The Blessed Hope The Return of our Lord Jesus Christ By Pastor Dan Kennedy © August 13, 2017b www.pastorkennedy.com (see also previous messages on “The Blessed Hope”) The Antichrist Attitude There is an “antichrist” attitude sweeping across our nation and the world these days. It has been around since the first great rebellion when Satan expressed his desire to be like God and he and his rebellious host were expelled from heaven, but somehow it seems to be more and more prevalent on earth these days. King David expressed an accurate account of a Godless Attitude in Psalm 10, which is still true today. A Critique of a Deceived Godless Attitude, compared to the Reality of God Psalm 10 2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. 3 He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord. 4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him (God); in all his thoughts there is no room for God. 5 … he sneers at all his enemies. 6 He says to himself, “Nothing will shake me; I’ll always be happy and never have trouble.” 7 His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. 11 He says to himself, “God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees.” 13 Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, “He won’t call me to account”? 14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. 15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out. 16 The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. 17 You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, 18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more. A Godless attitude, summarized aptly by those deceived is: · “I can do what I want to, · when I want to, · and how I want to, and · God will never see, · and most likely, I will never be caught by anybody.” (If you knew for sure that you would be caught and seriously punished each time, would you be foolish enough to keep doing the wrong thing time and time again?) Only someone otherwise deceived keeps on doing wrong. The crux of the message today is to remind us that: Everyone is Accountable to God (no matter what they believe differently): One day everyone will be held accountable for what they have done on this earth.  Hope in Christ exceeds Anything this world has to offer: Those who are followers of Christ, whose sins are cleansed by the Blood of Jesus Christ and whose lives are seeking to please God, have a hope that far exceeds any assets, power or glory that can be received on this earth.  Jesus Christ will Return to Earth Again One Day: And when He Comes, we look forward with great anticipation to: o Our Salvation and Redemption, by God’s Grace, with unparalleled Rewards given for honorable service. o Accountability and Justice for those who seek to rebel against God. o Eternal Life and Everlasting blessing and service in the Kingdom of God. We are living in interesting days. It seems like there are a growing number of events which may point more specifically to the return of Christ sooner than later. This past week there was a posting of events which will be happening very soon on the earth’s calendar, and slated for our government’s calendar which are interesting. Any individual or grouping of events that display unique, “end-time” characteristics, cause those longing for Christ’s Return, to “look up,” for their Redemption may be coming soon (Luke 21:28) – it is not a matter of “if”… one day, Christ will come! Our Blessed Hope Waiting for our blessed hope, The appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:13,14 Scripture Reading 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 The Day of the Lord Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Primary reasons to teach “End Time” events could be threefold: 1. Everyone will face God. We have an opportunity to know the future. We are all going to die, or be gathered to be with Christ when He comes, if we are true believers in Jesus Christ; and, no matter, we had better be prepared for eternity! What will happen to you and me when we die? None of us live forever...there is an end of life for all things and there is an end of the systems of this world as we know it. Since the Scripture speaks of such an end, then we, as those who faithfully study and teach the Bible, reveal what we understand the Scripture discloses about the “end times”. 2. The Bible is our Authority and is full of prophecy. The Bible, which is God’s Holy Word, was written under the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit, by some 36 to 40 authors over a time span of some 1,500 to 2,000 years on different continents and diverse cultures. God requires Biblical prophecy to be 100% accurate. It gives to us clear information about the “end times” and if we are wise we will seek to find out what it says and means. We should be aware of and open to what the Bible says regarding “end time” events. 3. Israel became a Nation Again as prophesied by Scripture. After 2,000 years, Israel’s prophesied reemergence as a nation established May 14, 1948, has been in a generation still prevalent today. We are reading the fulfillment of Old and New Testament prophecies about Israel’s rebirth into the nation it is today after centuries of the Jewish people being disbursed into seeming oblivion to the ends of the earth! This “regathering” to reestablish nationhood, after such a long and diverse disbursement, has not happened to any other people group in the known history of the world. Why has the “Middle East” become so important? It is because this has been planned and foretold in the Scripture, and we are now experiencing the parts being put into place for the final events of world history. (See, for example, Jeremiah 16:14-16; Ezekiel 37) Jesus Tells Us To “Be Ready” for His Coming When it comes to the traditional teaching on the Coming of Christ, I would prefer to promote the fact that we should “Be Ready” as the most important aspect of end time preparation. We should wisely understand different eschatological (end time) theories so we can think and speak intelligently on the matter and diligently study the Scripture, but the Scripture does not consistently clarify one position over the other! If we are “prepared” we will “be ready”, no matter when Christ returns, or regarding which “theory” is accurate! We will not only “be ready,” we will be much happier Christians in the long run – without having to defend and justify our “theory.” Jesus expects People who claim to be Spiritual, to be aware of “the Signs of the Times.” When the academic and legalistic Jews came asking for a sign from Him authenticating His ministry, Jesus rebuked them because they were able to Forecast Weather, but not understand the “Signs of the Times!” Matthew 16:2-3 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. The Scripture Clearly states that Believers in Christ should “Be Prepared” for Christ’s Coming. Christ’s Coming will affect Everyone! Christ illustrated His Unexpected Coming by having Us Scripturally Recall the Unexpected Global Flood of Judgment Jesus told His Disciples (and subsequently us, through His Words to them) to be ready for His unexpected Coming. Matthew 24:36-51 36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. How Should a Wise Manager be Responsible to Care for Someone Else’s Business while the Owner is gone? Matthew 24:45-51 45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. If a diligent owner had left you in charge of a company, and you were told that you should keep the place running and profitable until he returns, you could do one of two things (no matter how long it takes for the owner to return): 1. Care Diligently. Do everything in your power to keep the company positive and profitable for the owner until he returns; Or, 2. Act Irresponsibly. Live it up and care less what happens to the company, if you think the owner won’t return soon and catch you abusing his company for your own selfish benefit. It is pretty obvious how any conscientious owner would respond in each case, and what will happen in either scenario, should the owner return unexpectedly. What will be Reward for those who wait with healthy anticipation for Christ’s Coming? “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, He will set him over all His possessions.” Matthew 24:45-47 The Parable of the Five Wise and Five Foolish Virgins Matthew 25:1-13 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Those Unprepared for the Coming of their Lord were Foolish Awareness of Christ’s Coming Affects Our Life Seek the Holy Spirit’s Empowerment and Endurance as you wait for Christ to Return 1 Corinthians 1:7–8 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Do not hastily Judge others: Christ’s Coming will reveal Everything 1 Corinthians 4:5 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. Christ Coming Will Transform our Bodies to be Imperishable Beings – Just Like Christ’s Glorious Body! 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. Philippians 3:20-21 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Awareness of Christ’s Return Affects our Attitude and Dynamic of our Life Philippians 4:4–7 (ESV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Paul Clears up False Speculation About the Timing of Christ’s Coming The Apostle Paul, seeking to clear up speculation by some false teachers that Christ had already come, brings clarity to the timeline of Christ’s Return. 2 Thessalonians 2:1–13 The Man of Lawlessness 2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 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. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, (see Rev. 13:13-14) 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. Clarifying false teaching for the Church Regarding “Christ’s Return and our being gathered to Him” – from 2 Thessalonians 2 Christ’s Return hasn’t happened yet as some had falsely taught (v. 1-3) A. Don’t Be Deceived: Christ’s Return will not happen until: o The Rebellion (ἀποστασία - 1 a falling away, defection, apostasy[1])occurs. o And the man of lawlessness is revealed – who is doomed to destruction… He opposes God and everything worshipped He exalts himself in God’s Temple proclaiming himself as God B. The One who now holds it (the spirit of antichrist) back (2 Thess. 2:5-8) Before we look at this verse we should realize that this “man of lawlessness” is the final embodiment of the “spirit of antichrist.” • “The spirit of the antichrist” is that which is in rebellion against God, not acknowledging Christ, and has been around since Satan’s angelic rebellion against God. 1 John 4:3 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. • Just as God was Incarnated in Jesus Christ, so one day Satan, the great imposter, will embody the antichrist (the “man of sin” or “man of lawlessness”). 1 John 2:18 18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. C. The One who now holds it (the spirit of antichrist) back (2 Thess. 2:5-8) “Something” is holding back the full onslaught of the spirit of rebellion against God (“the spirit of antichrist” and “the antichrist.”) · When did the Holy Spirit Come? The Holy Spirit which was sent by God to earth, at Pentecost [Jn. 15:26; 14:16-17; 16:7-15]. · Why did the Holy Spirit Come? ~ The Holy Spirit came to Convict us of sin, righteousness, judgment and things to come, so we will turn to Christ, and turn away from sin (John 16:7-11, 13). ~ The Holy Spirit came to Transform and give “New Spiritual Birth” to those who put their faith in Christ (John 3:3, 5-8, 16; Titus 3:5-6). (“New Birth” is not spoken of in the Old Testament) ~ The Holy Spirit came to Teach us about Christ and the meaning of His Word (John 16:13-14). ~ The Holy Spirit came to Comfort us in our daily life (Acts 9:31; John 14:16). ~ The Holy Spirit came to Guide us in life’s direction (Romans 8:14). ~ The Holy Spirit came to Empower us for Spiritual Service (Acts 1:8). ~ The Holy Spirit came to become the guarantee of our Eternal Inheritance! (Eph. 1:13-14; 2 Cor. 1:22) ~ The Holy Spirit came to Hold Back the spirit of antichrist until the proper time (2 Thess. 2:6-7). · In Whom does the Holy Spirit Reside? God’s Holy Spirit is residing in those who are “born again,” whose bodies became the “Temple of the Holy Spirit” [1 Cor. 6:19; John 2:21]. (“New Birth” [John 3:3] did not happen in the Old Testament until Christ’s Redemptive death and resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.) The Revelation that the Man of Sin is being held back… until the proper time. “…you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time.” (2 Thess. 2:6) D. There is a Spiritual Force Holding Back the spirit of antichrist “The one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed (v. 7b, 8) This critical passage seems to be revealing the two mysterious parts of the revelation of our being gathered to Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 These verses, to me, are the clearest (and most mysterious) support of rapture prior to the Tribulation [see ENDNOTES]. 2 Thessalonians 2 6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed… The Holy Spirit is seen by many to be “He who now restrains” (the restraint of “the lawless one”), in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8. If the Holy Spirit is “taken out of the way” and He lives in us, then where will we be? “Those whose names are in the Book of Life” will be delivered from this “time of trouble” (Dan. 12:1; Jer. 30:7; Rev. 3:10), it may be that a “taking away” of those Born Again by the Spirit of God, before the time of trouble, could be an explanation for “the rapture,” which is the removing of the restraint holding back the lawless one in 2 Thess. 2:6-8. Since the Apostle Paul wrote this passage to correct falsehood about Christ’s Coming, one way to interpret a timeline in this passage is as follows: The Rebellion Occurs – a major surge in Apostasy, the “antichrist spirit” throughout the world.  The Holy Spirit, who restrains gross apostasy and the antichrist, is taken away, and we are taken with Him in what is called, “the Rapture.”  The man of lawlessness is revealed – who is doomed to destruction…  o He opposes God and everything worshipped o He exalts himself in God’s Temple proclaiming himself as God Christ is Coming to Earth in Power and Glory In Revelation 19:11-16, we have a clear picture of the Second Coming of Christ in His Power and Glory. At this time Christ comes physically in the clouds with great glory and with His own Saints, to make war with and destroy the antichrist, false prophet and rogue world government under the temporary rule of Satan, after which Christ will establish His earthly Kingdom for 1,000 years. Revelation 19:11-16 11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Events the Scripture Gives Leading Up to Christ’s Second Coming In Power And Glory: A Strong Covenant is Established with Israel, by the antichrist (Daniel 9:27) initiating the seven-year Tribulation period.  The Rebuilding of the 3rd Temple must be accomplished so the sacrificial system can be reestablished (Dan. 9:27; 8:13; 12:11; 2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 11:1-2).  The Antichrist’s power rises – spoken of as “the 4th Beast” rising from the sea (Rev. 13:1-10; 2 Thess. 2:3-4; Daniel 7:24-25; 8:25; 9:27; 11:36).  The False Prophet rises (another “Beast” rising from the earth) to promote and confirm the antichrist. He causes great signs and wonders to take place, such as calling fire down from heaven, to deceive the people of the earth (Rev. 13:11-18).  The Abomination of Desolation revealed in the middle of the Tribulation. The antichrist sets himself up as God – from God’s Temple (Daniel 9:27; 12:11; Matt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14; 2 Thess. 2:4). Sometime, during this period, there is an attempt to assassinate the antichrist at which time he is mortally wounded, but lives – to the amazement of the whole world (Rev. 13:3, 12, 14).  “Two Witnesses” sent by God are revealed, call down God’s fierce judgment on the world for three and a half years, from Jerusalem. They are finally killed by the antichrist, to the great delight of the world, but rise again after three and a half days and are taken up into heaven, causing great fear to all who so fervently wished them dead (Rev. 11:3-12).  The Image is Set Up: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) and universal surveillance system could be that which is commissioned by the False Prophet, to carry out the world-wide draconian plans of the antichrist through the “Image” the False Prophet constructs and “brings to life” (Rev. 13:14-17).  It is interesting that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being developed to the point that some of our most forward thinking entrepreneurs are fearing what Artificial Intelligence is becoming! AI may some day control the world – if that is the fundamental resource for the “Image” brought to life by the False Prophet. "If you're not concerned about AI safety, you should be. Vastly more risk than North Korea," Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted on Friday (8/11/17).[2] That is some concern from a man who wants to link human brains to computers in his start up company called Neuralink.[3] The AI “Image” institutes “the Mark of the Beast” for the absolute control of worldwide commerce Rev. 13:16-18. Those who worship the Beast and participate and receive “the mark” have no hope of salvation and eternal life with God (Rev. 14:9-11; 20:4).  Armageddon, the Final Battle in the world assembles. There is a serious gathering of the nations of the world to battle against Israel at Jerusalem. (Rev. 16:16)  The Powers of the Heavens are Shaken preceding Christ’s Coming (Matt. 24:29; Luke 21:25-26):  Sun darkened Moon darkened Stars fall Matthew 24:29-31 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. The Sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven. The peoples of the earth will morn at their judgment and accountability to Christ, because of God’s impending wrath. (Rev. 6:16-17)  Revelation 6:15–17 15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Jesus will return to stand on the Mount of Olives, just as He said He would (Acts 1:11; Zech. 14:4). There is a splitting of the Mt. of Olives and subsequent fleeing of those surviving in Jerusalem – through the newly exposed mountain valley (reminding us of the Children of Israel with Moses escaping through the parting of the Red Sea). Zech. 14:4,5  Zechariah 14:2–5 2 I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. 4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. 5 You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. Christ Returns in Power and Glory. The world will see the Son of Man Coming on the clouds of heaven, destroying the nations of the world which came in defiance against Him (Matt. 24:30-31; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-21; Zech. 14:4,5).  The Scripture reveals events leading up to Christ’s Second Coming in Power and Glory. As believers in Christ, we need to be reminded that the Lord tells us that we should “Be Prepared” and not “sleeping”, and ready for His Coming. Anticipation of Christ’s Return Atheists and agnostics will always scoff at the “weird notion” of Christ’s Return… 2 Peter 3:4–7 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. Looking forward to Christ’s Coming undermines procrastination and unbelief, and goes on to give us great Hope in a world groaning under the weight of the curse of sin, waiting for our redemption (Romans 8:22-25). The Cause for Hope, Celebration and Purity We have the greatest hope and cause for joy in the world. One day our Redeemer will return and bring us to the home He has been preparing for us and change our sin-cursed bodies to be like His Own! We will be delighted when the “curse” of our depravity and the “groaning” we have, together with the world around us, because of sin, will be taken away (Romans 8:18-25)! Jesus Christ has Promised to Return John 14:1-3 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. Christ’s Coming finalizes the Outcome of our Faith and Salvation Hebrews 9:28 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. 1 Peter 1:8-9 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Those who Participate in Christ’s suffering will Rejoice at Christ’s Coming 1 Peter 4:13 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. The Hope of Christ’s Return provokes Purity 1 John 3:2-3 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we will be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. The Apostle James tells us to have Patience regarding the Lord’s Return James 5:7-9 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. The Apostle John tells us to “Abide in Christ” through His Spirit, so we will not be insecure at Christ’s Coming 1 John 2:28 28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. The Last few verses in the Bible assure us of Christ’s Coming Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20 Revelation 22:12 12 “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Conclusion One day we will be facing the most traumatic days that the world has ever seen! May 14, 1948, Israel once again became a nation after being scattered across the face of the earth for some two thousand years! Is this the “budding of the fig tree” spoken of by Christ? (Matt. 24:32,33) “Be Prepared”… “Be Ready”. Nothing can replace this preparedness to come face to Face with our Lord and God. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour!” Matt. 25:13 “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when He comes.” Matthew 24:46 “Stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42 “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Revelation 22:12 How can I “Be Prepared” for Christ’s Coming? The practical steps are often what we already know, but sometimes do not practice! 1. Affirm your relationship with the Lord and whether or not you are truly “Born” into God’s family, through the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. (John 3; Rom. 10:9,10) “Dear Heavenly Father, I have sinned against You. Jesus Christ, Your Son, died on the Cross for my sins. I believe that Jesus died, was buried and rose again on the third day, to become my Savior, all-powerful over sin and death. I now, by faith, repent of my sins and invite Jesus Christ to come into my life to cleanse me from my sin and guilt through His precious blood, before God’s Holy Presence. I confess Jesus Christ as my Savior and my Lord. By faith, I receive your free gift of eternal life, because of Your Grace, and ask that Your Holy Spirit transform me into Your Child and fill me with His Presence. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your Mercy and Salvation, giving me such an opportunity to be born again into Your Heavenly Family. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!” 2. Keep “Short Accounts”. Confess any known sin before God and keep honorable relationships with others. (1 John 1:9; James 5:16) 3. Stop doing, by the power of God’s Spirit, what you know you shouldn’t be doing, going places you shouldn’t be going, or building relationships you shouldn’t be having! (Romans 8). Feed your mind and spirit with that which is God honoring instead of that which drags you down spiritually. 4. Build the Word of God into your heart and soul and commune with God in prayer. (Joshua 1:8,9; Psalm 119:105; Philippians 4:8) 5. Fellowship and build friendships with folks who love God and can build positively into your life. (Hebrews 10:25) 6. Use the gifts that God has given you to seek first and build His Kingdom. (Matt. 6:33) 7. Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself! (Matthew 22:37-40) May we always “Be Prepared” for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It may be today! ______________ ENDNOTES Questions concerning the Great Tribulation (Daniel 12:5–13) by Drs. J. D. Pentecost, J. F. Walvoord, and R. B. Zuck Daniel 12:5–6. This section (vv. 5–13) includes two requests (one by an angel and one by Daniel) and two angelic replies. The first request is in verses 5–6, and the first answer is in verse 7. The second question is in verse 8, and the second reply is in verses 9–13. Evidently two angels had attended the angelic messenger, who was probably Gabriel (cf. comments on 10:5). One of the angels across the river (the Tigris; cf. 10:4) called to an angel standing by Gabriel (the one clothed in linen; cf. 10:5) and asked, How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled? “These astonishing things” probably refer to the events recorded in 11:36–45, which pertain to Israel’s final occupation by the coming Gentile ruler. 12:7. Gabriel answered the inquiring angel that those events will be fulfilled in a time, times, and half a time, that is, in three and one-half years (cf. comments on 7:25). Though this final ruler will reign for seven years, the first half will be a time of comparative peace for Israel. They will be enjoying the benefits of the covenant this king will make with them (9:27). Israel will be “a land of unwalled villages,” a land in which the people will be “without walls and without gates and bars” (Ezek. 38:11). But the Antichrist will break that covenant (Dan. 9:27) near the middle of the 70th “seven” of years. Then the king of the South and the king of the North will invade Israel (11:40). After destroying these two armies, this Gentile king (the Antichrist) will move into Israel, occupy the land, and set up his political and religious headquarters in Jerusalem (11:41, 45). He will reign in Jerusalem as king and god and will become the greatest persecutor Israel has ever known (Rev. 13:5–7). Israel’s power will be broken by his ruthless power, and then at the end of the Tribulation all these things (the events in 11:40–45) will be completed. 12:8. Then Daniel addressed a question to Gabriel, whom he called My lord (a term of respect like “Sir”; cf. 10:16–17, 19). Daniel asked, What will the outcome of all this be? He wanted to know God’s program for Israel beyond the Tribulation period. Little information about Israel’s blessings in the millennial reign following the Second Advent of Christ had been given to Daniel, though he did know that God’s eternal kingdom will be established (2:44; 7:14, 22, 27) and the saints will possess (rule in) that kingdom. Many such prophecies had been given through the prophets and more would be given through prophets who were yet to come (Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi). 12:9–10. As the angel already stated (v. 4), the words are to be closed up and sealed (kept intact and thus made available) until the time of the end (the second half of the 70th “seven” of years; cf. v. 7; also note “end” in vv. 4, 13). In that period of time many Jews will turn to the Savior (cf. v. 3), and as a result will be spiritually purified … spotless and refined. But the wicked will continue in their ways, following and worshiping the Antichrist, the world ruler. What God revealed to Daniel will continue to be obscure to them (cf. 1 Cor. 2:14), but the wise (i.e., the righteous; cf. “wise” and “righteousness” in Dan. 12:3) will understand. 12:11. The angel said that 1,290 days will be measured off from the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished (cf. 9:27, “he will put an end to sacrifice”) and the abomination that causes desolation is set up (cf. 9:27, “one who causes desolation will place abominations on a wing of the temple”). The last half of the 70th “seven” of years is “a time, times, and half a time” (7:25; Rev. 12:14), which is three and one-half years. It is also designated as 42 months (Rev. 11:2) or 1,260 days (Rev. 11:3). How then can the variance of 30 days (1,290 compared with 1,260) be explained? Some suggest that the 30 days will extend beyond the end of the Tribulation, allowing for the judgment of Israel and the judgment of the nations. Another possibility is that the 1,290 days will begin 30 days before the middle of the 70th “seven” of years when the world ruler will set up “the abomination that causes desolation” (Matt. 24:15). The 1,290 days could begin with an announcement (about the abomination) made 30 days before the abomination is introduced. This abomination, as stated earlier, will be an image of himself (Rev. 13:14–15) and will be the symbol of this religious system. 12:12–13. Blessing is pronounced on one who waits for and lives to see the end of the 1,335 days. This is an additional 45 days beyond the 1,290 days (v. 11). Forty-five days after the end of the Tribulation Israel’s long-awaited blessings will be realized. This may mark the blessing of the Millennium; or it may be when Christ, who will have appeared in the heavens (Matt. 24:30) 45 days earlier, will actually descend to the earth, His feet touching down on the Mount of Olives (cf. Acts 1:11). For believers Christ’s coming is a blessing and a glorious hope. Daniel did not live to see many of his prophecies fulfilled. He, the angel said, would rest, that is, in death (cf. v. 2). But he will be resurrected (you will rise at the end of the days), and he will receive his allotted inheritance in the Millennium. Because of Daniel’s faith in God he led a life of faithful service for Him, and for that faith and that obedience he will receive a glorious reward. All who like Daniel trust the Lord will share in the blessings of His millennial kingdom.[4] [1] Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship. [2] http://thehill.com/policy/technology/346283-elon-musk-ai-a-bigger-threat-than-north-korea [3] https://www.datahand.com/musk-connects-brain-computer.html [4] Pentecost, J. D. (1985). Daniel. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, pp. 1373

The Blessed Hope

The Return of our Lord Jesus Christ

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

www.pastorkennedy.com

(see also previous messages on “The Blessed Hope”)

The Antichrist Attitude

There is an “antichrist” attitude sweeping across our nation and the world these days. It has been around since the first great rebellion when Satan expressed his desire to be like God and he and his rebellious host were expelled from heaven, but somehow it seems to be more and more prevalent on earth these days.

King David expressed an accurate account of a Godless Attitude in Psalm 10, which is still true today.

A Critique of a Deceived Godless Attitude, compared to the Reality of God

Psalm 10

2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,

who are caught in the schemes he devises.

3 He boasts of the cravings of his heart;

he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.

4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him (God);

in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

5 …

he sneers at all his enemies.

6 He says to himself, “Nothing will shake me;

I’ll always be happy and never have trouble.”

7 His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats;

trouble and evil are under his tongue.

11 He says to himself, “God has forgotten;

he covers his face and never sees.”

13 Why does the wicked man revile God?

Why does he say to himself,

“He won’t call me to account”?

14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief;

you consider it to take it in hand.

The victim commits himself to you;

you are the helper of the fatherless.

15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;

call him to account for his wickedness

that would not be found out.

16 The Lord is King for ever and ever;

the nations will perish from his land.

17 You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted;

you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,

in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

A Godless attitude, summarized aptly by those deceived is:

· “I can do what I want to,

· when I want to,

· and how I want to, and

· God will never see,

· and most likely,

I will never be caught by anybody.”

(If you knew for sure that you would be caught and seriously punished each time, would you be foolish enough to keep doing the wrong thing time and time again?)

Only someone otherwise deceived keeps on doing wrong.

The crux of the message today is to remind us that:

•Everyone is Accountable to God (no matter what they believe differently): One day everyone will be held accountable for what they have done on this earth.
•Hope in Christ exceeds Anything this world has to offer: Those who are followers of Christ, whose sins are cleansed by the Blood of Jesus Christ and whose lives are seeking to please God, have a hope that far exceeds any assets, power or glory that can be received on this earth.
•Jesus Christ will Return to Earth Again One Day: And when He Comes, we look forward with great anticipation to:

o Our Salvation and Redemption, by God’s Grace, with unparalleled Rewards given for honorable service.

o Accountability and Justice for those who seek to rebel against God.

o Eternal Life and Everlasting blessing and service in the Kingdom of God.

We are living in interesting days. It seems like there are a growing number of events which may point more specifically to the return of Christ sooner than later. This past week there was a posting of events which will be happening very soon on the earth’s calendar, and slated for our government’s calendar which are interesting.

Any individual or grouping of events that display unique, “end-time” characteristics, cause those longing for Christ’s Return, to “look up,” for their Redemption may be coming soon (Luke 21:28) – it is not a matter of “if”… one day, Christ will come!

Our Blessed Hope

Waiting for our blessed hope,

The appearing of the glory of

our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Who gave Himself for us

to redeem us from all lawlessness

and to purify for Himself

a people for His own possession

who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:13,14

Scripture Reading

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 The Day of the Lord

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Primary reasons to teach “End Time” events could be threefold:

1. Everyone will face God. We have an opportunity to know the future. We are all going to die, or be gathered to be with Christ when He comes, if we are true believers in Jesus Christ; and, no matter, we had better be prepared for eternity! What will happen to you and me when we die? None of us live forever...there is an end of life for all things and there is an end of the systems of this world as we know it. Since the Scripture speaks of such an end, then we, as those who faithfully study and teach the Bible, reveal what we understand the Scripture discloses about the “end times”.

2. The Bible is our Authority and is full of prophecy.

The Bible, which is God’s Holy Word, was written under the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit, by some 36 to 40 authors over a time span of some 1,500 to 2,000 years on different continents and diverse cultures.

God requires Biblical prophecy to be 100% accurate. It gives to us clear information about the “end times” and if we are wise we will seek to find out what it says and means. We should be aware of and open to what the Bible says regarding “end time” events.

3. Israel became a Nation Again as prophesied by Scripture.

After 2,000 years, Israel’s prophesied reemergence as a nation established May 14, 1948, has been in a generation still prevalent today.

We are reading the fulfillment of Old and New Testament prophecies about Israel’s rebirth into the nation it is today after centuries of the Jewish people being disbursed into seeming oblivion to the ends of the earth! This “regathering” to reestablish nationhood, after such a long and diverse disbursement, has not happened to any other people group in the known history of the world. Why has the “Middle East” become so important? It is because this has been planned and foretold in the Scripture, and we are now experiencing the parts being put into place for the final events of world history. (See, for example, Jeremiah 16:14-16; Ezekiel 37)

Jesus Tells Us To “Be Ready” for His Coming

When it comes to the traditional teaching on the Coming of Christ, I would prefer to promote the fact that we should “Be Ready” as the most important aspect of end time preparation. We should wisely understand different eschatological (end time) theories so we can think and speak intelligently on the matter and diligently study the Scripture, but the Scripture does not consistently clarify one position over the other! If we are “prepared” we will “be ready”, no matter when Christ returns, or regarding which “theory” is accurate! We will not only “be ready,” we will be much happier Christians in the long run – without having to defend and justify our “theory.”

Jesus expects People who claim to be Spiritual, to be aware of “the Signs of the Times.” When the academic and legalistic Jews came asking for a sign from Him authenticating His ministry, Jesus rebuked them because they were able to Forecast Weather, but not understand the “Signs of the Times!”

Matthew 16:2-3

2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.

The Scripture Clearly states that Believers in Christ should “Be Prepared” for Christ’s Coming. Christ’s Coming will affect Everyone!

Christ illustrated His Unexpected Coming by having Us Scripturally Recall the Unexpected Global Flood of Judgment

Jesus told His Disciples (and subsequently us, through His Words to them) to be ready for His unexpected Coming.

Matthew 24:36-51

36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

How Should a Wise Manager be Responsible to Care for Someone Else’s Business while the Owner is gone?

Matthew 24:45-51

45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

If a diligent owner had left you in charge of a company, and you were told that you should keep the place running and profitable until he returns, you could do one of two things (no matter how long it takes for the owner to return):

1. Care Diligently. Do everything in your power to keep the company positive and profitable for the owner until he returns;

Or,

2. Act Irresponsibly. Live it up and care less what happens to the company, if you think the owner won’t return soon and catch you abusing his company for your own selfish benefit.

It is pretty obvious how any conscientious owner would respond in each case, and what will happen in either scenario, should the owner return unexpectedly.

What will be Reward for those who wait with healthy anticipation for Christ’s Coming?

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, He will set him over all His possessions.”

Matthew 24:45-47

The Parable of the Five Wise and Five Foolish Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Those Unprepared for the Coming of their Lord were Foolish

Awareness of Christ’s Coming Affects Our Life

Seek the Holy Spirit’s Empowerment and Endurance as you wait for Christ to Return

1 Corinthians 1:7–8

7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Do not hastily Judge others: Christ’s Coming will reveal Everything

1 Corinthians 4:5

5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

Christ Coming Will Transform our Bodies to be Imperishable Beings

– Just Like Christ’s Glorious Body!

1 Corinthians 15:50-53

51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

Philippians 3:20-21

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Awareness of Christ’s Return Affects our Attitude and Dynamic of our Life

Philippians 4:4–7 (ESV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul Clears up False Speculation About the Timing of Christ’s Coming

The Apostle Paul, seeking to clear up speculation by some false teachers that Christ had already come, brings clarity to the timeline of Christ’s Return.

2 Thessalonians 2:1–13

The Man of Lawlessness

2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 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. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, (see Rev. 13:13-14) 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

Clarifying false teaching for the Church Regarding “Christ’s Return and our being gathered to Him” – from 2 Thessalonians 2

Christ’s Return hasn’t happened yet as some had falsely taught (v. 1-3)

A. Don’t Be Deceived: Christ’s Return will not happen until:

o The Rebellion (ἀποστασία - 1 a falling away, defection, apostasy[1])occurs.

o And the man of lawlessness is revealed – who is doomed to destruction…

He opposes God and everything worshipped

He exalts himself in God’s Temple proclaiming himself as God

B. The One who now holds it (the spirit of antichrist) back (2 Thess. 2:5-8)

Before we look at this verse we should realize that this “man of lawlessness” is the final embodiment of the “spirit of antichrist.”

• “The spirit of the antichrist” is that which is in rebellion against God, not acknowledging Christ, and has been around since Satan’s angelic rebellion against God.

1 John 4:3

3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

• Just as God was Incarnated in Jesus Christ, so one day Satan, the great imposter, will embody the antichrist (the “man of sin” or “man of lawlessness”).

1 John 2:18

18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.

C. The One who now holds it (the spirit of antichrist) back (2 Thess. 2:5-8)

“Something” is holding back the full onslaught of the spirit of rebellion against God (“the spirit of antichrist” and “the antichrist.”)

· When did the Holy Spirit Come?

The Holy Spirit which was sent by God to earth, at Pentecost [Jn. 15:26; 14:16-17; 16:7-15].

· Why did the Holy Spirit Come?

~ The Holy Spirit came to Convict us of sin, righteousness, judgment and things to come, so we will turn to Christ, and turn away from sin (John 16:7-11, 13).

~ The Holy Spirit came to Transform and give “New Spiritual Birth” to those who put their faith in Christ (John 3:3, 5-8, 16; Titus 3:5-6).

(“New Birth” is not spoken of in the Old Testament)

~ The Holy Spirit came to Teach us about Christ and the meaning of His Word (John 16:13-14).

~ The Holy Spirit came to Comfort us in our daily life (Acts 9:31; John 14:16).

~ The Holy Spirit came to Guide us in life’s direction (Romans 8:14).

~ The Holy Spirit came to Empower us for Spiritual Service (Acts 1:8).

~ The Holy Spirit came to become the guarantee of our Eternal Inheritance! (Eph. 1:13-14; 2 Cor. 1:22)

~ The Holy Spirit came to Hold Back the spirit of antichrist until the proper time (2 Thess. 2:6-7).

· In Whom does the Holy Spirit Reside?

God’s Holy Spirit is residing in those who are “born again,” whose bodies became the “Temple of the Holy Spirit” [1 Cor. 6:19; John 2:21]. (“New Birth” [John 3:3] did not happen in the Old Testament until Christ’s Redemptive death and resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.)

The Revelation that the Man of Sin is being held back… until the proper time.

“…you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time.” (2 Thess. 2:6)

D. There is a Spiritual Force Holding Back the spirit of antichrist

“The one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed (v. 7b, 8)

This critical passage seems to be revealing the two mysterious parts of the revelation of our being gathered to Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:6-8

These verses, to me, are the clearest (and most mysterious) support of rapture prior to the Tribulation [see ENDNOTES].

2 Thessalonians 2

6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed…

The Holy Spirit is seen by many to be “He who now restrains” (the restraint of “the lawless one”), in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8.

•If the Holy Spirit is “taken out of the way” and He lives in us, then where will we be?

“Those whose names are in the Book of Life” will be delivered from this “time of trouble” (Dan. 12:1; Jer. 30:7; Rev. 3:10), it may be that a “taking away” of those Born Again by the Spirit of God, before the time of trouble, could be an explanation for “the rapture,” which is the removing of the restraint holding back the lawless one in 2 Thess. 2:6-8.

Since the Apostle Paul wrote this passage to correct falsehood about Christ’s Coming, one way to interpret a timeline in this passage is as follows:

•The Rebellion Occurs – a major surge in Apostasy, the “antichrist spirit” throughout the world.

•The Holy Spirit, who restrains gross apostasy and the antichrist, is taken away, and we are taken with Him in what is called, “the Rapture.”

•The man of lawlessness is revealed – who is doomed to destruction…

o He opposes God and everything worshipped

o He exalts himself in God’s Temple proclaiming himself as God

Christ is Coming to Earth in Power and Glory

In Revelation 19:11-16, we have a clear picture of the Second Coming of Christ in His Power and Glory. At this time Christ comes physically in the clouds with great glory and with His own Saints, to make war with and destroy the antichrist, false prophet and rogue world government under the temporary rule of Satan, after which Christ will establish His earthly Kingdom for 1,000 years.

Revelation 19:11-16

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Events the Scripture Gives Leading Up to Christ’s Second Coming In Power And Glory:

•A Strong Covenant is Established with Israel, by the antichrist (Daniel 9:27) initiating the seven-year Tribulation period.
•The Rebuilding of the 3rd Temple must be accomplished so the sacrificial system can be reestablished (Dan. 9:27; 8:13; 12:11; 2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 11:1-2).
•The Antichrist’s power rises – spoken of as “the 4th Beast” rising from the sea (Rev. 13:1-10; 2 Thess. 2:3-4; Daniel 7:24-25; 8:25; 9:27; 11:36).
•The False Prophet rises (another “Beast” rising from the earth) to promote and confirm the antichrist. He causes great signs and wonders to take place, such as calling fire down from heaven, to deceive the people of the earth (Rev. 13:11-18).
•The Abomination of Desolation revealed in the middle of the Tribulation. The antichrist sets himself up as God – from God’s Temple (Daniel 9:27; 12:11; Matt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14; 2 Thess. 2:4). Sometime, during this period, there is an attempt to assassinate the antichrist at which time he is mortally wounded, but lives – to the amazement of the whole world (Rev. 13:3, 12, 14).
•“Two Witnesses” sent by God are revealed, call down God’s fierce judgment on the world for three and a half years, from Jerusalem. They are finally killed by the antichrist, to the great delight of the world, but rise again after three and a half days and are taken up into heaven, causing great fear to all who so fervently wished them dead (Rev. 11:3-12).
•The Image is Set Up: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) and universal surveillance system could be that which is commissioned by the False Prophet, to carry out the world-wide draconian plans of the antichrist through the “Image” the False Prophet constructs and “brings to life” (Rev. 13:14-17).

It is interesting that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being developed to the point that some of our most forward thinking entrepreneurs are fearing what Artificial Intelligence is becoming! AI may some day control the world – if that is the fundamental resource for the “Image” brought to life by the False Prophet.

"If you're not concerned about AI safety, you should be. Vastly more risk than North Korea," Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted on Friday (8/11/17).[2]

That is some concern from a man who wants to link human brains to computers in his start up company called Neuralink.[3]

•The AI “Image” institutes “the Mark of the Beast” for the absolute control of worldwide commerce Rev. 13:16-18. Those who worship the Beast and participate and receive “the mark” have no hope of salvation and eternal life with God (Rev. 14:9-11; 20:4).
•Armageddon, the Final Battle in the world assembles. There is a serious gathering of the nations of the world to battle against Israel at Jerusalem. (Rev. 16:16)
•The Powers of the Heavens are Shaken preceding Christ’s Coming (Matt. 24:29; Luke 21:25-26):

Sun darkened

Moon darkened

Stars fall

Matthew 24:29-31

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

•The Sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven. The peoples of the earth will morn at their judgment and accountability to Christ, because of God’s impending wrath. (Rev. 6:16-17)

Revelation 6:15–17

15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

•Jesus will return to stand on the Mount of Olives, just as He said He would (Acts 1:11; Zech. 14:4). There is a splitting of the Mt. of Olives and subsequent fleeing of those surviving in Jerusalem – through the newly exposed mountain valley (reminding us of the Children of Israel with Moses escaping through the parting of the Red Sea). Zech. 14:4,5

Zechariah 14:2–5

2 I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city.

3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. 4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. 5 You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.

•Christ Returns in Power and Glory. The world will see the Son of Man Coming on the clouds of heaven, destroying the nations of the world which came in defiance against Him (Matt. 24:30-31; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-21; Zech. 14:4,5).

The Scripture reveals events leading up to Christ’s Second Coming in Power and Glory. As believers in Christ, we need to be reminded that the Lord tells us that we should “Be Prepared” and not “sleeping”, and ready for His Coming.

Anticipation of Christ’s Return

Atheists and agnostics will always scoff at the “weird notion” of Christ’s Return…

2 Peter 3:4–7

4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

Looking forward to Christ’s Coming undermines procrastination and unbelief, and goes on to give us great Hope in a world groaning under the weight of the curse of sin, waiting for our redemption (Romans 8:22-25).

The Cause for Hope, Celebration and Purity

We have the greatest hope and cause for joy in the world. One day our Redeemer will return and bring us to the home He has been preparing for us and change our sin-cursed bodies to be like His Own! We will be delighted when the “curse” of our depravity and the “groaning” we have, together with the world around us, because of sin, will be taken away (Romans 8:18-25)!

Jesus Christ has Promised to Return

John 14:1-3

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Christ’s Coming finalizes the Outcome of our Faith and Salvation

Hebrews 9:28

28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

1 Peter 1:8-9

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Those who Participate in Christ’s suffering will Rejoice at Christ’s Coming

1 Peter 4:13

13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

The Hope of Christ’s Return provokes Purity

1 John 3:2-3

2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we will be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

The Apostle James tells us to have Patience regarding the Lord’s Return

James 5:7-9

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

The Apostle John tells us to “Abide in Christ” through His Spirit, so we will not be insecure at Christ’s Coming

1 John 2:28

28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.

The Last few verses in the Bible assure us of Christ’s Coming

Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20

Revelation 22:12

12 “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Conclusion

One day we will be facing the most traumatic days that the world has ever seen! May 14, 1948, Israel once again became a nation after being scattered across the face of the earth for some two thousand years! Is this the “budding of the fig tree” spoken of by Christ? (Matt. 24:32,33)

“Be Prepared”… “Be Ready”. Nothing can replace this preparedness to come face to Face with our Lord and God.

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour!”

Matt. 25:13

“Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when He comes.”

Matthew 24:46

“Stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”

Matthew 24:42

“Behold, I am coming soon!

My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”

Revelation 22:12

How can I “Be Prepared” for Christ’s Coming?

The practical steps are often what we already know, but sometimes do not practice!

1. Affirm your relationship with the Lord and whether or not you are truly “Born” into God’s family, through the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. (John 3; Rom. 10:9,10)

“Dear Heavenly Father, I have sinned against You. Jesus Christ, Your Son, died on the Cross for my sins. I believe that Jesus died, was buried and rose again on the third day, to become my Savior, all-powerful over sin and death. I now, by faith, repent of my sins and invite Jesus Christ to come into my life to cleanse me from my sin and guilt through His precious blood, before God’s Holy Presence. I confess Jesus Christ as my Savior and my Lord. By faith, I receive your free gift of eternal life, because of Your Grace, and ask that Your Holy Spirit transform me into Your Child and fill me with His Presence. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your Mercy and Salvation, giving me such an opportunity to be born again into Your Heavenly Family. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!”

2. Keep “Short Accounts”. Confess any known sin before God and keep honorable relationships with others. (1 John 1:9; James 5:16)

3. Stop doing, by the power of God’s Spirit, what you know you shouldn’t be doing, going places you shouldn’t be going, or building relationships you shouldn’t be having! (Romans 8). Feed your mind and spirit with that which is God honoring instead of that which drags you down spiritually.

4. Build the Word of God into your heart and soul and commune with God in prayer. (Joshua 1:8,9; Psalm 119:105; Philippians 4:8)

5. Fellowship and build friendships with folks who love God and can build positively into your life. (Hebrews 10:25)

6. Use the gifts that God has given you to seek first and build His Kingdom. (Matt. 6:33)

7. Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself! (Matthew 22:37-40)

May we always “Be Prepared” for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It may be today!

______________

ENDNOTES

Questions concerning the Great Tribulation (Daniel 12:5–13)

by Drs. J. D. Pentecost, J. F. Walvoord, and R. B. Zuck

Daniel 12:5–6. This section (vv. 5–13) includes two requests (one by an angel and one by Daniel) and two angelic replies. The first request is in verses 5–6, and the first answer is in verse 7. The second question is in verse 8, and the second reply is in verses 9–13. Evidently two angels had attended the angelic messenger, who was probably Gabriel (cf. comments on 10:5). One of the angels across the river (the Tigris; cf. 10:4) called to an angel standing by Gabriel (the one clothed in linen; cf. 10:5) and asked, How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled? “These astonishing things” probably refer to the events recorded in 11:36–45, which pertain to Israel’s final occupation by the coming Gentile ruler.

12:7. Gabriel answered the inquiring angel that those events will be fulfilled in a time, times, and half a time, that is, in three and one-half years (cf. comments on 7:25). Though this final ruler will reign for seven years, the first half will be a time of comparative peace for Israel. They will be enjoying the benefits of the covenant this king will make with them (9:27). Israel will be “a land of unwalled villages,” a land in which the people will be “without walls and without gates and bars” (Ezek. 38:11). But the Antichrist will break that covenant (Dan. 9:27) near the middle of the 70th “seven” of years. Then the king of the South and the king of the North will invade Israel (11:40). After destroying these two armies, this Gentile king (the Antichrist) will move into Israel, occupy the land, and set up his political and religious headquarters in Jerusalem (11:41, 45). He will reign in Jerusalem as king and god and will become the greatest persecutor Israel has ever known (Rev. 13:5–7). Israel’s power will be broken by his ruthless power, and then at the end of the Tribulation all these things (the events in 11:40–45) will be completed.

12:8. Then Daniel addressed a question to Gabriel, whom he called My lord (a term of respect like “Sir”; cf. 10:16–17, 19). Daniel asked, What will the outcome of all this be? He wanted to know God’s program for Israel beyond the Tribulation period. Little information about Israel’s blessings in the millennial reign following the Second Advent of Christ had been given to Daniel, though he did know that God’s eternal kingdom will be established (2:44; 7:14, 22, 27) and the saints will possess (rule in) that kingdom. Many such prophecies had been given through the prophets and more would be given through prophets who were yet to come (Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi).

12:9–10. As the angel already stated (v. 4), the words are to be closed up and sealed (kept intact and thus made available) until the time of the end (the second half of the 70th “seven” of years; cf. v. 7; also note “end” in vv. 4, 13). In that period of time many Jews will turn to the Savior (cf. v. 3), and as a result will be spiritually purified … spotless and refined. But the wicked will continue in their ways, following and worshiping the Antichrist, the world ruler. What God revealed to Daniel will continue to be obscure to them (cf. 1 Cor. 2:14), but the wise (i.e., the righteous; cf. “wise” and “righteousness” in Dan. 12:3) will understand.

12:11. The angel said that 1,290 days will be measured off from the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished (cf. 9:27, “he will put an end to sacrifice”) and the abomination that causes desolation is set up (cf. 9:27, “one who causes desolation will place abominations on a wing of the temple”). The last half of the 70th “seven” of years is “a time, times, and half a time” (7:25; Rev. 12:14), which is three and one-half years. It is also designated as 42 months (Rev. 11:2) or 1,260 days (Rev. 11:3). How then can the variance of 30 days (1,290 compared with 1,260) be explained? Some suggest that the 30 days will extend beyond the end of the Tribulation, allowing for the judgment of Israel and the judgment of the nations. Another possibility is that the 1,290 days will begin 30 days before the middle of the 70th “seven” of years when the world ruler will set up “the abomination that causes desolation” (Matt. 24:15). The 1,290 days could begin with an announcement (about the abomination) made 30 days before the abomination is introduced. This abomination, as stated earlier, will be an image of himself (Rev. 13:14–15) and will be the symbol of this religious system.

12:12–13. Blessing is pronounced on one who waits for and lives to see the end of the 1,335 days. This is an additional 45 days beyond the 1,290 days (v. 11). Forty-five days after the end of the Tribulation Israel’s long-awaited blessings will be realized. This may mark the blessing of the Millennium; or it may be when Christ, who will have appeared in the heavens (Matt. 24:30) 45 days earlier, will actually descend to the earth, His feet touching down on the Mount of Olives (cf. Acts 1:11). For believers Christ’s coming is a blessing and a glorious hope.

Daniel did not live to see many of his prophecies fulfilled. He, the angel said, would rest, that is, in death (cf. v. 2). But he will be resurrected (you will rise at the end of the days), and he will receive his allotted inheritance in the Millennium. Because of Daniel’s faith in God he led a life of faithful service for Him, and for that faith and that obedience he will receive a glorious reward. All who like Daniel trust the Lord will share in the blessings of His millennial kingdom.[4]

[1] Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

[2] http://thehill.com/policy/technology/346283-elon-musk-ai-a-bigger-threat-than-north-korea

[3] https://www.datahand.com/musk-connects-brain-computer.html

[4] Pentecost, J. D. (1985). Daniel. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, pp. 1373–1374). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.