Colossians 2:18  Let no man beguile you of your reward

Types of judgment/reward:

            Christians will be judged/rewarded in numerous areas. There are verses that speak of “full reward” and also warning not to allow someone to prevent us from receiving a full reward (2 Jn 8; Rev. 3:11; Col 2:18); Scripture also speaks of receiving our own reward (1 Cor 3:8).

            Doctrinal living – Paul speaks of our works being tried by fire (1 Cor 3:9-15)

            Faithfulness – We are to remain faithful to what, where and how we are to serve Christ (1 Cor 3:8; 4:2; 1 Pet 4:10; Lu 19:26). We will not be judged according to amount, but faithfulness to our ability  and calling(Matt 13:23; 25:15).

            Words – Jesus says we will give account for idle (vain) words that we speak Matt 12:36. This could refer to exclamations, unholy talk (Eph 4:29) or our prayer life (Matt 6:7).

            Christian ministering/service – As Christians we have opportunities to help others or minister to needs of others and we will be rewarded accordingly (Matt 10:42; Phil 4:17; Heb 6:10; Lu 14:14).

Rewards – Some of the rewards the righteous receive relate to our

Daniel 7:10  A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

Judgments:

             Many people think that judgment day will be one special day and all will be present standing before God and we will find out then who is saved and who is not saved and to what degree of punishment or reward will be given to each. The Bible does not give us this sense of judgment. There seems to be three separate judgments in reference to time, place and type of judgment. These represent a finality judgment; however there are judgments declared and administered upon sin and people and nations prior to the final judgments (such as Israel going into captivity, judgments upon Egypt, etc.). Sin was judged at Calvary when Christ took the sins of the world upon His body and those who place their trust in Him receive the forgiveness of their sin (1 Tim 5:24). God is presently poring our judgment upon nations today because of their sin – America is being judged because of our embracing abortion, sodomy,

Matthew 28:5-6   And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

            Years ago someone took a survey of a thousand people and asked what they thought were the most important events in history. To the shock and disappointment of many the resurrection of Jesus Christ was named as only the fifth most important event – it was blow Columbus discovering America, invention of the printing press and several others.

            If you think about what the resurrection did for mankind and its importance toand for us, you will agree with me – they are all worng.

            If Christ had not been raised from the dead we could not be justified before a Holy God -- Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.  Belief in His resurrection is key to being saved -- Romans 10:9  if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him

Revelation 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

Silence in heaven:

            Upon the opening of the seventh seal there is silence for half an hour in heaven. Most believe that this is an awe-struck silence before the sounding of trumpets and opening of the seals. The sounding of trumpets is preceded by mention of prayers of the saints and the casting of the incense onto the earth (Rev 6:10). The answers to prayers that have been kept by God are now being answered in full measure upon the earth.

Trumpets judgments:

            As the trumpets are sounded serious and frightening things occur on earth.

            First trumpet – Fire and hail mingled with blood falls onto the earth burning up a third of the trees and all green grass.

            Second trumpet – a meteor or asteroid falls into the sea (Mediterranean) and one third of it turns to blood, a third of sea creatures die and a third of the ships on the sea were destroyed. (*These were perhaps ships against Israel).

            Third trumpet – a giant meteor or asteroid comes into

Revelation 12:7-9   And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

8  And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Demonic activity:

            John sees war in heaven in which the devil with his angels are cast onto the earth and then declares a woe to the inhabitants of earth because of the spiritual forces now consigned to earth. The tribulation period is not only a time when the wickedness of man is released by the withdrawn hindrance of the Holy Spirit but there will also be demonic activity probably beyond any that has happened on earth previously. There has always been demonic activity on earth after the fall of the devil but during the tribulation this will increase exponentially.

Other times of activity:

            When God sent Moses into Egypt to bring His people out of bondage there was a display of power supernatural demonic

Revelation 6:1-2  And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

2  And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Rise of anti-Christ:

            These verses tell of a coming ruler who comes riding a white horse -- white symbolizing righteousness, purity as well as peace. When any army or people approach another in order to seek peace or negotiations they do so under the banner of a white flag. Also, this rider exhibits power and might in military power by the carrying of a bow; however, there is no arrow so the deadly portion is not present indicating that he seeks peace thru a mighty presence. The Bible is clear that a time of peace will precede the horrors of the tribulation will begin. (Dan 8:25; 1 Thes 5:3). Daniel tells us that this anti-Christ will confirm the covenant with Israel for one week (7 years – Dan 9:27). Isaiah said Israel’s covenant

Romans 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Israel’s blindness:

            Paul says that the reason that Israel does not accept Christ as the Messiah is that there is blindness in part in their seeing, reading and understanding of Scripture and of Jesus. He tells us that it is only a part (portion, measure) of blindness but not a type that prevents them from ever coming to the truth. In 2 Cor 3 Paul speaks of the clarity of his presentation of the gospel and associates this with the partial blindness of Israel when these same truths are presented to them. In verses 13-16 he explains the truth of what has happened with the incident when Moses talked with God and then with the people and had to place a vail upon his face when speaking to the people because he shone with the glory of God (Ex 34:31-35). Paul says that this vail remains upon the hearts of Israel until they turn to Christ in

Matthew 24:22   And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Many people die:

            During the tribulation a total of one half of the world’s population will die due to plagues and war (Rev 6:8; 9:18). There will be wars and famines and severe plagues and supernatural happenings on earth as God’s wrath is poured out. The tribulation is a time of God’s wrath being poured out upon the inhabiters of earth (Rev 6:15-17; 11:18; 14:19; 15:1; 16:1). God cleanses the earth of all the vileness that man has placed here in their rebellion against the Creator. In mercy God shortens the days so that some will survive.

Shortened time:

            All through prophetic passages it speaks of three and one half years and seven years; it also mentions that the days will be shortened so that some will survive. In Daniel he mentions that the world ruler will make a covenant with “many” for one week which is interpreted as seven years. The tribulation period will last seven years and if the time is shortened, then it will not be seven years. If it

Feasts – part 2

Leviticus 23:1-2  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
²  Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

Feast of Trumpets – this feast has a couple types looking toward the return of Christ for the church. It is called the Feast of Trumpets because there was the blowing of trumpets to call Israel together for the feast. (Lev 23:24). Two types of trumpets were used in Scripture – one was a silver trumpet (Num 10:2) and a ram’s horn called a shofar which traditionally was used in this feast – although Scripture is not specific (see Josh 6:5 & Lev 25:9). The first type in this feast is the blowing of the trumpets. Some believe the “; last trump” of 1 Cor 15:52 refers to the last of the seven trumpets in the Revelation (Rev 11:15). However, the blowing of trumpets at this feast was more than just one blast. Thru the years it became a series of blasts with the last one being a long

The feasts – part 1

Leviticus 23:1-2   And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2  Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

Seven feasts of the Lord:

          There are many types and shadows in Scripture and the feasts of the Lord are also types and shadows of special events and workings of God. They are probably also involved in prophetic events yet to occur. The first four were literally fulfilled in Christ’s first coming, death and resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The last three will be fulfilled in the future events to take place on this earth.

Passover – Jesus died on the Passover which was typified by the death of the Passover Lamb by Israel. It is rooted in their deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the blood preventing the death of all first born when the death angel went thru the land. It typifies the forgiveness of sin thru the blood of Christ.

Unleavened bread – this began the day after Passover and continued for seven days. There was to be no leaven

Revelation 13:1-2   And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
²  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Three-fold character of the beast:

            The beast of Revelation 13 and the anti-Christ are one in the same but we have to separate the three-fold character of the beast in order to have a better understanding of it.

          World power – The beast that John sees rising out of the sea is a world power as he describes it. It has the body of a leopard, the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. These three descriptive animals are in reverse order of the three world powers saw by Daniel in Dan 7:1-7. Therefore, it is understood that the coming beast of Rev 13 is a combined world

Luke 21:20  And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

Israel attacked:

            Ezekiel 38 & 39 tells of a host that comes against Israel in the latter days and surrounds them in order to destroy them (Eze 38:8-12). There have been various interpretations as to who all these hosts will be. Many believe that Russia will be a major player in it along with Muslim countries. Muslims have long desired to destroy Israel from off the earth and so have others through history – Germany, Palestine, etc. In the passage God says that He will defend Israel and leave one sixth of the attacking army (Eze 38:21-23; 39:2). According to the prophecy God will be the Defender of Israel and not another nation. Many believe that during g these days and during the tribulation America will defend Israel since we are their greatest ally today and defender of their right to exist.

Near and far fulfilment:

            Often prophetic passages have a near and far fulfilment in prophetic events. There is another attack by Gog and Magog recorded in Rev 20:9 but it is clear from the context of

Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

The mystery of iniquity is already working in Paul’s day and is flourishing in our time today. We see the mystery of it in numerous situations today. There is mysteriousness about abortion, homosexuality, among other things. The mystery of iniquity is very prevalent in our land today as we see the hypocrisy that is actually believed by many. We see it in the rioting, looting and complicity of the left and progressives. All these have been present at times since sin entered into the world and the devil has been deceiving people.

The mystery of iniquity is referenced in relation to the one world ruler that will come to power someday (2 Thes 2:8-9). The mystery will be in his ability to control the people of the world and also rule over them. They will accept him as God and he will be accompanied and aided by another individual called the false prophet (Rev 13:11-15). Together these two persons will control the world’s population and rule them (Rev 13:16-17). He will present himself as the long

Matthew 24:21   For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

The tribulation period – According to Daniel there are yet seven years that are unfulfilled in God’s direct dealings with Israel (Dan 9:24-27). This also included Jerusalem which is a thorn for many people. Jews, Christians and Muslims all consider this city to be important in their beliefs. Jerusalem will be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. God has predicted that Jerusalem will be a burden to people (Zech 12:2-3). The Six Day War was a pivotal point in history regarding prophecy. Until that time Jerusalem was in the hands of Muslims but now it has been captured by the Jews. Even though it is under Jewish control the Mosque of Omar still resides on the temple mount making it difficult to re-build the Jewish temple. Prophecy concerning the anti-Christ confirms that the temple will be re-built at that time (Dan 9:27; Matt 24:15).

The battle of Armageddon as well at the battle in Ezek 38 & 39 will take place around Jerusalem. The re-building

Daniel 9:24   Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

The tribulation period – According to Daniel there are yet seven years that are unfulfilled in God’s direct dealings with Israel (Dan 9:24-27). This also included Jerusalem which is a thorn for many people. Jews, Christians and Muslims all consider this city to be important in their beliefs. Jerusalem will be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. God has predicted that Jerusalem will be a burden to people (Zech 12:2-3). The Six Day War was a pivotal point in history regarding prophecy. Until that time Jerusalem was in the hands of Muslims but now it has been captured by the Jews. Even though it is under Jewish control the Mosque of Omar still resides on the temple mount making it difficult to re-build the Jewish temple. Prophecy concerning the anti-Christ confirms that the temple will be re-built at that time (or

Daniel 12:8-9 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? ⁹  And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

            The study of prophecy is very interesting and challenging. There are many people interested in it – because we want to know the future (at least we think we do). If there is sorrow, problems, death, disease, etc. in our future often we try to avoid it if we know it. You often hear people say, “If I only knew . . .”

            Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of Christ – whose birth we just celebrate – and in some of those prophecies they also predicted Him as a coming King. Isaiah said, Isaiah 9:6-7  “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the

(Lam 3:21-26)  This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. {22} It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. {23} They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. {24} The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. {25} The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. {26} It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

      Many people make “New Year’s Resolutions” to make changes in their life – whether it be to lose weight, be more kind, be more productive or whatever they resolve to do. So few ever follow through with these resolutions and the shame of it is that they wait until the next year to proceed any further.

      Jeremiah says that the mercies of God and new every morning. We do not have to wait until the next New Year to receive them. This has a type in the manna that God fed the nation of Israel while they wandered in the wilderness on their way to the Promised

Luke 2:10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Christmas is a celebration, that’s why we say Merry Christmas – it is Jesus’ birthday. Ironically, most Christmas celebrations ignore the Person whose birthday it is. He’s often overlooked or merely mentioned along with Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, the Grinch, elves or other fictional characters.

1. What do we celebrate?

            Most people celebrate things other than Jesus -- a Christmas bonus, we survived another year, got all my shopping done, being home for Christmas, my candidate was elected, or numerous other reasons, but too often Jesus is not one of them.

The first purpose of Christmas is to celebrate Luke 2:10

            There are three reasons to celebrate:

1. UNTO YOU – this is personal. Salvation is not an “in mass” type of occurrence. It is a very personal and individual thing. This does not mean that we make our own way of salvation, but God deals with us individually and personally. He works on us as individuals to ring us into His family.
2. GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY – this is

2 Thessalonians 3:3  But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Many attributes

            Christ has many wonderful attributes and qualities, not the least of which is faithfulness. He is trustworthy and believable to do all that He has promised to do. He will keep us from the evil one and being overcome by evil (1 Cor 10:13) as we keep our self in His will and way.

            We have all gone astray and into sin and have ignored and forgotten Him, so why would He do this? Why does He care for us so?

He is our Creator

            He has created us and formed with a specific purpose in mind (Isa 43:7) and He does not desire that we live on a lower plain of life. He told Israel He had created and formed tem also (Isa 43:1). God has created man for His glory – and made man in His own image and gave him dominion over the rest of creation. It is sadness to God when any of His created beings goes away from Him and denies Him, so He loves us and because He is our

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Paul’s postscript

      Paul has just finished his thanks to the Philippians for their gift and proclaimed his independence from situations controlling his life.  He explained that he learned how to be content in all and every situation by the experiences of his past.  Paul then makes the statement of our text, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheth me. It is a statement of triumph and also humility at the same time. It is one of those Christians paradoxical truths to rejoice, to make our boast and yet be humble and lowly. (Gal 6:14 and let every man glory in Christ). We are to boast only in the Lord.

      Paul is not saying that he can do all things by himself, but that he is enabled to do all things through the power of Christ. – I am strong in all things in Christ Who infuses strength into me.

      Paul said he came to the instruction of the previous verses through experience, logical reasoning of his Christian faith, and cultivating a personal and intimate knowledge of Christ. His