End-Time events
Bible Prophecy
God's Word on the Last Days!
Where are we in Bible Prophecy?
Why Study Bible Prophecy?
Birth Pangs
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. (Matthew 24:7-8)
Great Tribulation
Cosmic Disturbances
Fearful Events
Global Conflicts
Rapture of the Saints
The Mark of the Beast
Rapture of the Saints
The Return of Christ
The Mark of the Beast
Rapture of the Saints
Bible Prophecy
The End-Times
A large part of the Bible contains prophecy. Prophecy is God’s revelation to us about events still to take place and is always accurate! Prophetic messages can warn us and reveal hidden things for our benefit, it also gives us reassurance God is in control. God always revealed His future plans through the prophets.
Although many prophecies have already been fulfilled, there are still major events to take place in the last days. Prophecy can be fulfilled over a period of time, there can also be a dual fulfilment. The Jewish people being gathered back into their own land from other nations is an extensive prophecy (Ezekiel 36:4). Although Israel officially became a nation in 1948, the Jewish people are still returning. Some prophecies do not indicate a specific timing and may only become clearer as events unfold in the last days. One of the things to avoid when studying Biblical prophecy is speculation, what is not mentioned in scripture can be just as important as what is.
The end of the world has intrigued many throughout generations. Even Hollywood have made various films about Armageddon, with nuclear explosions or a giant asteroid heading towards earth, then mankind intervenes in time to prevent the total destruction of the planet and human race. The world is not destined to end this way. Armageddon can often be a secular term used with no biblical understanding. The world does not end, but the Bible tells us there will be an ‘end of age’! Armageddon is not an event, it is a location where a major war takes place prior to Christ’s return to earth.
The end-times are the largest events in the Bible and there are more than 150 chapters relating to the last days. Jesus rebuked the leaders of His day for not recognising the signs of His first coming. There are more scriptures that relate to Jesus' Second Coming than His first. Knowing God’s word on the end-times is a spiritual compass as we cannot always rely on the media when it comes to portraying the whole truth. We need to be aware of what is happening in the world in line with scripture, so we are not surprised by current world events, crisis and disasters.
When studying end-time events, the book of Revelation is where God revealed to John things that would take place in the future leading up to the return of Christ and John then reveals them to us. Daniel also received revelations and visions prior to John about future world governments and end-time events. Revelation studied along with the book of Daniel give detailed information, both books are apocalyptic, which is the belief the end is approaching.
In Matthew 24:15, Jesus referred to Daniel as a prophet and confirms the ‘abomination of desolation’’ of which Daniel had prophesied. Revelation also confirms Daniel’s visions and describes the fourth and final world empire in more detail. Revelation also details events to occur prior to Christ’s return and after, as well as God’s judgments that come on the earth. When studying the end-times, we must also focus on the future Glory, the victory and the return of Christ as well as the crisis and disasters of the present day.
Matthew 24 is what Bible scholars refer to as the ‘spine’ of Bible end-time prophecy, the ‘Olivet Discourse’ (also Mark 13 & Luke 21). Matthew 24 is more in-depth, they were Jesus’ own words to His disciples concerning the end-times and gives us an overall picture. Revelation and all other old testament prophecies then become clearer and fit into place. End-time prophecy is focused on the Middle East, as Israel is the prophetic end-time clock.
Where are we in Bible prophecy?
We live in a unique and important time as we witness Bible prophecy being unfolded, and some of us could be in the generation of Christ’s return. As of May 2019, we are seeing increased birth pangs on the earth and are now on the brink of the Great Tribulation period, the final 7 years of increased trouble prior to Christ’s return.
The Parable of the Fig Tree
Although Jesus said, “no man knows the date or the hour” (Mark 13:32), He gave us the 'season' of His return and events that would surround it.
“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So, you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place” (Matt 24:32-34 &Mark 13:28-30)
From the parable of the fig tree, it gives us a general idea where we are in Bible prophecy today. Although Jesus said we would not be able to pinpoint the exact timing of his return, we would be able to determine when the end was near!
There are many events connected to the end-times:
Abomination of Desolation (Daniel)
Harlot Babylon (One World System)
Antichrist's Global Empire (Mark of the Beast)
Battle of Jerusalem (Armageddon or World War III)
The Bema Judgement (for the saints)
The Second Coming (Return of Christ)
The Great White Throne Judgment (non-believers)
The New Heavens & The New Earth
Published July 2019
The End Shall Come!
When you see all these things, know that it is near, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place, of that day and hour no-one knows: (Matthew 24:33)
Birth pangs
But Do Not Be Alarmed!
The birth pangs are described in Matthew 24, Luke 21 & Mark 13. Jesus compared them to a woman in labour, which will increase and become more intense prior to His return.
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. (Matthew 24:6-8)
Most of these events have been happening over many years, and make headline news on a global scale. Jesus tells us we are not to be alarmed by these events, the end is not yet! The Birth pangs will become more frequent and intense and will lead up to the Tribulation Period. Although there are difficult times ahead, like a woman who suffers during birth pain, we will have to endure. The birth pangs are similar to the first 4 seals in Revelation 6.
Religious Deception 1st Seal of Revelation 6
Wars & Rumours of Wars
Religious Persecution
Nation v Nation 2nd Seal
Kingdom v Kingdom 3rd Seal
Famines, Pestilences & Earthquakes 4th Seal
Other events (throughout scripture)
Lawlessness (rise of wickedness)
Departing from faith (falling away)
Gospel Preached to all Nations,
Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Published July 2019
Tribulation on Earth
A Time As Never Before!
When you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, for then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved… (Matthew 24:15-22)
One of the most significant periods of the end times is what the Bible refers to as the tribulation period, a time of crisis and disasters on earth as never before prior to Christ's return. In Matthew 24, Jesus describes events already happening on a global scale today referred to as' birth pangs', (similar to the first 4 seals in Revelation) which would then be followed by a more intense time of tribulation.
The Tribulation Period
Two of the most significant events of this time is what Jesus refers to as the 'Abomination of Desolation' and a 7 year peace treaty, prophesied by Daniel. The 7-year peace treaty the Antichrist makes between Israel and other nations give us a time indication of when this time of tribulation begins. The time of tribulation is for 7 years, which is split into two time frames.
Then he shall confirm a covenant (peace treaty) with many for one week; but in the middle of the week (after 3½ years) he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate. (Daniel 9:27)
The Antichrist breaks the treaty in the middle of the 7 years by bringing and end to Jewish daily sacrifices. This marks the start of a more intense time of trouble, referred to as the 'great tribulation' (the final 3 1/2 years), when the Antichrist sets himself up in God's temple claiming to be God, (2 Thessalonians 2:2-4) this is the ‘Abomination of Desolation’.
From the time the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days [1,290 days).
(Daniel 12:11-12)
In these final 3 1/2 years, the Antichrist will force the world to acknowledge and worship him as God, by enforcing his end-time global system, the Mark of the Beast.
The 5th & 6th Sixth Seals of Revelation 6
These two seals are also compared to some of the events described in Matthew 24; Luke 21; Mark 13 & Joel 2 and occur during the 7 year tribulation period:
· Cosmic disturbances
· A great earthquake
· The sun and moon darkened
· Days being cut short
· Seven Trumpets (Tribulation Trumpets Revelation 8 & 9)
· Battle of Jerusalem (Armageddon or WWIII)
The seven Trumpets are referred to as 'Tribulation Trumpets’ detailed in Revelations 8-9. The first 4 trumpets are cosmic events that have an effect on the earth’s natural resources, and are also similar to some events described in Matthew 24; Luke 21; Mark 13 & Joel 2
1st Trumpet (Food supply) Burns up 1/3 of the earth’s vegetation
2nd Trumpet (Food supply) Destroys 1/3 of the sea
3rd Trumpet (Water supply) Poisons 1/3 of the earth’s water
4th Trumpet (Light & energy) Darkens 1/3 of the earths light
5th Trumpet (Torment) Demonic locusts torment for 5 months
6th Trumpet (Death) Demonic horsemen kill 1/3 of the earth
7th Trumpet (Rapture) Second coming/return of Christ
The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up. (Revelation 8:7)
This destroys 1/3 of the earth’s food supply. Hail and fire mingled with blood are hurled down to earth, resulting in an agricultural crisis. This could destroy the crops and cattle, causing further famines. This is a combination of fire, ice and blood (ice balls), which could be from a natural disaster, a supernatural event or something similar to a meteor storm.
The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, 9 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
(Revelation 8:8-9)
This is 'like a huge mountain' which indicates its size, something similar to an asteroid, it is all ablaze. It destroys 1/3 of the earth's sea-life and ships. Other vessels, oil tankers, industry and naval military fleets could also be affected by this event.
The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water- 11 the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter. (Revelation 8:10-11)
Similar to the second trumpet, but instead this is a ‘great star blazing like a torch’, named ‘Wormwood’. This 'falls from the sky', unlike the previous event, where it is 'thrown from the sky'. It is possible the effects of the 2nd trumpet could have a knock-on effect.
The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night. (Revelation 8:7:12)
This affects the day and the night. It is similar to events described in Matthew 24:29-30. This could have an impact on heat, agriculture and health.
The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. 2 When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. 3 And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes. 6 During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them. The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. 8 Their hair was like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. 9 They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. 10 They had tails with stingers, like scorpions, and in their tails, they had power to torment people for five months. 11 They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer). (Revelation 9:1-11)
The demonic locusts described are given permission to torture people but not to kill. Even though people will seek death through the agony they inflict, it will be denied. These creatures are not granted permission to harm God’s people, those who have the ‘seal of God’ on their forehead.
Abaddon/Apollyon is one of the most frightening examples of demons mentioned in the Bible. When the trumpet is blown, the ‘abyss’ opens, demonic locusts are released to torture those who have not received God’s seal. Their leader is Abaddon, one of Satan’s commanders and leader of the ‘abyss’. Abaddon has one mission, to inflict pain, torture and suffering on those who have refused the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God. 14 It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number.17 The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulphur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulphur. 18 A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulphur that came out of their mouths. 19 The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails were like snakes, having heads with which they inflict injury. (Revelation 9:13-19)
The sixth angel pours out his bowl which results in the Euphrates being dried up, which is already happening, according to various sources and news reports. There are four Islamic countries whose land is at the River Euphrates; Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. This makes way for the ‘kings of the east’ mentioned in Revelation 16.12. Revelation 9:13-16 describes four angels being released which are bound at the Euphrates slaying of a third of mankind by 200 million horsemen. These could be fallen angels as they have been ‘kept’, or according to the KJV have been bound there, which indicates they have been reserved for a specific mission that leads to the death of a third of mankind. The 200 million horsemen could be a military campaign being influenced and driven by spiritual forces. Conflicts between thenations are described in the latter part of the end-times.
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our LORD and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11:15-18)
The seventh trumpet announces the arrival of Christ and when all the Saints are raptured.
in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. (1 Corinthians 15:52)
The Antichrist will be defeated and his global system destroyed when Christ returns. All other governments will come under his authority.
Published July 2019
Abomination of Desolation
Spoken of by Daniel the Prophet
There are eight references in the Bible concerning the ‘abomination of desolation’. Four are found in the book of Daniel, the other four are in the New Testament. As Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives (referred to as the Olivet Discourse), He answered the disciples questions on the end-times. Jesus refers back to the Abomination of Desolation of which Daniel the prophet foretold of.
When you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, for then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:15-22)
Jesus tells us when this occurs, it marks the beginning of a time of tribulation that has never occurred in the world before, the 'Great Tribulation'. Events connected to the abomination of desolation are:
· 7-year Peace Treaty (between Israel and other nations)
· Daily sacrifices being stopped in the temple
· Something being set up in the holy place (temple)
· The mark and image of the Beast
“They shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.” (Daniel 11:31)
For a short time, the Antichrist’s treaty will appear successful. However, this will only be an ‘illusion’ of peace, safety and world stability. In the middle of the peace treaty (after the first 3½ years) he betrays the Jewish people by bringing an end to the daily sacrifices in the temple. He then sets himself up in the temple claiming to be God, along with an image (statue or idol) of himself. Up till this point he has masqueraded as a man of peace, now he reveals who he really is, an abomination!
“And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he who waits and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.” (Daniel 12:11)
Jesus refers to something visible ‘standing' ’in the holy place which doesn’t belong there. When this occurs, the Jewish people are instructed to flee immediately to the mountains without collecting their possessions. This could be to take refuge. ‘Those who are in Judea’ means Jesus is not referring to the church.
"When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong-let the reader understand-then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Mark 13:14)
The Antichrist setting himself up in the temple claiming to be God, with an image of himself to be worshipped will be the greatest abomination in history. He is described as arrogant, proud and boastful.
The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two (3 ½ years) months. It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. (Revelation 13:5-6)
The Antichrist working with a false prophet will deceive multitudes with their supernatural signs, wonders and global power. Eventually he will demand to be worshiped as God worldwide by law through his global system detailed in Revelation 13, the mark and image of the beast.
And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast
(Revelation 13:12-18)
The Image
The Antichrist's global system will include an image of himself that will have the ability to breathe and speak (Revelation 13:14-15). The Mark of the Beast will be introduced for economic purposes. You will be unable to buy or sell in the world’s trading system without the mark or worshiping the Antichrist's image (Revelation 13:16-18). The death penalty will be enforced on those who refuse to take it. The image and the mark are part of his end-time abomination.
The Apostle Paul in his letter to the saints at the Thessalonian Church (Greece), tells them this abomination occurs before Christ returns.
Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
(2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
Published July 2019
THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST
A Statue or Idol of the Antichrist
The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. (Revelation 13:15-17)
The ‘Image of the Beast’ enables the Antichrist to be worshipped globally, unlike God he is not omni-present!
In Revelation, two beasts emerge, one from the sea and the other from the earth. The first beast has ten horns and seven heads (Revelation 13:1-2) which is the Antichrist, the second beast has two horns like a lamb and a mouth like a dragon (Revelation 13: 11-12), this is the False Prophet.
The False Prophet will act as the overseer and the administrator of the Antichrist’s empire, showing great loyalty. With his political power, he forces ‘all people’ to receive the mark and enforces severe penalties on those who refuse it. The False Prophet, along with the image, may connect with people on a personal level, similar to techniques in already used spiritualism and fortune-telling, revealing personal issues, as Satan already works this way in the occult and New Age movement.
Revelation tells us multitudes worship a ‘breathing and speaking’ image, which is possible through the use of today’s technology. This could be a digital, demonic or a holographic image that resembles and sounds like the Antichrist himself. This could be an imitation or a false appearance of life (android, cyborg or a human clone), as the image is described as being ‘life-like’.
With continuous advancement in today's technology, there are many other possibilities. A global network in Jerusalem, where the Antichrist will be based with regional and local networks connected to it, would enable people to worship an image globally. The image ‘causes all those who refuse to worship it to be killed’, Revelations 13:15, this involves monitoring on a global scale and can only be achieved with the use of technology.
Published July 2019
Mark of the Beast
Anti-Christ's Global System!
To be able to identify the mark, you first need to identify who the beast is, as scripture says, this requires wisdom and insight!
“This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.” (Revelation 13:18)
Although studying the ‘Mark of the Beast’ might not be at the top of the Bible study list for many, we have to realise God loves us and wants us to know the truth, but first we need to know what the truth is through what scripture teaches, so we are not deceived and able to avoid receiving the mark in the last days.
When the Antichrist's end time global system is enforced, it will radically transform society, it will bring an end to democracy!
Although the Bible doesn’t specifically mention what the mark will be, to be practical, we are now living in a digital age and If we had read Bible prophecy a hundred years ago, it would have been difficult to visualise how a ‘one world global trading system’ could be possible. With advanced technology we have available today, we can now see how easily this could be achieved. Today’s technology lines up with Bible end-time prophecy.
The mark could be a visible symbol that allows our family, friends, employers, check-out operators, government officials and law enforcement agents to see, as this will be easier to identify those who have received the mark and those who haven’t. If a person doesn’t have the mark, they will not legally be able to take part in financial transactions, only the mark will make it possible to trade in the Antichrist’s one-world monetary system. This will be needed for all financial transactions, without it, no purchases or sales will be authorised. To buy or sell, authentication through a mark will probably be required before transactions can be processed. This will make it extremely difficult to earn a living, hold a job or run a business. It will ensure transactions are no longer possible in a cashless society.
Those who study the Bible and understand scripture and end-time prophecy may easily identify the mark when it comes into force to make a clear and decisive choice, but there will be many who won’t and God wants us to warn others against the coming deception. The media and government will not bring out the truth concerning the Antichrist’s global system, this will be the role of the true church, dedicated followers of Christ and biblical truth.
The Bible says the mark of the beast will be imposed on the world before Christ returns. Many will follow the teachings of a false religious system. Eternal and severe consequences face those who receive the mark. Scripture implies that once the mark is taken there is no turning back! It could be that once it is taken it cannot be removed, or it is a final decision to be made with no second chances.
The mark will be a permanent, physical symbol placed on the forehead or the right hand. Just as a wedding ring is a symbol of a marriage covenant, the mark will be a symbol of a person’s sworn allegiance to the Antichrist. Throughout history, slaves were identified with a mark or were branded, which was either tattooed or scorched onto the skin.
When Will This Happen?
A time indication for when the mark is near is when the Antichrist is revealed and in power, which is 3½ years into the 7-year tribulation period, the ‘Great Tribulation’. He sets himself up as God in the temple, claiming to be God, referred to as the ‘Abomination of Desolation’ by Daniel.
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
(2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
To Purchase e-booklet - 'The Mark of the Beast'
Published July 2019
The Day of the Lord
What is the Day of the Lord?
The Bible has much to say on the ‘Day of the Lord’, in the Old Testament and the New. In order to understand the sequence of end-time events, it is important to understand first what the ‘Day of the Lord’ is.
On the Day of Pentecost, Peter refers back to what had been foretold by the prophet Joel, In the last days’ (Joel 2:28-31). There is no denying this generation is now in the last days as we draw nearer the return of Jesus Christ and the close of this age. Peter describes events still to occur that lead up to the day of the Lord: “wonders in the heavens, signs on earth, blood, fire and billows of smoke, the sun darkened and the moon to blood” before the ‘Day of the Lord’ comes.
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people……… 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. (Acts 17-20)
Is the Second Coming of Christ Connected to the Day of the Lord?”
In Acts 17:20, Peter describes that day as both the ‘coming and the great and glorious Day of the Lord’. This is the day Jesus Christ returns, the second coming. This includes more than the visible return of Christ to earth, there are a series of events to follow (detailed in the 21 Judgments of Revelation), that display His judgement, justice, wrath and war upon the earth. Many will be confused and afraid by these events, even some Christians, those unprepared or not familiar with Bible end-time prophecy.
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:29-30)
This is the day mentioned in the book of Revelation. These events can also be compared to those in Matthew 24, Mark 13 & Luke 21, when Jesus was speaking to His disciples on His return and the events surrounding it.
“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood, and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth (Revelation 6:12)
The Lord is patient and merciful, but a limit has been put on man’s wickedness and then God intervenes, just as He did with Sodom & Gomorrah. Jesus returns in the same way He ascended, to the Mount of Olives, where He was taken up to heaven in a cloud of glory while the disciples looked on (Acts 1:9-11). The day of the Lord includes Jesus defeating the armies that have surrounded Jerusalem on His return (Armageddon, WWIII or Battle of Jerusalem).
A day of the Lord is coming,……. I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against ……….3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, ……the holy ones with him. 6 On that day there will be neither sunlight nor cold, frosty darkness.
(Zechariah 14 1-6)
A great earthquake occurs so powerful that every mountain and island on earth is moved out of its place. Revelation 6:16-17 tells us the wicked cry out and say to the mountains and rocks ”fall on us and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne”.
…..there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood, and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree cast her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.” ……. 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (Rev 6:12-17)
The prophet Isaiah describes the earth being shaken terribly. Powerful and rich people are described running to caves and bunkers in mountains and underground for protection. Isaiah 2 can be compared to Revelation 6. People acknowledge the great day of the Lord’s wrath has arrived, and they are powerless to escape it.
In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; 21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he arise to shake terribly the earth. (Isaiah 2:20)
Property, insurance, treasures, investment bonds and all the world’s wealth will be of no use. Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour will be the only assurance and protection.
The Second Coming & Day of the Lord
In his letter to the Thessalonian church, Paul tells the saints there the ‘day of the Lord’ is accompanied with sudden destruction. He uses the phrase “He will come as a thief in the night” to describe the Lord’s return, Jesus referred to His coming as a thief in the night in Matthew 24:43,44.
“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”
(1 Thessalonians 5)
A Thief in the Night
When Jesus refers to the ‘thief in the night’, it was a warning to those unprepared for His return, they would be taken by surprise, as this will occur when they least expect it. A thief comes when least expected. People will be proclaiming ‘peace and safety’ beforehand. No one will be proclaiming this during the tribulation period or when Armageddon kicks off. The world will be deceived by a global leader (Antichrist|) into believing he has achieved global peace prior to sudden destruction.
It is clear from scripture the Lord is going to pour out His judgments that results in much devastation on the earth. Christians are warned to be prepared. This will not be a time of judgment for believers, only for those who refused to repent and have rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A Great & Dreadful Day
The Day of the Lord is also referred to as a day of wrath. This is how the Old Testament prophets Isaiah, Zephaniah and Joel described the judgment on the Day of the Lord.
Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, Cruel, with fury and burning anger, To make the land a desolation; And He will exterminate its sinners from it. For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not flash forth their light; The sun will be dark when it rises, and the moon will not shed its light. (Isaiah 13:9)
Near is the great day of the LORD, Near and coming very quickly; Listen, the day of the LORD! In it the warrior cries out bitterly. A day of wrath is that day, A day of trouble and distress, A day of destruction and desolation, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of trumpet and battle cry Against the fortified cities And the high corner towers. (Zephaniah 1:14-18)
I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. (Joel 2: 28-31)
The book of Malachi and Joel describes this day as both great and dreadful, great for some, those awaiting Christ’s return and have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ, but dreadful for others, those who have rejected it.
“See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” (Malachi 4)
‘The day of the Lord’ can only refer to the actual return of Christ to earth. Peter compares the day of the Lord to a ‘thief in the night’ to illustrate its unexpectedness, and not the secretiveness. Peter describes it being accompanied by a great noise, and like Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians, with destruction!
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10)
Paul Letter to the Thessalonians
Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica (Greece). Paul had written a few months earlier (1 Thessalonians) but he writes again in response to information he had received on the new church. In this letter, Paul clears up the confusion that had arisen on the Second Coming of Christ. Paul confirms the ‘Day of the Lord’ had not yet come. A powerful wicked leader, ‘Man of Lawlessness’ (Antichrist) would arise first. He will deceive many, and set himself up in the temple claiming to be God. Paul places the Second Coming, Rapture of the Saints and Day of the Lord together.
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him (rapture), we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thess 2:1-5)
The Bible tells us that an unbelieving world (along with some professing Christians) will be unaware and taken off guard.
"For the day is near, Even the day of the LORD is near; It will) be a day of clouds, A time of doom for the nations. "A sword will come upon Egypt, And anguish will be in Ethiopia; When the slain fall in Egypt, They take away her wealth, And her foundations are torn down. (Ezekiel 30:3-4)
Events Connected to the Day of the Lord
(Cosmic disturbances & fearful events on earth)
· Wonders in the heavens
· Stars fall to earth (Revelation 6, Isaiah 13, Matthew 24)
· Sun being darkened (Revelation 6, Isaiah 13, Joel 2, Acts 17)
· Moon turn to blood (Revelation 6, Isaiah 13, Joel 2, Acts 17)
· Signs on the earth: blood, fire and smoke (Acts & Revelation 6)
· Great Earthquake (Revelation 6)
· Battle of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14)
· Jesus stands on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14)
Other scriptures on the Day of the Lord.
For the day of the Lord is near: it will come like destruction from the Almighty. (Joel 1:14)
For the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand- a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds of blackness (Joel 2:1)
Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord. That day will be darkness not light. (Amos 5:18)
The day of the Lord is near for all nations (Obadiah:14)
For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of hosts, A day of vengeance, so as to avenge Himself on His foes; (Jeremiah 46:10)
Published July 2019
Rapture of the Saints
The Gathering
The rapture of the saints is when all the saints are gathered (caught up) in the air to meet Jesus, just prior to His return. When this occurs, the saints receive an incorruptible (eternal) body. Saints who have already died are resurrected first, followed by those still alive here on earth.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. (1 Thess 4:16-17)
This occurs when the trumpet is sounded (the last of seven trumpets) detailed more in Revelation 8-9. This is when the saints receive their reward, referred to as the ‘Bema Judgement’
In Matthew 24, Jesus is speaking to His disciples of the end times. He describes certain events and a time of tribulation upon earth prior to His return. The second coming and the gathering of the elect, (also referred to by many as the rapture) are both placed at the end of the tribulation period.
Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matt 24:29-31)
The tribulation period is the final 7 years of intense trouble upon the earth prior to Christ's return, with the Antichrist’s rule in the last 3 1/2 years, with God’s judgement being poured out on the earth.
The Bible only mentions a visible return of Christ, there is nothing secretive of any aspect of it. This is described as an awesome day of greatness, a glorious appearance in the sky for the whole world to witness!
For as lightning comes from the east, is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:27)
Jesus warns of the rise in religious deception and false prophets in the last days, especially concerning His return.
“There he is” or “Here he is”! but do not go running after them. “For the son of Man in his day will be like lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.” (Luke 17: 2)
False doctrine had infiltrated the church at Thessalonica in Greece disguised as ‘Christian Doctrine’. Paul writes and reassures them of what he had previously taught when he was with them. Paul is speaking to ‘the Church’ here. A newly formed Church in Greece made up of mainly gentiles, believers who young in their faith. Paul's letter is just as relevant to us as the church today.
“Concerning the coming of the Lord (the second of Christ) and our being gathered to him, (the rapture) we ask you brothers not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, letter or report supposed to have come from us, saying that the Day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and exalt himself over everything that is called of God, or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” (2 Thess 2:1-4)
Published July 2019
The Return of Christ
It's no Secret!
Jesus promised the disciples He would return, they asked him, “what will be the sign of your coming and the end of age”? He first warned them of deception and then spoke of events referred to as birth pangs that would occur first, but not to be alarmed!
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, those who are still alive and are left with be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air”. (1 Thess 4: 16)
All the saints meet Jesus in the air first on His return, those who have died are resurrected first, followed by those still alive. We are then given immortal (eternal) bodies at the last (7th) trumpet detailed in Revelation 11:15.
We will not sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:50-52)
Jesus warns that the rise of religious deception and false prophets in the last days would be surrounding end-time events and His return. The Bible only mentions the visible return of Christ, which the whole world witnesses, an awesome day of greatness, and a glorious appearance in the sky.
“There he is” or “Here he is”! but do not go running after them. “For the son of Man in his day will be like lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.” (Luke 17: 24)
Over the years, many cults and false prophets, even some within mainstream church have predicted dates the world would end or when Christ would return, many of these dates have long passed!
“Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. (Luke 21:8)
There are different beliefs, teachings and opinions as to the timing of Christ’s return, even within mainstream church. The Bible only gives one version, as God is not the author of confusion, the scriptures are consistent and clear!
Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. At that time the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.” And 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 another. (Matthew 24:29-31)
False doctrine that was disguised as Christian doctrine infiltrated the church at Thessalonica, Paul writes to the church to reassure them of what he previously taught.
“Concerning the coming of the Lord and our being gathered to him, we ask you brothers not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, letter or report supposed to have come from us, saying that the Day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and exalt himself over everything that is called of God, or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”
(2 Thess 2:1-4)
On various occasions Jesus said, “I will come as a thief in the night”, this was to to indicate it would unexpectedly, not secretly, many will be unaware and unprepared for His return.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief: The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. (2 Peter 3:10)
Jesus compared His return to the days of Noah and Lot. People were unaware and ignored God’s warnings of judgement, it was business as usual! Those who entered the ark were saved, those who didn’t were swept away. When the saints are raptured, we are separated from those who have refused the gospel of Christ.
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving into marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. This is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. (Matthew 24:37-41)
It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating drinking, buying, selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulphur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. (Luke 17:28-30)
We are encouraged in scripture to recognise the signs and be ready for Christ’s return. Like Noah and Lot, we have been given considerable warning in advance that judgement is coming. The Lord is patient and merciful, but a limit has been put on man’s wickedness and then He intervenes, just as He did with Sodom & Gomorrah. Jesus returns in the same way as He ascended, to the Mount of Olives, where He was taken up to heaven in a cloud of glory while the disciples looked on. His return is very different from His first coming, not as a child in a manger, but as King, judge, conqueror and warrior!
On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west. (Zechariah 14:4)
He defeats the armies that have surrounded Jerusalem to war against it. He crushes the antichrist’s empire and those part of his system, those who refuse Christ. This commences with a series of events that display his judgement, justice, wrath and war upon the earth (detailed in Revelation). Many will be confused and afraid by these events, even Christians!
Published July 2019
The Bema Judgment
The Judgment Seat of Christ
We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ…Then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:10-12)
The Judgment Seat of Christ is referred to as the ‘Bema Judgment’ (Bema is the Greek for Seat). This is for born-again believers and is not for judgement, condemnation or for the punishment of sins, they were already forgiven at the cross. This is when we receive our rewards as believers and give an account for what we had done in our Christian life.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
(2 Corinthians 5:10)
Although our reward will be an eternal place in heaven, we receive individual rewards for the work we have done on earth, and how we have used what God has given us, such as our time, money, energy, gifting and calling. Entrance into heaven is not based on our works, but the role we are given in heaven is!
Each one will receive his own reward according to his own labour. (1 Corinthians. 3:8)
The Lord may have called you to do something small and insignificant. Being faithful is not how much time we spend in church, praying or reading the bible. We are rewarded for our works, even the smallest act, such as giving a cup of water to someone.
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward." (Matt 10:42)
The Apostle Paul was motivated by his heavenly reward, he had an eternal perspective. He compared the believer’s life to a spiritual contest, running like an athlete in a race at the Olympics.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. (1 Corinthians 9:24-26)
In many of his letters, Paul encouraged believers when they were facing adversity, trials and difficulties, to continue to press on with the Christian life. The Christian life is a race of endurance and discipline!
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
When Does This Take Place?
This takes place after the rapture of the saints. All believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of what they have done and receive their eternal reward. In Luke 14, Jesus spoke of being repaid at the resurrection of the righteous, the rapture!
Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
(Luke 14:12-14)
Can You Lose Your Reward?
It is possible to lose our reward, or not receive our full reward and status intended for us in the Millennium Kingdom. (Not the loss our salvation or eternal place). Rewards are given or lost depending on how we have used our life for the Lord, and how we have done with what has been required of us, according to our calling. Some Christians may find their work will not stand up to God’s test on that day.
“Each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 13:13-15)
There are different levels, positions and authority amongst the saints in the Millennium Kingdom. In the letters to the 7 churches in Revelation, at the end of each letter, Jesus told them what their rewards would be for overcoming and for their faithfulness.
The Church in Ephesus: The Tree of Life
Revelation 2:7 To the one who conquers, I will permit him to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.’
The Church in Smyrna: The Victor’s Crown
Revelation 2:10 Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown.
The Church in Pergamum: White Stone
Revelation 2:17 To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
The Church in Thyatira: To Rule Over Nations
Revelation 2:26: To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give them authority over the nations- that one ‘will rule them with an iron sceptre and will dash them to pieces like pottery—just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The Church in Sardis: White Robes
Revelation 3:5: The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.
The Church in Philadelphia: Pillar in the Temple
Revelation 3:12: The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.
The Church in Laodicea: A Seat at the Throne
Revelation 3:21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. (Revelation 22:12)
Published July 2019
the restrainer
Who is The Restrainer
2 Thessalonians 2 tells us just before the Second Coming of Christ, God removes a restraining force or influence which allows Satan to manifest himself as the ‘man of lawlessness.” With his supernatural power and miracles, he will deceive many, those who refuse to accept or hold onto the truth of the gospel.
Concerning the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us-whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter-asserting that the day of the LORD has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4)
Paul was writing to saints in the Thessalonian Church (Greece), who were concerned that the Day of the Lord had already been. Paul was informing them they should have known better and reminded them of what he previously taught when he was with them. The Rapture had not yet happened as the ‘man of sin’ had not been revealed and set himself up in the temple proclaiming to be God. The ‘Man of sin’ Paul refers to was restrained in his time. Paul is not specific on what or who the restrainer is, as they already had an understanding of this. The Restrainer was something active in Paul’s day that continues to be active up until the Day of the Lord, the return of Christ to the earth.
And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed” (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7)
Many who study Bible end time prophecy have different interpretations over the identity of the restrainer. The restrainer is referred to as ‘what and ‘he’. There are those who believe the church is raptured from the earth prior to the tribulation period, therefore conclude it is the church that restrains the Antichrist, when the church is removed this allows the Antichrist to manifest himself and operate in his fullness. However, throughout scripture the church is referred to as ‘the bride’, which is feminine.
‘The one who restrains’, or as other versions translate ‘the one who holds back’ (NIV). Whoever the restrainer is, it is someone or something that prevents Satan from advancing in the world until his proper time, this restraint is global.
In scripture, the Holy Spirit is described as a ‘He’ and is the only one with supernatural power capable enough of restraining Satan and his forces. God is omni-present, therefore He cannot be removed or taken out the way. Some believe Michael the Archangel is the restrainer, although this could be, Paul does not mention or refer to Michael in any of his letters or teachings recorded. The removal of the restrainer’s influence is what leads to the revealing of the Antichrist. Paul was clear in this letter that the ‘Day of the Lord’ would not take place until two things occurred first, the global rebellion and the revealing of the Antichrist. Paul was speaking about a rebellion against God and religious apostasy.
Many who believe the church is raptured prior to the Great Tribulation, also believe the Holy Spirit is removed from earth at this time. However, the Holy Spirit is not specifically mentioned by Paul. If this was so, no-one could be saved during the tribulation, as only with the Holy Spirit’s conviction and power can a person be saved, therefore the Holy Spirit must still be on earth during the tribulation period.
“These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14).
When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, he came in a way which he had never been in the world before. For tribulation saints to overcome the evil one and for people to be converted, his power will be needed more than ever before. Neither does Paul mention the Church as restraining the Antichrist. This would conflict with the sequence of events he describes in the same chapter, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, which is that the Church is still on earth at the time the Antichrist is revealed.
Paul’s letter is focused more on the sequence of events than the ‘restrainer’. The saints at Thessalonica were alarmed by false reports that the’ Day of the Lord’ and the rapture had already occurred. Paul was concerned they would not be deceived by such reports and reminds them of events that must occur prior to the return of Christ. We therefore may have to conclude that the restraining power is something and someone God uses. It could be global powers, leaders and infrastructures in place that he works through, until there is a ‘shift’ in activities.
Published July 2019
the Millennial kingdom
The 1,000 Year Reign of Christ
When Jesus returns, He will overturn all existing governments and destroy the Antichrist and his empire along with the armies that have surrounded Jerusalem for war. Jesus will then establish His government here on earth, the Millennial Kingdom.
I saw thrones, and they (saints) sat on them…They lived and reigned with Christ for 1000 years…They shall reign with Him 1000 years. (Revelation 20:4)
This is the 1,000-year period when Jesus reigns on earth with the saints .The Kingdom and leadership of Jesus will be witnessed worldwide and will be established in Jerusalem. His government will be one of justice and righteousness. He will reign as ‘King of kings’ and ‘Lord of Lords’
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, then He will sit on the Throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him. (Matthew 25:31-32)
The earth will require much restoration after all the destruction it will have endured during the tribulation period and all the wars. We take part in the restoration and the rebuilding, preparing the earth for the Father's Coming. The Saints will have different roles during this time, depending on how faithful we have been in our earthly roles.
He who overcomes, and does my will to the end, I will give authority over nations. (Revelation 2:26)
In Revelation 20: 4-6 thrones are mentioned for those who have been given authority to judge, recognition is given first to those who have been martyred (beheaded) for the sake of the gospel.
During these 1,000 years, Satan will be cast into the abyss, the bottomless pit and bound (Revelation 20: 1-6). After the 1000 years are completed, he is then released onto the earth for a short time to deceive the nations into battle (Revelation 20:7). He is once again defeated, this time he is cast into the burning lake of sulphur to be tormented forever.
Published July 2019
New Heaven & New Earth
The Father's Glory
The New Heavens & The New Earth
The New Jerusalem is where the saints will live forever in God’s presence, just as He had originally planned for mankind in the Garden of Eden. This will come down out of heaven, ‘the new heaven and the new earth’, detailed in Revelation 21 and Isaiah 65. All evil will have been removed, it will be perfect.
The New Jerusalem descends to earth on two separate occasions, at the Second Coming and after the Millennial Kingdom. Jesus will establish God’s Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven by joining the heavenly and earthly realms together.
It will be without war, sickness, pain, death, mourning or crying, for the old order of things will have passed.
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)
The light described illuminating the New Jerusalem comes from God (Revelation 21:24).
Published July 2019