Category: Second Coming of Christ

The King of Glory

Monday, September 12, 2016

“Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah” (Psalm 24:10 KJV).

Just who is “this King of Glory,” “the LORD of hosts?”

While the Psalms are often “devotionalized”—used for “everyday inspiration”—they are actually a series of songs God has used (and will use) to teach the nation Israel doctrine (especially prophecy). For example, in Psalm 22, we see Israel’s Messiah suffering on Calvary’s cross (verses 1-21) and then reigning in His glorious earthly kingdom (verses 22-31). Psalm 23 illustrates Israel’s believing remnant, suffering persecution during the seven-year Tribulation, anticipating that coming kingdom that will eclipse their distress. Today’s Scripture is the last verse of Psalm 24, the closure of the triplet (Psalms 22-24). Psalm 24 is the arrival of Israel’s Messiah, the Lord Jesus, JEHOVAH God, as He returns to Earth to destroy Israel’s enemies. He enters the city of Jerusalem for Father God to crown Him as King of Earth’s governments. This is His REAL triumphal entry!

Psalm 24 in its entirety: “[1] The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. [2] For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. [3] Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? [4] He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. [5] He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. [6] This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. [7] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. [8] Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. [9] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. [10] Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.”

What a day it will be when Jesus Christ is crowned as Earth’s King for all to see! 🙂

More About Jesus #4

Sunday, August 28, 2016

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV).

The fourth verse of Eliza E. Hewitt’s classic 1887 hymn, “More About Jesus,” highlight’s today’s Scripture.

“More about Jesus; on His throne,
Riches in glory all His own;
More of His kingdom’s sure increase;
More of His coming, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus Christ is understood most fully by approaching the Scriptures dispensationally. God gave the Apostle Paul the final installment of His revelation to mankind (cf. Colossians 1:23-29). We get the complete picture by acknowledging “the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery” (Romans 16:25). Not only is Jesus Israel’s Messiah (prophecy), He is the Head of the Body of Christ (mystery).

As our physical body takes orders from our brain, so we members of the Church the Body of Christ serve our Head (Jesus Christ). We learn more about Him, thereby learning more about what He is doing and more about what He wants us to do. Father God’s purpose in creation is not simply to glorify His Son Jesus Christ in Earth (with Israel). His purpose is also to glorify Christ in Heaven (with us!). Ephesians chapter 1: “[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”

One day, saints, when this earthly life is over, and we the Church the Body of Christ are caught up into heaven, we will function in the heavenly places in the ages to come. We will glorify Father God by Christ Jesus there: “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21). With the Body of Christ beginning to functioning in Jesus Christ’s heavenly kingdom, He will return to Earth as Israel’s Prince of Peace to have Israel function in His earthly kingdom. His kingdom will increase, so our knowledge of it should surge as well!

Be Still and See, Israel!

Sunday, August 21, 2016

“O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (2 Chronicles 20:12 KJV).

History and prophecy!

Judaean King Jehoshaphat has just received news of a great Gentile army coming against Jerusalem (verses 1 and 2). A frail man like us, he is struck with fear, seeks the LORD’S guidance, and thus proclaims a fast throughout Judah (verse 3). “And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD” (verse 4). Jehoshaphat prays before Israel (verses 5-13). Today’s Scripture is that prayer’s conclusion. Jehoshaphat’s closing words are: “Our eyes are upon thee.”

Jehoshaphat tells Israel in verse 17: “Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.” The Spirit of God comes upon Jahaziel, and, in verse 14, he had encouraged Israel: “Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

This reminds us of what happened in Exodus 14:13-14, several hundred years prior to Jehoshaphat: “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” (God vanquished the Egyptian armies in the Red Sea!)

Read the rest of 2 Chronicles chapter 20 to see how God worked a mighty victory for Israel. The Jews never lifted one weapon! They merely sang and praised God, and He had their enemies kill one another! Prophetically, Israel needs to let God take care of their enemies. Like in history, they will just watch and let Him do all the work (Revelation 19:11-21)!

Bible Q&A #295: “What does ‘Lord of Sabaoth’ mean?”

Our Refuge, Strength, and Help

Monday, July 18, 2016

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 KJV).

Despite all the recent violent acts in our world, today’s Scripture is just as true as it ever was!

A frequent complaint made against the Bible is that it has “no relevance” to us today. Scientific achievements, education, and technological advancements have allegedly replaced the need for the Holy Scriptures. Mankind believes that, because he has leapt many intellectual hurdles in recent decades, he has progressed enough to no longer need God’s insight. The Bible, while “nice reading,” has been relegated by most to an inferior status. It is said, “Only fools believe that old Book!”

Despite all the educational institutions, religions, political platforms, social movements, scientific innovations, and technological discoveries in the world, however, man’s fundamental problem—sin—remains. Times have indeed changed; unfortunately, mankind never has! Fortunately, God has never changed either! For such an “old Book,” the Bible still provides a logical answer. We must seek help from Someone beyond our human frailties!

Today’s Scripture (yet future) finds Israel at the very end of her quest for righteousness. She has exhausted all avenues of deliverance. The Antichrist has failed her. Her religion has failed her. Education has failed her. Her human “allies” have failed her. Economics have failed her. She has finally come to realize what God had been trying to teach her for the last 4,000 years. He is her only hope. He, not her works, is the answer to her sin problem. He, not her politics, is the answer to her enemies. He, not her education, is the answer to her confusion. He, not her economics, is the answer to her poverty.

Read today’s Scripture in context. Psalm 46 is only 11 verses. In it, we see Christ’s glorious Second Coming to Earth, Him rescuing Israel from all her enemies, Him restoring Israel to Himself, and Him establishing His earthly kingdom. It was all because of Him and His faithfulness, not because of her!

Friends, as our world becomes more chaotic, more uncertain, the unchanging truths of the eternal Word of God must be forefront in our minds. The Lord Jesus Christ—our refuge, our strength, a very present help in trouble. He is our only hope, too! 🙂

False Prophets

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11 KJV).

While actually describing the future state of the world, today’s Scripture is easily seen today.

Recently, while visiting a local park, I encountered four cult members distributing free literature at a sidewalk booth. They undeniably call themselves “Christians.” While they were friendly people, and probably more generous and loving than the average Christian, their doctrine is so far removed from sound Bible teaching that they could not be rightly called and never be rightly called Christians. Having spoken with a friend who was saved out of that group, having read their literature, and having spoken with several of them over the years, I know their denominational hierarchy has them slaving away in doing good works in hopes of them entering God’s kingdom. You can be sure these four heard the Gospel of God’s Grace from me. What they do with God’s Son is on them now!

The Lord Jesus gave His Second Olivet Discourse in Matthew chapter 24—the context of today’s Scripture. His apostles wanted to know the characteristics of the end-times, events that would occur leading up to His return (Second Coming). He issued seven warnings not to be deceived (verses 4,5,11,23-26). The chief characteristic of the end-times is deception. In the words of Jesus Christ, “Many” deceivers deceiving “many.” Why?

People will be claiming to be “Christ,” God manifested in human flesh. There will be people professing to be “prophets,” God’s spokespeople to mankind. People will be performing miracles using Satan’s power, but claiming to be God’s miracle-workers. They will all pave the way for the Antichrist, the epitome of deception, the Man of Sin and the Son of Perdition (Damnation), the physical representation of Satan’s lie program. The world having been so deceived in the 2,000 years since Jesus spoke today’s Scripture, it is so easy to see just how easily the Antichrist will enter with little opposition. Having rejected the love of the truth, they can now enjoy “strong delusion [deception]” and “believe a lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:2-12).

Friends, let us stay with the Word of God rightly divided. ‘Tis the only way to avoid the deceivers!

Our special-edition Bible Q&A #275: “Was the Apostle Paul a false prophet?”

Distress of Nations, With Perplexity

Monday, June 13, 2016

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (Luke 21:25,26 KJV).

If you think the nations are “distressed” today, just consider what prophecy holds!

With the dawn of instant communication, never has God’s Word reached more people and spread so far into the world as it has right now. Billions of printed Bibles in thousands of languages. Millions of Bible study resources in thousands of languages found online. Nevertheless, apathetic sentiment toward the Bible is increasingly becoming belligerent rejection. We in so-called “Christian America” are hearing more and more bad news concerning the breakdown of our society—civil unrest, financial uncertainty, mass murders, sexual deviations, political revolution, et cetera.

People in all nations are growing increasingly desperate in attempts to find meaning, love, acceptance, and gratification. It will only worsen. Others in all nations are growing increasingly desperate to find solutions to society’s problems by looking to politics, religion, economics, et cetera. That too will only worsen. Having rejected the light and life that God’s Word provides in Jesus Christ, they never cease to grope around in darkness in a frantic, panic, manic search! Oh, but, dear friends, what we see today is not as bad as it is going to get!

Today’s Scripture is extracted from Jesus’ Second Sermon on the Mount. After describing the various judgments in the Heavens, the Lord shifts focus to the Earth. Just before His Second Coming, as the seven-year Tribulation runs its course, we read of the “distress of nations, with perplexity… Men’s hearts failing them for fear….” “Distress” is translated “anguish” in 2 Corinthians 2:4—suffering or sorrow. “Perplexity” is “knowing no way out.” With sin reaching its pinnacle under the Antichrist, Jesus says the nations will finally reach “rock bottom.”

Thankfully, our world, although bad off, is not there yet! For now, our Dispensation of Grace will continue operating… until no one else wants to trust Christ (2 Peter 3:9)!

A Prayer According to God’s Will

Thursday, May 5, 2016

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV).

On this United States’ National Day of Prayer, we pray you pray according to the Lord Jesus Christ’s will for today!

Today, religious people—the general public, clergy, and government officials—will assemble nationwide, like they do every year, and pray for spiritual and moral revival of the “Christian” (?) United States of America. We commend their noble efforts, but God’s Word says there will be no godly revival of any of the world’s Gentile nations until Jesus Christ returns to earth at His Second Coming (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Revelation 11:15; et cetera).

The LORD’s words to King Solomon are often quoted on this day: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Friends, this is certainly God’s Word, but has nothing to do with Gentiles in the United States in the Dispensation of Grace. This verse has a context often overlooked—the nation Israel under the Mosaic Law, praying in relation to God’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 15,16). Actually, that Temple was destroyed over 19 centuries ago! Unlike Israel, the United States was never a divinely-founded nation. The American people as a whole are not God’s people like Israel was.

Rather than praying 2 Chronicles 7:14, remember today’s Scripture (God’s Word to us Gentiles). The verse following today’s Scripture says, “[God] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Pray for those in authority, that they would trust Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour, and then grow in His Word to them so they can make wise decisions on behalf of the people they govern.

A New Standard of Power #7

Friday, April 29, 2016

“Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers” (Jeremiah 16:14,15 KJV).

If you think God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt was spectacular, just wait until you see what He has in store in prophecy!

Although Israel messed up God’s purpose and plan for them once they came out of Egypt, today’s Scripture loops back to show us God will still fulfill His will with them (cf. Leviticus 26:44,45).

Today’s Scripture resembles a passage descriptive of Jesus Christ’s Second Coming to be Israel’s King. Jeremiah 23:5-8: “[5] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. [6] In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. [7] Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; [8] But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.”

Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was glorious, but there is a greater deliverance yet future. The famous “Valley of Dry Bones” passage (Ezekiel chapter 37), which you should read in your own time, illustrates how God will bring redeemed Israel back from all those foreign nations. They will finally enjoy God’s earthly kingdom… they should have experienced it after leaving Egypt! Regardless of their failures, God will still be faithful to them. He will make them His people, fill them with His Spirit forever, and they will never disappoint Him again! 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Are we ‘doom and gloom’ Bible-prophecy believers?”

The Holy One in Israel

Monday, April 4, 2016

“So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel” (Ezekiel 39:7 KJV).

The King has returned!

Friend, hopefully, you read today’s Scripture slowly. Lest you did not, we duplicate its final words: “…the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.” Note the little two-letter (seemingly insignificant) preposition “in.” Usually, in the Old Testament, we read of “the Holy One of Israel.” That term highlights that the Being separate from sinners—the Creator God—belonged exclusively to the nation Israel (as opposed to all nations). But, in today’s Scripture, the underlying thought goes beyond Israel merely having a relationship with God. Here, He is “in” Israel—not the “the Holy One of Israel” but rather “the Holy One in Israel!” You must be cognizant of the context of today’s Scripture to fully appreciate the change in terminology.

Chapters 38 and 39 of the Prophet Ezekiel’s giant book explicate the Antichrist’s reign and Jesus Christ’s return to fight and destroy him and his confederacy of nations (Battle of Armageddon). Also highlighted is the re-gathering, salvation, and restoration of the nation Israel so that she enters Jesus Christ’s Millennial Kingdom on Earth. The Jews, punished by God for centuries of pagan idolatry, have been scattered for over 2,500 years throughout every nation under heaven. At the point of today’s Scripture, this dispersion has ended.

At the time of today’s Scripture, Israel’s Messiah (Jesus) is no longer a royal exile in heaven. He went there 2,000 years ago when they refused to have Him as their King and demanded His crucifixion. Now, He is back, and He is literally standing in the land of Palestine (cf. Zechariah 14:4; Zechariah 8:23). The whole world can see Him in a physical body, the visible representation of the invisible God, literally right there in Israel’s midst! How exciting! Little wonder, we read: “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” (Revelation 1:7).

The “Triumphal” Entry

Sunday, March 20, 2016

“All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass” (Matthew 21:4,5 KJV).

Do you ever wonder why Jesus Christ rode on a donkey the Sunday before His crucifixion?

In today’s Scripture (cf. Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19), Jesus’s crucifixion on Calvary’s cross is just five days away. Leaving Bethany, He travels to Jerusalem (a mile to the northwest). Israel’s believing remnant in Jerusalem is excited to hear that Messiah is returning to “the city of the great King” (Psalm 48:2; Matthew 5:35); in anticipation, the great multitude throws their garments and palm branches on the ground. As Jesus enters the city, they cry out, “Hosanna [“O save!”]: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9,10; Luke 19:38; John 12:13; cf. Psalm 118:26).

While often called the “Triumphal Entry,” there really was no victory being celebrated in today’s Scripture—the victory was to come later! What we need to realize is that Jesus Christ was humble (“meek”) here: as a King riding on a donkey into Israel’s capital city, He demonstrated He desired peace with Israel (a fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9). He had not come to destroy her, though He would have been just in doing so; He had come to save her from her sins, her enemies, and her satanic bondage (Matthew 1:21; Mark 2:17; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 1:68-75; Luke 9:55,56; Luke 19:9,10; Acts 3:24-26; et cetera).

Just a few days later, Jesus Christ appeared weak and defeated. He never fought back as the Roman soldiers mercilessly abused Him; He allowed Himself to be crucified on Calvary. It was His meek and lowly coming; now was not the time to pour out His wrath. He resurrected and ascended into heaven as a royal exile. Revelation 19:11 says Jesus Christ will return to Jerusalem on a white horse, a sign of war and wrath (Zechariah 14:1-4)—that will be His true triumphal entry, for He will conquer Satan’s world system forever!

Bible Q&A#245: “What is meant by, ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself?’”