“The Remnant of God” - Revelation 3:1-6

Revelation 3:1-6 NKJV

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

CHURCH: Ekklesia: “called out ones”

SARDIS: Remnant, “A small piece left over”

Revelation 3:4 NKJV

“You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”

THE REMNANT OF GOD

1. THEY HAVE NOT DEFILED THEIR GARMENTS

2. THEY SHALL WALK WITH JESUS IN WHITE

3. THEY ARE WORTHY

Genesis 6:5-8 NKJV

Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Romans 11:5 NKJV

“…at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

Acts 1:15 NKJV

“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty…”

 I Peter 4:17 NKJV

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God...”

🔥THE REMNANT OF GOD🔥

  1.   ARE BORN OUT OF BARRENNESS (I Sam 1:8-18)

            2.         CRY OUT TO GOD IN SORROW

            3.         WORSHIP THROUGH SACRIFICE (I Sam 1:20, I Sam 1:26-28)

            4.         MINISTER BEFORE THE LORD (1 Sam 2:11,2:18)

            5.         GROW IN GRACE (I Sam 2:22-26)

            6.         WALK IN HONOR (I Sam 2:27-32, 2 Kings 21:14-15, Is 10:20-22, Rom 11:2-6)

            7.         MINISTER BEFORE THE LORD (1 Sam 3:1)

            8.         HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD (1 Sam 3:10)

            9.         REPEAT THE WORD OF GOD BOLDLY (1 Sam 3:18)

            10.       LIVE IN THE PEACE OF GOD (1 Sam 3:21, Jn 20:19)

I Sam 1:8-18 NKJV

Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth. Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” But Hannah answered and said, “No, my Lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. “Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.” Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” And she said, “Let your maidservant find grace in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

I Samuel 1:20 NKJV

So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”

I Samuel 1:26-28 NKJV

And she said, “O my Lord! As your soul lives, my Lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.

I Samuel 2:11

Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest.

I Samuel 2:18

But Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod.

I Samuel 2:22-26 NKJV

Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people. No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the Lord’s people transgress. If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?” Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the Lord desired to kill them. And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men.

I Samuel 2:27-32 NKJV

Then a man of God came to Eli and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Did I not clearly reveal Myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house? Did I not choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be My priest, to offer upon My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod before Me? And did I not give to the house of your father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire? Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?’ Therefore the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.’ But now the Lord says: ‘Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. Behold, the days are coming that I will cut off your arm and the arm of your father’s house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. And you will see an enemy in My dwelling place, despite all the good which God does for Israel. And there shall not be an old man in your house forever.”

II Kings 21:14-15 NKJV

“So I will forsake the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become victims of plunder to all their enemies, because they have done evil in My sight, and have provoked Me to anger since the day their fathers came out of Egypt, even to this day.”

Isaiah 10:20-22 NKJV

“And it shall come to pass in that day That the remnant of Israel, And such as have escaped of the house of Jacob, Will never again depend on him who defeated them, But will depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, To the Mighty God. For though your people, O Israel, be as the sand of the sea, A remnant of them will return; The destruction decreed shall overflow with righteousness.”

Romans 11:2-6 NKJV

“God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace…”

I Samuel 3:1-21 NKJV

Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down. Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.) And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” Then the Lord said to Samuel: “Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” So Samuel lay down until morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision. Then Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son!” He answered, “Here I am.” And he said, “What is the word that the Lord spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that He said to you.” Then Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.” So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord. Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

SHILOH: “Heavenly Peace”

Mark 4:39 NKJV

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

John 20:19 NKJV

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

Serving in the Army of Light

2 Timothy 2:1–7 (NKJV)

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)

3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

 The mission of Reveal Fellowship is to bring glory to God by raising up an Army of Light to displace darkness and rescue saints who are spiritually stuck by calling them back to a first love flame with the Savior

Romans 13:11–14 (ESV)

11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

MOS - Military Occupational Specialty

Mark 10:35–45 (ESV)

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 9:33–37 (ESV)

33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

Philippians 2:3–4 (CSB)

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.

American culture – culture of equality – you are no better than me, I can do anything you can.

Jesus said the opposite “but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;”

Jesus washed feet – he got down BELOW our level.

Philippians 2:5–8 (CSB)

5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.

EXPLAIN – God the Son, “grasped” = prized/celebrated/flaunted

Bond-servant – slave

At Church – deacons – slaves,  Pastor – head slave

REVEAL doesn’t have volunteers – we have servants

A volunteer is an unpaid position

A servant/slave is an employed possession (owned by the Master)

A volunteer gives time toward the cause

A servant/slave gives out of love for Christ

A volunteer serves when convenient

A servant/slave serves out of commitment

A volunteer gives to feel good.

A servant/slave gives for God’s glory.

My attitude as a volunteer is I’m giving of myself to help you out, I’m not obligated, I’m just being nice.

My attitude as a servant/slave is “I have a responsibility, a calling, a purpose and mission. I’m here to love and serve my Savior.”

NOT A SLAVE OF THE CHURCH!

Serve with our Time -

Some people easier to write a check – go do what I want, just don’t ask me to do anything

I’m too busy with my world to enter yours. 

Would a slave ever say that to His Master?

Time – so valuable to me, because it is scarce.  I don’t have time to do everything I want to do.

Yet all my time is God’s

God owns my stuff

God owns my life

God owns my time.

“borrowed time”

Ephesians 5:15–17 (NLT)

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

“Make the most” = “redeem”

Ephesians 5: 17 (NLT)

17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

A lot of thoughtless Christians -  we are too busy with life, sports, news, we don’t take time to think, meditate and ponder God’s will, His purpose for our lives

How do you know what the Lord wants you to do?

            Pray

            Step out!

            Look for confirmation – Spirit witness, believer’s blessing

Possibilities once you step out:

What happens when you step out to serve?

Right place and immediate fruit

Right place but need more time, tools, and training

Right place and the Lord is teaching you to trust Him (for identity and fruit)

Right place, wrong time (not now)

Wrong place, fruit but no peace (need to try related area)

Wrong place, no fruit, try something else

WHEN YOU PLANT A TREE, HOW LONG BEFORE YOU GET FRUIT? 7 YEARS?

1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV)

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

SERVING IN THE ARMY OF LIGHT

1.     Each person has a gift

 HAS RECEIVED A GIFT! – everyone has a gift!

            Speaking

            Serving (

2.     Use your gift to serve one another

3.     God supplies the strength

Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

If you don’t have the desire or the power – you must have spent God-given power in other places.

If we serve in our own strength, we burn out

Serving God should not be a burden but a blessing.

            If not a blessing – what is wrong? Using God-given energy in wrong places?

            Sin hardening your heart so the power of God won’t flow through you.

WHY DON’T PEOPLE SERVE?

A.   Wrong timing

B.    Wrong priorities

C.    Wrong vision (consumer mentality)

Depression and lethargy in the church – because we have lost focused, we are consumed with lesser things.

If you snack on lots of junk food, when time for the real meal, no longer hungry.

            We have amused ourselves – with media, movies/youtube, etc. – no longer have time or passion for anything else.

            Same with our time and energy – we have spent it on lesser things.

DO YOU COME TO CHURCH TO GET SOMETHING?

            Consumer world, consumer mentality

            Good to come be filled, challenged, grow

            But what is your expectation – you will learn something? That we will play one of your favorite songs? That we will make you feel good?

D.   Wrong training

Hebrews 3:12–14 (NLT)

12 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. 14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV)

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

4.     The purpose is God’s glory

Bottom Line:

YOU HAVE A MISSION! WILL YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT?

Do you know what it is?

What is God’s call on your life?

How has He gifted you?

Are you using those gifts for His glory?

Application

You may now open your envelope

Kingdom Living - Revelation 1:9-11

Revelation 1:1-8 NKJV

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

THE SEVEN CHURCHES

1. EPHESUS - The Busy for God but doesn’t need God church

2. SMYRNA - The sweet-smelling, ‘I will live and die for Jesus’ church

3. PERGAMOS - The polygamist, ‘lust the one your with’ church

4. THYATIRA - The fire insurance card church

5. SARDIS - The walking dead church

6. PHILADELPHIA - The loving church

7. LAODICEA - The universalist/lukewarm church

Matthew 12:25 NKJV

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.”

Matthew 6:24-33 NKJV

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Revelation 1:9-11 NKJV

“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

II Chronicles 7:13-15 NKJV

“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.”

Revelation 1:12 NKJV

“Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw….”

REVELATION: “WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW”

2 Corinthians 3:16-18

“…whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

1 John 1:1-4

“We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.”

Revelation 1:1-3 NKJV

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.”

THE 7 BEATITUDES OF REVELATION

1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, 22:14

PIC1 OF HARVARD LOGO

PIC2 OF LOGO

Philippians 2:5-11 NKJV

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Luke 2:52

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

Exodus 21:2-6 NKJV

“If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing. If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master has given him a wife, and she has borne him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself. But if the servant plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever.”

Revelation 1:8 NKJV

““I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:17-19 NKJV

“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”

Praying The Scriptures Back To God

23 When they had been released, they went to their own [companions] and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard [this,] they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, (Psalm 146:6) 25 who by the Holy Spirit, [through] the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? 26 'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.' (Psalm 2).

27 "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.

29 "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, 30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and [began] to speak the word of God with boldness.

[Acts 4:23-31 NASB95]

1. 14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. [1Jo 5:14 NASB20]

1. Makes our prayers “Kingdom Focused”

1. We will be transformed if we pray our way through the Bible

Example

1…. I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and HE turned to me and heard my cry. 2 HE lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. HE set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. 3 HE has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what HE has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. [Psa 40:1-3 NLT]

LORD, give me the ability to trust in YOU even when the circumstances of my life have not changed and YOU have not seemed to respond to my crying out to YOU in prayer.  

LORD YOU are my helper!

Turn to me now and respond to my desperate pleas!

Lift out of the pit of despair those who have lost hope and lack comfort.

Help those who have fallen into the filth of lives of rebellion be carried out of it into lives of faith, hope, and love. 

Bring stability in walking with YOU and steady me in all my ways so that there is consistency day by day. 

Make me one who worships YOU with passion, filled with YOUR SPIRIT, sincerely, and governed by YOUR WORD in all that I do as I seek fellowship with YOU.

Give to me a new song to sing YOUR praises as I see YOU responding to my needs and deliverance. 

LORD, may those who I love be touched by their observation of YOUR power, love, and beauty active in my life and put their trust in YOU.   Increase my faith and let my faith influences others to trust in YOU.   Come now and deliver us!    Amen

Example Two

Norm, I am YOUR helper!  Norm, I have heard your cry to me!  You have been heard by ME!  Norm, it is I who have lifted you out of despair and steadied you in your life.  Norm I have been the one that has enabled you to walk and worship!  Norm many will trust me because of what I have done in your life.  Trust that I am using your life for good.

Break out:   Pray this verse back to God - 24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. [Jude 1:24-25 NLT]

Resources: 

How To Pray the Psalms -  https://downloads.24-7prayer.com/prayer_course/2019/resources/pdfs/5%20How%20to%20Pray%20the%20Psalms.pdf

How To Pray the Promises of God -

https://downloads.24-7prayer.com/prayer_course/2019/resources/pdfs/11%20How%20to%20Pray%20the%20Promises%20of%20God.pdf

Where have you come from and where are you going?

Genesis 16:8 NLT

8 The angel said to her, "Hagar, Sarai's servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?" ...

“The unexamined life is rarely lived well”- Socrates paraphrase

Deuteronomy 4:10 NASB20

10 "[Remember] the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when the LORD said to me, 'Assemble the people to Me, that I may have them hear My words so that they may learn to fear Me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'

Deuteronomy 5:15 NASB20

15 'And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to celebrate the Sabbath day.

Deuteronomy 8:2 NASB20

2 "And you shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, in order to humble you, putting you to the test, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.

Deuteronomy 15:15 NASB20

15 "And you are to remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; therefore I am commanding this of you today.

Judges 8:34 NASB20

34 So the sons of Israel did not remember the LORD their God, who had saved them from the hands of all their enemies on every side;

1Chronicles 16:12 NASB20

12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NASB20

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same way [He] also [took] the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink [it,] in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

What is your “Jesus history” – Romans 1:11-12

Before you met Jesus,

How you met Jesus,

How is today different because you met Jesus?

Where are you going?

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NASB20

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all [persons.] 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Matthew 6:33 NASB20

33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.

“The tragedy of modern man is not that he knows less and less about the meaning of his own life, but that it bothers him less and less. . .”

“Somehow we human beings are never happier than when we are expressing the deepest gifts that are truly us.”

― Os Guinness, The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life

Life is a voyage. We begin by leaving the safe harbor of our mother’s womb. After being trained in the skills of a life mariner in our home or origin, we are called to captain our ship through the ocean of life so we will reach a specific destination. However skilled we are at sailing and maintaining the ship, the purpose of the journey is to arrive at a destination. A ship without a destination is lost. A life without a destination is adrift. A critical step in succeeding at life is to define clearly what we believe to be our destination in life. Each person has a unique destination.

How To Find Your Divine Calling – Read Isaiah 61:1

God given Passions + Abilities (Gifts) + God planned opportunities = God’s call on your life

For God there are no little People and no little Places

Dr. Francis Schaeffer

Write out a vision for your life

My Life Vision statement

I desire to be an emotionally healthy disciple of Jesus the Messiah who is fully engaged and devoted to Him as my personal prophet, priest, and king. I believe that discipleship to Messiah Jesus will bring spiritual healing and wholeness to my core personality. I hope that this inner healing and harmony of my soul will allow me to love my family, care for hurting people, and encourage peace in and among the people I influence. I want to be a peacemaker and promote peace in hearts and homes.

Preventing Truth Decay

Need to take care of your teeth – go to a dentist 1-2x/year; brush your teeth at least 2x/day, floss

Enamel of teeth – hardest substance in the body

         NO cells, no blood vessels – 93% minerals

         Problem is that sugar and bacteria in your mouth are trying to tear it down.

SAME WITH TRUTH – solid, unchangeable,

         But can be attacked

Really not the truth that is attacked, but people’s belief in it.

Satan came to steal, kill and destroy. How does he do that?

         He steals through lies.

He kills through lies.

He destroys through lies.

         His primary weapon is deception, attack people’s faith and belief in the truth.

Biden’s Dept of Homeland Security Disinformation Governance Board created back in April – PAUSED a couple weeks ago.

         The idea of DISINFORMATION – TRUTH DECAY

disinformation is “false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth.”

George Orwell’s, 1984, the main character, Winston Smith, works for the Ministry of Truth. His job is to rewrite news articles from the past to correct information that is out of date or inaccurate.

BECAUSE OF SOCIAL MEDIA – lots of disinformation and truth decay.

         Covid

         Woke and CRT

         LGBTQ

         War in Ukraine

FACT CHECKERS – YouTube, Twitter and others –

         Info can’t contradict the World Health Organization or CDC on Covid or its treatment  

FACT CHECK YOUR FAITH!

Satan wants to spread “disinformation” about:

         Person of God (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit)

         People of God (The Church, our identity in Christ)

         Place of God (Heaven)

2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 13-15 (ESV)

3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough… 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

2 Timothy 4:3–4 (ESV)

3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Matthew 24:23–26 (ESV)

23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.

2 Peter 2:1–2 (ESV)  

1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.

To Prevent Truth Decay You Need a Faith That Is:

1.     Alive (not just Bible stories and moralistic truths)

a.     Born Again (John 3) need the Holy Spirit to discern truth from lies

2.     Active (James 2) “faith without works is dead”

a.     Many Christian Atheists – say they are Christians (belief) but actions of atheists

Are You a Christian Atheist?

Believe in God, but act like an atheist

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)

  6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

a.     God is real and active in my life (Brody testimony about hearing God)

             i.     SLIDE: FACTS – FEELINGS – FAITH

             ii.     Feelings the result of the interpretation of the facts (based on experience or belief)

             iii.     FAITH – the action taken – shows where the faith is placed (in experience or in God or in something else)

             iv.     As more and more decisions are made to walk by faith and not experience, FAITH in GOD becomes the interpreter of the facts, affecting the FEELINGS

            v.     SLIDE: FACTS – FAITH – FEELINGS

2 Timothy 4:3–4 (ESV)

3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

SLIDE: FANTASY – FEELINGS – FAITH

NARRATIVE VS. TRUTH

Narrative – the story we tell ourselves

                            Is it based on facts? Loosely or entirely?

                            Narrative is the worldview

Liberal narrative vs. conservative

PROGRESSIVE (narrative climate change is one of the most urgent problems of this generation and if we don’t solve it in the next few years we will destroy the planet in our lifetime) VS -  FAR RIGHT (distrusts the mainstream media – it is always wrong and nearly every conspiracy theory is probably right)

More subtle narratives (TRUTH DECAY) that are creeping into the church:

1. “If I feel it, it must be true”

FACTS – FEELINGS – FAITH  (FAITH IN THE FEELINGS)

“my feelings are my reality”

“I’m miserable in my marriage, God wants me to be happy, therefore He understands if I get a divorce.”

Reality (God Hates Divorces)

Malachi 2:16 (NLT)

16 “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”

2. “You do you” - Be true to yourself, Follow your heart

Jeremiah 17:5–10 (ESV)

5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 10 “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

2. Follow your heart- your heart is the most reliable guide to truth - FALSE!

What does your heart tell you to do with your brother sister-? Right and wrong, lie, steal, covet

This lie is reversal of Proverbs 3:5-6 trust in your heart instead of the Lord!

Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Colossians 2:8–9 (ESV)

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

Not taken captive by philosophy but by narrative. Narrative. Story. Who has the best story.

TESTING FOR TRUTH DECAY (truth decay check up)

1.    Look at your prayers – what do you pray for? It shows your needs and your priorities.

     If you don’t pray, it shows you are trusting in yourself. You are god, so you don’t need to talk to God.

  Pray for safety and comfort – then living for here and now

Contrast the disciples –

Acts 4:29–32 (ESV)

29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. 32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

        Prayer for healing

  Pray for people to come to faith? Then you believe there is a hell.

Pray for God’s glory? Pray for His will?

        WHO IS AT THE CENTER OF YOUR PRAYERS? YOU OR GOD?

  Pray – just being with God.

                 Last Sunday – Pastor Norm

                 A.C.T.S.

                      Adoration

                      Confession

                      Thanksgiving

                      Supplication (requests)

2.    Look at your checkbook/bank account spending

        Are you investing in the here and now or heaven?

Do you honor God with the tithe?

Proverbs 3:5–10 (ESV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Do you see your paycheck, wealth, assets as yours or God’s?

Do you see yourself as the owner or the manager?

3.    Look at your calendar

        Time at church – 1-2x/month? God is not a big priority. He is an add on that you get value from.

        At church or church events, fellowship of 3, prayer meetings, Wednesday, Acts 29 – then

       Personal daily time with the Lord

       HOBBIES, SCREEN TIME, TV

4.    Look at your thoughts

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

John 14:1–6 (NLT)

1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

NEXT STEP – HOW CAN YOU PREVENT TRUTH DECAY?

                            Let God have your calendar

                            Let God have your checkbook

                            Let God be at the center of your prayers

                            Let God have your thoughts

TOOTHBRUSH ILLUSTRATION –

Why use toothbrush? Because sweet stuff builds up on your teeth and rots them. Need to brush away – brush away lies, don’t let lies eat at the truth.

Prayer: The First Priority

1Ti 2:1-4 NASB20

1 First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, [and] thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

I. Our Christian lives begin with a prayer

Rom 10:8-13 NASB20

8 But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus [as] Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart [a person] believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same [Lord] is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for "EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

II. Our ability to live the Christian life well depends on our having a living conversation with the LORD daily. This is really “Private Worship” – A.C.T.S.

a. Adoration

i. Just being with the Lord in silence

ii. Reviewing and appreciating who God is:

1. Good

2. Great

3. Full of Grace

4. Grieving with our griefs

5. Guaranteeing our grief will be used for gain

iii. Singing to the LORD

b. Confession of our sins

i. Review the day

ii. Admitting our failures and repenting of them

iii. Releasing to the Lord our cares (1 Peter 5:6,7)

c. Thanksgiving – All good things are from God

d. Supplication - Asking for God’s help

i. Our needs - Monday

ii. Our friends and family - Tuesday

iii. The needs of the Church - Wednesday

iv. The needs of our nation - Thursday

v. The needs of all nations – Friday

vi. The forgiveness of our enemies – Saturday

vii. Deliverance from the world, flesh, and devil – Sunday

III. Application

a. Is conversation with God your first priority in your life?

b. What could you do to improve your prayer life?

c. What hinders you from praying more?

d. Join us at 7 AM for prayer on ZOOM Monday thru Saturday

e. Join us on Wednesday in the Café for Prayer at 7 AM

f. Join us for prayer at 8 AM on Sundays at the J-house or ZOOM

g. Plan to be part of the next 777 week of prayer

h. Join the daily prayer e-mail list from me

i. Join those who get prayer requests from Karen

Recommended Reading –

How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Greig

God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayers by Pete Greig

On the web Prayer Course (I) - https://prayercourse.org/sessions/ Prayer Course (II) on unanswered prayers - https://unanswered.prayercourse.org/sessions/ A toolshed on prayer - https://unanswered.prayercourse.org/toolshed/

Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!!!!!!!

“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”

2 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:25 NIV

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

Galatians 5:16-17 NIV

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.  

2 Samuel 11:1-2 NIV

It’s time to rumble not stay home and relax.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

Colossians 2:13-15 NIV

“The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.”

Exodus 17:8-13 NIV

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.””

Exodus 17:14-16 NIV

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

Endless treasures in christ

Ephesians 3:3–11

endless treasures – can’t cover them all today, because they are endless

            unsearchable, without limit

THE TREASURES OF CHRIST

            1.         They are endless (impossible to fully count and value) Eph 3:8

            2.         They are eternal (we have them forever) (1 Peter 1:4)

            3.         They are incomparable (2 Cor 4:17)

            4.         They can’t be stolen (Matthew 6:20)

            5.         They only come by inheritance through a death (Heb 9)

            6.         They are often overlooked (Eph 3:5)

TREASURE 1 – Christ In You

2 Corinthians 4:4–7 (NLT) 

4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.  

Treasure in jars of clay – Christ in You!

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV) 

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 

TREASURE 2: Same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me and will raise my life!

Romans 8:10–11 (ESV) 

10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 

THE TREASURES

Gentiles can be saved 

            Same inheritance as the Jews

            Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus

Christ in you!

TREASURE 3: If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:28–30 (ESV) 

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. 

            If God is for us, who can be against us?

TREASURES IN CHRIST 4: God graciously gives us all things.

Romans 8:31–34 (ESV) 

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 

TREASURES IN CHRIST 5: Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:35–39 (ESV) 

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

TREASURE IN CHRIST 6: The Creator of the Universe will never leave you.

Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) 

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

TREASURE IN CHRIST 7: You have the source of all wisdom and knowledge

Colossians 2:2–5 (ESV) 

2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.     

What are wisdom and knowledge?

Wisdom to make wealth like Elon Musk? (worth $240 BILLION!)

Apple stock - $22/share - $100 (4.54 shares)

1 share then = 224 shares today due to stock splits 1016.96 shares (if bought $100 in 1980)

$157 share on Friday (May 6, 2022) initial value of $100 from 1980 worth $159,662 (not including dividends)

NOT TOO RICH OR POOR

Proverbs 30:8–9 (ESV) 

8 Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9 lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God. 

Colossians 2:3

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.     

Job 28:9–18, 23, 28 (NLT) 

9 People know how to tear apart flinty rocks and overturn the roots of mountains. 10 They cut tunnels in the rocks and uncover precious stones. 11 They dam up the trickling streams and bring to light the hidden treasures. 12 “But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? 13 No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living. 14 ‘It is not here,’ says the ocean. ‘Nor is it here,’ says the sea. 15 It cannot be bought with gold. It cannot be purchased with silver. 16 It’s worth more than all the gold of Ophir, greater than precious onyx or lapis lazuli. 17Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold. 18 Coral and jasper are worthless in trying to get it. The price of wisdom is far above rubies…

23 “God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found… 28 And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’ ” 

Colossian 2:2b-5

knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

OMIT TO THE END?

Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 13:44–46 (ESV) 

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. 

Persecution/Suffering

Hebrews 11:24–26 (ESV) 

24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 

Philippians 3:7–10 (NLT) 

7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 

             Suffering has a purpose – James 1:12 (crown of life)

            Suffering – endurance – character – hope (Romans 5:3-5)

Romans 5:3–5 (ESV) 

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 

Ephesians 3:10-11

10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. 

What riches are you sitting on, not realizing the wealth you have? Are you living like a spiritual pauper?

Until the end…

IS IT OVER? How long? When I start a movie – I look to see how long it is. 

While watching – may stop to see where I am in the stream

Are we there yet? – stop asking

         2500 miles to visit my parents  - 4 days of driving

Review

Daniel 10-11-12 – One Vision focused on the Greek Empire and successors – The King of the North (Syria) Antiochus IV Epiphanes and then zooming ahead to the final world leader, often called the Antichrist. Wars with the King of the South (Egypt) and others, 

Daniel 11:40-41 (ESV) 

40 “At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through. 41 He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites. 

Come into “countries” – tens of thousands shall fall; not JORDAN

Daniel 11:44-45 (ESV) 

44 But news from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go out with great fury to destroy and devote many to destruction. 45 And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him. 

News from the east and north- 200 Million man army in Revelation (Armageddon)

He shall come to his end, with none to help him. 
NO CHAPTER BREAKS IN THE ORIGINAL

Daniel 12:1 (ESV) 

1 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. 

Michael – arc angel, prince (appears in Daniel 10 – help the angel with this vision)

Gabriel – comes in Dan 9 – prophecy of 70 weeks and coming of Messiah (appears to Joseph) 

“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time.” – Great Tribulation 

7 Year Period of time (Daniel’s 70th Week) from Daniel 9

Begins with peace treaty for 7 years, midway Antichrist takes over, stops the sacrifice in the Temple, image of self in the Holy Place – begins persecution of Jews (last 3.5 years of Tribulation)

Jeremiah 30:7 (NKJV) 

7 Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, But he shall be saved out of it. 

Jeremiah 31:1–2 (ESV) 

1 “At that time, declares the Lord, I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they shall be my people.” 2 Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, 

Daniel 12:1b (ESV)

But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.

Romans 9:27–29 (ESV) 

27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, 28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” 29 And as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.” 

Romans 11:25–26a (ESV) 

25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved…

Hosea 5:15–6:2 (ESV) 

15 I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me. 1 “Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. 

Daniel 12:2 (ESV)

2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 

Body sleep – not the soul 

2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV) 

8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 

Daniel 12:2 (ESV)

2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 

Resurrection – everyone will live forever – some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.

HELL – Shame and everlasting contempt (Rev 20:14-15)

Revelation 20:11–15 (ESV) 

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. 

Daniel 12:3 (ESV)

3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 

We are called to shine like the stars – A LIGHT IN TODAY’S DARKNESS. 

We have the Light of Christ – we should shine – “turn many to righteousness”

Daniel 12:4 (ESV)

4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” 

SEAL THE BOOK – not understood until our day – yet still some to be uncovered

Many run to and fro – knowledge increase 

(Air travel) – be anywhere in the world in a matter of hours where used to take months or longer.

KNOWLEDGE – more info a weekday edition of modern newspaper than average 17th century person encounter in a lifetime.

Some smart watches have more computing power than mainframe computers from the 1970’s!

Google processes 3.5 Billion searches per day (in 2007 only 2.7 Billion all year)

Estimated 4 exabytes of unique info will be generated this year; more than previous 5,000 years combined.

CHART – 2010 till 2020 (30x as much info created, consumed)

Zettabytes – about 1Billion TB

INFO OVERLOAD

Daniel 12:5-7 (ESV)

5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. 6 And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. 

How long? – Time, times and half a time. (Hebrew “times” = a duple like “both” or a “couple”)

Other places in Daniel/Revelation – 1260 days, 42 months, 3.5 years, time times half a time = 3.5 years

“and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.”

Daniel 12:7b (NET) 

“It is for a time, times, and half a time. Then, when the power of the one who shatters the holy people has been exhausted, all these things will be finished.” 

Jacob’s Trouble – Tribulation, shattering of the power of the holy people

Daniel 12:8-10 (ESV)

8 I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. 

Go your way – Most ignore – not for them – UNTIL THE TIME OF THE END!

It is starting to make sense. 100 years ago, didn’t make sense.

Daniel 12:10 (ESV)

Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.

People do their thing – RIGHTEOUS – MAKE THEMSELVES WHITE

1 John 3:2b–3 (ESV)

…we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 

DON’T BE CAUGHT DEAD:

Daniel 12:11 (ESV)

11 And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. 

Earlier asks “what will happen after these things”

Midway trib – burnt offering stopped, abomination of desolation set up (Image of Antichrist)

Abomination of Desolation – 

Dan 9:27 (end sacrifice, middle of the 7 years)

Dan 11:31 (end sacrifice, abomination)

Dan 12:11 (end sacrifice, abomination)

Rev 13:15 (image of the beast given breath)

CHART – TRIBULATION TIMELINE

CHART 2 – 45 DAYS TO SET UP THE KINGDOM (Sheep and Goat/ BEMA seat judgment) – TABERNACLES (15 days)

Matthew 24:15–16 (ESV) 

15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 

Daniel 12:11 (ESV)

11 And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. 

1290 days? (all others 1260)

Extra month – at end of Tribulation 

Matthew 24:22 (ESV) 

22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 

Daniel 12:12-13 (ESV)

12 Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days. 13 But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” 

45 extra days?

Bottom Line:

Shine like the stars – bring others

            Purify yourself, if you are thinking about seeing Jesus, get ready

Revelation 19:6–8 (ESV) 

6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 

REMEMBER THE BRIDE

Does her nails

Does her hair

Might go to the gym 

CAN’T DO IT ALONE – BRIDE NEEDS HELP

Don’t be caught dead:

Go your way – urgency, yet we don’t know the day or hour – could be 10 years or more 

Come and see

Isaiah 60:1-5 NKJV

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. “Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy…”

Genesis 1:1-4 NKJV

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.”

Luke 4:18-21 

““The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him…”

I Corinthians 2:9-10 NKJV

“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”

Matthew 27:45-46 NKJV

“Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Matthew 28:1-6 NKJV

“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

John 20:1-8 NKJV

“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he, stooping down and looking in, SAW the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he SAW the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he SAW and believed.”

1. SAW - Blepo (v5)  To visualize 

2. SAW - Theoreo (v 6) To theorize 

3. SAW - Eido (v 8) To get the idea 

Matthew 28:5-6 NKJV

“But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

John 20:11-12 NKJV

“But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.”

PICS OF THE TOMB AMD MOST HOLY PLACE

Micah 6:8 NKJV

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

John 20:13-16 NKJV

Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!”

John 10:27 NKJV

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

John 20:29 NKJV

 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Coming World War - Daniel 11 part 2

Are we headed for World War?

ANTICHRIST REVIEW

ANTICHRIST – DANIEL 7

Little horn - speaks against God (“Allah akbar”), pompous words

War against the saints

Change times and laws (Like the French Revolution Decimal Clock)

Daniel 7:25 (NKJV) 

25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time. 

ANTICHRIST - DANIEL 8

Temple rebuilt - Antichrist stops daily sacrifice

cunning and deceitful, exalts himself

destroy mighty and the saints

ANTICHRIST - DANIEL 9

Covenant with Israel for 7 years (Tribulation)

Midway Tribulation end sacrifice 

Sets up abomination of desolation (image of self in the Temple)

Daniel 9:27 (NKJV) 

27 Then he [Antichrist] shall confirm a covenant with many for one week [seven]; But in the middle of the week [seven] He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.” 

Antichrist covenant, treaty for 7 years

Middle of covenant – end sacrifice (temple apparently in place)

2 Thes 2 – Rapture not happen until falling away and antichrist revealed

ANTICHRIST - DANIEL 11 

Antiochus IV Epiphanes (type of Antichrist), flattery and deception

Martyrdom of “the wise”

Stopped sacrifices, Abomination of Desolation

Daniel 11:32b

but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.

Application

Where do you need to take a stand? (home, family, work/business, neighbors)

What is your action step?

Daniel 11:29–32 (ESV) 

29 “At the time appointed he shall return and come into the south, but it shall not be this time as it was before. 30 For ships of Kittim shall come against him, and he shall be afraid and withdraw, and shall turn back and be enraged and take action against the holy covenant. He shall turn back and pay attention to those who forsake the holy covenant. 31 Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. 32 He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. 

Antiochus sets up the first abomination of desolation

                            History teaches

MOUNTAIN PICTURE – 3, showing one big mountain, actually multiple ranges

Daniel 11:33–35 (ESV) 

33 And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. 34 When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, 35 and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time. 

Martyrs in 2nd century BC – also in last days.

Daniel 11:36

36 “And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. 

Daniel 8:25 also talks about him exalting himself – 

Isaiah 14:12–15 (NKJV) 

12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ 15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit. 

Revelation 12:17

17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea…

Revelation 13:5-10 (ESV) 

 5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear…  10Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. 

Revelation 6:9–11 (ESV) 

9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. 

Daniel 11:37

37 He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all. 

Doesn’t honor any god except god of fortresses

                            God of fathers – possibly Muslim or Christian

“ONE BELOVED BY WOMEN” – speaking of birth of Messiah/Christ

“he shall magnify himself above all.” - AGAIN

Daniel 11:38-39

38 He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these. A god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. 39 He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price. 

Last week looked at Flattery

Daniel 11:40-41

40 “At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through. 41 He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites.

Earlier in Daniel – NORTH vs. SOUTH

South attacks North but NORTH WINS

North just wins

Daniel 11:41

41 He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites.

Certain countries don’t come under AntiChrist control:

Edom and Moab and Ammon – Jordan Saudi Arabia

                            Jordan peace with Israel (unsteady)

                            Petra – place of refuge

Daniel 11:42-43

 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train. 

Egypt – Libya – Cushites (Ethiopia/Sudan)

Daniel 11:44-45

44 But news from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go out with great fury to destroy and devote many to destruction. 45 And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him. 

News from East and North alarm him – 200 million man army from China  (Rev 9:15-16 – Euphrates dried up and 200 million men army approach

Fear – anger - Devote many to destruction – 

Palatial tents – in Israel

“Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him.” - 

Daniel 8:25b

But he shall be broken without human means.          

Antiochus – died of disease – after Jupiter idol cast out of the temple he vowed to turn Jerusalem into a cemetery for all of the Jews.  But got sick and body putrid, awful smell – died “without human means” 

COME TO AN END.

EVERY KINGDOM COMES TO AN END

Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman, British, Ottoman…

COMING WORLD WAR 

Psalm 2:1–6 (NLT) 

1 Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? 2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. 3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” 4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury. 6 For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.” 

Revelation 19:11–15 (ESV) 

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 

Revelation 19:19 (ESV) 

19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 

2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 (ESV) 

3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 

2 Thessalonians 2:5-7 (ESV) 

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) 

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 

Psalm 46:1–11 (ESV) 

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Bottom Line:

The “saints” will face persecution

God is with us; we win!

Standing on the Sure Word of God

Daniel 11 Part 1

2 Peter 1:19 (CSB) 

19 We also have the prophetic word strongly confirmed, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Series – Light in Today’s Darkness

2 Peter 1:20-21 (CSB) 

 20 Above all, you know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from the prophet’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 

Daniel 10:20–21 (ESV) 

20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince. 

Daniel 11:1-2 (ESV) 

1 “And as for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him. 2 “And now I will show you the truth. Behold, three more kings shall arise in Persia, and a fourth shall be far richer than all of them. And when he has become strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the kingdom of Greece. 

Predicts 4 kings of Persia  - 4th is the famous Xerxes (known in the book of Esther as Ahasuerus). Fabled million man army attack the Greeks (movie 300 based upon it)

Daniel 11:3-4

3 Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion and do as he wills. 4 And as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom shall be broken and divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not to his posterity, nor according to the authority with which he ruled, for his kingdom shall be plucked up and go to others besides these.

Alexander great – no children inherit – 4 generals

JOSEPHUS RECORDS: When Alexander approached Jerusalem, there was great animosity between him and the Jews. As the army approached they expected they were going to be able to destroy the city. The high priest prayed and was told to go out and meet Alexander outside the city. He went out in his high priestly garb – very distinct, with headpiece (Holy unto the Lord). 

When Alexander saw the priest, he recognized him from a dream he had seen, and immediately was curious and actually honored the high priest. The high priest showed him this passage in Daniel and realized it was talking about him. Alexander then gave safety to the city and the Jews and allowed them to follow the Torah. The high priest negotiated that they wouldn’t have to pay tribute in the 7th year (because of the Shemitah).

His kingdom divided 4 generals, 2 primary become the Seleucid to the North (Syria) and Ptolemy to the south (EGYPT)

SLIDE: MAP OF SELEUCID EMPIRE

Israel became the buffer zone – the stronger kingdom would control it. Daniel refers to as king of the North and King of the South.

Daniel 11:5-6

 5 “Then the king of the south shall be strong, but one of his princes shall be stronger than he and shall rule, and his authority shall be a great authority. 6 After some years they shall make an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement. But she shall not retain the strength of her arm, and he and his arm shall not endure, but she shall be given up, and her attendants, he who fathered her, and he who supported her in those times. 

Wars back and forth – to bring peace – King of South offers daughter Laodice to King of the North in marriage. – only problem- he’s already married to Berenice. To show that he was committed to the new wife (Laodice)  – the King of the North agrees to divorce his current wife to marry this younger gal. 

 PROBLEM – divorced wife (Berenice) doesn’t like the idea, eventually kills her rival (Laodice). The King takes back his divorced wife and then she goes and poisons him. 

So much for the peace treaty.

Daniel 11:7

7 “And from a branch from her roots one shall arise in his place. He shall come against the army and enter the fortress of the king of the north, and he shall deal with them and shall prevail. 

Brother of the daughter who was murdered, avenges his sister Laodice and comes and conquers King of the North carrying away much plunder – next verse

Daniel 11:8-9

8 He shall also carry off to Egypt their gods with their metal images and their precious vessels of silver and gold, and for some years he shall refrain from attacking the king of the north. 9 Then the latter shall come into the realm of the king of the south but shall return to his own land. 

The king of the north tries to invade the south again, but unsuccessful – EACH TIME THEY GO THROUGH ISRAEL

The Seleucid Kings – desire to revive the Old Greek Empire that Alexander had. 

Nationalism – Same with Putin trying to reunite the old Soviet Union or even ancient Russia

Heart of man is the same - 

Daniel 11:10-12

10 “His sons shall wage war and assemble a multitude of great forces, which shall keep coming and overflow and pass through, and again shall carry the war as far as his fortress. 11 Then the king of the south, moved with rage, shall come out and fight against the king of the north. And he shall raise a great multitude, but it shall be given into his hand. 12 And when the multitude is taken away, his heart shall be exalted, and he shall cast down tens of thousands, but he shall not prevail. 

New King of the South goes to attack again – “cast down tens of thousands” – basically slaughters many from the North. 

Pride gets him  and he doesn’t prevail. King of the North counters…

Daniel 11:13-14

13 For the king of the north shall again raise a multitude, greater than the first. And after some years he shall come on with a great army and abundant supplies. 14 “In those times many shall rise against the king of the south, and the violent among your own people shall lift themselves up in order to fulfill the vision, but they shall fail. 

King of North comes back stronger, and gets other nations to attack Egypt as well.

Even Jews join the attack hoping that it will calm their life but it doesn’t work. 

Daniel 11:15-16

15 Then the king of the north shall come and throw up siegeworks and take a well-fortified city. And the forces of the south shall not stand, or even his best troops, for there shall be no strength to stand. 16 But he who comes against him shall do as he wills, and none shall stand before him. And he shall stand in the glorious land, with destruction in his hand. 

King of North (Syria) wins against the south (Egypt). King of north establishes greater control over Israel (“the glorious land”)

Daniel 11:17

17 He shall set his face to come with the strength of his whole kingdom, and he shall bring terms of an agreement and perform them. He shall give him the daughter of women to destroy the kingdom, but it shall not stand or be to his advantage. 

King of the north tries to establish peace by giving his daughter – Cleopatra I – to marry the King of the Egypt (South). They get married but she sides with the Egyptians. 

Daniel 11:18-19

18 Afterward he shall turn his face to the coastlands and shall capture many of them, but a commander shall put an end to his insolence. Indeed, he shall turn his insolence back upon him. 19 Then he shall turn his face back toward the fortresses of his own land, but he shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found. 

This King of the North – will start to attack Greece but is turned back by a commander of Rome. Rome by this point is starting to grow in power and turns him away and he dies shortly after.

Daniel 11:20

20 “Then shall arise in his place one who shall send an exactor of tribute for the glory of the kingdom. But within a few days he shall be broken, neither in anger nor in battle. 

King’s son takes over and begins heavy taxes to pay for all of the wars, but he is quickly poisoned and dies. His brother, Antiochus IV Epiphanes assumes the throne. He becomes a type or picture of the Antichrist and more verses about him than all the others combined. He foreshadows the “Little horn” of Daniel chapter 7 and 8

Daniel 11:21-23

21 In his place shall arise a contemptible person to whom royal majesty has not been given. He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. 22 Armies shall be utterly swept away before him and broken, even the prince of the covenant. 23 And from the time that an alliance is made with him he shall act deceitfully, and he shall become strong with a small people. 

Antiochus IV took on the title Epiphanes – meaning illustrious one  or GOD MANIFEST

The throne actually belonged to his nephew, but he took it over (which is what was prophesied).

He obtained the kingdom by flattery – 

            BEWARE THE FLATTERER

Psalm 55:21 (ESV) 

21 His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. 

Leadership and self-deception – we often place around us people who tell us what we want to hear – because we agree with them.

Flattery puffs up (insincere)

Encouragement builds up (pure motives)– encourage – give strength to

Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV) 

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 

Friends speak the truth and that sometimes hurts.

Daniel 11:24

24 Without warning he shall come into the richest parts of the province, and he shall do what neither his fathers nor his fathers’ fathers have done, scattering among them plunder, spoil, and goods. He shall devise plans against strongholds, but only for a time. 

He redistributes wealth – taking from the rich and giving to his followers.

BEWARE WHEN POLITICIANS TALK ABOUT REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH

BIDEN BILLIONAIRE TAX - 

Daniel 11:25-27

25 And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall wage war with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for plots shall be devised against him. 26 Even those who eat his food shall break him. His army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. 27 And as for the two kings, their hearts shall be bent on doing evil. They shall speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for the end is yet to be at the time appointed. 

Antiochus pushed his troops to the borders of Egypt and sat down at a table with the other king to bring peace – but both of them were lying to each other

Daniel 11:28

28 And he shall return to his land with great wealth, but his heart shall be set against the holy covenant. And he shall work his will and return to his own land. 

Antiochus comes back through Israel to go home but is upset that he didn’t take all of Egypt and takes it out on Israel (“set against the holy covenant”)

Daniel 11:29-30

29 “At the time appointed he shall return and come into the south, but it shall not be this time as it was before. 30 For ships of Kittim shall come against him, and he shall be afraid and withdraw, and shall turn back and be enraged and take action against the holy covenant. He shall turn back and pay attention to those who forsake the holy covenant.

Antiochus plans to attack Egypt again, but Roman ships from Kittim come and meet him on the beach. The commander has a letter forbidding him to attack Egypt. He asks for time to consider and the commander draws a circle around him in the sand and says not leave the circle until he has decided what he is going to do. Doesn’t want to go to war with Rome so he relents and goes home and takes his anger out on Israel – now really upset and specifically against the Jews and Torah. 

Daniel 11:31

 31 Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.    .

He sends an army of 22,000 soldiers into Jerusalem on a “peace-keeping mission” but they attacked on the Sabbath and killed 40,000 people and took thousands as slaves.  Eventually 100,000 killed

STOPPED THE BURNT OFFERINGS -daily sacrifice

Forbade Mosaic law, circumcision, Jewish festivals

Burned copies of the scriptures

Set up the abomination of desolation – Dec 16, 167 BC – set up an altar of Zeus on the Bronze altar outside the temple and had a pig offered on the altar.

He required the Jews to sacrifice a pig each month on the 25th of the month in celebration of his birthday.

Daniel 11:32

32 He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. 

He encouraged Jews to worship Zeus and provided incentives to forsake God. 

He used FLATTERY – spoken here again. 

LOOK AT LAST PART OF VERSE:

Daniel 11:32b

but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.

Comparison between apostate Jews and Jews who “know their God.”

Apostate Jews didn’t know their God because if really knew God, wouldn’t forsake. 

Know He is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent.

Daniel 11:32b

but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.

1.     STAND FIRM

2.     TAKE ACTION

Ephesians 4:14 (ESV) 

14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 

Colossians 2:8 (NLT) 

8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 

DON’T STAND FIRM BECAUSE OF LIES – Twisting the truth

            Love is love – gay couple – “who am I to judge?” – “you do you”

            Be true to yourself

Ephesians 6:10–14 (ESV) 

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness…

Romans 8:31 (ESV) 

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 

2. Take Action

Daniel 11:32b

but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.

Lots of INACTION today – passivity

            Too busy

            Too confused

            Too scared

Repentance – change of mind and direction – can’t change direction without taking action

WHAT ACTION IS GOD CALLING YOU TO TODAY?

He has asked you to do something and you have been waiting.

Daniel 11:32b

but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.

Daniel 11:33-35

33 And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. 34 When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, 35 and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time. 

Persecution and martyrdom

Mattathias – priest with 5 sons, one Judas Maccabeus – The Hammerer

Persecution is “so that they may be refined and purified, and made white”

2 Timothy 3:10–12 (ESV) 

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 

Joshua 24:14–15 (ESV) 

14 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Daniel 11:32b

but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.

Application

Where do you need to take a stand? (home, family, work/business, neighbors)

What is your action step?

Do people at work know that you are a Christian or do you blend in with everyone else? Is that what the Lord wants?

In your home, does it look like the rest of the world, or is it different? What actions would the Lord have you take?

In your marriage, are you standing firm and taking action, or drifting following the world?

Vision Sunday 2022

REVEAL FELLOWSHIP MISSION:

Our mission is to bring glory to God by raising up an army of light to displace darkness and rescue saints who are spiritually stuck by calling them back to a first love flame with the Savior.

R-KiDS MISSION:

To see children of light empowered and equipped to share their faith, prophesy, and reach their generation with the love of Christ. To see young people that walk with the integrity of Daniel, the courage of David and the power of God!

MISSION 4-14

Reaching the next generation when they are most open to the gospel: Between the ages of 4-14

⅔ of believers came to Christ between ages 4-14

R-KiDS WORSHIP CENTER WILL PROVIDE

A place for Sunday School Worship (grades K-5)
R-KiDS Small Groups!!!

Music Camp Expansion (more kids get to attend!!!)

AWANA Program

After school tutoring

Additional Counseling Offices

REVEAL SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Private lessons and group lessons to train up artists

for God’s glory

CHILDREN AND YOUTH EVENTS

Summer camp June 20-25

LIFE Conference (High School) July 5-9

MISSION 4-14 R-KiDS BUILDING

$850,000 raised so far

$750,000 needed to complete

Building permit applied for

Need site plan amendment

Construction loan in process

REVEAL LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors (financial oversight)

Elders (spiritual oversight)

Leadership (groups and ministries)

Staff and Interns

Matthew‬ ‭16:15-18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

Our mission is to bring glory to God by raising up an army of light to displace darkness and rescue saints who are spiritually stuck by calling them back to a first love flame with the Savior.

‭‭“Raise up an army of light that displaces the darkness”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:1-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“…I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,”

Ephesians‬ ‭2:4-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭

Matthew 16:18

“….on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

Acts‬ ‭1:4-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

‭‭

Acts‬ ‭2:2-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

‭‭

Acts‬ ‭10:44-48‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.”

‭‭

Luke‬ ‭11:9-13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

‭‭

THE P.G.A. OF GOD FOR THE CHURCH

PURPOSE: Make known the love of God

GOAL: Displace darkness

ACTION: Wait & Be Filled with The Holy Spirit

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS: “The Invisible War”

I Peter 5:8-9 NKJV

“… your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

Ephesians 2:2 NKJV

“…the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,”

Ephesians 2:2 NLT

“…the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.”

Revelation 8:8-9 NKJV

“Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.”

 Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

II Kings 6:8 NKJV

 “Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel…”

II Kings 6:15-18 NKJV

And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Daniel 10:10-21 NKJV

“Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.” When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, “My Lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. For how can this servant of my Lord talk with you, my Lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me.” Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my Lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come. But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.”

James 4:7 NKJV

“…submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Zechariah 3:1-5 NKJV

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.

James 5:16 NKJV

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Zechariah 3:6-7 NKJV

Then the Angel of the Lord admonished Joshua, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘If you will walk in My ways, And if you will keep My command, Then you shall also judge My house, And likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk Among these who stand here.”

Ephesians 3:10 NIV

“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,”

Daniel 10:6 NKJV

“His body was like beryl…”

I Corinthians 11:28-32 NKJV

“…let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.”

I Corinthians 5:11-13 NKJV

“…I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”

Revelation 12:7-11 NKJV

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

How to have your prayer answered

Psalm 55:16-17

As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.”

Psalm 18:6 NLT

“… In my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached His ears.”

Psalm 22:1-2 NLT

“My God, my God, why have You abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to You, my God, but You do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.”

John 14:13-14 NKJV

“…whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

DANIEL:

1. TRUSTED THE PROMISE OF GOD 

2. LIVED THE POSITION OF FAITH

Daniel 10:1-9 NKJV

“In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris, I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.”

Revelation 1:17 NKJV

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.”

🔥POWER FLOWS THROUGH PURITY

1. TRUST THE PROMISES OF GOD

Jeremiah 29:10 NKJV

“For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.”

Romans 8:26-27 

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

PROMISES TO PRAY

1. THE PEACE OF GOD

2. THE JOY OF GOD

3. THE COMFORT OF GOD

4. THE WISDOM OF GOD

5. THE SPIRIT OF GOD 

John 14:27, John 16:22, John 15:11, John 16:24, Psalms 16:11, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Matthew 5:4, James 1:5, 2 Cor 1:21-22

Luke 11:9-13

John 14:27 NKJV

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John 16:22 NKJV

“…your joy no one will take from you.”

John 15:11 NKJV

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

John 16:24 NKJV

“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

Psalm 16:11 NKJV

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4a NKJV

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation…”

Matthew 5:4 NKJV

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

James 1:5 NKJV

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NKJV

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”

Luke 11:9-13 NKJV

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

James 1:6-8 NKJV

“…let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

2. LIVING THE POSITION OF FAITH 

Daniel 10:2-3 NKJV

“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”

Daniel 9:3-4 NKJV

“I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments,”

Hebrews 12:14-16 NKJV

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.”

Psalms 86:1-2 NLT

“Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.”

I Peter 3:7 NKJV

“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”

I John 3:21-22 NKJV

“Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”

James 4:2b-6 NKJV

“…you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

James 5:16 NKJV

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Matthew 9:13 NKJV

(Jesus said) “… go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice…’”

Daniel 10:12 NKJV

Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.”

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS: “Last Days Living” Daniel 9 part 3

Matthew 24:36-44

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect”. 

I Thessalonians 5:1-6 NKJV

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”

II Thessalonians 2:1-5 NKJV

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?”

Matthew 24:15, 21 NKJV

 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” whoever reads, let him understand... 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.”

Revelation 13:3-6 NKJV

“And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.”

I Thessalonians 5:9-11 NKJV

“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Revelation 3:10-11 NKJV

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”

Psalms 83:3-5 NKJV

“They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You:”

            1.         EDOM – Jordan (southern part)

            2.         ISHMAELITES    – Father of Arabs generally

            3.         MOAB – Jordan (central part)

            4.         HAGRITES – Egypt

            5.         GEBAL – Lebanon

            6.         AMMON – Jordan (northern part)

            7.         AMALEK – Sinai area (Egypt)

            8.         PHILISTIA – Gaza area

            9.         TYRE – Lebanon

            10.       ASSYRIA – Parts of Syria and Iraq

Ezekiel 38:1-6, 9, 14-16, 22-23 NKJV

“Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you. You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and all your troops and many peoples with you.” “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it? Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It will be in the latter days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes.” And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.”

Matthew 24:15, 21 NKJV

 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” whoever reads, let him understand... 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.”

Revelation 13:3-6 NKJV

“And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.”

I Thessalonians 3:4, 8 NKJV

“…we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation… For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.”

1 Peter 5:8-11

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Revelation 12:11-12 NIV

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”

Daniel 9 Part 2: The Power of Forgiveness

“Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” –C.S. Lewis

An unforgiving Christian is like a butterfly flapping its wings in the dirt acting like it is still a caterpillar, powerless to rise above.

Matthew‬ ‭18:15-20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“…if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

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Matthew‬ ‭18:21 NKJV‬‬

THEN Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

Luke‬ ‭17:4-5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”

Matthew‬ ‭18:22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

Matthew‬ ‭6:11-12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

Matthew‬ ‭18:23-35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

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Ephesians‬ ‭4:30-32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

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Daniel‬ ‭9:20-23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God, yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:”

Leviticus‬ ‭26:34-35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Then the land shall enjoy its sabbaths as long as it lies desolate and you are in your enemies’ land; then the land shall rest and enjoy its sabbaths. As long as it lies desolate it shall rest— for the time it did not rest on your sabbaths when you dwelt in it.”

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Jeremiah‬ ‭29:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.”

Matthew‬ ‭12:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

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Colossians‬ ‭2:16-17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”

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Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

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Daniel‬ ‭9:24-27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

24“Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy.”

WHY 70 WEEKS?

1. Rightly dividing 70 weeks

2. When did the 70 weeks begin?

3. Where are we now in the 70 weeks period?

4. What next?

WEEKS: SHABBUIM (HEPTADS)

Genesis‬ ‭29:27‬

“Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.”

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Daniel 9:25

25 “Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times.

Daniel 9:26

26“And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined.

Daniel 9:27

27Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”

1. FINISH TRANSGRESSION

2. MAKE AN END TO SINS

3. RECONCILIATION FOR INIQUITY

4. BRING EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS

5. SEAL UP PROPHECY

6. ANOINT THE MOST HOLY

Luke‬ ‭19:41-44‬ ‭NKJV‬

“Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

Mark‬ ‭13:28-31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“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 these things happening, 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. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Psalms‬ ‭90:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years...”

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Revelation‬ ‭5:1-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it. Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.”

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Ephesians‬ ‭2:1-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

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The End is coming

Daniel 9:1-2 NKJV 

“In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the lineage of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans— in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”

THE WORD OF GOD

THE CHARACTER OF GOD

Isaiah 46:9-10 NKJV

“For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done..”

Matthew 24:1-3  NKJV

“Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 

Matthew 24:4-13 NKJV

“And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

1 Corinthians 13:9 

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part,”

Jeremiah 25:11-13 NKJV

“And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. ‘Then it will come to pass, when seventy years are completed, that I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniquity,’ says the Lord; ‘and I will make it a perpetual desolation. So I will bring on that land all My words which I have pronounced against it, all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah has prophesied concerning all the nations.”

Jeremiah 29:10-14 NKJV

“For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.”

Mark 13:14 NKJV

“So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand)

Mark 13:28-31 NKJV

“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 these things happening, 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. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

 2 Peter 3:10-14 NLT

“But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.”

Daniel 9:3-4 NKJV

“Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments,”

Daniel 9:5-15 NKJV

“we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land. O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face, as it is this day—to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those near and those far off in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of the unfaithfulness which they have committed against You. “O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him. We have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets. Yes, all Israel has transgressed Your law, and has departed so as not to obey Your voice; therefore the curse and the oath written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against Him. And He has confirmed His words, which He spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing upon us a great disaster; for under the whole heaven such has never been done as what has been done to Jerusalem. “As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not made our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth. Therefore the Lord has kept the disaster in mind, and brought it upon us; for the Lord our God is righteous in all the works which He does, though we have not obeyed His voice. And now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and made Yourself a name, as it is this day—we have sinned, we have done wickedly!”

Daniel 9:16-19 NKJV

“O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all those around us. Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord’s sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”

Matthew 24:13 ESV

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Revelation 21:1-7 ESV

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”