Exodus 23:14-25:40 + Matthew 24:29-51 + Psalm 30:1-12 + Proverbs 7:24-27
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Old Testament – Today in Exodus chapter 23 we read about the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Harvest, and the Festival of Final Harvest (also known as Festival of Booths or Ingathering or Tabernacles). Commentary on Exodus chapter 24, entitled “The Magnificent Meal on Mt. Sinai” is at bible.org at this link. This old covenant meal was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ new covenant Last Supper with his disciples just before his death and resurrection. In chapter 24 Moses is called up on the mountain for forty days and forty nights – similarly Jesus spent forty days and forty nights in the desert after his baptism and before beginning his public ministry. Below is a wonderful image by C.F. Vos of Moses receiving the Law from God on Mount Sinai:
New Testament – Jesus’ teaching in Matthew chapter 24 verse 36 has always stood out to me – particularly when my friends today want to dive into conversations about “if” the end is near: “However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” No one knows the day or the hour – only God. Good for us to keep in mind. We’re not God. 🙂 For more commentary on “The Textual Problem Of oujdeV oJ uiJov” In Matthew 24:36″ at bible.org click on this link. No, I don’t think oujdeV oJ uiJov is a typo. 🙂 Can someone tell me – is this the original Greek? I think so.
Verse 35 is an amazing reminder that Jesus’ words in the Bible will outlast every single material thing around us today: “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.” Do you believe that Jesus’ words will remain forever? Commentary on Matthew 24:40-41 called “Taken for Salvation or Judgment?” is online at bible.org at this link.
Psalms – Today in Psalm 30 verses 4 through 5 we read: “Sing to the Lord; you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” How does this verse speak to you? Do you believe that God’s anger can last only a moment, but his favor last a lifetime? If you are weeping now in some area of your life, do you believe that God can bring rejoicing to you? Will you pray to God to grant you favor in this life and in life everlasting? Will you pray to God to heal any situation that you are weeping over today, and to bring you rejoicing tomorrow? Do you look forward to this rejoicing that will allow you to sing to the Lord as a saint and to praise his holy name?
Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 7 verse 25 reminds us once again of the importance of guarding our hearts, the very wellspring of our lives: “Don’t let your hearts stray away…” Is there anything in your life that is causing your heart to stray away from God’s Truth? Will you not allow you heart to go down that dangerous path? Will you return your heart’s allegiance wholly to your Maker and Provider? Will you allow your heart to be chained to God alone, and not to any temptations or sins?
Worship Video: Matthew 24:35 reminded me of the amazing MercyMe song “Word of God Speak.” Here’s a video of some great images and Scripture verses set to this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74
Have you hear God’s voice? Click here for the Word of God!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would read and study God’s Word each and every day knowing that it is eternal.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: In today and yesterday’s readings in Matthew chapter 24 we read about the end times. Do you do much study of the end times? What are some books or resources or websites you could point others to, to study more about the end times? I have to admit, I don’t think about the end times very much. I know they will come, but I guess I feel like focusing on the end times too much might distract me from doing other ministry here and now. How often do you think about the end times? Do you think there should be a balance of time and study when it comes to reflecting on the end times versus being active in ministry in our world today? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
======= Ramona:
I already know that we are in the last days and so I don’t spend energy trying to figure out if I’m post, pre or whatever “rapture.” I have heard too many unproductive arguments and verbal fighting over which is which and who is right. It doesn’t matter to me because my salvation is not based on which one I believe in and I avoid like the plague conversations that focus on this subject. We are saved by faith, not by fear. So frightening people into the kingdom ain’t going to work. Maybe what will work are those who do hear folks talking about this topic and then they go on a search for the Truth. Of course along the way while looking for Truth, they will find Jesus who is Truth.
Exodus 23:14-25:40
So often, when I read God’s Word I have to be reminded that the Bible confirms itself, each book explains and confirms all other books. As I read verses twenty through twenty-three, of the twenty-third chapter, the words of David’s Twenty-third Psalm flooded my thoughts,
Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep and guard you on the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared…. When My Angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, and I reject them and blot them out, (Exodus 23:20-23 AMP)
God promised back then and still promises to day to set a table in the wilderness, in the presence of our enemies. Wow! To be a people in the world but not of the world (John 15;17) means that we live in the midst of those who don’t like us, our enemies (Matthew 12:30). God deals with His enemies, which are our enemies, by placing us in the midst of the enemies. So I put forth some rhetorical questions, who battles God’s enemies, God or us? Does our presence in the midst cause God to send “Hornets” before us to drive out His enemies, or do we wrest power and control away by political force, whichever way we believe that may manifests itself? In other words, can we legislate righteous behavior?
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Micah Girl:
Re: end times–I agree with Ramona. We are in the end times, but the arguments about when & how it’s going to happen are circular. In fact we have been in the end times since Jesus ascended into Heaven and sent the Holy Spirit. We also never know when our individual time on earth is over, so we should spend it wisely and for larger goals than materialism, selfishness, and things that don’t last. My 2 cents.
What really hit me today was the detail about the ark of the covenant. I am always surprised that God is willing to have his presence in a box, but today was thinking that it’s not unlike being willing to send his presence into a virgin’s womb, as a newborn baby, who then grew up to lead a a human life. And now he’s willing to live inside believers–how powerful it is to have the spirit of God within us!
Micah Girl
======= Ed:
About Jesus knowing the “time” of His coming . The correct rendering of the “Greek” text is “maketh known”, not that Jesus “doesn’t know” or “didn’t know in His humanity”, but the announcement will be made by God The Father. Jesus certainly knew, He was human and Divine, He never gave up His Divinity, but He never used it for His own advantage. He had to gain the victory for us by only using the same “gifts” of God that are available to every soul !
Ed
======= Jan:
Re: the end times & do we think or dwell on such – this is why I always enjoy & purpose in my heart to know Revelations:
Revelation 1:1-3
1 This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him concerning the events that will happen soon. An angel was sent to God’s servant John so that John could share the revelation with God’s other servants.
2 John faithfully reported the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ–everything he saw.
3 God blesses the one who reads this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says. For the time is near when these things will happen.
We will be blessed if we know the scriptures regarding the end times.
Jan
======= John:
Ramona,
I agree with Jan. to me the “word” is to be studied: to learn, but more importantly “to know” God. End times is a significant part of the Bible. I think you need to have a framework in your mind how it all fits in to the “total” Word. You don’t have to argue it ( I agree that some of the most obnoxious and hurtful arguments are over “end times”).
However, like Jan I think the study of end times is a blessing – because you come to realize:
God is a Soverign and Just God.
New Testament “end times” talk is rooted in Old Testament – thus you learn to study Old Testament.
An appreciation for the total, intricate plan of God as events unfold.
Ed:
the “correct rendering”?? Maybe another rendering, but there is no way to know the “correct” translation of this word without interrogating Matthew.
I say this as your translation (backed by a small but acknowledged group of commentators) helps my position of it being a response based on Step 11 of the Wedding Study.
I am glad you brought it up – because I had not seen that translation used until I did some “googling”.
John
======= Ramona:
John and Jan,
I have been reading and studying the entire Bible since, 1987 (Meaning: I have read through using more than one plan, the entire Bible and doing an in-depth study of a book or books as the Spirit leads). Nowhere in my response to Mike’s question do I blow off the reading or studying of Revelations. I just don’t give it any more weight than the other books. Balance is one of the keys to life and we are to take up the whole counsel of God.
I love Richard’s story of Martin Luther’s response when asked about the end of time, which I’ve never heard before. Therefore, I am adopting Luther’s response.
Remember the question that was asked was, “How often do you think about the end times?” and I answered it honestly. I could have given a scholarly answer and blew right past how I really felt but I wanted to be transparent and deal in truth.
Ramona
======= Jan:
Ramona, since you addressed me in your last post with John; I wanted to make sure you understand that I didn’t or was not disputing your comment before mine. I had not even read it, I just made the comment that I did on how I feel about being knowledgable regarding the end times because of what Scripture says in Revelation as I quoted. My comment had nothing to do with what you posted; again I have not read all of your comment before I posted mine; although I did read the whole post that was addressed to John & I since it had my name on it.
No qualms with any of your posts…some of them I read & some of them I skim. But I will read anything that is addressed to me for sure.
Jan
======= Ramona:
Jan,
My apologies for “jumping the gun” and including you in my response. I must remember to not wear my feelings on my finger tips as well as understanding mentioning a name does not make them part of the group. She says with a red face.
Ramona
======= Richard:
Can anyone tell me if there is any relation between the 7 lampstands in todays readings of Exodus and the 7 lampstands we read about in Revalation 1:20?
Richard
======= John:
Richard,
I struggled with your question on a link between the lampstands in Exodus and Revelation. Mainly because I am not sure if lampstand(s) in Revelation are individual lapstands or one unit with 7 bowls like in Exodus.
Regardless, I believe the symbolism is the “Light of the World”. When Jesus was on earth – He was the Light of the World. In Old Testament the tabernacle lampstand represented the “Light of the World”. That could be Jesus as the main part of lampstand, but more likely representing the Holy Spirit who hovered over the earth doing the Fathers work. The number seven would tend to support the idea of it representing the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus ascended to heaven – we (the church) became the “Light of the World”. If individual lampstands, the church (or as some think: the church ages) gave varying degrees of Light. Jesus, in Revelation, gave evaluations of the churchs (or church ages).
Revelation can be tough to interpret, but I think the “Light of the World” concept holds water.
John
======= Anka:
End times:I was about 13 when some well meaning kids at school told me about how terrible it will be after the rapture takes place and you are left behind.They also had a movie,raptured(if I remember correctly)which helped make their point.I received Christ out of fear.Soon enough many of the christians who talked to me about rapture soon lost their fear and having no other teaching except the end times didn’t remain christians for very long.I didn’t either.
Right now I must say I believe if you are a good servant then you’ll have no worries about when your master will come cos you will have other things to worry about eg.the things you have been told to do.Being a doer of the word(especially to give thanks in all things,not to murmur and to love those that hate you)keeps me on my toes.
I however also believe that God gave us the whole bible..and “study to show your self approved” doesn’t limit us to a few parts of the bible…right now…I’m still in the getting to know my father bit:)
Exodus 23:14-15..God seems to be teaching his people how to show appreciation for what he did.I would have imagined that the people out of respect wouldn’t have gone to the feast without an offering but God knew his people,saw into their heart and deals with every detail in their lives.
It was also interesting to read the part that forbids cooking a young goat in it’s mother’s milk..made me wonder if God considered it a act of cruelty to do that or if there was some other reason.
Then in exodus 24 when the elders ate and drank in the Lord’s presence..it even mentions that the Lord didn’t raise his hand to strike them…the elders must have been really gutsy to eat and drink in God’s presence…from all the description of God’s glory and holiness,I’m sure if I did see God like that…I’d be too stunned to move let alone eat!
God bless you all
Anka
======= Nicole:
I do not read much into the end of times. I used to go to a church that was into figuring out when the exact time when Jesus would come back. To me, I wanted to learn how to serve in the ministry now, and not be caught up in reading the signs. God didn’t tell us back then when the second coming would happen and I am pretty sure that he isn’t going to tell us now. But I figure that as long as I have a personal relationship with Jesus, read the Bible, etc..I don’t need to worry about when the end of times is coming. I can enjoy the time now and serve the church.
Nicole
======= Laura:
Regarding the end times: The serious of books written by Tim Lehaye and Jerry Jenkins come to mind. Both authors collaborated on a serious of 12 books which are fictional but taken out of the book of Revelations. For me, The story got really long especially when you got to the last set of books, but they keep the reader interested. I got a little obsessed with reading them and knew the exact day that the Christian book store would get the new books in. I always bought the hard back copies because I couldn’t wait for the paper backs to come out. I guess I need to go back to the verse in Matthew 24:36 which states that NO ONE knows the day or the hour these things will happen regarding the coming of our Lord. We need to just sit back and trust God and to take care of our day to day business of serving Him. I believe that if thoughts of the second coming have caused someone to seek after God and brought them to salvation, than it appears that God’s purpose has been accomplished.
Laura
======= Rich:
My favourite perspective on the End is that of Martin Luther who was, so the story goes, asked by one of his students how he would employ his day if he knew for sure that Jesus would return that evening. The student expected that Luther might spend the day in prayer and other devotions but Luther replied that he would plant an apple tree. The student was baffled. Why plant an apple tree if one knows that the end was just a few hours away? Luther said (in effect) “For all I know Jesus just MIGHT come again before this day is done. If He does I shall want to be found doing the work He has called me to do and that, for today, is to plant an apple tree. And now if you would excuse me I have an apple tree to plant!”
Rich
========== Jackie:
I am another student of the end times. I have read the Left Behind series through, three times. When I first read them, I was serching for something. I found it in those books. I am now past my fasination of the books, and have moved on. I have read the Bible several times through, and, have a problem with remembering, lol, but, I learn something new, each time I read it. I’ve read several versions of the Bible..in story form, which is for us older ones with a so so memory. A little easier to understsand. The NIV and the King James version.
Sorry, got off the point. lol By reading the Left Behind books, a hunger was awakened in me for more of Gods word, Especially, Revelations. The books helped me to understand better, what is in Revelations, and the rest of the Bible. I will continue to search for my answeres in the Bible, and I will continue to favor Revelations and the LaHaye books. I know it has helped a lot of people get ” off the fence “, when it comes to believing or not believing. I just pray that God will help me to understand more of the Bible, every day.
God Bless, and keep the comments flowing. They help me to see all sides and views.
Jackie
======== Lesley:
Recent political events have greatly increased my interest in the end times. For example, the Iranian president has said that he wishes to establish his capitol in Babylon … something foretold in Revelation.
I don’t think it’s useful to try and pin down a timeline. That’s just a distraction from living our lives. (Clearly, Jesus wanted us to move forward and live our lives, or he would have presented us with the dates.) But I do think that being aware of ongoing events, and how they could – not ARE, but COULD – be a signpost, is a wake-up call for us all.
Lesley
======= Johnny:
Everyone, since Mike asked about the end times I decided to share this link with you. Over the years it is one of the best prophetic/end time sites I have found. Weekly commentary on current events and how they relate to the end time plus many MANY more resources. Hope it is a blessing to many as it has been to me.
http://www.raptureready.com/
Johnny
======= Winston:
I would recommend checking out The Last Days According to Jesus and The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in The Book of Revelation. I think it’s important to be up to speed on all the interpretations of prophecy in the Bible and to not let eschatology overly influence your worldview. Let God take care of God’s business. Our job is to be the people of God here and now.
Winston
======= Pam:
A verse that really encourages me is in Matthew 24:31 31And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Notice He gathers his elect from the four winds, and from one end of the heavens to the other, not from the four corners of the earth…Since Jesus’s words will last forever, I am pursuaded by Scripture that we will be caught up in the air before His final return. (also see I Thes 4: 15 -18)
I have studied end times several times and about a year ago purchased a study from Koinonia House by – Chuck Missler you can find it at http://www.khouse.org. The study can be downloaded and has a power point presentation – It is an awesome study that I recommend for anyone looking at all the different view points of the end times.
In regard to the affect the end times has on my ministry, I am compelled with great urgency to witness and reach out to the lost.
Pam
======= Pat:
I recently finished reading the 12 books in the Left Behind series and enjoyed them thoroughly. I waited until I had all 12 before starting them so I could read them straight through. I’m not obsessed with the end of time but have been studying the prophecy for the past year. I can see where some of the prophecy has been fulfilled or is being fulfilled now but there are still important events that haven’t taken place and must occur prior to the last days according to the Scripture.
There are only two things I know for sure regarding the end of times – (1) We need to concentrate on our relationship with our Lord today instead of worrying about what will transpire in the future, and (2) the end of times are closer today than they were yesterday.
Pat
======= Mae:
Verses that stood out for me today:
Exodus 23:25 “You must serve only the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will protect you from illness”.
Matthew 24:45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them”.
Psalm 30:11 “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy”.
Proverbs 7:25 “Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path”.
If you are weeping now in some area of your life, do you believe that God can bring rejoicing to you? Will you pray to God to grant you favor in this life and in life everlasting? Will you pray to God to heal any situation that you are weeping over today, and to bring you rejoicing tomorrow? Do you look forward to this rejoicing that will allow you to sing to the Lord as a saint and to praise his holy name? ~ I do believe that God can bring rejoicing to me, he DOES. He can change my point of view and that makes it that I can smile again even when I’m in a situation that’s not as pleasant as I wish. You know what I mean? God can make a wrong right, and that’s what I need. I need to get a new point of view, to take another good look at a situation and think “It’s not that bad at all”. God can make me think like that; nothing really changed about a situation, it’s my attitude that changed, which will help me a lot. God is good!
Mae
======= Jenny:
I do study the end times, not more then anything else but i have a real interest in it. i agree with Pineapple mom. It gives you a sense of urgency in your ministry. If Jesus didnt want us to think of end times, why would He have talked about it as much as He did! Why would revelation be written and give us very detailed accounts of what will take place in the last days.
We ARE in the last days, end times (the not great Trib.) but as far as wanting to be concerned with the here and now, the end times are here! and are now! We cant ignore that!
Jesus wants us to be watching, praying, awaiting His return! we cant know when his return is but we can know the season…we are getting very close. Its like a woman in labor, the contractions are getting closer and closer together. The rapture could be tonight, could be in a 100 yrs (but judging by the way the world is…looks like man is getting ready to destroy itself). Jesus said if He didnt come back when He did, mankind would wipe itself out. Look at the world, north korea has nuclear weapons, Iran is developing them. Muslim extremists believe if they kill as many infadels as possible, this will usher in their messiah, so they believe. They hate Israel of course, the ‘little satan’, and the US is the ‘great satan’.
There are so many problems with no solutions, Aids is growing and so many other epidemics, perilous times. we are getting down to the wire!
This should give us a great urgency to tell others about Christ and warn others!
One guy I heard speak is really great, Dave Hunt. he has written many books and he has studied a lot on the end times, so i recommend him. He spoke at my church once and discussed his book: “America, Israel, and Islam”. fascinating! also has a book called: “A woman rides a beast”.
I also recommend “The Final Curtian” by Chuck Smith.
Jenny
======= Lisa:
I just wanted to thank you for this blog and all the effort you put into it. At the beginning of this year, I prayed and wished to read the Bible. It’s something I’ve never been able to do because I simply didn’t/don’t get what’s written. I stumbled on this website and found a Bible version I can actually understand. Your blog adds the additional dimension I have been wishing for.
I still have a hard time understanding the Old Testament, esp the sacrifices, the fighting and the talk of enemies. I just don’t understand it but perhaps with time. I’m a highly sensitive person who feels bad for the underdogs. The sensitivity is just who I am however it prevents me from understanding the Bible.
Again, thanks for this blog. You have made a difference. I read this during my lunch hour and often don’t get to comment but do know I’m out here.
Lisa
========= Angie:
I to am moved to share what a blessing your blog has been to me this year! I have read the One Year Bible several years and set that as a goal to commit to again this year. But always felt like I needed more to go with the readings! You provide that! My time in the word has become so much richer. I am enthused and a won’t miss a day! Blessing to you!
Angie
========== Michael:
Thanks so much for this Bible Blog and the amount of time you put into it. I took up the challenge this year to read the Bible through in a year. I feel that it is now becoming part of my daily routine. Reading God’s word daily gives me strength to fight off “the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Thankyou again.
Michael
======== Evelyn:
Thank you for this blog. I had tried before to read the whole bible but lost interest just after a few chapters in Genesis. This blog has made such a difference, I can’t believe I’ve stuck with it for this long! I’m almost through with the 2nd book in the bible! How exciting! I really believe I will read through the whole Bible this year! I’m so excited to see how this experience will affect my relationship with Christ! I always look forward to reading this blog everyday after I read the daily bible readings. Your commentary is very inspiring and motivates me to keep reading! Thanks again!!! I’m so glad I found this website (on facebook)!
Evelyn
======== Sam:
As time goes on, I have have made it a priority to study Bible prophecy some for a few reasons:
1)I desire to know the times and seasons (not the day or hour).
2) It is called the blessed hope and I don’t want to be ignorant – as Paul said.
3) Revelation is the THE book that promises a blessing to it’s reader.
4) The entire Bible is a book of prophecy if you study it.
5) Much much more time is dedicated in scripture to the second coming than to the first.
6)I want to BE READY!
Sam
======== Debi:
I try never to think about the end times…except to pray that if I’m alive when it happens, I have the blessing of holding true to my faith, and not being deceived by all the false teachings that will arise! After all, if “not even the Son knows the day or the hour, only the Fsther knows” then I really could use my prayer time better!
God Bless
Debi
======= Jim:
As for “The End Time” and various eschatological theories about how everything will work out, I firmly believe that no human being has figured it all out accurately. Isaiah 55:8-9 says:
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
In my opinion it is hubris for anyone to claim they have it all figured out, and the self-proclaimed “experts” in prophecy who assert that they know it all will be humbled. We will all be amazed to see how perfectly it does fulfill prophecy, but will only see it all retrospectively. Jesus’ message to us is plain. The signs tell us that the time is drawing near, but nobody except the Father (and I believe the Son as well now, since His resurrection and ascension to rule in Heaven) knows the time. Therefore, we need to be doing our best to carry out His will so He’ll find us doing that when He does return.
Revelation is a fascinating book to study, but the key point is found in Rev. 19:6:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.”
That is all that we need to know about “The End Times.” God is in charge. He will work everything out according to His will.
Jim
========== Janet:
Interesting-
Ex 32:28 balancing out Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
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Fascinated while observing the Lord’s detail-
The commentary for Ex 25:17 reads “Blood from the sacrifices stood between God and the broken law of God.”
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Awe struck with Sabbath being viewed as SALVATION…looking ahead Ex 31: 12-16 reads
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.
“‘Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people. For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death.The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant.
Substitute SALVATION for Sabbath and God’s Plan of Redemption jumps off the page! To GOD be the Glory!
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In agreement with John A. end time discussions cause disharmony. In fact supporting the way Pastor preaches it (literal interpretation), works for me. BUT : ) we are closer each minute to the end time and like Sam posted commanded to be alert!
Mt 24:42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming
Praying, always
Janet
======= Steve:
Matthew 24:32-35 Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33 Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. 34 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
For a long time I’ve semi-avoided studying the end times, thinking it could serve as a distraction until the Lord walked me through fundamentals first. I’m not sure doing it this way was right or wrong, but I was reserving the plunge until the desire festered and I knew it was time to jump in with both hands and feet. We are in the last times, this I am certain of. How do you deal with others that don’t believe we are close, very close to the end times? The last thing I want is to enter into an unfruitful debate, defending what I believe. I like the old adage, tell them all about the Gospel, every detail and if you have to, then go ahead and use actual words.
Steve
======== Quincy:
I havn’t done much study on the end times, but i have done some study. i think its good that we are aware of the end times because then it can help us press forward even harder in our ministry to save the lost. knowing that the end is near we can now focus on spreading the word god getting people saved and trying to convence those that are lost that there is not much time. i watch pastor John Hagee preach on this subject plenty of times, i suggest every christian here him do this becuase he lays it out pretty plain and motivates me to act now in what God has called me to do because the time is near we are alredy having the birth pains now.
Quincy
======= James:
I think when it comes to “end times”, we do get hung up trying to figure out His return. But let’s face it, our earthly life is but a mist, a vapor, 100 years if we’re healthy. So we will have our appointed time with God at His knowing not ours. I got side tracked on the “Left Behind” books and by many Biible teachers interpretation the “tribulation” has already occurred! I am now inclined to believe that as well that when Jesus returns, no more 2nd chances, sin will be dealt its final blow. Anyway, it is harvest time now! Lord help me to be bold to proclaim Jesus to all who will listen and may I do so in love and truth. I know I have fallen way short of the mark on this task The Lord has called of me. Thanks be to God for this Bible blog.
James
====== Calypso:
I attended a bible study on Revelation here at my workplace. The gentleman that conducted it was very smart and the teaching was excellent.. however, his lecturer voice put me to sleep.. (I’m sure that was a tactic of the enemy now that I look back on it..)
I eventually dropped out because I really didn’t want to skip my lunch to hear the gloom and doom of the end of times; I really needed to be lifted up and energized on a Wednesday afternoon…
I don’t know.
Revelation is a fascinating book.. it’s just.. so much for my little brain to handle.
Calypso
======== Bob:
And then there’s the party I attended in New York where I met a well-known journalist who, when he was told that I’m a pastor, wanted to know if all of you pastors use big charts with timelines and graphics to show people when the world is going to end and how Christians are going to escape while those who are left behind endure untold suffering. From: “What we talk about when we talk about God” by Rob Bell. Hmmm, maybe Rob has got something here! What do we look like to the world when we start talking about end times? Does it scare, em? Do we have to pull a Jeremiah and wear an ox yoke to get people’s attention. Do we lose our credibility real fast? Or is this just an insider thing with Christians? Is it something only we have to “worry” about? Tomorrow we may see God’s Word to us in Mathew 25.
Bob
======== Chloe:
I have a study group in my home once a week on eschatology. I believe that is part of the gospel “to study to show thyself approved”. We are promised a special blessing Rev 1:3 if we read, hear, and keep what we read and hear. I believe the church is asleep and doesn’t want to hear of ” doom and gloom” or of what is coming, but I think He wants us to know these things.
We study pre, mid, post tribulation return just because ” no one knows the day or hour” but we can know the season of His return. We are in that season and Israel is His time piece. The generation that saw Israel become a nation is that generation that will see His return! PTL!
Books we have studied: John Shoreys “The Window of the Lord’s Return 2012-2020,” Johnathan Cahns “The Harbinger” and The Year of the Shemitah”
Chloe
======= Carol:
Wow…praying for a time of rejoicing…what a concept! I honestly had not thought of that before. My life has always been one of “survival”, just trying to be happy/thankful and making decisions that would afford me “less” pain. When I read life testimonies of other Christians who have gone through much pain/hardship and they are so joyous, I’ve always wanted that but it has alluded me. I will pray for this! And also praying for God’s favor.
I think about the end times a lot and have done so for many years. I read about the end in Revelation and always wondered how we got there. I’m beginning to see it more and more clearly now. The end of last year, I read in Rev. about all these horrible things happening and people still not turning to the Lord. I’m seeing that now, with people not only not turning to the Lord but actually turning away and trying to lead others to do so also.
People frighten me during these times. I remember reading about the lemmings when I was a child and it really disturbed me and I said to myself, “if I were there I would stop them somehow from going off the cliff”. When I was a teenager I read extensively about the Holocaust and said to myself, “if I were there I would try to warn people and stop it somehow”. Here I am now, with people headed towards that cliff of destruction and they refuse to (or are blinded to) the end results and even worse….people inciting/enticing others to follow them off the cliff. It makes me feel so sad but also frightened by their blindness about the harm they are doing. They promise a utopia where we all are holding hands…singing “Kumbaya” (without the “my Lord” part as that wouldn’t be PC) but all I see is them becoming the “borg” (star trek), mindlessly obeying and going off that cliff. Even if one is not a Christian, a simple study of World History would give a glimpse of where they are heading.
Anyway, I work on trying to stay more focused on what God has for me to do, not matter what is happening around me. I look at Christians who have successfully accomplished that for my encouragement in this endeavor as I tend to stop for awhile to watch and contemplate the destruction around me.
In the “What Now” book that goes along with our daily readings, I think it was yesterday that asked, “what would we do/do differently if we knew Jesus was coming back in two weeks”! I sure know I’m going to try and be more focused and working on whatever God calls me to do, for the Kingdom of God and For God’s Glory.
Carol
======= Dee:
End times. I feel like we are more and more closer to end times.. I look at the sky sometimes just wondering how long the Lord is going to let the world continue. However, I love Him and serve Him and love seeing my children and family prosper and be blessed and be here to help and pray for others.
Ex 23:14-25:40
Going over yearly festivals-3 a year in the name of the Lord.
* 1st is the Festival of Unleavened Bread-in remembrance of God’s people leaving Egypt.
* 2nd Festival of Harvest- Bring 1st fruits/grains from first crop of year.
*3rd Festival of Final Harvest-when you harvest all crops from all fields-every man appears before the Sovereign Lord.
God wants Your Very Best!
I hear a little of the book of Ruth in this esction where u go, I’ll go, Your people, will be my people, (I will be your God) I will b less you. However, do not serve other gods, or imitate the people or culture for whom I am sending u to.defeat-I will defeat – I will bless u with food, water, and protection.
Then God met with Moses , Aaron and 70 of the Elders. And they actually got to see the Lord and not die while they ate.
And He the Lord had Moses and Joshua come up and Moses climbed up on mountain for instructions and commands to be written on tablets.
The Lord reveals how to present Ark of Covenant and His instructions will appear above it. It will be beautiful and God’s people will help fulfill the inventory needed to build and create it. All this was given while on the mountain.
Matt 24:29-51
Be watchful, looking, seeking. Don’t be caught off guard -when the Son of Man makes his appearance again.
Ps 30:1-12
Dedicating the temple- Praise ye the Lord-I will sing of your praises forever- weeping last for the night -Joy comes in the morning. Amen!
Prov 7:24-27
again -stay away from waywardness-don’t give in-don’t stray -be committed in the Word, faith, and in your own bride/groom. Amen.
be blessed!
Dee
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