Amazing Grace Community Church

The Day of the Lord

Is a period of time when the Lord openly intervenes in the affairs of men—in judgment and blessing Joel 1:15 - “Alas for the day ! For the day of the LORD is near, And it will come as destruction from the Almighty.” *note that it is destruction and will be against the world, satan, wicked—not believers. See also 1 Thess 5:1-24; Isa 13:9-16

[outline and notes]

Overview (major milestones)

Rapture (catching away, harpazo)

Antichrist

The Scroll is Opened

7 Seal Judgments

7 Trumpet Judgments

7 Bowls of Wrath

The Return of Jesus

 

Letters to the Churches: Rev 1-3

Prior to Breaking of Seals: Rev 4

Interludes: Rev 7; 10-14; 16:13-16

 

Note

The ‘day’ of the Lord is a series of events not a 24 hour day

The Rapture is BEFORE the Tribulation Period

The Tribulation is 7 years followed by 1000 year kingdom (prophesied in the OT) aka 70th Week

The Tribulation is broken into two 3 1/2 year periods

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse can’t race forward until Jesus permits it

Jesus returns to keep the world from destroying itself through war

The gospel goes worldwide, multitudes are saved, and the false religion is destroyed.

Jesus wins and the earth will be restored for the 1000 years.

 

Day of the Lord Summary

Is a period of time when the Lord openly intervenes in the affairs of men—in judgment and blessing Joel 1:15 - “Alas for the day ! For the day of the LORD is near, And it will come as destruction from the Almighty.” *note that it is destruction and will be against the world, satan, wicked not believers. See also 1 Thess 5:1-24; Isa 13:9-16

 

It has been prophesied extensively. See also by pastor mark -  Minor Prophets and the Tribulation followed by Millennial Kingdom.pages  and  Day of the Lord beginning.pages

 

BIG PICTURE: In short, it begins with the harpazo/translation of the church and terminates with the cleansing of the heavens and the earth before bringing into being the new heavens and the new earth.

1. Rapture/Harpazo 1 Thess 4:13-17
2. Fulfillment of Daniel’s 70th week Dan 9:27
3. The return of the Lord in glory to establish kingdom on earth Mt 24:29,30
4. destruction of the beast, the false prophet and their armies Rev 19:11-21
5. judgment of individual gentiles according to their treatment of Christ’s brethren, the jewish people (Zech 14:1-9; Mt 25:31-46) and the judgment of Israel (Eze 20:34-38).
6. the millennial reign of Christ on earth Rev 20:4-6
7. the satanic revolt and it’s judgment Rev 20:7-10
8. resurrection and final judgment of the wicked (not believers) Rev 20:11-15
9. destruction of the present earth and heaven by fire preparatory for the future day of God (2 Peter 3:10-12)
10. creation of the new heavens/earth Is 65:17-19; 66:22; 2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1

 

The Rapture

1 Cor 15:51-53; (1 Thess 4:14-17)  Rapture (catching away, harpazo, translation of the church)(our rapture not specifically part of Revelation) The word “rapture” is not used in the Bible.  The Bible uses  “caught up” or “gathered” “harpazzo” (Ezek 8:3; Acts 8:39; 2 Cor 12:2; 1 Thess 4:17; Rev 12:5).  The word primarily refers to the event wherein those who have died “in-Christ” will be resurrected and return with Jesus to meet those “in-Christ” who remain alive on Earth.  This reunion will take place in the air. (Rapture is not the Return, are 2 distinct events.)

 

If you don’t believe this happens before the 7 year tribulation, keep your mind open while we continue to study. 

 

Timing of Rapture Events overview

 

Jesus comes once for believers perfecting their salvation and not punishing them for sin (Hebrews 9:27-28), second time to wage war against all unrighteousness even having the blood of the evil who are slain on His robe, accompanied by armies ready to strike down nations and treading the wine press of the fierce wrath of God (Rev 19:11-16) just after God's 7 bowls of wrath are meted out (Rev 16) .

Pre-rapture/tribulation Believers do not go through the wrath of God (1 Thess 5:9; Rev 3:10; )

Length and time of Tribulation known as 70th week (Daniel 9:24,27) begins with the Man of Lawlessness confirming the covenant. The gathering or translation of the church or rapture has already happened by the period of the great tribulation as evidenced by Rev 7:14. The great tribulation is the final 1260 days or midway of the tribulation and is marked by the abomination of desolation in the temple  (Dan 9:27, Mt 24:15; 2 Thess 2:4) further supported by the requirement of all earth dwellers to receive the mark of the beast or be beheaded (not a test of faith that God would put believers through who have been sealed by the Holy Spirit prior to this moment) (Rev 13:16,17). This midway is also marked by the rapture of the two witnesses (Rev 11:3,12). This midway point is between the 6th and 7th trumpet (Rev 9:13-21) and (Rev 11:15-19).

 

Views of End Times

1. Amillennialists believe that God's promises regarding the end times are figurative and will not be literally fulfilled, particularly the 1000 year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth.
   
   Amillennialism is the teaching that there is no literal 1000-year reign of Christ as referenced in Revelation 20. It sees the 1000-year period spoken of in Revelation 20 as figurative. Instead, it teaches that we are in the millennium now, and that at the return of Christ (1 Thess. 4:16-5:2) there will be the final judgment; and the heavens and the earth will then be destroyed and remade (2 Pet. 3:10). The Amillennial view is as old as the 
   
   
2. Postmillennialism which states that in the future the world will be converted, and we will usher in the kingdom of God.
   
   
3. Pre-millennialists believe that Jesus Christ will return to the earth prior to His literal reign on the earth for 1000 years.
   
   Three groups of pre-millennialists include the following:
   1. Post-tribulationists believe that the rapture will not occur until the end of the seven year tribulation, just prior to the beginning of the millennial kingdom.
   2. Mid-tribulationists believe that the rapture will occur three and one half years into the tribulation, at beginning of the three and one half year great tribulation.
   3. Pre-tribulationists believe that the rapture will occur prior to the seven year tribulation, but not necessarily immediately before the tribulation. [this view is the one we teach here]

 

Antichrist: Man of Lawlessness is Revealed

How do we know who he is and when he has arrived and the tribulation started? 

Apostasy must come first. Rapture must happen (1 Thess 4). If you don’t believe the rapture is prior to the tribulation and the antichrist you will see/experience him: The antichrist will be a world leader that announces he is greater than anyone, everything.  He will be seeking worship. He will not have power until the HS is taken out of the way. He will speak against God and persecute His people. He will be anti-Christian and anti-Semitic. He shall intend to change times and law (all the laws based upon the bible’s teachings). 

 

The scroll must be opened in heaven and the first seal judgment would confirm that the man of lawlessness has already been revealed. The first seal judgement is sending the antichrist to the earth.

 

There should be a temple for the Jews. This future temple is believed will be sited where the Dome of the Rock held by the Muslims is, or where the present Dome of the Tablets is. This is a gazebo just a couple hundred feet away from the mosque. The antichrist sees to it that the Jews are allowed to have this temple and reinstitute the temple sacrifice on this spot.

 

Mosque of Omar in Jerusalem

The Mosque of Omar is located in Jerusalem's Christian Quarter, directly adjacent to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It was built in the 12th century by Muslim Caliph Umar ibn Al Khattab, who was offered to pray at the Holy Sepulchre Church but instead decided to construct his own mosque, avoiding religious confrontation between Christians and Muslims. The mosque's spire, built in the 19th century, is slightly taller than that of the nearby Holy Sepulchre Church.

 

Man of Lawlessness  2 Thess 2

Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.

 

At present [speculation] it seems we’ll know the identity by, his rise to world power in the EU Dan 9:26, will rise to power after the world is split into ten regions Dan 7:7,8,24, after rising to power in Europe he’ll take over the UN Dan 2:40-43, he’ll sign a covenant with many, promising to protect Israel for 7 years Dan 9:27. It seems that it is only likely to happen within the UN, possibly the EU. Where else can the antichrist convene many nations to sign an agreement relating to Israel?

 

Things are shaping up for the fulfillment of of the arrival of the antichrist. The UN is being transformed into a world government, they recently passed a resolution to divide up Israel’s land and give it away to her enemies, the Roman Empire is being revived in the form of the EU, the western nation Great Britain has left the EU (Britain is the only ‘western’ culture in the EU), Israel is back in their land, the quest for a peace treaty in the middle east is going strong, and preparations for rebuilding the temple are well under way.

 

 

Prince who is to come - Dan 9:26,27

Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”

Enter New Jerusalem

Heaven and Earth will pass away…Mark 13:31 What? When? How? Why? The bible concludes with a declaration that God has now created a new Heaven, a new Earth, and a new Jerusalem. And this is where believers will spend eternity.

Notes and Outline

At the end of the Millennium, we will be removed from this earth to the New Jerusalem the Lord has been preparing for us, and from that vantage point, we will witness the greatest fireworks display in history as God envelops this earth in fire, burning away the pollution of Satan’s last revolt (2 Peter 3:10-13). Out of that fiery inferno will come new heavens and a new earth where we will live forever in the New Jerusalem in the presence of Almighty God and His Son (Revelation 21:1-7).

 

This is GREAT news and flies totally in the face of the global warming religion. Man will not destroy the earth, God will. And God will make a new one. If you can’t believe He made the first one, you can’t believe He’ll make the second one. Genesis 1-2; Revelation 21-22. Amen.

 

I. The Gog - Magog War Against Israel  Eze 38,39* Rev 20:7-10 

 Many modern Bible prophecy teachers declare that Israel will soon be invaded by Russia, Iran and surrounding Arab nations in the very near future

 

II. 2nd Resurrection and Great White Throne Judgment  2 Peter 3:7; Rev 20:11-15

 

 

III. Present Earth, Heavens Destroyed by Fire  Matthew 24:35; 2 Peter 3:7-13; Rev 21:1

Notice, the following:

•The present heavens and earth will be destroyed by fire on the same day as the final destruction of ungodly men occurs—all taking place on the day of the great white throne judgment (2 Peter 3:7; Revelation 20:11-15).

•The destruction will occur to both the heavens and the earth (2 Peter 3:10,12).

•The NIV indicates that the heavens will "disappear with a roar," and the KJV says that the heavens will "pass away with a great noise" (2 Peter 3:10).

•The NIV says that the "day [of the Lord] will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire" (2 Peter 3:12). The implication is that destruction will happen after the day of the Lord has transpired.

• After the first heaven and earth have passed away, there will be "a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). Even Jesus affirmed, quite clearly, that the present heaven and earth will pass away (Matthew 24:35).

 

Look how that passage, from Second Peter, is a direct parallel of the following passage, found in Revelation, after the millennial period is over:

Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. ... Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. ... Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. ... He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" (Revelation 20:11,14, 21:1,5)

 

Heaven is home. Christians have always thought of going to heaven as going home.

 On earth, we always orient towards going home. 

Taken from scripture, we find…

• Home is about comfort. 
• Where friends come to visit. 
• Only good things will happen in our heaven home. Jesus said He goes to prepare our home for us. 
• When we or a loved one dies, we go to a better home, a better party. When we step through the door everyone is so happy to see us! We go around greeting, hugging, kissing. 
• In the 1000 yr Kingdom the only new entries are babies of natural bodies. In the New Earth there are no new people. 
• As heaven transitions from present heaven to 1000 yr kingdom to new earth it just keeps getting better. We go from 1) spiritual existence that has physical elements, to 2) resurrected earth, to 3) new earth. Like getting that brand new car or brand new home. Got that new car smell! 
• The resurrected earth period will be much like living in a huge garden that we traveled to with ease. Upon arrival we start nesting and setting up things. We have much daylight and unending energy. We wanna go outside and play. We wanna go talk to the neighbors or check in with others we’ve been longing to see but haven’t yet. 
• We are unrushed because our frame of reference of time has been 80 years not 1000! 
• As we settle in and start planting we watch as things blossom so easily and beautifully. We are relaxed because we know no-one is there to do us harm. Snakes and spiders will not concern us. We can’t wait to go fishing in that great river. 
• At the same time we know God is preparing this heavenly city to come out of heaven down to earth. Something to look forward to! 
• At the end of the 1000 years all of the elements are burned up with fire and we find ourselves in an entirely new earth with a new heaven and a new Jerusalem. Almost like looking in the distance at Oz, except that we’ll be in the City. 
• As it lands on earth like a huge spaceship it’s beauty is beyond anything we’ve known. The great river starts flowing out from the throne past the gates and walls out onto the new earth. 
• We walk along the streets that are paved with gold. Which gate will we use? The walls are spectacular, kinda clear, made of jasper. The foundations are made of beautiful jewels in them. 
• As we encounter people we know they only speak truth, kindness, love to us. They are real. No hidden agendas. No talking behind our backs. No conflicts with other people. No cliques.      
• We are feeling so safe, secure, happy as we see God literally sitting on His throne and Jesus there next to Him. We can talk to them directly. His name is actually on our foreheads!
• How long before we decide we want to leave this extravagant city and go out through the incredible gates of one huge pearl and put our feet on the new earth?

 

Jewish Life to be the Center

A great calamity will come upon the land and two-thirds of Israel’s people will be killed. The other third will be purified. The result of this national calamity will be that the purified will call upon the name of God, and they will be heard by Him. He will accept them and they will accept Jesus as their Messiah. This is why Jesus warned Israel to flee to the wilderness for protection during this time.

Notes and Outline

PROPHECIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE JEWS?

Israel is the unfaithful wife of the Lord (church is the Lamb’s wife, the harlot is Babylon) in historic times, who is to be restored in the millennium.
Is 54:1-10; Hos 2:1-17

Isa 26:19. In antithesis to Isa 26:14, "They (Israel's foes) shall not live"; "Thy (Jehovah's) dead men (the Jews) shall live," that is, primarily, be restored, spiritually (Isa 54:1-3), civilly and nationally (Isa 26:15); whereas Thy foes shall not; ultimately, and in the fullest scope of the prophecy, restored to life literally (Eze 37:1-14; Da 12:2).

start out with current attitude toward the Jews…

A Cup of Reeling Zech 12:2-4

1/10 of 1% of the world population

5 million, 8000 sq mi

then, 

A great calamity will come upon the land and two-thirds of Israel’s people will be killed. The other third will be purified. The result of this national calamity will be that the purified will call upon the name of God, and they will be heard by Him. He will accept them and they will accept Jesus as their Messiah. This is why Jesus warned Israel to flee to the wilderness for protection during this time.

 

Zech 13:7-9- 2/3 of Jews killed during Trib.

This is why the Jews are told to ‘run for the hills’ 

by Jesus both in Luke 21:20-24 and Revelation 12:6,13-17

 

Hosea - a metaphor of God’s relationship with the Jews by using an unfaithful wife (Gomer) and a godly man (Hosea).

 

1 At the end of the Tribulation, when the Jews have come to the end of themselves, they will turn to God and receive Yeshua as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10, Romans 9:27-28, & Romans 11:25-27).

2 Jesus will return and regather all believing Jews to Israel (Deuteronomy 30:1-9).

TOPOGRAPHY CHANGES.. 

afterwards, 

3 Israel will be established as the prime nation in the world (Isaiah 2:1-4 & Micah 4:1-7).

4 The Lord will bless the Jewish remnant by fulfilling all the promises He has made to Israel (Isaiah 60:1-62:7) !!

5 The blessings of God will flow out to all the nations through the Jewish people during the Millennial rule of Jesus (Zechariah 8:22-23).

• Feast of tabernacles will be re-instituted in Mill Kingdom Zech 14:18 (see Feasts in Rose Pub). Originally it celebrated being delivered from slavery, across the Red Sea. Will then be celebrating how Jesus delivered us through the world. We’ll then reign with Jesus over the nations who are invited to come and worship. According to Zech 14:17, if they don’t come up, they will not have any rain.
• They will build houses and inhabit them; They will also plant vineyards and eat their fruit. Isa 65:21

 

BIG PICTURE

Eze 36:1-38. ISRAEL AVENGED OF HER FOES, AND RESTORED, FIRST TO INWARD HOLINESS, THEN TO OUTWARD PROSPERITY. 

Bringing the people out,

Bringing them in,

their conversion,

their being filled with the Spirit

 

God sets one shepherd over the Jews, Ez 34:23; eliminates harmful beasts so they can sleep in the woods; no longer a prey to other nations; establishes a renown planting place; increases population significantly.

 

God says the Jews will live in the land He gave to their forefathers and they will be His people and He will be their God Ez 36:28. He will put His spirit in them. Cities and waste places rebuilt. Desolate land will become like garden of Eden. 

 

Restoration of Israel - Amos 9:11-15; ISA 60:11-16

 

The Millennial Temple and it’s Worship 

Ez 40-47

• Feast of tabernacles will be re-instituted in Mill Kingdom Zech 14:18 (see Feasts in Rose Pub). Originally it celebrated being delivered from slavery, across the Red Sea. Will then be celebrating how Jesus delivered us through the world. We’ll then reign with Jesus over the nations who are invited to come and worship. According to Zech 14:17, if they don’t come up, they will not have any rain.

Doubtless these offerings will be memorial, looking back to the cross, as the offerings under the old covenant were anticipatory, looking forward to the cross. In neither case have animal sacrifices power to put away sin. Hebrews 10:4; Romans 3:25.  

The whole sacrificial system is not aaronic, pertinent parts are left out…. 

e.g. no Ark of the Covenant, Table of the Law, Cherubim, Mercy Seat, Veil, Golden Candlestick, or Table of Showbread

Day 1, Day 2 of the Millennial Kingdom

Daily Living as we’ve known it back prior to the Tribulation will be quite different during the Millennial Kingdom. During the upcoming glorious reign, we will see the earth flooded with peace, righteousness and justice, as the waters cover the seas

Notes and Outlne

LIFE IN THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM
Day 1, Day 2 of the Millennial Kingdom

The Scene: we’ve just been transferred from the present heaven to the earth. We’ve rode with Jesus and watched as He dispatched those arrayed in battle against Him. We’ve see the separation of the goats and the sheep. The Tribulation is over. Satan has been bound and put in the abyss.

The Tribulation period saw God execute His 7 seal judgments and pour out the 7 bowls of wrath.

Daily Living as we’ve known it back prior to the Tribulation will be quite different during the Millennial Kingdom.

During that glorious reign, we will see the earth flooded with peace, righteousness and justice, as the waters cover the seas (Isaiah 11:1-9).

Conditions During the MK

The period starts with a reunion of the natural bodies and resurrection bodies on earth.

The Millennium will be a time for Jesus and glorified believers to rule and reign over mortal beings on the earth "with an iron scepter" (Revelation 2:27, 12:5, 19:15),

Children born to the natural bodies will die at 100 if they don’t accept Jesus as Lord. Isa 65:20

Natural bodies will not die. They will live throughout the 1000 years. Their children if not saved will die. Therefore, health will be great, maybe no doctors needed! No need to medicate. No desire to drink or smoke anything that changes our chemistry from God’s design. No recovery groups. No psychiatrists. No cancer. No need for CBD oils.

Rebellion in heaven is from the children born, even in the physical presence of Jesus. This phenomenon is not unprecedented. Did Satan and the angels not rebel in heaven? Did not Adam and Eve choose rebellion over fellowship of their Maker who walked with them? Did not Judas rebel against Jesus even after having been with Him for 3 years?

Children born to natural bodies will die at age 100 if they have not become born-again. Isa 65:18-25

The ability to sin will still be within mortal people during this time. We know this because it will not be until the very end of the Millennium that death is thrown into the lake of fire (20:14), and death is the wage of sin (Romans 6:23). Jesus will reign, for a thousand years, until all of His enemies have been placed under His feet, with the last enemy being death (1 Corinthians 15:25,26). 

 

Another purpose of the Millennium is to prove to mankind that, even without the temptation of Satan and demons, mortal man is fallen and sinful within himself, and unredeemable, apart from God.

WEATHER HAS CHANGED: There won’t be any devastating and destructive weather - tornados hurricanes sand storms freezing temps that cause death to plants people animals. All redeemed.

The sun and moon will still be, and be brighter Isa 30:26 (MK); 60:19 (NJ). But there will be no darkness now. Because the moon is too bright. I imagine this will give us a lot of time to live.

Resurrection Realized

- The 1st Resurrection begins at the Rapture concluding when Jesus physically returns to earth.

- The 2nd Resurrection and Great White Throne Judgment at the end of the 1000 year Kingdom Age or Millennial Reign

 

The changed conditions are due to the First Resurrection that has happened. Believers were resurrected and given that new body. All of Creation has been resurrected as well. John 5:28,29; 11:25,26; 

Isa 26:19. In antithesis to Isa 26:14, "They (Israel's foes) shall not live"; "Thy (Jehovah's) dead men (the Jews) shall live," that is, primarily, be restored, spiritually (Isa 54:1-3), civilly and nationally (Isa 26:15); whereas Thy foes shall not; ultimately, and in the fullest scope of the prophecy, restored to life literally (Eze 37:1-14; Da 12:2).

Conditions are set for 1000 years of devil-free, Christ-present living with no more war and destructive weather. Conditions where plants can grow into lush gardens. Geology has changed a little bit (earthquake, Zion now chief of mountains) At the end of the thousand years there will be a Second Resurrection.

Rom 8:18-23 - For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.

 

The ground has been resurrected now. The curse on the ground is lifted.

no more curse--of which the earnest shall be given in the millennium (Zec 14:11). God can only dwell where the curse and its cause, the cursed thing sin (Jos 7:12), are removed. So there follows rightly, "But the throne of God and of the Lamb (who redeemed us from the curse, Ga 3:10, 13) shall be in it." Compare in the millennium, Eze 48:35.

Although it won't be the new heavens and earth that will come later, God through the Lord Jesus Christ will remove most of the curse from this Earth and its components and living things and perhaps in the heavens in the 1st resurrection. 

This will result in better conditions for long healthy life in the Messianic Age as was the case before the flood of Noah when people often lived almost 1000 years. 

CONSIDER YOUR DAILY LIFE - HOW MUCH OF IT SUFFERS FROM THE CURSE? WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT THAT? 

.the devil and demons who cause so much violence, fear and destruction and sickness in this world since the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden will be bound and have no effect on people or things on Earth for the entire 1000 years of the Messianic Age.

 

Our bodies will be restored, redeemed, made new, not thrown away. The same with creation. This is GREAT news and flies totally in the face of the global warming religion. Man will not destroy the earth, God will. And God will make a new one. If you can’t believe He made the first one, you can’t believe He’ll make the second one. Genesis 1-2; Revelation 21-22. Amen.

 

What Will We Be Doing? 

Will we be bored? Part of the answer begins with reflecting on WHO will be there. Knowing this, what desires and interests will that raise? [see also ‘what will we do in the millennial kingdom]

Boredom is a sin thought. We typically relate fun with sin. You know… getting drunk or high, having immoral sex, breaking the law, etc. Think through things you like to do that don’t involve sin… [can you?!! ha ha] and the fun you have doing that. Add in the likelihood that we won’t be bound be mortal bodies and gravity. What fun can we have being unbound? We know what the first and second heaven looks like, won’t the third heaven be AT LEAST as spectacular? 

 

Consider that nobody who encountered the pre-incarnate Christ, the incarnate Christ, angels, or creatures from heaven or were shown into heaven or were told to write down what they saw—ever described things as boring. No way. Inexpressible. Unimaginable. Powerful. Nobody is described as trying to get out of heaven. Out of hell yes but not out of heaven!

 

We will be fellowshipping and visiting and testifying and listening. Think of all of the questions we could ask our bible heroes. What of the questions and stories we could ask of people we’ve known? What about connecting up with your relatives? And even your ancestors that you have not met yet. And likely every minute someone new will be saved or suddenly enter heaven. New people, new stories, new experiences. Loners will not be in heaven. Being in Christ is a draw to fellowship.

 

King David will be resurrected during the Millennium and installed as prince over Israel, ruling the Kingdom with Jesus Christ.Ez 34:24; 37:24

 

David will be resurrected at the beginning of the Millennium, along with all the other Old Testament saints. And David will be one of those who reign with Jesus in the Kingdom (Daniel 7:27). However, all believers will rule the nations (Revelation 2:26–27; 20:4) and judge the world (1 Corinthians 6:2). The apostle Peter calls Christians “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). In Revelation 3:21, Jesus says about the believer who conquers, “I will grant him to sit with me on my throne.” In some sense, then, Christians will share authority with Christ (cf. Ephesians 2:6). There is some biblical evidence, as in the Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11–27), that individuals will be given more or less authority in the Kingdom according to how they handle the responsibilities God has given them in this age (Luke 19:17).

 

Secondly, the answer varies somewhat depending on whether we are talking about a natural body or resurrection body.

There will be work to do, to rebuild, to plant and harvest, desolate land will become like garden of Eden.  Isa 65:21; Ez 36:28

Raw materials will need to be collected and fashioned into finished materials ready for use.

Man’s God-given creativity will have time to flourish in this safe haven from war. Art and Music will likely be something we’d spend time on.

Man’s God-given desire to worship Him will flourish. People will stream to Mt. Zion, to the Millennial Temple Zech 14:18? I bet Church won’t last 1 hour! Thought: what about nations that are halfway around the globe… will they go? After all, the cost and time it takes might prevent them. Ha! Think about the ways Jesus traveled in His resurrection body! Maybe it won’t take so long.

Traveling from place to place. Think of all of the beautiful places we might travel to. Remember, all of the damage done during the trumpet judgments and the bowls of wrath will have been redeemed. Not every place on the earth will remain lush and paradise like… those nations that refuse to come up to worship at Mt. Zion will suffer a drought. This clues us in that there will still be rain in some form.

What Leisure Activities do you love? If they are sin based, you’ll have unlimited amount of time to do them.

[Rule of Thumb: At times it is hard to know whether scripture is talking about the future millennial kingdom or the new earth/new jerusalem. Distinguish the time period by looking for clues within the prophecy that state other characteristics of the future it is talking about. Then, knowing some of the characteristics of the future, one can discern what part of the future it is talking about. e.g. in Ez 47 it talks about a river coming from the throne flowing east and west to the sea. We know that in the new earth there is no longer any sea so we determine this speaks of an event in the millennial kingdom. e.g.2 when the battle in Ez 38 talks about the living conditions for the Jews it paints a picture of the millennial kingdom not the pre-tribulation or especially at the end of the tribulation right before Jesus returns.]

Maybe mission trips to nations that aren’t coming up to Mt. Zion to worship. Zech 14:17

The children of the natural bodies will need to be schooled and evangelized.

Equipped: God’s people will have spiritual understanding and know Jesus. ??Isa 32:1-4; 52:6-10

 

Weapons will be destroyed, war will cease, military preparation will end. God will put an end to death and tears. Isa 11:1-13; 25:6-9; 33:2-24; Mic 4:1-5; Isa 2:4

Talk about what happens to the Jews

Talk about the Millennial Temple

Continue the what will we do during the New Earth teaching.

At the end of the 1000 yrs the unsaved will unite with Satan against Jesus.

Setting Up Jesus' Throne On Earth

The kingdom of heaven/kingdom of God began with Jesus’ first advent. We exist in it’s kingdom territory in the physical realm now or in the ‘present’ heaven when we die—until Jesus’ return; wherein He sets up His throne on earth for 1000 years—which we’ll also exist in.

Notes and Outline

KING'DOM, noun The territory or inhabitants subject to a king. The reign, Government; rule; supreme administration of the Messiah. Mat 3.

This helps us to understand Jesus’ parables about the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 13.

HEAVEN, noun is the place where God is seated and rules from. It never moves or relocates. It never comes down to earth. It will be made new just like the earth and Jerusalem.

The fulness of Christ is the kingdom in substance. The kingdom of heaven is near, at hand…. Jesus came, introduced it, established it, described it. *

 

RELOCATION OF JESUS - SETTING UP THRONE

PREPARING TO REIGN ON EARTH [map?]

The end of the tribulation is marked by the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the return of Jesus with the saints and angels. The Lord draws nations to the Jehoshaphat valley against Christ.

 

Scriptures (using Super Bowl metaphor)

Playoffs Are Over: Matt 24:29-31; 

Picking Teams! Matt 25:31-46;

Crowds Will Assemble - Mic 4:1-5;

Super Bowl City Chosen - Zechariah 14:1-8; 9-21;

Umpire Declares Rules - Joel 3

Who Are The Winners

 

SEPARATION OF SHEEP (Falcons) AND GOATS (Patriots)

Matthew 25:31-46, Eze 34:17. Jesus separates the nations (Gentile people groups) by how they treated His brethren, particularly the Jews. 

Both saved (those who didn’t take the mark) and unsaved people survive through the tribulation including Jews. Jews were protected in Petra.

Sheep=saved gentiles who survive in the natural body, Goats=unsaved gentiles (those who took the mark), Brothers=Jews (saved and unsaved?) who survive in the natural body.

The wicked tares will have been plucked up off the planet as the first order of business as Messiah returns. The the end-time harvest of the tares and the wheat is described by Jesus in Matthew 13 and He states quite unequivocally that the wicked will be plucked off first.

 

This separation is marked with the destiny to be adjudicated at the Great White Throne Judgment in Rev 20. However the unsaved are sent to the present hell. (what about the reaping Rev 14)

Zech 14:9-21 - It is important to note that unbelievers and nations will be present in the kingdom. Not everyone is, or becomes a follower of Jesus. People are born and the unsaved die during this time.

The Sheep-Goat Judgment is showcased here on earth. This is not the Final Judgment of immortal souls before the throne of God. Nor Judgment Seat of Christ. The people in question here are those remaining on the earth in their mortal bodies at the end of this age.

 

Super Bowl City Chosen

WHERE - The place He returns to is the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem (Acts 1:11; Zechariah 14:4) runs between the Mount of Olives and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The valley of Jehoshaphat** (the Lord has judged)… believed to be the same as the Kidron valley. Jesus is going to sit here someday. Joel 3:1-17!

• Beating plowshares INTO swords Joe 3:10

Jerusalem will be the center-point and focus of power and influence. There will be a temple. It is where Jesus first stands Zech 14:1-8

 

Umpire Declares the Rules

• Jesus will reign from that city, nations will come to it to worship. And if not… Zech 14:9-21

 

WHO WILL HE BE REIGNING OVER?

• Both spiritual bodies and natural bodies will co-exist; the redeemed, the sheep, the jews, angels.
• Natural bodies will have children Isa 65:20. (How then do these get their spiritual bodies?) Resurrection bodies won’t (no marriage in heaven)
• Believers reign and judge with Jesus

 

Living in the Present Heaven

At first glance, there isn't much written in the Bible about life in the 'present' heaven. But if we do a little digging we'll find answers to the many facets of the question, "what happens when I die"? Listen in on the discussion...

Notes and Outline

What Will We Do In Heaven?

 

Again, the answer differs depending on what ‘stage’ of heaven we are talking about. In the ‘present’ heaven we’ll be in the spiritual realm with physical characteristics and presumably out of the grip of time. In the millennial kingdom and the new earth, the answer reflects our physical realm and resurrection bodies and minds.

 

Our Reference Authority

As we look to Scripture for our answers we see some clues in the rich man and lazarus account. We pick up a few clues in Revelation where John was shown into heaven. Paul reveals a vague account but held back some of what he heard. Daniel and Ezekiel interfaced with heaven’s creatures and the pre-incarnate Christ. Rounding out our search is focusing on the character of God.

 

At present, God is in the 3rd heaven with Jesus by His side. Jesus is advocating for those on earth. I would suspect those in present heaven will hear this. The angels know when someone is saved and they rejoice. Obviously this is from hearing the conversation between Father and Son and possibly because they can see what is happening on earth.

 

Along the same vein, will we pray in heaven because we can hear the Advocates prayers?

 

Certainly, we see rejoicing, praise and worship. But consider the logical activities that occur when all of saved mankind is together in space and time… 

 

We will be fellowshipping and visiting and testifying and listening. Think of all of the questions we could ask our bible heroes. What of the questions and stories we could ask of people we’ve known? What about connecting up with your relatives? And even your ancestors that you have not met yet. And likely every minute someone new will be saved or suddenly enter heaven. New people, new stories, new experiences. Loners will not be in heaven. Being in Christ is a draw to fellowship.

 

God has emotions. They are revealed in Scripture. We won’t likely lose ours. I think sadness or grief or depression will surely be banished immediately because they are a function of sin and brokenness.

 

We wonder if we’ll be bored. In answer, no. God is not boring! Jesus is fun and cool! He used to walk the countryside, mountains, go fishing, campfires on the beach. Dude! Think of all of the things that God created on earth out of nothing. His imagination knows no end. And we’ll be in His presence. Boredom is a sin thought. We typically relate fun with sin. You know… getting drunk or high, having immoral sex, breaking the law, etc. Think through things you like to do that don’t involve sin… [can you?!! ha ha] and the fun you have doing that. Add in the likelihood that we won’t be bound be mortal bodies and gravity. What fun can we have being unbound? We know what the first and second heaven looks like, won’t the third heaven be AT LEAST as spectacular? 

 

Remember that God resides in a temple with the ark of the covenant. 

 

Remember that the focal point we will be looking forward to is the Marriage Supper and the great horse ride back into the physical realm accompanying Jesus as He returns to Jerusalem and sets up the new kingdom. Are you still bored?

 

Consider that nobody who encountered the pre-incarnate Christ, the incarnate Christ, angels, or creatures from heaven or were shown into heaven or were told to write down what they saw—ever described things as boring. No way. Inexpressible. Unimaginable. Powerful. Nobody is described as trying to get out of heaven. Out of hell yes but not out of heaven!

 

As we get ready to ride from heaven with the purpose of reigning with Jesus in the Kingdom on Earth…  what will we be doing? Will we help build things, like planting a church? There is a 75 day period before the Kingdom begins… what happens during that?

The Present Heaven-Stage 1

As Christians, we look towards heaven as the place we go when we die. But where is it? What’s it like? And what will we be like? To complicate matters, there are three time stages of heaven. The present heaven, the coming 1000 year kingdom on earth, and the future new heaven.

Notes and Outline

Where Is Heaven?

Jesus never said we go to heaven, rather that we go through Him to the Father, or that He gives us eternal life, or that wherever he is, there we will be.

 

Outline of the Present Heaven

Where is it? A. It’s in the third Heaven where God lives with Jesus at His right hand. The bible mentions three heavens. It means, the atmosphere around our earth, space, and the 3rd heaven where God resides.

• 2 Cor 12:2-4 Paul’s testimony
• It is a spiritual realm with physical characteristics; like earth but not exactly  Rev 1:19; 4:1; 5:1,8,11,13; 10:9,10
• God resides in the temple there Rev 11:19; 3:12; 7:15; 14:15-17; 15:5-8; 16:1,17; The ark of the covenant is/will be there Rev 11:19 Jesus always referred to His Father who is in heaven.
• The human body cannot exist there. Has to die before we go there.
• Our spirit goes there upon death Eccl. 12:7; Psalm 146:4; 104:29
• We are given some type of spirit body in the nature of angels, as demonstrated at the transfiguration Matt 17:2 and the Appearance Luke 24:39 and the Ascension Acts 1:9; but isn’t detailed in Scripture and isn’t permanent, facilitates us living in the spiritual realm before we return to the physical realm
• Unknown how far away this spiritual realm is
• In this present heaven we are fully conscious and there are physical elements we are familiar with as revealed in Luke 16:9 and many other places throughout the bible.
• God departs from the temple He is residing in, takes up new dwelling in new Jerusalem Rev 21:3
• Not permanent. This heaven will ‘pass away’ when the new heaven is created  Zech 2:10-12; Isa 65:17; Rev 21:22

 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO STUDY ABOUT HEAVEN?

1. Jesus said, signs will inform us, look to the sky for His return, live for that day - use our talents.
2. Answers the q. of ‘what happens when we die’
3. Gives us hope in this life, helps understand eternal life
4. Exposes Truth rather than legend, cancels fear
5. Heaven Is our eternal home
6. Jesus is evidence of the permanency of the physical realm
7. Inspires and directs us how to live now esp. in relationships, work, and sleep
8. We don’t fear hell enough because we don’t ave a full picture of heaven
9. Inspires & directs us what to spend our time on now
10. We truly don’t want heaven bad enough
11. Inspires us to share the gospel with loved ones

Heaven Our Home

The place of home is a powerful draw on us. Do we realize that heaven is our forever home? Do we long to go there? Let's listen in to the discussion...

Notes and Outline

Heaven is home. Christians have always thought of going to heaven as going home.

 On earth, we always orient towards going home. 

Taken from scripture, we find…

• Home is about comfort. 
• Where friends come to visit. 
• Only good things will happen in our heaven home. Jesus said He goes to prepare our home for us. 
• When we or a loved one dies, we go to a better home, a better party. When we step through the door everyone is so happy to see us! We go around greeting, hugging, kissing. 
• In the 1000 yr Kingdom the only new entries are babies of natural bodies. In the New Earth there are no new people. 
• As heaven transitions from present heaven to 1000 yr kingdom to new earth it just keeps getting better. We go from 1) spiritual existence that has physical elements, to 2) resurrected earth, to 3) new earth. Like getting that brand new car or brand new home. Got that new car smell! 
• The resurrected earth period will be much like living in a huge garden that we traveled to with ease. Upon arrival we start nesting and setting up things. We have much daylight and unending energy. We wanna go outside and play. We wanna go talk to the neighbors or check in with others we’ve been longing to see but haven’t yet. 
• We are unrushed because our frame of reference of time has been 80 years not 1000! 
• As we settle in and start planting we watch as things blossom so easily and beautifully. We are relaxed because we know no-one is there to do us harm. Snakes and spiders will not concern us. We can’t wait to go fishing in that great river. 
• At the same time we know God is preparing this heavenly city to come out of heaven down to earth. Something to look forward to! 
• At the end of the 1000 years all of the elements are burned up with fire and we find ourselves in an entirely new earth with a new heaven and a new Jerusalem. Almost like looking in the distance at Oz, except that we’ll be in the City. 
• As it lands on earth like a huge spaceship it’s beauty is beyond anything we’ve known. The great river starts flowing out from the throne past the gates and walls out onto the new earth. 
• We walk along the streets that are paved with gold. Which gate will we use? The walls are spectacular, kinda clear, made of jasper. The foundations are made of beautiful jewels in them. 
• As we encounter people we know they only speak truth, kindness, love to us. They are real. No hidden agendas. No talking behind our backs. No conflicts with other people. No cliques.      
• We are feeling so safe, secure, happy as we see God literally sitting on His throne and Jesus there next to Him. We can talk to them directly. His name is actually on our foreheads!
• How long before we decide we want to leave this extravagant city and go out through the incredible gates of one huge pearl and put our feet on the new earth?

The Road to New Jerusalem

What physical world events will happen that let us know Jesus is returning? Where will they happen? When will they happen? Where will WE be? What happens to physical earth? Listen in on this introduction...

Notes & Outline

Jerusalem is the spiritual center of the earth. All the surrounding nations will unite against Israel. The UN Resolution is but one example

God will enter into judgment at the battle at Armageddon  

Psalm 83:4; Joel 3:2

When?
The Antichrist

70th Week: Daniel 7:24-27; 9:24-27; 12:7-13

_period of time known as the tribulation. 

_a 7 year period beginning with the confirmation of a treaty by the man of lawlessness.

_During this period many things will happen, but the primary thing to know is God will release His Judgments and His Holy Wrath upon the Earth and it’s remaining occupants. Rev. 4-19.

_2 periods of 3 1/2 years (Rev & Dan) 

_plus a final of 30 + 45 days (Dan 12:11,12) wind carry... 

 

When and In What Order?

The Battle at Armageddon, Return of Christ & Saints Rev 19:11,17

1000 yr Kingdom sandwiched by two wars Rev 20:1-3

THE GOG - MAGOG WAR AGAINST ISRAEL  Rev 20:7-10  (Eze 38,39)

 

Why is this important to me? Where will we be during these events?

Jesus said, signs will inform us, look to the sky for His return, live for that day - use our talents.

 

Jerusalem - U.N. Resolution

This latest resolution puts many countries including the USA on the wrong side of God's plan. Does this matter to us here? and now? Find out...

Notes & Outline

Genesis 12 & U.N. Resolution of Dec 2016

 

The Bible warns the destiny of the World is inseparable from Israel and Jerusalem. 

 

The Bible says God would one day re-gather the children of Israel back into their land from among many nations around the world. 

 

The Bible says they would be re-gathered in unbelief ... God warns He is not re-gathering the children of Israel into their Land because they deserve it, but because His Name and His Word are at stake (see Ezekiel 36:17-23) ... and because He loves them. They are His chosen people. 

 

The Bible warns God would then make Jerusalem a world trouble spot. The Bible says all nations of the world will turn against Israel. 

 

The Bible warns a coming world leader (the 'Antichrist') will rise out of 10 nations which once formed the Roman Empire and will enforce a peace plan or treaty (‘covenant’) upon Israel ... Then, one day when the armies of the world will gather in and around nation Israel (the coming battle of Armageddon) and when all seems lost for the children of Israel, the Bible says a believing remnant will recognize their Messiah from Scripture, and will call upon His Name. He will then return to save Israel. 

 

The Bible also tells us 'after these things' the little nation of Israel and the children of Israel will rule over all the nations on Earth, in peace, under her King and Messiah Jesus Christ

 

Origins
1st of 7 Promises Great Nation Genesis 12:3 

2nd of 7 Promises (the Land) Gen 13:14-18 

God’s Timetable Daniel 7:24-27; 9:24-27; 12:7-13

Prophecy

Israel will be divided

Nations will be judged Joel 3:1-2

Armageddon  Revelation 16:12-16

Final Attack Against Israel Eze 38:8,15,16,23  /  Revelation 20:7-10

Israel & Saints shall rule all nations Rev 21 - New H, E, J

 

WHY THIS TEACHING? Primarily to teach a biblical worldview on the recent UN Resolution and America’s abstention and how Israel factors into our future. 

 

Jesus said to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria. Judea and Samaria are in the West Bank which is the area the UN Resolution 2016 (and previous ones) deals with. And it is part of the historical lands given to Israel by God.

 

What's Special about Israel?

The land variously called Israel and Palestine is extremely small (about 10,000 square miles) compared to its neighbors. Its original Jewish occupants were scattered to the nations some 2,500 years ago and since then it has been occupied by Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Turks and the British. Even in 1900 the population of Israel was only some 500,000; it was politically and industrially insignificant, with a mix of many peoples representing some 50 languages. So why is Israel frequently in world focus today?

 

It is prophesied that all nations will eventually abandon support for Israel; in fact, all nations will eventually be gathered against her in war. T

 

The Whole World Against Israel

This international bias is best seen in UN Resolutions. As of 2012, the UN had passed 79 resolutions directly critical of Israel, and 40% of UN Human Rights Council Resolutions have been against Israel. This is surprising since Israel is the only true democracy left in the Middle East.

 

The pre-Christmas resolution condemned Israeli settlements as illegal, siding with the Palestinians and their claims that Israel is trespassing on their territory in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.