What did Jesus teach His disciples about the end-times and His return? That’s the subject of this series of posts. I’m dealing with Christ’s teaching in Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13.
When we finish this section of Scripture, there will be no doubt as to what Jesus taught about His return. This will be interesting to see because at this point, most American Christians believe that the saints will be resurrected seven years before Christ reveals Himself to the world.
I made up my mind to believe Jesus no matter what He reveals, which should be your attitude as well. If you’re prepared to believe Jesus over anything that man might say, then read on!
The first thing that Jesus does is to give the disciples the short version.
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in may name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”
Matthew 24:4-5
The initial warning that Jesus gives us is about deceivers. The word deceiver in the Greek literally means those who cause others to leave the path. People will come who make it their goal to remove you from the path of following Christ wholeheartedly. Their methods may vary from time to time and from place to place, but the outcome is the same.
These imitations claim to be the anointed one, which is what Christ means in Greek. They want to convince you that they have the lock on God’s power or His anointing. Many Christians are all too willing to follow these signs from revival to camp meeting to healing service. They never seem to want to settle down under godly teaching.
Please realize that I’m not knocking the revival meeting. I love being a part of the move of God. What I’m saying is that every believer must be plugged-in to a local church body where they’re constantly being fed from God’s Word.
If not, they’ll end up remaining a baby Christian their whole life. Of course, some prefer it that way since they never have to take on the responsibility of ministry. Then, they can just go from place to place getting fed their spiritual bottle.
If deception is a big part of living in the Last-Days, then how do we guard ourselves?
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Hebrews 3:13
It’s through the mutual encouragement of the body of believers that we keep from being deceived. That’s one of the benefits of being connected to a local church.
But wait! The writer of Hebrews also said…
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
This verse explains why there is such deception in the Last Days. Believers will be attending church less and less frequently. One of the reasons I feel we’re close to Christ’s Return is because this is an epidemic in the body of Christ right now.
Don’t open yourself to the deceptions of this age. Be an active part of a local body of believers.
Question: Why is church attendance by Christians in such decline in our generation?
© Nick Zaccardi 2014
Tags: body of believers, Christ, church, deceived, deception, encouragement, end-time deception, Jesus, last days, local body, local church, return of Christ, second coming
Genesis 16:13-14
She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.
We serve a God of many names. It is beyond the capability of human speech to adequately describe Him in one simple name. Each time someone met the God of Heaven and earth, they were inspired by the Holy Spirit to refer to Him by a new name.
He was called Jehovah Rapha, “God my Healer;” El Elyon, “God Most High;” and Addonai, “God Almighty”, just to name a few. Here Hagar has just come face to face with a new revelation of her Creator. She knows Him as “The God Who sees me.”
What an awesome thought. This is the God who created the universe, the One who upholds all things by His mighty power, the King of kings that sits enthroned above the earth. Yet in spite of all His glory, He sees me.
Think of it. God does not only see us, He sees me – personally. He knows my joys, hurts, frustrations, victories, and needs. The Lord knows me more intimately than I know myself.
As you go before Him today, acknowledge Him as the One who sees everything about you. This will allow you to rest in His holy presence, knowing that He cares about everything that concerns you. Bask in the assurance of His love for you.
Tags: destiny, encouragement, fellowship, God sees me, God's faithfulness, God's love, God's will, Holy Spirit, names of God, personal, running away, sees everything, trust
Job 38:12-15
“Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it? The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment. The wicked are denied their light, and their upraised arm is broken.”
Sunrise is a very special time of day. It is then that the dark, gray, formless world suddenly bursts with color, shape, and sound. I consider it a privilege to be able to wake up with the dawn. Just to see the blazing colors of the rising sun, to smell the earthy fragrance of the fresh morning dew, and to hear the chatter of the forest creatures as they begin their work in the new day is an experience that cannot be duplicated anywhere else.
This should humble us as human beings. Just to think that this ritual of nature has been repeating itself since creation, and yet we have absolutely no control over it. The rising and the setting of the sun was set by God ages ago and is far outside the realm of our power and authority.
Don’t miss the opportunity to thank God for this new day. Each one is a blessing from Him. It is a gift from His hand, and we never know what it will bring until we walk it out. Start each new day with adoration, praise, and thanksgiving to the Lord. In that way you will have established it on a firm foundation. What you do at this critical time will set the direction and atmosphere for the rest of your day. Make good use of each one.
Tags: adoration, Bible, Christian, dawn, devotion, encouragement, glory, God's faithfulness, holy worship, humble, humility, joy, morning, new day, praise, prayer, sunrise, thank God, thanksgiving
Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
This is one of the most important areas of your life. It will either make or break you. It’s always interesting to see what people do with their “down time”. I’m talking about the time during the day that you’re not having to concentrate on what you are doing.
This is the time that you’re getting dressed, driving to work, or doing other things that don’t require a lot of thought. These are times where you have nothing but your own thoughts to keep you company. Using the time wisely can be very challenging.
Of course, with many people, this time is filled by their I-pod, radio, or cell phone. The last thing this society wants is to think too deeply. Like it or not, we need to take the time to think about important issues.
It has become abundantly clear to me through the Word of God and my own experience that what you meditate on during these times will ultimately shape your character. If you are to achieve the maximum benefit from this, then you need to focus on what is spiritual – the Word of God, God’s calling on your life, and songs of praise and worship.
As these thoughts start to fill your mind, a change starts to take place in your heart. You start to be drawn upward to God. This idle time will now become a time of spiritual growth, renewal, and refreshing.
Take the opportunity today to turn off the external “noise”. Begin to steer your thoughts toward the things of the Lord. Discover the power you need for living as you fill your heart with the only thoughts that can bring lasting change to your life.
Tags: Bible, character, Christian, deep thought, destiny, devotion, distractions, down time, driving, encouragement, focus, getting dressed, growth, meditate, meditation, praise, renewal, spiritual, think, thought life
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Most of us like to be helped. When facing a difficult challenge, even a word of encouragement can go a long way.
If you are like most people, then you have relied upon help at one time or another. Scripture teaches us that part of showing gratefulness is taking the blessing you received and passing it on to someone else. It can be anything – a kind word, food, a ride, or a helping hand carrying things. If it is done in obedience to God’s Word, it’s powerful and life changing.
What we need to start realizing is that even though all these good things came through the people around us, God originated them. All the blessings that we receive come from the Lord’s hand. It’s in thankfulness to Him that we are willing to pass a blessing on to someone else.
Look for an opportunity, today, to be a blessing to someone. Do something unexpected. Take the good things you have received from God and pass them on to someone around you. The Lord will see to it that some day, in some way, you will be rewarded for your act of gratefulness to Him.
Tags: Bible, Christian, Christian witness, devotion, encouragement, goodness, gratefulness, help, helpful, obedience, problems, testimony, thankfulness, unexpected kindness
Isaiah 2:2-3
In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
When the temple was established in Jerusalem, no gentile could ever enter it, no matter how devout they were. Temple worship was the exclusive right of the nation of Israel.
Things are different now. Because of what Christ has done, all nations may now enter the invisible, holy temple of God. We can now climb the heights to His very presence. What was formerly impossible is now accessible by grace.
It is now possible to sit at the feet of the Lord and allow Him to teach you His ways. Even when the temple was open to Israel, only the priests had that privilege. Now, because of the cross, we can all experience the move of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Make that climb today, to the top, to the mountain of God’s temple. Approach the majestic presence of the Creator of all things. Worship at His feet, for He is worthy to receive it. Wait on Him, for His Spirit to move upon your heart. Lives are forever changed up on that mountain. Let yours be one of them.
Tags: accessible, Bible, calling, changed lives, Christ, Christian, cross, devotion, disciple, encouragement, fellowship, glory, God's temple, higher, holy, Holy Spirit, holy temple, holy worship, intimacy, invisible, Jesus Christ, mountain, power, praise, prayer, presence of the lord, revival, temple, victory
Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
In this passage, the Word of God is compared to a double-edged sword. The Word of God is sharp enough to cut through all your barriers to get to the real you. It knows where you live. It will find you and you cannot hide from it. People try to run from the Word, but it catches up with them.
Once the Word of God is sown into your heart it’s inescapable. As we walk through our everyday lives, we find that the world is alive with testimonies to God’s truth. The Word of God opens your eyes to them all around you. The Holy Spirit can speak sermons to you throughout the day.
Once activated in a person’s life, the Word cannot be stopped. It will achieve that for which God empowered it. Just think of the effect it will have if we yield to its power. If I line my ways up with God’s ways, I will see a greater degree of transformation taking place in a shorter time.
Don’t fight it. Let the Word of the Lord do its work in your life. Don’t go a day without prayerfully reading a portion of Scripture. After you’ve done that, then meditate on it throughout the day. It is life-changing. Apply it to your life, and see the difference it will make.
Tags: Bible, Christian, devotion, encouragement, God's will, God's word, Holy Spirit, meditate, meditation, power, prayer, prepare, presence of the lord, Scripture, strength, sword, testimony, transformation, trust, victory, word, word of God
Exodus 15:22-25
Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”
Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the LORD made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested them.
When walking through the desert, water is a great necessity. The effects of dehydration can be severe. In the above verse, Israel found themselves having to trust God for their most basic needs.
Sometimes in life we go through wilderness experiences. In the natural we can plan ahead to have the necessary food and water. But in our life-journey we occasionally run into unexpected droughts. These are the times we must trust God to feed our souls.
Grumbling and complaining about the situation that we find ourselves in is not the way out. The solution is to walk in faith. We know God will not fail us – He will see us through. Why then would we want to wallow in self pity, when in reality, that only makes matters worse?
You must seek the Lord, especially if you are going through a hard time right now. Spend some time in His presence, and obtain spiritual refreshment. Let Him strengthen your inner man. Renew yourself before His throne. In that way you will always have an abundant supply, no matter how bad the situation.
Tags: Bible, Christian, complaining, destiny, devotion, distractions, drought, encouragement, faith, fear, God's faithfulness, grumbling, overcoming, power, prayer, presence of the lord, problems, refresh, renewal, revival, self pity, spiritual, strength, trust, victory, wilderness
II Kings 1:9-10
Then he sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. The captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on the top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king says, ‘Come down!'”
Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and consumed the captain and his men.
There is a peace that comes from being on a mountaintop, or even a hilltop. It seems easier to seek the Lord in these places. The sights and sounds all combine together to make your spirit more open to God. Elijah was in such a place. He realized that the place of prayer was a place of power before God.
Sometimes, in our Christian walk, we experience a spiritual mountaintop. It is a place where God gives us special clarity about what’s ahead. It is an intimate place with the Lord and usually we don’t want it to end too quickly.
In this verse the king ordered Elijah to come down from his mountaintop. He even sent a contingent of soldiers to move Elijah off of his God-given assignment. Unfortunately for the captain and his men, the power of God worked to remove the distraction from the prophet’s path.
In our daily lives, it is the distractions of society that order us out of the presence of the Lord. We need to learn to remain on the mountain (at least in our hearts). If we can continue our focus on the Lord. Then, even when we must leave the place of prayer, His peace still remains.
Take the time today to find that place of peace with the Lord. Spend quality time in His presence, then continue to meditate upon Him throughout the day.
Tags: Bible, Christian, clarity, devotion, distractions, Elijah, encouragement, enemies, fellowship, intimacy, meditate, mountain, mountaintop, peace, power, power of God, prayer, presence of the lord, spiritual mountaintop, strength, trust, victory
Luke 8:22-25
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
Being out in the open water in a storm is very risky. Even with all the modern equipment that boaters have today, it is no easy thing to navigate in a raging storm.
In this passage, the disciples are crossing a lake and a huge squall engulfs them. The wind is against them and the waves are filling the boat. Imagine their terror when they realize they’re not going to make it.
Yet all the while, Jesus was with them. That was a factor that, apparently, none of them considered to be important. When they woke Him, Jesus showed Himself to be in control of the forces of nature.
Never forget that truth in your times of struggle. The Lord is in control of the winds and the waves. We have got to remember that, even when the road ahead seems hopeless. I can rest assured that nothing will touch my life, except that which will help me. I need never fear for the future.
Remember to place yourself in His care each and every day. The Lord has already walked the road ahead and is well able to bring you through. Trust His wisdom and grace to handle each situation that arises.
Tags: assurance, Bible, Christ, Christian, devotion, disciple, encouragement, enemies, faith, fear, forces of nature, God's faithfulness, God's wisdom, grace, hope, Jesus Christ, overcoming, problems, protection, storm, struggle, trust, victory, wind
What did Jesus teach His disciples about the end-times and His return? That’s the subject of this series of posts. I’m dealing with Christ’s teaching in Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13.
The Spirit and the Word 