Birth Pangs and Fig Trees, Part 8

In the USA, Christmas is over (I know that there are some traditions which observe different dates); at least the commercialization and the celebration part are over. But, for all true followers of Christ, the real meaning of Christmas is never over. That's because the First Coming of Christ is not complete without the Second Coming of Christ. And that is why this ministry continues to make short statements on facebook; write longer notes on facebook; write periodic blogs such as this; and work on a new publication tentatively titled Encouragement for End-Times Endurance - A Victory Guide.

The New Testament is full of warnings that to be a follower of Christ will incite hatred and persecution from the world (Matt. 5:10-12, 10:22; John 15:18-21, 16:33; Acts 5:41; 2 Tim. 3;12; Rev. 2:10). The inspired writers of Scripture took great care to explain to the early church concerning its suffering (Ro. 8:17; 2 Thess. 1:3-2:3; James 5:10; 1 Peter 2:20, 3:14, 4:16, 5:10). When it comes to that particular time of the end labeled by Jesus as the Great Tribulation, (Matt. 24:21) believers are specifically warned. We are warned that the persecution in those days will be inspired by none other than the Antichrist himself. We are warned that unless those days were cut short (amputated) no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect, those days will be shortened (Matt. 24:22). Those days are cut short by the rapture (described by Jesus as occurring immediately following disturbance in the heavenlies - Matt. 24:29-31; and in further detail in Matt. 24:36-44).

Living in those days (of the great Tribulation) will be especially stressful because of the great apostasy that will occur. Paul speaks of this also in 2 Thess. 2:3-4; Jesus has already spoken of it in Matt. 24:10-12. Imagine, many of the professing, church-going church being deceived so that they abandon the faith that has been so earnestly contended for (see Jude's description in v. 3-4, 11-13, 17-19). Some of these will be friends, leaders in our churches, pastors - who will depart from the truth of God's Word and follow after human wisdom. This will be a time of great stress, and the Word of God warns us in advance so that we will not be surprised. This will be one of the signs of times and seasons about which those who are willing to follow Christ will be aware.

That is heavy stuff, so I will leave you there so that you can ponder this prophecy for a few days. We will indeed need to be encouraged all the more during such times (Heb. 10:25). Remember, people are not our enemies (Eph. 6:10-17) so engage in spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:18; Jude 20) knowing this: The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world, On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:4-5)

Birth Pangs and Fig Trees, Part 7

Revelation 13 - what a great passage of Scripture to look at during Christmas week! There is probably nothing that can crush the warm fuzzies of Christmas like the prospect of having to face the Antichrist, who will be given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. Facing the false prophet will be no less daunting - he who will be given power to give breath to the image of the first beast so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. And what about being forced to choose between taking the mark so as to engage in any financial transaction or staying true to Christ? (Rev. 13:7, 16-17)

The little Babe of Bethlehem caused quite a stir 2000 years ago, and He continues to do so today. Imagine if you were a parent living in Bethlehem with a 14 month old son at the time Herod issued his paranoid decree. At the time of Jesus' birth the angelic host gave glory to God and declared peace on earth among those with whom He is pleased. This peace is offered to all, but there are few who receive it. Jesus would later say that He came not to send peace but a sword. (Matt. 10:34)

So Revelation 13 is part of an interlude (along with chapters 12 and 14) which interrupts the progression of the trumpet and bowl judgments. If you were reading a Zane Grey novel, this would be the part where it says, "Meanwhile, back at the ranch." Here in Revelation we can read, "Meanwhile, back at the great tribulation spoken of in Matthew 24:21." We are given some insight as to what constitutes the great tribulation, and what the martyrs of Revelation 6:9-11 had faced.

In verses 9-10 of Revelation 13 we read: "If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints." It's hard to see "Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth" in that! Or is it?

How far have we come from the true meaning of Christmas? We seem to be fighting a battle just to say "Merry Christmas" in the stores where we shop. Wars are being waged over the right to display nativity scenes in public. A good Christmas is measured in retail sales. The angelic announcement has been transposed into "Peace on earth, good will toward men." In keeping with that, the true message of Christmas has been buried under all sorts of peaceful acts of good will, with no mention of sin and salvation. The manger (if it is spoken of at all) is seldom connected to the cross.

Jesus came to earth as Emmanuel (God with us), as the Word made flesh. He had to be human so that He could pay the price for human sin, and He did. Scripture tells us that as a man, He was tempted (tested and tried) like every other human, yet He committed no sin. (Hebrews 2:14-15; 4:15). Therefore, when He had paid the price (death) He sprinkled His blood on the Mercy Seat of the holy place in heaven, thus securing "an eternal redemption" for us. (Hebrews 9:11-14)

My friends, enjoy CHRISTmas, but please do not forget it's true meaning. It goes way beyond the glitter, lights. and tinsel; it goes way beyond "Silent Night." Sin is a terrible thing, and it has invaded the heart of every one of us; it has cursed every fiber of our planet; and it has required the bloody, gory death of the Son of God to purchase our redemption. It will cause much more turmoil and heartache on earth, until the King of Kings returns to exact justice and to cleanse the earth. We must embrace Him as so much more than the Babe in a manger, and much more than savior of our souls; we must embrace Him as Lord of our lives - now and forever more. Those who do so are the ones with whom He is pleased.

Birth Pangs and Fig Trees, Part 6

As we begin part 6 of this discourse, I would ask that you notice the flow of Jesus' speech. Verse 9 of Matthew 24 begins with the word "then." Jesus says, "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted...." This last phrase is translated "tribulation" in many versions of Scripture which has led to much confusion. The Greek word is thlipsis, and appears many times in the New Testament. (e.g. John 16:33; Romans 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Hebrews 10:32-33; Acts 14:21-22) In these places, as well as others, thlipsis translated as tribulation is not speaking of some special period of time known as The Tribulation. Tribulation is presented in the New Testament as something which is the normal lot through which the Christian must travel.

Jesus does use the word thlipsis when in Matthew 24;21 He says, "For then there will be a great tribulation [mega thlipsis], such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world, nor ever will." What has happened between the general tribulation of Matthew 24:9 and Matthew 24:21? We won't be able to cover all of it during this part 6, but Matthew 24:10 - 14 which we looked at last week speak of betrayal, apostasy (turning from true faith), hatred, false prophets, deception, increase in wickedness, and cold love. This sounds a lot like Paul's last-day's list in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Remember Jesus' admonition to stand firm until the end, and thus be saved. Almost anyone can start almost anything; not everyone can finish. That's what this ministry is all about - helping people finish; pointing out signs along the way so that we won't be found sleeping and unprepared. This is so important that Jesus said it clearly in Matthew 10:22 and Matthew 24:13; and then He illustrated it with several parables, four of which are in Matthew 24:36 - 25:46.

One very clear way in which we stand firm is to "preach the gospel of the kingdom in the whole world as a testimony to all nations." (Matthew 24:14) We know from Scripture that this gospel is to be preached in word and in deed. We are to do this in spite of persecution, even when it comes from "church people." Jesus says, "then the end will come." This is one reason I believe strongly that a proper view of end-times places the Great Commission and the Great Commandment under a huge microscope. The necessity of the church obeying Jesus is only magnified; everything the church (the Bride of Christ) should be comes to the forefront.

What will be going on while the church is doing all of this? Matthew 24:15 says, "So, when you see standing in the holy place the abomination that causes desolation...." Those are familiar words, so let's stop right there and examine this statement. This will serve as a bit of an interlude, after which we will stop for now, continuing with the action in part 7.

Jesus says that this event was spoken of by the prophet Daniel. It's in chapter 9, verse 27.This prophecy was fulfilled by an antichrist (Antiochus Epiphanes IV in or about 168 BC) and will be fulfilled literally by the antichrist at sometime in the near future. Paul identifies this very same event, which along with the great apostasy of the church are two specific things which must happen before the return of Christ. "Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him (sound like the rapture?) we ask you brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion (apostasy) occurs and the man of lawlessness (the antichrist) is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." (the abomination that causes desolation).

Some of the rest of his activities are described in Revelation 13, and we will go there next time. In the meantime, please let me remind you that this antichrist is a created being. He certainly does oppose Christ, and he seeks to take the place of Christ, but he falls way short of being equal to Christ.

In closing, be greatly encouraged by the words of Isaiah (God speaking):

"See, it is I who created the blacksmith (a type of the devil who makes weapons to destroy) who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. (Remember, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but powerful through God to the pulling down of strongholds....) And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc; (so that) no weapon forged against you will prevail..." (Isaiah 54:16-17) The creator is infinitely greater than the created. Trust Him.

Birth Pangs and Fig Trees, Part 5

We have reached the place in our journey through Matthew 24 where Jesus says in verse 8, "All these are the beginning of birth pangs." We are to note that birth is now imminent, but not yet. The pangs must first increase in both intensity and severity as we approach "the last of the last days." We must heed Jesus' exhortation in verse 6 to not be alarmed or frightened, and to not allow ourselves to be deceived. There are other things which must happen before the end will come.

If there is anything that a significant percentage of the western/American church does not want to hear it is what Jesus says in the next few verses. ""Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:9-13)

That last verse (it also appears in Matthew 10:22) has become the foundational verse for this ministry. So now in keeping with past blogs, we'll look at the parallel between these verses and some verses in Revelation 6. In Revelation 6:7-8, the fourth seal is removed , revealing the fourth horsemen of the Apocalypse, Death, followed closely by Hades. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by various means - all natural consequences of the things happening as the first three seals were removed.

Now as the fifth seal is removed, death of a more specific nature is revealed - described in language strongly paralleling the language of Matthew 24:9-11. Let's see: "When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, 'How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?' Then each one of them was given a white robe and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed."

This speaks of a specific kind of death, martyrdom, where one dies because of the testimony of Christ. Did you know that there were more people martyred for Christ in the 20th Century than in the 19 previous centuries combined? And it continues at an accelerated pace into the 21st Century. Birth Pangs? You bet! But someone may say, "This can't possibly happen in the United States of America!" No? Prayer is gone from schools, the radical homosexual agenda has taken its place.

This is a pretty heady subject, so let me close with a couple of personal true stories, and we'll pick it up again next time. Last year, just before Thanksgiving, I was invited to participate in an Ecumenical Night of Thanksgiving. There were 7 churches (sounds a bit like Revelation 2 & 3) involved, with each pastor being given a short role in the service. I was asked to pray an intercessory prayer, so I thought I would follow the National Day of Prayer model, with a sentence or two of petition for each of these 7: the government, military (serve & protect), the church, the family, the media, education and business. Somewhere in there I prayed with respect to family that God would restore our hearts to embrace the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, and the sanctity of marriage as between one man and one woman for life. There was NO put down of anyone in the prayer.

You should see some of the hate mail I received by members of some of the local churches, including one who identified himself as a deacon. I know that is not martyrdom, but it is certainly a step in that direction. That is followed by some of the obscene gestures and threats hurled at me and others who dare to stand on a sidewalk in front of an abortion mill and take a stand for life. I have dear friends who do this 2-3 times a week or more, in all kinds of weather, who have even been jailed because of their stand. There are a lot of good people in this land, but the enemy is more active than ever.

I cannot close without reminding you that Encouragement is part of our name, so be encouraged by the fact that our loving Lord and Savior, the One who is willing that none should perish, told us how it would be so that we would be prepared to stand. He also told us how it would end: His righteousness would be established throughout the earth. To be on His side may look like you're on the losing side, but not so. He wins, and "whoever stands firm until the end will be saved."

Until next time.....

Be encouraged by Christ

Birth Pangs and Fig Trees Part 4

As Jesus continues in His Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), He says that in various places there will be famines and earthquakes; but all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. (24:7-8) You will be quick to notice that part of the title for this series of articles derives from verse 8.

http://www.earth.webecs.co.uk/ states that the number of earth quakes over the past 150 years measuring 7.0 or above on the Richter Scale have definitely increased in frequency - just like birth pangs. And don't forget, the huge 2004 tsunami was caused by an earthquake. The online encyclopedia Wikipedia states that over 70 million people died of famine in the 20th century. These numbers reflect a huge increase over famine death in any previous century, as far as records reveal.

I say this to make the point that natural facts will always reflect the biblical truth revealed in that particular area. With the trends of earthquakes and famines likely to keep increasing, who knows how far along the birthing process we are. But, as Jesus stated, these are only two of many signs. While most of these signs have been with us to a degree throughout the 2000 years of the last days (the church age) their increased intensity and severity will be a sign that Jesus' return is at hand. Just think - record keeping of such things is only about 150-200 years old, so the ability to observe the signs is fairly recent.

Continuing with our parallel comparison between Matthew 24 and Revelation 6, note what happens when the third seal is removed. "When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, 'Come.' I looked and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius (a day's wage) and three quarts of barley for a denarius and do not damage the oil and the wine.'" (v. 5-6) This passage is about famine, when a day's portion of basic food will cost a day's wage.

There is a definite chronological order to the Lord's teaching about His second coming in both Matthew (Mark & Luke also) and in Revelation. The reader should never dismiss these teachings as irrelevant of beyond comprehension. Signs are of no use unless they are understood. At the time of Jesus' first advent, there were plenty of signs accompanying His arrival/presence, but the religious people just didn't get it, even though they understood the signs in the sky regarding weather (Matt. 16:1-3) We should be aware of the signs of Jesus' soon return and be prepared.

In closing today, I give you this link www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=51d46156c0a04e571844 to a short video clip that helps bring some of this into perspective. Let tangle know what you think.

Until next time, be encouraged by Christ