“And He spake a parable unto them that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying,
‘There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, ‘Avenge me of mine adversary.’ And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’
And the Lord said,
‘Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?
I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?’ ” Luke 18:1-8 (KJB)
Son of man
Words of Jesus; Son of God, God the Son – 090320
“And when the people were gathered thick together, He began to say,
‘This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of Man be to this generation.
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.’ ” Luke 11:29-32 (KJB)
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“And Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple,
‘How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, ‘The LORD said to my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.’ David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is He then His son?’
And the common people heard him gladly.” Mark 12:35-37 (KJB)
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“And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and He would not that any man should know. For He taught His disciples, and said unto them,
‘The Son of Man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him; and after that He is killed, He shall rise the third day.’
But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask Him.” Mark 9:30-32 (KJB)
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“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, ‘Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.’
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, ‘Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ But he answered and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, I know you not.’
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.” Matthew 25:1-13 (KJB)
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“And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
‘Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him: and the third day He shall rise again.’ ” Matthew 20:17-19 (KJB)
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“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him.
Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here: if Thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.’
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said,
‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.’
And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said,
‘Arise, and be not afraid.’
And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying,
‘Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of Man be risen again from the dead.’
And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?’ And Jesus answered and said unto them,
‘Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of Man suffer of them.’
Then the disciples understood that He spake unto them of John the Baptist. ” Matthew 17:1-13
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“And He entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; ‘Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.’
And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, ‘This man blasphemeth.’ And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, ‘Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee;’ or to say, ‘Arise, and walk?’
But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) ‘Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.’
And He arose, and departed to His house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.” Matthew 9:1-8
Life
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:24-29 (KJB)
Life began with God. Life continues into eternity by Him and with Him. I believe everyone has a desire to live forever. That, is a God-given thing for all of Adam kind. Some seek life and living through science, and medical means. We all fight against sickness and diseases of all kinds for life. Eventually our fight with these things must give way to death. Sad, but true.
We are frail, failing, fallen beings in need of grace, and help from our Creator.
I have Good News for you today. You can live forever.
Did you read the words of Jesus above? If you hear His words, and believe on Him that sent Him you have everlasting, or eternal life; there is no condemnation to any who have believed Him (Romans 8:1), and they have passed from death to LIFE.
There is much to take in those six verses of Scripture. Life is what Jesus offers. Eternal life is what He gives to any and all who will hear His word and believe.
My question for you right now is; Which resurrection will you be in? The first one or the last one. The first is the resurrection of the Just – those who have been declared just by God because of His Son. The second is the resurrection of the unjust, the wicked who have rejected God and His grace.
See Revelation 20:5-6 and 20:12-15.
Through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Son of Man, and God the Son there is LIFE for all who will hear.
Christ, The Son Of The Blessed
“And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, ‘Answerest Thou nothing? What is it which these witness against Thee?’ But He held His peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, and said unto Him, ‘Art Thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ And Jesus said,
‘I am: and ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.’
Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, ‘What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye?’ And they all condemned Him to be guilty of death. And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.” Mark 14:60-65 (KJB)
He was silent through most of the mockery of a trial. His silence was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy…
“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7
However, when He is asked a direct question about His person, and who He is; He answers directly, knowing full well they would not hear. Yet, He would not deny who He is.
If He would not deny His identity, His person, His God while He is being tried for crimes He is completely innocent of – He was guilty of no crime, but of being who He is. Then, how can so many deny Him after being condemned to a cruel, slow, torturous death; having became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21), to buried, then to rise again from death? How do you, O sinner, condemned soul continue to deny the Prince of Life?
I cannot keep silent about Him. I will not be silent about Him. He is my Savior, my Lord, my King, and my God.
All Things That are Written by the Prophets
“Then He took the twelve, and said unto them, ‘Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge Him, and put Him to death: and the third day He shall rise again.’
And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” Luke 18:31-34 (KJB)
One of the great things we can learn in the gospels is that Jesus the Son of God, the Son of Man; who is God the Son; had a great admiration, love, for the prophets, and desired to see that those prophecies concerning Himself were fulfilled.
Even after His resurrection He spoke with two on the road to Emmaus about believing the words of the prophets (Luke 24:25-26). Consider Isaiah 53 as an example of the prophecy of His death, and our salvatiion.
Jesus speaks of His impending suffering, crucifixion, and death; and the disciples do not know what He is speaking about. They were still dreaming of living in splendor, authority, and power reigning with Him on earth.
Why should the Christian of 2019 read the writings of the Prophets? As a matter of fact why should we read the whole Old Testament? My answer to both of those questions is “Because they are the only Bible Jesus had to read, and know; as well as the apostles.” Those Scriptures are the ones that testify of Jesus. That is why.
He Shall Rise Again
In a great mountain top experience Jesus and three of His disciples had on the Mount, came down, and found a man with a demon possessed son had asked the other disciples of Jesus to deliver the child. They could not. Jesus did.
Now they are going through Galilee, and Jesus is teaching them, reminding them of a perilous time ahead. It was in motion. It was going to happen. Nothing could stop it.
“And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and He would not that any man should know it. For He taught His disciples, and said unto them, ‘The Son of Man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him; and after that He is killed, He shall rise the third day.’ But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask Him. Mark 9:30-32 (KJB)
We can see what Jesus means. We have twenty twenty vision; because it has happened just as He said. Let us not judge the disciples too harshly. They loved Jesus and could not stand the thought of His death, because they did not understand that that is why He came. They were still of the mindset that He was going to overthrow the Romans, and be King of the Jews at that time. Jesus was reminding them otherwise.
As Christians in 2019 we need to remember that this same Jesus who died on the cross, was buried, and rose again just as He said; that He will come again, take those who are His unto Himself, and will, after much tribulation set up His kingdom on earth.
Believe Him. Call on His name.
When Jesus Comes Again
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:29-31 (KJB)
Matthew 24 through 25 is a sermon or discourse which Jesus delivered to His disciples concerning the last days. The above verses are part of that lesson. I know there are various interpretations of the whole discourse, but the following is mine.
Jerusalem was destroyed with the temple in the year 70 A.D. and it is assumed by some that that destruction fulfilled the prophecy of Matthew 24 and 25. It seems to me to be a much bigger prophecy than that, and reaches even to our present day and time, and is to be completely fulfilled at a later date.
For the most part I believe the Olivet Discourse was delivered for the Jewish people. The verses spoken above is speaking of the ending of what Jeremiah called “The time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), and the Lord Himself will come to earth, with His angels, and call His elect, those who have been redeemed during that most horrible time the earth has ever experienced; and receive them to Himself; from all the corners of the earth.
Jesus Himself said, “I will come again”. Are you ready?
Just for a short sentence: The Church of Jesus Christ will we with Him when He comes again to earth.
Jesus Said, ‘Follow Me’
Being A Disciple Of Jesus
Matthew 8:18-22
“Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, He gave commandment to depart unto the other side. And a certain scribe came, and said unto Him, Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head. And another of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow Me; and let the dead bury their dead.” Matthew 8:18-22 (KJV).
ANY DESIRE FOR POPULARITY MUST BE DEALT WITH (v. 18).
* Jesus had no desire for popularity, nor should His disciples.
* The false teachers and preachers love the praises and accolades of crowds they draw by their showmanship, and “Miracles”.
THERE IS NO GUARANTEE FOR MATERIAL SECURITY – NO PLACE TO LAY YOUR HEAD – NO PROMISE OF COMFORT (vv. 19-20).
* Jesus knows the hearts of all men, and He knew the heart of this scribe, just as He knows yours and mine.
* We never hear of this man again – he is only known and remembered as “A certain scribe”, though as some kind of parable or illustration.
THERE CAN BE NO LINGERING, WAITING FOR YOUR EARTLY INHERITANCE (v. 21).
* Burying his father was not the idea, because his father was not dead, it is the inheritance that was on his mind, and that responsibility.
* We can be faithful disciples of Jesus when we disciple our families into Christ.
* The follower of Jesus Christ taking the responsibility to see that his/her family comes to Christ is the greatest achievement of that disciple.
THE COST FOR BEING A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST IS VALUING THE ETERNAL OVER THE TEMPORAL (v. 22).
* If you determine that following Jesus is too costly, then you will lose everything ( “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” Matthew 10:39).
* The life of the follower of Jesus Christ is a crucified life – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” Gal 2:20 (KJV).
* It would be more beneficial for the questioning disciple to follow Jesus; for then, there is great possibility that his family will follow too.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Who is This Man?
Reading Joshua 3 – 6 for today…
“And the Captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, ‘Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy.’ And Joshua did so.” Joshua 5:15 (KJB)
Who is this Man? I am certain that when Jesus Christ was born onto this planet, and in Israel many asked that question of Him. I have no doubt in my mind who this Man who appeared to Joshua the night before their first battle in the Promised Land is.
Who is this Man? He is called in the New King James Bible “The Commander of the LORD’S army”. He says that of Himself. Joshua worships Him, falling down at His feet, without receiving any rebuke or correction.
This was not an angelic being. He was a Christophany, and appearance of the God Man. He is in this experience with Joshua…
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Out of the Mouths of Children
“O LORD our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens! Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings have You ordained strength because of Your enemies, that You might still the enemy and the avenger.” Psalm 8:1-2 (KJV)
The “innocence” of children is at stake in 2018. Contrary, however, to popular opinion children are not perfect little angels. Since the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden all children are born sinners. They are, however, a good example of faith and putting one’s faith in the one who cares for them.
The Psalmist begins Psalm 8 by praise and adoration to the One who is excellent in all the heavens. In verse two, which is our focus verse for today, we see that the LORD is also excellent in the earth. The cry of a sucking, new born child is a description of the excellent name of the LORD. Every time a newly born baby cries it shows us the excellence of the name of our Creator. That child is made in His image, and after His likeness; yet now marred by the evil of sin.
As that child grows they will be faced with trials, troubles, and torments. Many of those will come from other people. Some who are espousing their friendship to them.
One Baby was born into this world as the Son of God, and the Son of Man. His name is Jesus and Immanuel – meaning “God with us”. Through this Child the enemy of all Adamkind was squashed and shown his proper place.
Jesus quoted this verse in Matthew 21:16 after His children laid palm leaves on the streets recognizing Him as the Messiah…
“And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” Matthew 21:16 (KJV)
Where the devil who is Satan is working to avenge the work of the cross by destroying yours and my testimony for Christ; he is already defeated. We just have a problem of not living in victory of him.
The next time you hear a baby cry remember the Creator. Remember that it is through Jesus Christ that He has made all things. Remember that He is excellent and glorious in all His ways.
The One Who Holds All Judgment
“And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in Thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And He that sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” Revelation 14:14-20 (KJV)
If you were to read Acts 1:9-11 you would find how Jesus ascended up from this earth… “A cloud received Him out of their sight”. Verse eleven ends by saying, “…This same Jesus… shall so come in like manner…”
The “Sickle” – In verse 14 Jesus holds all judgment in His hands (John 5:22). This verse refers to Him as “Like unto the Son of Man” – this was a title Jesus used to refer to Himself. The “Golden crown” on His head should leave no doubt in our minds that this is Jesus.
In verse 15 we have the fourth angel. He comes out of the temple (heavenly) and speaks unto the “Son of man” the judge of men. He is worthy to judge men.
The ripe harvest has to do with over ripeness – drying, rotting, decaying fruit. The time of judgment upon the wickedness of the world.
When Jesus comes for the Church He will come “With a shout, the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (1 Thessalonians. 4:16), not with a sickle.
Here Jesus comes with a sickle of judgment and wrath upon the tares of the field [world] (Matthew 13:40-43).
In verse 17 we find the fifth angel and in verse 18 the sixth angel of chapter fourteen.
These verses certainly deal with the fulness of God’s wrath. The men of earth are likened to overripe grapes cast into a winepress under the feet of the husbandman [owner]. This event is given in fuller detail in Revelation 19:11-21.
Be saved by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, or your blood will be on Him in judgment and wrath. Get ready to meet Jesus as Savior, or you will certainly meet Him at the final Judgment as the One who holds all Judgment in His hands.
Better than Beasts
God reveals the kingdoms of men as beasts of the earth. Beasts like a “Lion with eagle’s wings” (7:4), “a bear… with ribs in its mouth” (7:5), “a leopard, which had four wings on its back…” (7:6); then, a fourth beast “dreadful and terrible”. These beasts represent human governments which the LORD was showing Daniel would come on the earth. None of these beasts are pleasant characters. Yet, human government is a God given institution.
These governments of men, are all a precursor of God’s greater rule and kingdom, which is yet to be fulfilled. Hear these words from Daniel which God gave him in the same vision…
“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14 (KJV)
The kingdoms of men (Human government) of any kind is not sufficient to bring peace, protection, health, or wealth to the world. The governments of men will fail and eventually fall. Yes! Even the United States of America will fall. Not a pleasant thought to this citizen of the U. S. of A. for over 60 years; but for us not to realize this is futile, and mere dreaming. There is only one nation which God has promised will be forever (Jeremiah 31:35-37), and that is the nation of Israel with the heir of David as King.
That may just be the reason so many nations, and people hate the Jewish people. That hatred is futile too. It will lead to your ruin. That King is King Jesus. He is the Son of Man, Son of God, and God the Son. He is the one who the Scripture is speaking of above. He is the Christ the Son of the Living God. One day every knee will bow before Him. It is best to do it today rather than later. It is your salvation if you do it today. To wait for that day will be your eternal condemnation.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
When you come to Jesus Christ and trust Him as your Lord and Savior the governments of men or the Beasts of men pale in comparison; you then will realize and know that one day every nation and king on earth, will bow before King Jesus, and call Him Lord.
The Kingdom That Will Never Fall
Daniel 7:9-28
“I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of Days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the pure wool: His throne was like the fiery flame, and His wheels as burning fire. 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. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:9-14 (KJV)
THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM OF THE SON OF MAN (vv. 9-14). The phrase “Ancient of Days” most likely refers to God the Father. The thrones of men will be “cast down” and God will be exalted above the governments of men. Here is a scene where Daniel describes the Father. “AWESOME.” Would be a great word to use.
We see Daniel in the passage of Scripture watching, in the vision, until the ‘thrones were cast down’. It is most assuredly the thrones of those who exalt themselves against the ‘Stone cut out without hands’, and try to defeat Him. It is their thrones which are cast down. It is the throne of the Father and the Son which will be exalted.
The “rest of the beasts” of verse 12 seem to apply to governments that remain after the Great White Throne Judgment; these would not have participated in an uprising against the appearing of the Son of Man (Jesus). Dominion and glory, and a kingdom will be given unto Him that will be everlasting. It shall never pass away. COME LORD JESUS.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING; YET TROUBLED (vv. 15-28). There are a lot of things Daniel did not understand, and he was troubled by them. He is troubled that sin is going to grow and grow and become worse. Would that sin would so trouble the people of God today. It should grieve us to know that sin is progressing and getting worse and worse. It is one day going to work its way out; unto the destruction of sin. “One of them that stood by” (v. 15) is probably an angel. This one gave Daniel the meanings.
There is assurance here that the kingdoms of men will fail and God’s people will reign (v. 18). The evil one has at times prevailed against the ‘saints’ down through history. During the time that is called the Tribulation many saints will be killed for their faith. These are Tribulation saints – people who have trusted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Most times in these cases they will be showing their love for the Lord with their lives. One day the ‘Ancient of Days’ is going to give power of rule of earth to the saints and will possess the kingdom (v. 22).
Before the ‘Ancient of Days’ comes, though, there will be much trouble (vv.23-25). This final beast will rise up in the last days and speak against the truth of God’s Word. There will be a world wide kingdom which the evil one will rule. He will bring harmony between all the world’s religions. He will bring in a world wide economy. He will bring ‘peace’ in the land of ‘Palestine’. He will make himself god. In the last three and one half years of his rule he will become vicious; you might even say indescribable.
He shall not stand. He shall fall and at the Great White Throne of Judgment will be cast alive into the Lake of Fire which burns forever and forever.
The kingdom will be given to God’s saints. It will be an everlasting kingdom.
In these days of the twenty first century we also see troubling things. Let us simply believe that God and His Son Jesus will accomplish everything He has spoken. He will. We do not know how, or when God will bring these things to pass, but He will.
We can rest assured the Holy God of all creation will not tolerate a blasphemer who exalts himself over the throne of God. That man, beast, devil, or what ever he be will stand before the Judgment of the throne of God.
There is redemption for all, today, who will call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. He paid our sin debt by His shed blood – giving His life – was buried carrying our sin away; and He rose showing us the victory of the cross, and giving the promise, to those who trust Him, of eternal life with Him. There is a Bridegroom coming for His Bride [the Church]; and there is a Judge (His name is Jesus) coming to separate the sheep from the goats. Be part of the Bride by trusting Jesus.
Christmas Day 5
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want you to be reminded today, and the following four days that Christmas is about the incarnation of Jesus Christ; God becoming flesh and dwelling among us; that the Son of God became the Son of Man, so that the sons of men might become the sons of God.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (KJV)
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christmas Day Ten and Six
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to always remember that Christmas is about Jesus coming to dwell among mankind, as one of us, that He might die for our sins; and set us free from the chains of sin, death and eternal death; to give us life eternal.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” [Jesus] John 5:24-29 (KJV)
Prophets Speak – Christmas Day One Hundred Thirty and One
And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” Ezekiel 2:6-8 (NKJV)
What do I want for Christmas today?
Though I live in a foreign land, because it has turned her back on the One who made her great, I want to eat the Word of God daily through study, reading and application of it in my life; that I may be a witness for my God and Savior Jesus Christ no matter what this nation or the world may hurl at me; to be strong and faithful even unto death, and unto life.
Day Three Hundred and Twenty
What do I want for Christmas?
I want people of Jenkins, Missouri; the State of Missouri; the United States of America; the North and South American continents; and the world to know that they are sinners, apart from God, lost, condemned and dying; and that Jesus Christ the Son of God, and God the Son died on the cross, was buried, and bodily arose again for you (for us all) that we might be redeemed to God, and have the peace of God which passes all understanding.
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15 (NKJV)
“And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”” Luke 19:9-10
Amazed by the Power of God
We ought always be amazed by the power of God. We ought always realize that God is working, moving, accomplishing His purposes in the world around us and in our own lives.
Previous to the verses we look at today Jesus had been on the Mount called “Transfiguration”, and He was speaking with Moses and Elijah. A wonderful experience for Peter, James and John, and where they heard the Father say, “This is My Beloved Son: hear Him”.
Coming down from the mountain they encounter a man who has a son possessed of a demon, and is tormented by the evil one; tearing, tossing, torturing him with great pain, and grief to the father of the son. The other nine disciples have been powerless to cast out the demon. Jesus has come and speaks to the “unclean spirit”, and the demon leaves, the son is healed, and is delivered to his father (Luke 9:28-42)
Jesus knew the time of His death was near. He had spoken to the disciples of His death on previous occasions, but they did not yet understand.
“And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, He said unto His disciples, Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of Man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask Him of that saying.” Luke 9:43-45 (KJV)
In verses 51 and 53 we can note that Jesus had His “face set to go to Jerusalem”, and that means all the way to the cross, and to death for our sins.
In the words of the text above Jesus wanted the disciples to know and to understand; but it just had not happened yet.
In the Gospel account of Matthew Peter attempts to rebuke Jesus after Jesus has spoken of His coming death (Matthew 16:21-23). A disciple rebuking his Master? I almost laugh at the thought; but Jesus rebukes Peter, and even tells Satan “Get behind me Satan”. For man, or the whole human race to think that they can thwart the power, plan, and purposes of God is even more laughable. See Psalm 2:4.
For the Christian today we can understand what has taken place; yet we must have the heart, mind and soul for hearing it, hiding His Word in our hearts, and obeying it. We can pray for understanding and wisdom in the Word; but if we never read it, and study it, there will not be any of wisdom or understanding. There will also be no growing faith in Him.
O Christian; hear Him. Do His word. Let these sayings sink down into your ears; and your heart. Jesus has been delivered into the hands of men. He died, was buried, and bodily arose and came out of that grave, and He ever lives.
Son of Man in Power and Glory
Jesus on trial before a wicked, mob of Jewish priests, and haters of the Gospel of God stands with confidence in His Father and in the fulfillment of the promises, and prophecies of the Word of God.
As He is being questioned He stands boldly; not answering the questions which are baited to condemn Him, but speaking the truth when a question is asked about His identity:
“And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? What is it which these witness against Thee? But He held His peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, and said unto Him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:60-62 (KJV)
“Son of the Blessed” is speaking of GOD, the Supreme authority of the Universe, and all created things.
Jesus’s words would not be fulfilled immediately. They will be fulfilled; and maybe nearer than many would want or like to think.
It was my sins and yours that He went to the cross to bear; and to suffer the wrath of Almighty God, and die that all who will believe in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life.
The Fire and Hammer 