Understanding and discerning our times s3c
- 1. CAUGHT UP! When Saints Go Home
- 2. ACTS 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up: and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel: Which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
- 3. The Church Age Tribulation (time of Jacob’s trouble) Millennium Ascension
- 4. To understand the Bible (specifically Prophecy) – one must understand DISPENSATIONS The issue of the Rapture is such an Topic of discussion. It becomes a controversy that can not be understood without knowing Dispensations Dispensation means Economy of time or Administration/ Working/ Planning of time So, it refers to how GOD has chosen to plan out time. Ephesians 1:10 Dispensation of the fullness of times Christ was sent here at THE appointed time to gather together all things Ephesians 3:2 Dispensation of the grace of God This time period given to you (non Jews)/ Not known in other ages v5 Colossians 1:25 Dispensation of God which is given to me for you Which had been hid, now made know among the Gentiles 1 Corinthians 9:17 Dispensation of the gospel Made myself servant unto all, v22 I am made all things to all men
- 5. God has planned out and worked in His will throughout the timeframe of human existence. His plans and workings during the time before THE FALL was different than AFTER until the FLOOD. Likewise, how he interacted with man after the Flood was different post the Tower of Babel. Things changed again after Abram was called and was given a PROMISE. His workings again changed after God through Moses brought Israel out of Egypt and give the LAW! These are all different DISPENSATIONS. God never changed, Yet, how He chose to interact with man did. The Cross, Resurrection and Ascension once again changed the standard. We are in this time frame. It is called The DISPENSATION OF GRACE! Questions: If the other Dispensations ended, Will the dispensation of Grace end? If Grace does end, why does it end? (hint) * what is the purpose and when is it completed? When Grace is completed, where do the people of Grace go?
- 6. ANSWER: The RAPTURE Once God has SAVED all that he knows will be saved. He will bring them home. This is what Jesus himself promised. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also. “ John 14:1 – 3 This verse DOES NOT specifically discuss the actual RAPTURE! It does however CONFIRM that Jesus has PROMISED to COME BACK FOR HIS FOLLOWERS! He will COME BACK as PROMISED to “Receive you unto myself”!
- 7. It is clear therefore that Christ is coming back for us. So…………. Why do some Christian teachers and theologians argue against the idea of the Rapture? It is partly a matter of TIMING! Christian’s mostly argue about when and how he returns, Not IF HE RETURNS! Except for the SCOFFERS. They do doubt and deny!! Reason # 1
- 8. Reason # 2 MISUNDERSTANDING Theological and Doctrinal short-sightedness has led to denial of the RAPTURE! Specifically, many characterize the idea of Christ coming to remove his follower’s from the coming world-wide tribulation as a wishful form of escapism. A fantasy taught by people who don’t want to face the fact that we will be persecuted and go through trials and tribulations. They reason, ‘Besides, Even Jesus said, “No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” John 15:20, why would we be spared the TRIBULATION?’ So, You see. The church has not been promised delivery from tribulation. So goes their argument. The teaching of the Rapture is seen merely as a way for some to falsely teach and hope for the easy way out!
- 9. THE TRUTH OF THE RAPTURE • Revealing the accurate understanding by way of accurate Bible Interpretation. • Correcting the two major objections to the Rapture. • Learn the purpose of the Rapture. Truth is KNOWABLE
- 10. GOD WANTS US TO KNOW! • 1 Thessalonians 4:13 • But I would NOT HAVE YOU IGNORANT. • In keeping with MIC Bible Study methods. We know WHO Paul is speaking to - the church. He is teaching them how to live (walk). Specially, he addresses the issue of Christian enduring persecution all while faithfully ministering the gospel and looking forward to the return of Christ. • It is in this context that he says, “that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” • We now know WHAT he is talking about – Christ return! • So is the RAPTURE even in the BIBLE?
- 11. “ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. “ 1 Thessalonians 4: 17 - 18 So is this clearly referring to the Rapture? YES INDEED! It is true that the word RAPTURE is NOT in our English bibles. However, in the original Greek – it is! Harpazo is the Transliteration. The definition is to snatch away, to catch up, to seize. And to do so quickly and by force. Harpazo has been translated into English as RAPTURE. Rapture is in the Bible! So, here we have Paul talking to the church about expectation of Christ coming back. Then letting us know that he DID NOT want us IGNORANT about it. Then FINALLY, he has given us a detailed description of the very event on HOW IT WOULD HAPPEN.
- 12. HOW TO ADDRESS AND CORRECT THE 2 FLAWED OBJECTIONS • Timing • People have confused Christ return • Does he come back once or twice? • Those who reject the idea of the Rapture believe he comes back once. • To do this it has to be timed near the end of the tribulation as the described 2nd coming • Those who teach the Rapture believe that he comes back twice. First for his Church and second for vengeance • Which is correct? • Escaping • People have confused standard trials and tribulation with the TRIBULATION. • Standard persecutions from the enemies of Christ are to be expected • Is The GREAT TRIBULATION the same as standard tribulations. • Is the same power behind the tribulation? • Are the target groups the same? • Is it escape or going home? • What is SALVATION anyways?
- 13. RAPTURE 1THESS 4 • Meet in the AIR • Christ comes for • Believers taken • Unbelievers left behind • Before Tribulation • No signs given • No Judgement • To Mount of Olives • Christ come with / Angels divide • Believers left on earth • Unbelievers taken to judgement • After Tribulation • Many Signs given • Judgement SECOND COMING REVELATION 19 CHRIST RETURN: IN 2 PHASES References Zechariah 14, Matthew 13, Matthew 24
- 14. NOT ESCAPING, JUST GOING HOME • As for the accusation of escaping the wrath and judgement to come • If the Bible taught that believer’s are to undergo this, we would have to agree. • However, It does not! • The Church AGE is also called the AGE of GRACE. • If the age of Grace ends, why would the Church remain? • LET’S Explore and Examine the FACTS!
- 15. STANDARD TRIBULATION • Christian’s are promised to face them • We have and always will suffer for Christ in this life. This is not our home. • The enemy of God is behind them, God allows the trials. • We have been given the Word, the Spirit, and armor to endure and withstand the assault. • These trials are intended to try us and the reward is the crown of Life. • This is the DAY OF THE LORD • This is God’s WRATH to those that rejected him and persecuted His followers. • This is for the Children of Dark • Not APPOINTED US TO WRATH! • But to OBTAIN SALVATION! • Comfort one another THE GREAT TRIBULATION TRIBULATIONS VS THE GREAT TRIBULATION
- 16. GOD’S WRATH AND THE DAY OF THE LORD • The central theme of the entire Bible is the need for restoration post the Fall of man and introduction of SIN. • All of man is DAMNED and CONDEMMED without God’s Mercy and Grace. • Jesus was and IS our ONLY way back to proper relationship with GOD. • SALVATION is ONLY through faith in GOD’s ONLY WAY – JESUS • Rejection of Jesus is rejection or GOD. • God has chosen to punish those who reject Him and His Way. • This is GOD’s WRATH and it is carried out on the DAY OF THE LORD!
- 17. CRITICAL THINKING • If the TRIBULATION is the time of GOD’s Wrath and Judgment designed to punish those who reject, why would he include those who accepted? • More directly. Let’s explore just who are the children of dark (those who reject). Why? It is less important to know who the Tribulation is NOT for and far more important to know the who, what, and why! • Does the Bible tell us who will make up this group? Is it more than one distinct group? • God is dealing with people during this time frame in a different way for a unique purpose. • This is where seeing things by way of DISPENSATIONS is a must.!
- 18. JACOB’S TROUBLE • Jeremiah 30:7 • Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble: but he shall be saved out of it. ………… For I a with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of ALL NATIONS whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee I measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished v. 11 • Additionally, Revelation 1:7 says, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen”
- 19. It is clear that the purpose of the GREAT TRIBULATION is to: 1) Punish and Correct Israel 2) Punish and banish non Jewish (Gentile) From this will arise a new set of believers – some refer to as Tribulation Saints The Jewish People will be saved, but not without going through HELL ON EARTH.
- 20. WHEN WILL THESE THINGS BE • OK, it is clear that a time has been determined by GOD to discipline his chosen people (Jacob/Israel) and ultimately redeem them. At the same time punish and hold accountable those that reject him and abused his people. • The question is “When will these things be?” • The disciples of Jesus asked him that when he was here. Let’s see what HE said!
- 21. Matthew 24 is essential to understand this topic Who is talking? Jesus Who asked the question? Disciples What question was asked? When will these things be What is his answer? He provided an general and detailed description of things His answer involved both elements of the mind frame of the people and the activity of the people. He also included a description of the society and of global relations. He said that ‘they’ would be hated by all the people of the earth. WE MUST ACCURATELY DEFINE THIS PASSAGE TO UNDERSTAND THE REST OF PROPHETIC EVENTS!
- 22. BREAKING DOWN MATTHEW 24 Set up In Chapter 23 Jesus REBUKES the Jewish Leader You rejected GOD/ME, now we will move on from you! As they depart the Temple the Disciples marvel at the majesty of the building. Jesus tells them that it will be destroyed. This generated curiosity for his Disciples, namely, 1) When will the Temple be destroyed 2) Sign of your coming 3) End of the world. Christ Response Both an broad overview and detailed description GENERAL Outline False Christ Nations against Nation Famines/Pestilences/Earthquakes They shall deliver/persecute/kill/Hate YOU! ALL NATIONS SHALL HATE YOU! False Prophets GOSPEL will be preached to ALL nations….Then shall the END Come!
- 23. BIRTH PAINS THEN WILL THE END COME !
- 24. Detailed and specific events • Abomination of Desolation • Warning to flee Swiftly • Great Tribulation * as not seen before in the world from the beginning of time! • False Christ • The Sun and the Moon shall not provide light • The Star will fall from the sky • THEN shall the Son of Man appear in Heaven • RESULT: ALL tribes of the world will MOURN compare Rev:1:7 • The Angels will gather and separate the elect from the damned compare Matt 13:49 • Sign of the Fig Tree and Sign of Noah Observe and know when ready • “This Generation shall not pass” * It is essential to get this statement RIGHT! What generation is he talking a • Abomination of Desolation • Warning to flee Swiftly • Great Tribulation * as not seen before in the world from the beginning of time! • False Christ • The Sun and the Moon shall not provide light • The Star will fall from the sky • THEN shall the Son of Man appear in Heaven • RESULT: ALL tribes of the world will MOURN compare Rev:1:7 • The Angels will gather and separate the elect from the damned compare Matt 13:49 • Sign of the Fig Tree and Sign of Noah Observe and know when ready • “This Generation shall not pass” * It is essential to get this statement RIGHT! What generation is he talking about. • You know NOT the Hour. We are to know the season! That is why we are given signs
- 25. We don’t know the EXACT time! This is clear! But, has God given us any guidepost, signs and references to know his overall time-line? He Has INDEED! IN THE MOST UNEXPECTED PLACE! Leviticus Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Cor. 14:40
- 26. THE LORD’S FEAST AND THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF 7 • AT Sinai, God gave Moses and the children of Israel the TEN commandments. • He did not stop there. He gave the Law! • It is detailed in both Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Leviticus. • Specifically, he outlined APPOINTED TIMES which are His prearranged appointments for ISRAEL. • These are the Lord’s Feast and they have in them deeper meaning than just celebrations • Most of us have been introduced the idea that the number 7 represent the number of PERFECTION or COMPLETION in scripture. • It all points back to creation, where God created the Heavens and the earth in 6 days. Assessing that it was “good”, He rested on day 7. • He implemented this as the schedule for man byway of time keeping and practice. • We would mark time by 24 hour days and 7 day weeks. We would also honor day 7 as a SABBATH.
- 27. The Lord’s Feast are the outline of Future events – plainly stated, they are PROPHECY! There is 7 in total. (see the perfect number) 4 Spring Feast 3 Fall Feast They are timed appointments that God made for the children of Israel. They were to observe them but HE organized it. They celebrate them, but the feast are HIS! In the Spring - Passover / Unleavened Bread / First fruits/ Pentecost In the Fall – Trumpets / Atonements / Tabernacles Leviticus 23
- 28. Passover represented the day that the Death Angel spared those in Egypt that obediently covered their doorpost with the blood of the sacrificial lamb. It was given as a day to observe for the children of Israel to remember and observe. Fast-forward in time. Jesus, the Messiah, was “cut off” as predicted by Daniel chapter nine on the Passover. He was the Sacrificial Lamb of God whose blood covers the sin of those who apply his blood in obedience. Next is the Unleavened bread of seven days of convocation and rest and First Fruits. Together these feast continue to point the the sacrifice of the unblemished Lamb, offered up to God on behalf of his people. Paul would later inform us that Jesus is the first fruit. 1 Cor. 15:23. This represented the Resurrection. Recall – many in Israel at that time also arisen from the graves. Mt. 27:52. Then there is Pentecost (Feast of Weeks) This is 50 days (7 weeks) after the Passover. This was to be a new meat offering and eaten with leavened bread. Obviously, we know the Church was born on the Pentecost after the Crucifixion as the Holy Spirit was given. The FIRST THREE FEAST CLEARLY POINTED TO THE FIRST COMING OF THE LORD!
- 29. Therefore, THE LAST THREE POINT TO THE SECOND COMING! What is NEXT? Feast of Trumpets ROSH HASHANA 7th Month/ 1st Day Feast of Atonement YUM KIPPUR 7th Month/ 10th Day Feast of Tabernacles SUKKOT 7th Month/ 15th Day These are all FALL Feast! They will be fulfilled in the Fall.
- 30. 7 IS THE MEASURE OF PROPHECY • As stated previously, the 7 days of creation is very important. • God uses this number with great frequency in scripture • 7 and its multiples are key to understanding prophecy • Leviticus Chapter 25 focus on the 7 day Sabbath and it is expanded by using multiples of 7. Israel is given the Sabbatical Year (every 7th year) and the Jubilee year (7 cycles of 7 Sabbatical years). This 7 x 7 = 49 ends the cycle and the next year 50th is the Jubilee Year. • Recall how this same method was used in Daniel 9. The 70 weeks prophecy was based on the same.
- 31. Apply the principle truth: 1) God is orderly 2) He has placed special meaning in the number 7 as a measure of TIME. 3) The 7 day week of creation serves as model. Here is the Theory. God has set up time based on 7 (seven) 24 hour day periods. He has used this as a model or template to show us how he has also planned out the ENTIRE AGE OF HUMAN HISTORY. So…. Seven days to set up the world for man followed by seven millenniums to test man. As a 7 day period make a complete week, God has designed TIME into 7 (one thousand year periods). Creation/Flood was the 1st/2nd Mill/ Egypt captivity/David 3rd Mill/The Prophets to the Cross 4th Mill. Church history over the last 5th and 6th Mill 1st Millennium/2nd Millennium/3rd Millennium/ 4th Millennium/ 5th Millennium/ 6th Millennium (7th
- 32. THE 7TH AND LAST MILLENNIUM • So just as with the week, 7 days complete the term of a full week • Therefore, 7 millenniums will complete the the term of God’s time for full history. • If we have completed 6 millenniums since Creation, there is one Millennium remaining. • It just happens to be prophesied that there is a 1000 year period of Christ rule on earth as King. • We are also told that after that Millennium, God will destroy the earth and eternity will began with the New Heaven and New Earth. • This would be consistent with the theory of the importance of 7. Seven is God’s special number of completion. 7 is the key measure of time. Seven millenniums have been given to man-kind in history.
- 33. WHAT TIME IS IT NOW ? Late 6th millennium or End of 6th Millennium
- 34. Putting this all together God has provided 3 key Passages to serve as guidepost to his Timeline of History and Prophecy The Lord’s Feast in Leviticus 23 provide the sequence and meaning of the prophetic time-line The Sabbatical Year in Leviticus 25 provides the time measure and the importance of 7 The Seventy Week prophecy given to Daniel provided both starting point for God’s time clock and detailed events to mark time. Seen together a clear and meaningful understanding of the events of Israel’s past and future is displayed and the time frame of all Man-Kind history is understood!
- 35. CONCLUSION • It is not for fear of having to face the Antichrist that we teach a pre-tribulation Rapture. • It is not because we believe Christian don’t and won’t face persecution. • It comes from rightly dividing and understanding the Bible as presented that we know the purpose FOR the TRIBULATION. • The Great Tribulation is God’s punishment designed for those who rejected Him. He will cast away the hard at heart and save Israel and some tribulation saints. • Lastly, the hope of SALVATION is from this judgment and promise of being removed BEFORE THE WRATH is HIS WORD TO US! Assurance of our Homecoming !