Signs of the Last Days and the Fulfillment of Scripture

Signs of the Last Days and the Fulfillment of Scripture

by | Jul 9, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

‘But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ‘

II Timothy 3:1

 

In 2 Timothy 3:1, Paul urges believers, “But know (we are to KNOW, we are to see the signs of times) this, that in the last days, perilous times will come.” These words alert us to the signs that will accompany the end of the Church Age, leading up to the biblical event known as the rapture. It is crucial to understand that these signs indicate the imminent return of Christ for His body, the Church, and should not be confused with worldwide cataclysmic stage-setting events we are witnessing today prior to the beginning of the seven years of tribulation and then our Lord’s second coming.

 

‘For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!’

II Timothy 3:2-5

 

As we witness the unfolding of 2 Timothy 3:1–5—along with the warnings of 1 Timothy 4:1–3 and Romans 1—we can see the stage being set for the next phase of God’s divine plan with the nation of Israel. The present Church Age is drawing to a close, and God is aligning world events to resume the fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. These promises will come back into focus during the final seven years, the period Scripture calls the Tribulation, or “Jacob’s Trouble.”

 

It is crucial to differentiate between the signs leading up to the rapture, when believers will be caught up to meet Christ in the air, and the signs indicating Christ’s second coming. The signs of the departure or rapture of the body of Christ are described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and Romans 1:18-32. They involve moral and spiritual decay, a complete rejection of truth worldwide both in the church and secular world (as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Romans 1:18-32). Combined with worldwide unprecedented apostasy across all of “Christendom”, as outlined in 1 Timothy 4:1-3. Yes, the world has always been immoral and there have always been false teachers but these verses along with other warning signs make clear that we will see all the signs converge. AND WE ARE AT CONVERGENCE RIGHT NOW.

 

Remember at the Rapture, the Lord Jesus Christ comes for the Saints. And at the Second Coming, the Lord Jesus comes with the Saints. Let’s take a look at the Old Testament, the Book of Zechariah 14 verse 4. Understanding context and language is crucial, this is clearly speaking of the Lord’s Second Coming. The Old Testament prophecy says:

Zechariah 14:4

“And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives,…”

What did the two angels say to the apostles as they witnessed the Lord Jesus ascend to glory?

 

‘who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”’

Acts 1:11

 

The angels were pointing directly to Zechariah 14:4—a passage that unmistakably describes the Lord’s glorious Second Coming. This is not symbolic or spiritual language. The same Jesus who ascended will return to the same place from which He departed—the Mount of Olives. When He does, His feet will touch the ground, triggering a great earthquake that will split the mount in two and create a vast valley. Scripture presents this in plain, unmistakable terms: the visible, bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ as the conquering Warrior-King. Not a word about meeting believers in the clouds.

 

On the other hand:

 

The apostle Paul writes in I Thessalonians 4:17:

 

‘Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.’

 

That could not be any more clear. For the Church, the Lord only comes to the air. For the Second Coming, He comes to the Mount of Olives.

 

Takeaway

Currently, we are witnessing a global fulfillment of the signs mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1-3. It is alarming to see the celebration and promotion of teachings aligned with the doctrines of demons. Take a moment to carefully read through these verses and discern the gravity of the situation.

‘Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ‘

I Timothy 4:1-3

 

Today, in the world and in the church we are witnessing “the signs of the times” mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 1 Timothy 4:1-3 and Romans 1. These signs must be a reminder that we are without a doubt closer than ever to the departure of the body of Christ which is His church – Amen. As believers, we need to stay alert, recognizing the signs and understanding the context in which they are unfolding. Rather than being fearful, we should be filled with hope and anticipation, ‘sharing the gospel of grace at all cost’, knowing that our redemption draws near.

 

It is important for individuals of all ages, to grasp the significance of these signs and their connection to biblical prophecy. As we witness the signs of the last days, let us remain steadfast in our faith, continually seeking God’s guidance and living in readiness for the Lord’s return. May we be encouraged by the fulfillment of Scripture and the assurance that God’s plans are unfolding just as He has ordained.

 

Exodus 33:19 – God’s Sovereignty and His Graciousness

Exodus 33:19 – God’s Sovereignty and His Graciousness

by | Jul 7, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

In Exodus 33:19, we witness a profound declaration of God’s sovereignty: “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” These words reveal the depths of God’s authority and control over all things. He dispenses His grace and compassion according to His divine will and purpose.

 

As believers, we should revel in the fact that we serve a God who is in absolute control. This is His world; we are His people, intricately crafted by His hands. Even the cattle on a thousand hills belong to Him (Psalm 50:10). As believers we should find great comfort and assurance in knowing that every aspect of our lives is under His watchful care.

 

Above all, let us rejoice in the astounding grace God has poured upon us. Because of His great love and mercy in sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, shed His blood, was buried and raised from the dead three days later (the gospel) – He has not only rescued us from eternal damnation but also guaranteed us eternal fellowship with Him in heaven. Our salvation rests entirely on His sovereignty and unwavering love.

 

In times of uncertainty or when faced with challenges, we can find comfort in the knowledge that our God is sovereign. He holds our lives in His hands, and His grace and compassion are lavished upon us. Let us humbly rest in His sovereignty, trust in His perfect plan, and live each day with gratitude for the immeasurable grace He has bestowed upon us.

 

‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.’

 

Galatians 2:20

 

Galatians 4:16 – Remaining Faithful to the True Gospel

Galatians 4:16 – Remaining Faithful to the True Gospel

by | Jul 7, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

‘Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?’

Galatians 4:16

 

Nothing has changed since the day the apostle Paul wrote Galatians. No one wants to hear the truth.

 

In Galatians 4:16, the apostle Paul expresses his concern for the church in Galatia (and for us today). Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote this passage to address a pressing issue: false teachers had infiltrated the congregation, leading believers astray with a distorted and counterfeit gospel. This warning holds significance for us today, reminding us to be vigilant against false teachings that seek to distort the true gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

 

To understand the gravity of Paul’s words in Galatians 4:16, we can refer to Galatians chapters 1 and 2 and Acts chapter 15. In these passages, Paul recounts his encounters with the Jerusalem church leaders, including Peter, James, and John. Where God instructed Paul to go to the Jerusalem church to set them straight on what the gospel will be moving forward. They affirmed the message (Acts 15:11) Paul preached—the gospel of grace through faith in Christ alone in the finished work of the cross alone apart from the law and temple worship. However, false teachers infiltrated the Galatian church (spy’s from the Jerusalem church) challenging Paul’s authority and perverting the true gospel, the gospel by which all mankind will be judged.

 

‘in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my (the gospel of grace that the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus revealed to Paul, not the gospel of the kingdom) gospel.’

Romans 2:16

 

Paul’s purpose in writing Galatians was to reaffirm the authenticity of the gospel he preached (the gospel of the grace of God) and to correct the false teachings that threatened the Galatian believers (which was that Paul’s converts could not be saved by faith alone in the finished work but they need to keep the law, temple worship and be circumcised). He passionately defends the truth that salvation comes through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, apart from any works or adherence to the law. Read Acts 15 and Galatians 2 for the details.

 

This serves as a timely reminder for us today. We must remain discerning, guarding ourselves against false teachings and distortions of the true gospel. Let us hold steadfastly to the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4), embracing the fact that our salvation rests solely on the finished work of Christ. We must be rooted in sound doctrine and truth, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and protect us from the allure of counterfeit gospels.

 

As we are witnessing unprecedented false teaching and the prophesied apostasy of the church, we must test everything against the truth of God’s Word. By diligently studying Scripture daily, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and remaining faithful to the true gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), we can navigate the spiritual challenges and the doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1) coming in like a tsunami and stand firm in the unchanging truth of Christ.

 

Takeaway

The takeaway is a warning from the apostle Paul. That there is only one gospel that saves mankind today and deviating from the one true gospel will bring condemnation.

 

‘But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.’

Galatians 1:8-9

 

 

Do Not Be Deceived ‘Enemies of the Cross’

Do Not Be Deceived ‘Enemies of the Cross’

by | Jun 29, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

As you read these Bible verses remember that Paul was in prison when he wrote this and it is breaking his heart that false teachers had come into this church in Philippi. Being in prison he can’t confront them only by the written Word.

 

Philippians 3:18

‘For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:’

 

Despite sharing some similarities with Paul’s teachings, these false teachers have twisted the Gospel message, resulting in their own condemnation and enmity against the cross of Christ. While they may believe they are proclaiming the Gospel and leading others in the right direction, the apostle’s words reveal the truth and evoke deep sorrow in him. Now, turning to verse 19, one would expect this to instill fear in some of them.

 

Philippians 3:19

‘whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things.’

 

!! whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly… is this not crystal clear? It is their appetite for physical things that are most important to these or any false teachers. And what does it take to acquire “things”, money!

 

Today, we see it everywhere in “almost” every church. The body of Christ was never meant to have gigantic campuses with coffee bars, pools, basketball courts, a constant drive to gain more YouTube subscribers (under the guise of spreading the word), the neverending push to build a platform for “your church”, again under the guise that we can reach more people with the truth. Beloved, don’t believe it for a second. The gospel of grace does not need a platform, it needs faithful men proclaiming the good news. ‘And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. II Timothy 2:2’.

 

There are men, who sound great on “YouTube” or some other platform that fall in line with this warning from the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:18, 19. Because their god is their belly.

 

Just to clarify, there is nothing wrong with having nice things or even being wealthy. But when it comes to the body of Christ, which is His church money spent on anything other than preaching the gospel and edifying the saints falls under “whose god is their belly”. You can figure out for yourself what it cost and whats needed to spread the gospel.

 

To clarify, the Lord makes it crystal clear what He expects of men who preach and teach His Word, and what they are to expect in doing so. Read the verses below (and there are many more verses but these are explicit and so clear) and tell me if this lines up with massive church facilities, coffee bars, basketball courts, swimming pools, game rooms, and media centers for Christ.

 

‘And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.’

II Timothy 2:2-5,7

 

Takeaway

These passages by the apostle Paul highlight the pervasive presence of false teachings and the imminent danger they pose to the church. They serve as timely reminders for believers to stay vigilant, rooted in sound doctrine, and discerning of the deceptions that can lead to the falling away from the truth; the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. As the return of the Lord draws nearer, we must hold fast to the unchanging truths of Scripture and be diligent in guarding against false teachings that can erode our faith.

 

For ‘You’ Have Magnified Your ‘Word’ Above All

For ‘You’ Have Magnified Your ‘Word’ Above All

by | Jun 28, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

“I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name.”

(Psalm 138:2)

 

In the midst of wickedness, immorality, and uncertainty that surround us, it is essential for believers to recognize the paramount importance of God’s Word. Psalm 138:2 beautifully reminds us of the exalted position of God’s Word above all else, because the Lord Jesus Himself is the Word and the Word is God and God is faithful. This truth should deeply resonate with our hearts and guide us in our daily lives.

 

In these tumultuous times, when the world seems to be drifting further away from God, we can find solace and strength in the unchanging truth of His Word. It is through His Word that God reveals His lovingkindness and truth, serving as an unwavering anchor for our souls. As we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, we encounter the character and promises of our faithful and sovereign God.

 

The Apostle Paul, who is the apostle for the Gentiles, and who alone was given the gospel and doctrine for this age of grace magnifies the importance of God’s word. In his letter to the Romans, he writes:

 

Romans 15:4 –

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

 

The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, were not only written for the believers of their time but also for us today (building blocks for what we have today). They serve as a timeless source of instruction, and guidance teaching us valuable lessons and providing us with hope and comfort in the midst of trials. As we study ALL of God’s Word, we discover the faithfulness of God throughout biblical history and find encouragement (because God is faithful) to trust Him in our present circumstances.

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 –

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

 

Paul reminds us of the divine origin (God-breathed) and purpose of each and every passage in the Bible. It is inspired by God Himself and holds immense value in shaping our lives. The Word of God serves multiple purposes: teaching us sound doctrine, convicting us of sin, correcting our ways, and training us in righteousness. Through Scripture, we are equipped to live out our faith, reflecting the character of Christ and fellow workers with God in His field to produce good works that bring glory to Him (1 Corinthians 3:9-12).

 

2 Timothy 2:15

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 

 

In this verse, the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy, and by extension, all believers, to diligently engage in the study of God’s Word. The command to “study” implies a devoted effort, a disciplined pursuit of understanding and applying Scripture. The purpose of this diligent study is to gain God’s approval and to be recognized as faithful and competent in handling His Word.

 

Paul further emphasizes the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth. This involves correctly handling the Scriptures, and accurately interpreting and applying them within their appropriate contexts (who’s writing, who is the writer writing to, what are the circumstances, what came before and what came after). By doing so, believers become skilled workmen, able to discern and communicate the truth effectively.

 

In summary, 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages believers to prioritize the study of God’s Word, seeking His approval by becoming adept at handling the Scriptures with accuracy, discernment, and a deep desire to understand and live out its truths.

 

Takeaway

 

Believers, let us prioritize the study and meditation of God’s Word, especially in these challenging times. As we delve into the Scriptures, we encounter the lovingkindness and truth of our Heavenly Father, which provides strength, direction, and hope. Let us remain anchored in the unchanging truth of His Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. In doing so, we will be equipped to navigate the uncertainties of this world and shine brightly as beacons of God’s light and love.

Remember: God’s Word stands firm, steadfast, and relevant in every season of life. Let it be our daily source of comfort, guidance, and encouragement.