August 22, 2021
Morning Service

1.      Andy reads Matt. 24:3-44.

·        Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

·        It was the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be?    The Apostle Paul is not here at this meeting, but God chose him to write 2/3 of our N.T.  Paul’s conversion is given unto us in chapter 9 of Acts.  We will look at what Paul says must happen before the Lord will return in a moment, right now let’s look at what Daniel says, while he was in captivity.

·        (Dan 12:1)  And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

·        (Dan 12:2)  And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

·        (Dan 12:3)  And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

·        (Dan 12:4)  But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Daniel speaks of a time of trouble, God’s people shall be delivered, many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to everlasting contempt.  The resurrection.  Then he is instructed to seal up the book, even unto the time of the end, and many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

And it goes without saying that this is a picture of the world today.  So much knowledge at our fingertips.   And certainly everyone is running to and fro.

·        Solomon said this; (Ecc 12:12)  And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

·        John said this; (Joh 20:31)  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

·        Paul said this; (Rom 10:17)  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Daniel said “close up the book till the end times.”  Without a doubt there are still things that we don’t understand, but we are walking in all the light that has been given us. 

As Solomon said, “of the making of books there is no end.”  We have access to many commentaries on the Bible, but John said this, (1Jn 2:26)  These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (1Jn 2:27)  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

 

You see, all you really need for Bible study is prayer, and your Bible.  The Holy Spirit will let you understand what He wants you to have.  It is interesting to read other opinions, but not to replace the Word of God.

 

Remember what Peter said; (2Pe 1:3)  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Also, Paul told Timothy; (2Ti 3:16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

So, what am I looking for?  It’s what Paul told the church at Thessalonica;  You see this church was having trouble understanding why their loved ones were dying, so Paul wrote two letters to them to comfort them.  The first letter in chapter 4:13-18  explained what would happen when Christ returned, this got them thinking that it was soon to happen.  So then he wrote the second one, saying this;

·        (2Th 2:1)  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2Th 2:2)  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (2Th 2:3)  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Paul goes on in this chapter with further explanations, but I am looking for the man of sin to be revealed, and yes we will recognize him.  I think the falling away has been happening for some time now.  Just look at your churches, and how the attendance has fallen.  This brings us also to what Paul told Timothy about the last times;

(2Ti 3:1)  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

(2Ti 3:2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (2Ti 3:3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (2Ti 3:4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (2Ti 3:5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Can anyone doubt that this is where we are at today?  I don’t think so.

But saints let’s watch for that man of sin to be revealed, and to adhere to what Paul told the church at Ephesus;

(Eph 5:14)  Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. (Eph 5:15)  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (Eph 5:16)  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

(Eph 5:17)  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

And the will of the Lord is our sanctification, being set apart from the world to do His work.

(1Th 4:3)  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.

Our prayer this morning, O God stir up within us to do Your will, and put You first in our lives.  In Jesus name.  Amen.