tell us about the condition of the human heart

Man is a rebel by nature.
The problem is his heart.
The problem is not his environment.
Messiah’s kingdom is perfect, yet when given the chance, he rebels.


Romans 2:4 God’s Kindness leads to repentance. I went to the nth degree and people still do not listen.

"The Ugly Stuff"

“The Ugly Stuff”
Slide 1
Go over the End Times timeline

1. Purposes of the Tribulation
To save Israel or turn them to Jesus. God made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12 and promised to bless him and his descendants. This is last effort in God’s plan to bring Israel back to Him
To judge unbelievers

Key figures and events.
Slide 2
7 Year tribulation kicks off when a peace treaty is signed by the Anti-Christ and Israel
Dan 9:27 & Isa 28:14-22

So there is a strong possibility there is a gap between the Rapture and the start of the trib. Not long but could be a few weeks or months

Anti-Christ 1 John 2:18, Revelation 13 He is a man powered by Satan. Smart, good leader, convincing & Powerful
Names
Ø Beast ,Man of Sin/Lawlessness, Willful King
Career-
Phase 1 – Political leader that that comes out of the western world (Roman Empire) he will be in the world before the Rapture occurs. He is a powerful enough ruler to sign a covenant with Israel and guarantee safety.
Phase 2 – During first half of the Tribulation he will become the ruler of the restored Roman empire. And of a 10/11 nation confederacy. He will be killed and restored back to life again. Rev. 13:3, 12, 14

“Abomination of Desolation” The Anti-Christ sets himself up in the Temple to be worshiped with sacrificial offerings

Phase 3 - Rev 13:5-7 Dictator of the world

Apostate Church = manmade religion “Mystery Babylon”
Jewish Levitical System back in effect.
Satan Cast out of Heaven and the “Abomination of Desolation” happens. Ushers in worship of Satan and the Mark “666”

Slide 3 The False prophet
Rev 13
Anti-Christ is a human with power from Satan/ Desire is to mimic God
Counterfeit Trinity. Anti-Christ=son , False Prophet=spirit, Father=Satan

Slide 4 Two witnesses

Slide 5 144,000 witnesses

Events that happening
Slide 6 - Seal Judgments

Slide 7 - 1st 4 seals are the four Horsemen ¼ population will die

Slide 8 - 5th seal cry of the Martyr’s to avenge their blood.
This illustrates how God takes care of the wicked people. Comfort to know that God is just.

Slide 9 - Cosmic Disturbances, shows that God is in control of nature. Rev 6:15-17 it affects everyone and it shows that we need to come to a point in which we trust Him.

Slide 10 & 11 Trumpet Judgments Vegetation, seas, water supply, heavens (stars, sun moon) Plague of Locusts

Slides 12 & 13 Bowl Judgments Similar to the plagues that fell upon Egypt.
Slide 14
What is the good news 1. More people then ever before will trust in Christ. 2. This has not taken place, this will end when Christ comes again.

"Swept Away"

The next event that we are waiting for is the event called the “Rapture”
Comes from the word “Rapturo” the Latin translation of “caught up” in 1 Thess. 4:17

What is the Rapture? The supernatural removal of the church out of this world.

I Thess. 4:13-18
Vrs 13 “Fallen asleep” is a metaphor for death (they were concerned about their Christian friends that would miss this event.
Vrs 14 Gospel all will take part
Vrs 15 Don’t worry they will be first (their soul is already there)
Vrs 16 “Dead in Christ” will receive their resurrected bodies 1st
Vrs 17 “Caught up” those who are alive and with the Lord always
Vrs 18 This brings us great comfort

Why do we believe Rapture is next? And before the Great Tribulation
Revelation 6-18 says God’s wrath 14 times and does not mention the church but church is mentioned 19x in rev 1-3 6x in 19-22 a return
Its Immenant -hanging over ones head- 1 Cor 15:51-52
Like last week we can see the stage being set but there are no specific signs given in the Bible.

1 John 2:28
-This brings with it the concept that we should be living a life that is in line with the Lord

Why the Rapture?
We are not meant for wrath
1 Thess 1:9-10, 1 Thess 5:9-11, Rev 3:10
Dan 12:1

What happens when we arrive in Heaven? Judgment
Rewarded 2 Cor 5:10, 1 Cor 3:9-15

These reward are described as crowns to glorify Christ with and the Bible teaches the concept of He gives us responsibilities in the 1000 yr reign

What are the signs?

What are the signs? We are in the church age

The term “last days” refers to the time between Christ’s first and second coming. Heb 1:12
Why look into the end times prophecy? Benware Pamphlet
God is in control, 2. He is good, 3. Holy living(understand the judgements) 4. effects our priorities 5. Gives us hope

Groundwork for End Times prophecy
Abrahamic Covenant tells us that God is not done with Israel. Gen 12
Which helps us to understand the end times events

There are no events that must happen in order for the second coming of Christ to happen, hence “no one knows the or the hour”
“like a thief in the night” We are to be prepared Matt 24:40-44

Major Signs that point to the end…and are things that will happen in the Tribulation Matthew 24:3-6

Increased Apostasy (false teaching) During the tribulation period the main form of apostasy is going to be “The AntiChrist” he will set himself up in the temple to be worshipped. The movement toward apostasy will make people more comfortable with him and his religious system. Mt 24:24 “even the elect if it was possible could be deceived”.

Doctrinal Characteristics of apostasy
-denial of Trinity (Godhead) 1 John 2:22
-denial of the incarnation 1 John 2:23
-denial of His return 2 Peter 3:4
Lifestyle characteristics of apostasy
-When there is warped doctrine there are warped morals
2 Tim 3:1-5
Deception usually takes some time to build up, it is a move away from truth but in a way that is slow and comfortable.

Preparation for the Ecumenical United Religion/church.
Revelation 17 gives us a picture of what the apostate religious system will look like under the name “Mystery Babylon” It will be world wide, have political clout, unfaithful to the truth, appearance of glory on the outside but internally corrupt and will persecute the believers in the tribulation. 2 Thess. 2:4 (antichrist as God)
-Most of the modern day religions refer to Jesus or give Him a prominent place in their theology. Apostate Christiandom

The groundwork for this system will possibly start at the close of the church age.

Political Preparations. Israel Ez. 37 The reestablishment of Israel as a nation and occupying the land. 1948 Israel became a state and now more then 5 million Jewish people are in Palestine.

-Zech. 12:2-3 Talks about how Jerusalem will be attacked and it will be a “heavy stone”. All eyes will be on the Holy land and it will be the center of end times events.
Practically speaking right now, how often are we hearing about the middle east?

-10 nation coalition led by the antichrist. Rev 13.

Technology Dan 12:4 Knowledge of these Prophecies.
The Lightning rod illustration

5. Matt 24:6-7 Wars 194 countries and currently there are 30 armed conflicts, roughly 15%, Famines 25,000 people a day die of Hunger related issues. Pestilences (disease), Modern medicine has claimed control over many diseases but new diseases keep springing up. Earthquakes 130,000 Minor since 1900, 134 strong cat. 7

Are there signs that the next event is closer? Yes, can we pinpoint exact things? We can speculate
The Bottom line is…
Are you ready for it?

Next week we are going to talk about the next event which is the
“Rapture of the church (believers)”

"Thanks-taking": Giving

We are willing to take from God but when it comes to giving to Him problems arise. The Bible is clear about the discipline of financial giving to the work of the Lord. Tonight I want to examine a few passages about giving. Some time in 2008 I am planning on doing a series on finances, not just about giving but about biblical principles for our finances. The N.T. alone has over 1600 references to money, like the drama more then heaven or hell. Why is that, because God knows that it can be a huge issue in our lives. In a sense it is what our world revolves around.

I want to use Paul’s charge in 2 Corinthians because they were challenging Paul and what the giving to the Jerusalem church was used for.

Paul used the Macedonian church as an example of true Christ centered giving.

2 Cor. 8
vrs1-4 They had a strong desire to give to the work of the Lord, so much that they gave beyond their ability. (Sacrificial)
Widows Mite Luke 21:1-3
-The Bible nowhere says we need vow of poverty to follow Christ
V4 Ungency, they wanted to help the cause of Christ

Vrs 5-8 First they gave themselves salvation, then to the work (time), their resources. As a result this tests the sincerity of their love for God and others.

Vrs 9 Christ is our inspiration We can never pay Him back nor does He expect that but we should be inspired by his generosity toward us. He sacrificed, are we sacrificing?

Vrs 10-15
10-11 Keep your commitment because you had a good reason to make it.
Vrs12 Attitude is everything
Vrs 13 Don’t go into debt to help others
Vrs 14 help others and God will inspire others to help you when you are down and out.
Vrs 15 The manna again, we can’t hold on to tight.

2 Cor 9
V1-2 Paul reminds them of their willingness a year ago (superfluous = overflow) Sometimes we need to be reminded of the basic way we felt when we realized what God did for us.
Vrs 3-5 Paul reminds of their commitment and his boasting of their commitment. Notice he says this was truly out of their generosity not obligation. We should never feel obligated by a person to give our only obligation is to God b/c of what he has done.

Vrs 6 Reap what we sow

Vrs 7a How much should I give?
Purposes in his heart (amount) Tithe O.T concept meaning tenth. Was a tax
· Mal 3, Deut. 14, Numbers 18 A Jewish person was to give a 10th to the Levites, 10th to the festival and 10th every three years to the poor =23 & 1/3 % Church does not tax people.. When you hear tithe it means the expectation is 10% but it cannot be a dogmatic truth. Is it a good place to be in your giving?
· Pray to make your decision,
· Proportionate 2 Cor 8:12
· 1 Cor 16:1-2 prospers and regular

· Vrs 7b Cheerful giver

Bottom Line
Jump to vrs 12-13 Giving supports the ministry(Hudson Taylor ill), thanking God (worship) and being a testimony to others that you are willing to sacrifice and not hold onto everything you have.
Relient k lyrics

"This is my what": Communion

Luke 22:14-20
Vrs 14-18 Jesus celebrates the Passover feast with the Disciples
He tells them this will not happen until Rev 19:9 the “marriage feast of the Lamb” What they are witnessing will not happen again until all the end times events come to pass.

The Passover commemorated Israel's escape from bondage in Egypt. In Exodus, the blood of the Passover lamb was painted on the door frames, causing the plague of the firstborn to pass over their houses sparing the firstborn sons from death. The Last Supper was very significant because Jesus showed his disciples he was about to become the Passover Lamb of God. His blood would open the door to freedom. His followers would exchange slavery to sin and death for eternal life in God's Kingdom..
V 19 This is my Body do this in remembrance
V20 The cup of the “New Covenant in my Blood”
Covenant Agreement is usually between two parties (bilateral) mortgage illustration. Conditional agreement
Old Covenant “Mosaic Covenant” if you obey me I will care for you
God wanted to show His people that they could never live up to their end of the agreement. He wanted to prove to them that even though they could not He is still gracious, loving and merciful.

New Covenant of Jesus Blood was unilateral, unconditional.
Jesus shed His Blood for the forgiveness of sins. When you believe and enter into that relationship you fall into God’s unconditional love.

This unconditional approach was not foreign to the Jews it actually started with Abraham Gen12:1-7 God told Abraham He would bless him with an everlasting and forever covenant. Jesus was Abraham’s seed. We are blessed by Him.

Why do we celebrate communion?
Remembrance 1 Cor. 11:24-25 (Look at Him)
Examine (Myself) 1 Cor. 11:27-32 Look at you life, how are you living up to God’s standards, how are you not? Who do you have to make a mense with?
Participate (Myself ) 1 Cor. 10:16-17
Together in unity (Others) 1 Cor 10:17 & 11:33
Proclaiming His death (to others) 1 Cor 11:26


Why do we use these elements?
Bread – manna God’s provision
Feeding of 5000
John 6:29-40 Notice how Jesus shows them that Moses bread came from Heaven and Jesus is the one that comes from Heaven (New Covenant) I am the Bread of life He is our daily provision, He is what we need to feel satisfied, He is what nourishes our sould.

Lets meditate on this as we observe the remembrance of Jesus’ broken body.

Cup- wine = deliverance We understand that in the first Passover the Israelites were directed to put blood on their door mantle so the spirit would Passover. We understand that in Old Covenant they were to bring a spotless lamb and its blood would cleanse them from their sin

Wine represents God's covenant in blood, poured out in payment for mankind's sin.

• Typically wine is served four times during the Passover meal. According to Jewish tradition, the four cups represent four expressions of redemption. The first cup is called the cup of sanctification; the second is the cup of judgment; the third is the cup of redemption; and the fourth is the cup of the kingdom.

MIssion Possible M5 "The Church"

Mission Possible M5 “The Church”
Over view
Acts 1:9 You are my witnesses…Jerusalem
Jerusalem Holy City center for Jewish worship.

Where do we worship? At Church… how can we be witnesses at church? Aren’t all the people Christians?

(the hour)
1. Come to “The Five” prepared to do ministry. Benware ill how can I can make this place a better place. Church is not a show

(being a part of the church)
2. How can I use my gifts in the church to further Christ’s witness?

The church should be the communicator of the truth and be a witness not only to others but to one another but working together as a unit. First 11 verses of chapter 12 tell us that each person who is a believer has a gift given by God

On the website I will post an online spiritual gifts test.
Why do we have these gifts? Verse 7 sums it up

Three areas that we want to examine when it comes to being a part of the body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Verses 12-13 Unity within the Body there are many parts but they are under one Head Jesus and they work together for the same purpose.
John 17:11, 20-21 Jesus prays that we would be as one.
Unity gives credibility.

Philippians 2:1-4 key to unity is looking out for others rather then yourself. This does not mean there are never disagreements but in a church we should have specific purposes of why we exists “The Five” and know that we have to be unified on accomplishing them b/c God says we should.

Verses 14-20 Diversity in the Body of believers each to do a different job for the purpose of furthering God’s kingdom. Paul uses the illustration of a human body.

I don’t expect my ears to see but that does not mean I do not need them everyone is called to do something different.
When you figure out your gift and start serving you will feel a sense of fulfillment, realize you are doing your part and you grow. Tom Arthur
Verses 21-27 Interdependence- we need one another to be Christ’s witnesses. When we decide not to use your gift you are affecting the people around you and yourself.


sorry for the late post