24 Dec (Revelation 14)

Revelation 14

v.1 We see the Lamb again...this is Jesus! He is seen as He had been slain in Rev 5:6 by His Church, and was referenced as such by John the Baptist in John 1:29, 36 and here as the Savior of Israel and Mankind.

This is one of the most difficult books of the Bible to explain to our kids, but if we keep in mind that all the imagery is Jewish, and from the Old Testament, the types and images make much more sense. If we refer to Daniel 3 where Daniel's three friends were saved and "sealed" by Christ (a theophany), we see the typology coming to fruition. Daniel's friends (a type for Israel) were thrown into the great fire (Great Tribulation) while Daniel was away (the Church raptured). Jesus saved them as He does again in the last days!

v.3 Your kids may wonder why certain people or groups of people have their own special songs for the LORD, and no one else can learn them or sing them...they may think that God shows favoritism. First of all, all the saved in heaven have their own song...so there is no one left out. Secondly, we all have different experiences and means of salvation: The Jews in the Tribulation have a different experience than the Church before the Rapture. We sing to God about how He saved us from what we were experiencing.

v.4 The Tribulation saints, the sealed Jews during the Tribulation, are walking with God...the Lamb. Like the Church before them, they are seen as righteous because they are walking with the Son, and are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. John 1:29, 36

v.7 God gives mankind a "Last Call" before everyone's eternal fate is sealed...God is patient and kind, wishing for no one to go to hell. However, throughout all our lives, we have multiple instances to accept His love for us on the cross, so some choose salvation, and others choose damnation.

This reminds me of the famous C.S. Lewis quote:

In the end, there will be some who say to God, "Thy will be done" and others to whom God says in the end, "Thy will be done."

Each of us, individually, must choose to follow God or reject Him...our eternal destiny is not God's choosing, but ours! Choose wisely! This is important for our kids to understand, for during times of crisis, where natural disasters happen, and many people die, kids may wonder why God did that. He didn't create this world with sin and death...that was a result of Mankind's rejection of Him. However, God provided a way out of death for our souls...His Son, if we choose Him!

v.8 Babylon is where the beginning of mankind's open rebellion of God occurred...the Tower of Babel. Gen 11 All cults and false religions have roots in Babylon...God will rid the earth of this actual place (modern day Iraq) and also the spiritual Babylon.

v.11 It is important to teach our kids that hell is a real place...and it's forever. Hell is the absence of God, and eternal torment, knowing that pride brought them there.

v.14 Scholars debate who this person is...is it Jesus or an angel?

First of all, the wording is like the Son of Man...not THE Son of Man.

Secondly, if we look at what Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 13, He says that He instructs the angels to reap. Matt 13:39

If this is confusing to your kids, what matters most is that God will separate His followers from the unbelievers...make sure you're in the right harvest pile!

21 Dec (Revelation 11)

Revelation 11

v.2 We must remember that God's plan ALWAYS had Israel as the focus...the Gentiles and the Church were results of Israel's disobedience and unfaithfulness...we benefit from Israel. The Gentile Court is to be separate from the Temple.

v.6 Who are these two witnesses for God? Let's see what they can do:

Shut Heaven ~ We know that Elijah did this in 1 Kings 17:1
Water to Blood ~ Moses did this in Egypt in Exodus 7:19
Plagues ~ Moses did this to Egypt in Exodus 7-12

There are two schools of thought as to the identity of these witnesses, either Moses and Elijah, or Enoch and Elijah.

The reason why Enoch is considered, is that he was raptured, like Elijah was. As it is written:

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment ~ Hebrews 9:27

So the thinking is that since these two men didn't die, they are the ones to come back and die after giving a great witness first.

Those who believe that it's Moses and Elijah, have a couple of reasons:

~ Only Moses and Elijah performed the miracles listed
~ Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets

One other thing to consider...when Moses died, we read that God buried him. Deut 34:6

Perhaps Moses was raptured as well, for we see that in Jude 1:9 Michael the Archangel, fought over the body of Moses with Satan. This could have been as the body was being raised up.

I personally believe the Two Witnesses are Moses and Elijah, but it's not something the Church needs to argue and fight over...it's fun to discuss and research, but not proper to divide the Brethren.

v.9 How could John write this? How could all the peoples of the world see these Two Witnesses dead? Here we have another proof that God wrote this book through John, for not until today can we understand the ability of technology to make this happen! With satellite TV and 24-hour news, the whole world will see this live!

v.11 My kids laugh when we picture the looks on the peoples' faces when the Two Witnesses come back alive!

v.15 Jesus paid the price for us and the earth...with His blood! When Adam and Eve sinned, they gave the dominion of the earth over to Satan, but now, it will be under new management....God!

v.19 What a scene it will be when heaven will open up, and the Temple and the Ark of the Covenant will be revealed!

17 Dec (Revelation 6-7)

Revelation 6

(v.2) At first glance we think that this is Jesus coming on the white horse, but if we look at what he does, and the company that he keeps, the identity is much clearer. Remember, the word, Antichrist, doesn't just mean "against Christ" it also means "like Christ." In other words, the Antichrist will use characteristics of Christ, and fool many who don't really know Christ.

The reference to a bow should also remind us of Nimrod, who was the first world ruler who competed with Christ for men's souls. Gen 10:8

(v.4) This is the beginning of the Great Tribulation spoken of by Christ Himself in Matt 24:6

(v.6) In the last days, it will take more than a days wages to buy one loaf of bread! The food supply will be hard to get, and many people will perish from hunger and violence over getting food for their families.

(v.8) Disease and pestilence will abound...aren't we so grateful that we won't endure this since we will have been raptured before this happens?

(v.11) We see again another sign that the Church will be in heaven when this happens, for they are clothed in white. Do a word search in a good Bible concordance for white robes or white clothing, and you will see this means the saints...the Church.

(v.16) We don't usually see a lamb as having wrath...unless it's the Lamb of God...Jesus!

Revelation 7

(v.4) God is going to seal 12,000 Jews who believe in Christ from each tribe...that's 144,000! They will preach the Gospel like no one has ever done before, and gather the last believers before God closes the door on salvation!

(v.9) This is the Church...from all over the world, speaking different languages, and from different times in history!

16 Dec (Revelation 4-5)

Revelation 4

(v.1) ...after these things...here we go into another phase of the book. In chapter one, John wrote about what He saw concerning Christ and visions. In chapters two and three, he wrote about the state of the Church in his day. Now, Jesus is showing John what will happen in the future.

Come up here...this is another reference to the Rapture, and it seems that John was spirited to heaven to see the last days! Remember, God had done this in Scripture quite a few times with Phillip, Paul and others.

(v.4) Another reason I believe that the Church is raptured before the Tribulation, is that the 24 elders represent the Church...and they are in heaven before the Tribulation starts. Elders in the church are the leadership, and David initiated the meaning of the number 24 in 1 Chron 24:1-19

If you look at the appearance of the elders, they fit with the Church and the faithful saints who believe in Christ...that's us!

(v.7) Here we need to remember the Jews in the Wilderness, and the camps of Israel as they traveled. Each face of the angels in heaven represent the four faces of the camps of Israel. Also, they represent the four gospels. Look at the Gospels part of this blog to study up on that.

(v.8) Holy, holy, holy...this is another reference to the Trinity! God is called Elohim in Hebrew, which is a singular noun in the plural tense...three in one!

Revelation 5

(v.1) The Father has the scroll in His hand.

(v.3) No man...not Peter, nor Paul, nor any pope, nor Martin Luther, nor Billy Graham, or anyone...can fulfill the Law and take the scroll. It took God Himself to do it...Jesus!

(v.5) Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah is worthy to take the scroll!

(v.6) The Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Lamb are the same...Jesus! When we get into heaven, we will see the scars and cuts on Jesus for His love for us on the cross! I believe this will be the cause of our tears, and He will wipe them away and we will forget all our sins for eternity!

(v.10) We must be clear with this verse to our kids...we will not be gods like Christ, but we will be kings and priests like Him. Because like Him, we were redeemed to the Father, we are kings and priests forever...He is our Kinsman Redeemer!

15 Dec (Revelation 3)

Sardis ~ The Dead Church

The church of Sardis represents the Reformation movement, away from the Nicolaitan doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. The Reformation deservedly has been praised for moving back to the Word of God, instead of the practices of men, but they fell short as well. Remember, it's never good to put your faith in a particular church, pastor or denomination...all are lead by men and prone to sin and pride.

I hope you see my point here, since I'm tough on the RCC, but I also want you to see that the Protestant Churches erred just as much.

(v.1) This describes the Protestant church then, and even today...it has the name of Christ, but is not following Christ. So many churches focus on traditions and works, that they fail to focus on fellowship with each other and especially God.

I was raised in the Lutheran Church, where Martin Luther is given the credit for starting the Reformation movement. He was a big player, but many other Catholic priests were involved in going back to the Word of God, and not the word of a pope.

Unfortunately, one of the results of the Reformation was the failure to acknowledge the Jews as God's people. Martin Luther and many other Reformists were anti-Semites, and believed that the Church replaced Israel for God's promises and blessings. This is called Replacement Theology, and not only is it completely against Scripture, but it makes God out to be a liar!

I suggest you look up Martin Luther's quotes in his books about the Jews, and how the Church has replaced Israel for God's blessings.

(v.3) Of course, as with the Catholics, the Protestants are filled with believers...it's the leadership that Jesus is rebuking.

(v.4) It all comes down to a personal relationship with Jesus, not any affiliation with any particular church that saves us.

Philadelphia ~ The Faithful Church

(v.8) The church of Philadelphia faced all the same temptations and persecution of the earlier churches, but God is commending them for keeping the faith, and for persevering.

(v.10) This is another verse that shows us that the faithful believers will be Raptured before the Tribulation comes upon the earth.

Laodicea ~ The Lukewarm Church

(v.14) Cults use this verse to say that Jesus was created, and not God Himself. What they fail to see is that the Greek word used to say "beginning" here, is Arche, where we get the word "architect" from. This word also means authority, and since Jesus created the universe, He is the authority of it as well. John 1:1

(v.16) There are many ways to approach this, for the neighboring towns had hot and cold springs that Laodicea tried to pull from, but the main focus for us is our faith. It's one thing to be an atheist or to deny Christ as our Creator...that is bad. But it's also bad to know who Jesus is, and not do anything about it...lukewarm faith.

This church is prophetic to the state of the church in the last days...apathetic and ineffective.

(v.17) We can see this being so relevant to today, for in most of the Western world, we are rich and forget to praise God for the blessings and wealth He has given us. This is why Solomon didn't want to be overly rich and think that he created his wealth, and not God. Prov 30:9

(v.19) Like a loving parent, God rebukes us to open our eyes and see the right path!

(v.20) Remember, at the beginning of these churches, Jesus was in the midst of them. Now, because the apathy has been so severe, Jesus is outside the church, knocking on the door to come in!

If we let Jesus into our lives to be the LORD of our lives, then we will one glorious day dine with Him at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Rev 19:9

13 Dec (Revelation 1)

The book of Revelation has to be the most misunderstood books of the Bible. There is so much imagery and typology, that unless we understand the Old Testament, it doesn't make sense! Way too many churches skip this book, and that is a travesty. This book promises a blessing to those who read it and study it...so here we go!

You may want to notice that the book is called Revelation...not Revelations. This is the "unveiling" or "revealing" of the future from Jesus to John.

You may also notice that the number seven is prominent in this book. In Hebrew, the number seven means completion, and this book completes God's plan of redemption for mankind.

Revelation 1

(v.1) The Father gave the Son these things to reveal to us...in this case, John. We who read it, get the revealing of who Jesus is, and what He will do on the Day of the Lord.

(v.3) Some scholars say, and I agree, that if we understand this book, we understand the whole Bible. In that sense, if we study and understand this book, we are blessed to know God better.

(v.4) Any doubt about the deity of Jesus? He has always been, and always will be...He is God, and the physical part of the Trinity.

(v.5) ...the firstborn of the dead...this has multiple meanings. First, Jesus was given the firstborn status, which in Hebrew, means authority. Second, He died and was resurrected, showing us the way to eternal life.

He washed us form our sins in His own blood...this is the power of faith in Him!

(v.7) This is fun to ask your kids...how will all the earth see Jesus come to the earth from the clouds? This is amazing, for only until a few decades ago, there wasn't satellite TV, where events can be seen live all around the world!

(v.8) Alpha and Omega are the "A" and "Z" of the Greek alphabet. He is the beginning and the end...God in the flesh!

Take note that Jesus calls Himself the Almighty...He is God, and to say otherwise is blasphemy. Isaiah 9:6

(v.10) Many scholars debate what this means, but I believe that if you take the whole book's focus, it's the wrath of God coming during the Tribulation. Therefore, the Lord's Day really means the Day of the LORD...the coming of the King to rid the world of evil and unfaithfulness.

(v.13) Take note that Jesus is in the midst of the churches here, and when we reach the church of Laodicea, He is on the outside. In other words, if a church is following Him, He is amongst them. Matt 18:20

(v.14) Notice the description of Jesus...it is just like the one Daniel saw! Dan 7:9, 10:6

(v.18) There are cults and false religions out there that say that Jesus was created, and even the Archangel Michael. When you hear this, ask them what this verse means...when did the Father (Jehovah) die? He didn't...it was His Son, Jesus who is God and YHWH!

(v.19) Here is the outline of the book of Revelation:

Chapter 1 = John's description of Jesus and the unveiling of His majesty

Chapters 2 & 3 = The current time in which John was living, where these seven churches exist and are types of the history of the church.

Chapters 4-22 = The church is raptured and in heaven, and John is witnessing the Day of the LORD!

6 Nov (2 Cor 3-5)

2 Corinthians 3

(v.6) I like to take notice that Paul mentions the new covenant, and how the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. This is a direct distinction between the Law and the Gospel. Jesus made a new covenant with mankind, where faith brings life. Matt 26:28 The Law, in itself, shows us our doom to death since we can't keep it perfectly. However, the beauty of the Gospel, is that by faith, we are saved.

(v.14) The veil here has a double meaning...typology is being used again. In Matt 27:51 as Jesus died on the cross, the veil was torn in two, from top to bottom. That veil was the partition that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple. Only the High Priest was allowed to go in there, and only once a year, to act as intercession for the people. Jesus wiped that all away, by dying in our place, and removing the barrier between us and the Father. Now, we don't need a pastor, or priest, to pray and intercede for us...we can pray and talk directly with the Father ourselves!

2 Corinthians 4

(v.6) This is a great point to make with our kids...God created light out from the darkness, and so are we when we are born again. We believers are light in a dark world. Gen 1:2-3

(v.14) This is another reference to the Rapture.

(v.16) Even though our bodies are dying, our spirits are growing when we walk with the LORD. God is preparing us for eternity with Him!!!

2 Corinthians 5

(v.1) I explain to my kids again, that God will use our DNA to create our heavenly bodies. The body we have today is cursed with sin, and is dying. But the one He creates for us in heaven will be done by His hands, and without sin and death!

(v.8) This verse is often cited at funerals, and rightly so. If a loved one who is a believer dies, they are immediately in heaven with Jesus! That is reason to celebrate and be happy for them. But since we are still here on earth, and we will miss that loved one until we join him/her in heaven, we are sad. We must try to focus on the positive, and realize that to be in heaven is our goal, and our joyful destination!

(v.10) The judgment seat of Christ is called, in Greek, the Bema Seat. This is what we see in the Olympics when the medals are handed out...the athletes stand on this and receive their rewards. We will have the same moment with Christ. He will view our whole life, and the things that weren't done for His glory will burn, but the things we did for His glory, they will be rewarded with crowns. 1 Cor 9:25

(v.20) Our kids (and us adults) need to remember that if we proclaim to be believers and followers of Christ, then we are His ambassadors of His on earth. This comes with great responsibility. I believe this is what the Third Commandment is all about...if we take the name of our King, then we need to represent Him purely and righteously to others! Exo 20:7

4 Nov (1 Cor 15-16)

1 Corinthians 15

(v.3) In case you don't know, or wish to have your kids understand the Gospel in definition, Paul gives it to us plainly:

1. Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures...I stress that Christ fulfilled prophecy since the Jews of that day and many throughout history don't see that Christ was spoken about in detail all through the Old Testament.

2. ...and that He was buried...Christ actually died and was buried. He didn't get revived in the grave, but was dead and God brought Him back to life.

3. ...and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. Jesus told the disciples many times He would be killed and rise again in three days. Also, He gave the Pharisees notice that like Jonah, He would die and be alive again in three days. Matt 12:39, 16:4

Verses 5-8 show us that there were eye witnesses, and not just a few, but hundreds...this shows us that this wasn't made up. For if there was any falsehood in these statements, there were people still alive that could refute it...but none did.

(v.12) We often focus on the death of Christ, but not the resurrection. They are both important. Jesus' death on the cross justified us back to the Father. But without His resurrection, we would be lost in death. We needed our Savior to live again so we can follow Him and live again!

(v.22) Adam's sin cursed all of us to be sentenced to hell. But Christ's death and resurrection washes away that curse, and we are alive in Him by faith.

(v.36) Paul uses an illustration that makes sense to the people of that time...farming. A seed is not alive...it is dead. When it is buried in the ground, it will become alive again and bear fruit. Does this sound familiar? When we are born again, we are truly alive, and we bear fruit by our faith and works.

(v.44) Once again, we see why the disciples didn't recognize Jesus after the Resurrection...He was in His heavenly body. God will take one piece of our DNA and make our corruptible bodies into incorruptible. If this is hard to believe, then ask yourself why it's so hard for us to believe that God spoke the universe into existence, and we can't believe He can recreate our bodies?

(v.47) Paul makes a great comparison here...we are born of the earth, since Adam was born of the dust. But when we have a spiritual rebirth, we are born of the Spirit, which is not mortal.

(v.52) Paul gives us a clear and simple picture of the Rapture:

1. Christ will meet all believers in the clouds

2. Those that have already died in faith, will have their DNA raised and given new immortal bodies

3. Those believers who are still on earth, will be lifted up in a twinkling of an eye...that is fast!

(v.58) Memorize this verse...it should motivate us daily!

1 Corinthians 16

Paul gives orders and encouragement to the Church in Corinth, and leaves them with wishes of love and grace!

27 Oct (1 Thes 5 - 2 Thes 1-3)

1 Thessalonians 5

(v.2) This is important to make clear with our kids...there is a difference between the Rapture and the Day of the Lord.

The Rapture can happen at any moment, and will precede the Tribulation of Israel. The time of the Tribulation is spelled out in Daniel 9:27 where it will last for exactly seven years. Halfway through it, the Antichrist will reveal himself, and the last half of the tribulation will be so bad, that Jesus calls it the Great Tribulation.

The Tribulation is accurate and we are given actual days and things to look for. The Rapture, however, will come suddenly, and catch the whole world by surprise...even the devil. If we are truly followers of Christ, then we will know when the Rapture is near, and act and serve accordingly for there is little time. I believe we are getting real close to the Rapture.

(v.3) The world wants peace, and it will give up anything to attain it. Unfortunately for them, there will NEVER be true peace until the Prince of Peace comes to reign for 1,000 years. Those that don't know God will be fooled by a false peace by the Antichrist.

(v.9) The Day of the LORD is a day of terrible wrath and misery. God has given the world plenty of warning, and wished for them to choose to love and serve Him. But on that fateful day, God will bring His Holy Wrath upon the unbelievers, and us believers will not experience that...for we will be Raptured and in heaven!

2 Thessalonians 1

(v.5) Because we are ambassadors of Christ on earth as His Church, we will undoubtedly experience persecution. This should be a barometer to tell us if we are doing God's work...if we don't experience persecution from the world, then we must be a part of it, and not separated in Spirit by God.

(v.9) I believe this verse supports the theory that hell is the agony of knowing their foolish pride, and being eternally tormented by being separated from God.

2 Thessalonians 2

(v.3) There are some things that have to happen BEFORE Christ returns in wrath:

1. A great falling away...people who called themselves Christian, but were never really born again, will leave the church and follow cults and false prophets. We are seeing this in abundance today.

2. During the tribulation, the Antichrist will reveal himself, by striking the peace treaty between Israel and the Muslim world, and then go back on it in three and one half years.

3. The Holy Spirit (the Restrainer) will be removed. This means that there will be no born again people on earth...they will be raptured.

(v.13) I like to remind my kids that they didn't really choose God...He chose them. He has been planning their birth and rebirth since before the universe was created! That always blows them away!

2 Thessalonians 3

(v.3) If we are His, we will experience persecution, but like Job, we won't be killed by Satan.

(v.10) God is clear about welfare and loafing...if you don't work, you don't eat. Of course, there are people who can't physically work, or are mentally inhibited to work, and it is up to the Church to care for those people. But being lazy and wanting the government to care for us is not godly or Biblical.

26 Oct (1 Thes 1-4)

1 Thessalonians 1

This letter was written by Paul to the church in Thessalonica. This church was vibrant and healthy but they were concerned about the return of Christ, and what would happen to those who died before that.

(v.3) Paul hits on the three points of being a Christian:

Faith ~ We have to work to keep our faith strong

Love ~ We have to labor to love others...it's not natural in our sinful state

Hope ~ We have to be patient, knowing that our reward is not on earth, but in heaven

I like to point out that Paul uses these three facets of Christianity in 1 Cor 13:13

1 Thessalonians 2

(v.4) Now that we know what Jesus did for us, we are like Paul, and we are bound to share the good news of the Gospel to others.

(v.13) We should be thanking God without ceasing for what He did for us. This should be the foundation of our lives, and because of that, we are impelled to share Christ with others.

1 Thessalonians 3

(v.12) We are to love and minister to other Christians first, then to the lost. This is not mean or proud, for God wants us to encourage and uplift each other, so collectively, we can minister to the lost.

(v.13) Here is another reference to the Rapture. We shall come with Christ, so we will be with Him before that moment...in heaven!

1 Thessalonians 4

(v.3) We touched on this before, but there are three stages of salvation:

1. Justification ~ When we accept Christ, we are justified to the Father by the blood of His Son

2. Sanctification ~ When we are justified, God gives us His Holy Spirit, and He works in our lives to make us more like Christ.

3. Glorification ~ When we finally reach heaven, we are glorified in our new heavenly bodies that will never decay, tire or have any pain!

(v.7) When God created Adam, he was sinless and holy in the eyes of the Father. However, once Adam and Eve sinned, all mankind is tainted with sin. We are not pure or holy, and it takes the blood of God Himself, Jesus, to wash away our sins.

(v.10) Again, we love and encourage other believers, and because of that, we are equipped and strengthened to reach the lost.

(v.14) When the Rapture happens, Jesus will bring all who died in faith to Him. To be more specific, the faithful are already with Him in heaven in spirit, but at the Rapture, God will lift up their DNA from their earthly bodies and make our new heavenly bodies from them.

(v.17) For the faithful still on earth, they will be lifted up in body, and God will make our heavenly bodies out of our current earthly bodies.

Don't think this is weird or impossible. If we think of how God made the whole universe by His Word, and thought and spoke it into existence, then converting our fallible earthly bodies to immortal heavenly bodies will be nothing for Him to do!!!

26 Sep (Matt 25)

The Gospels: Be Ready For His Second Coming!

Matthew 25

(v.5) Picture this as Jesus as the Bridegroom, and the virgins as His Bride. Jesus left the earth with the promise that He would return for His Church...His Bride. But as time went by, the anticipation subsided, and the virgins slept.

(v.6) This is the Rapture! 1 Thes 4:16

(v.10) Just like the unbelievers in the days of Noah, when the water was flooding, and they pounded on the ark to be saved, it was too late. Don't let yourself or your loved ones be on the wrong side of that door!

(v.21) Well done, good and faithful servant...this is what we all should long to hear from Jesus!

(v.31) Jesus will sit on the Throne of David in the new Temple, and rule and reign for 1,000 years! This will start the Millennium.

(v.40) Jesus knows when we love and serve others, and He will reward us in heaven. For loving His children is like loving Him.

25 Sep (Matt 24:32-51)

The Gospels: No One Knows When the Rapture Will Occur

Matthew 24:32-51

(v.35) Jesus uses the imagery of the fig tree to illustrate that things blossom and die. But His Word and His love will never die!

(v.36) Jesus is speaking of the Rapture here, and we see that only the Father knows what day that will be. Your kids may ask why the Son doesn't know, well, I don't know either! It seems that in the Trinity, each person has His own purpose and role to play. It seems that the Father is like the brain of God, Jesus is the body, and the Spirit is the soul. Together, they make perfection, and like them, we are made in that image...mind, body and soul.

(v.37) If we look back to Genesis 6 the world had rejected God. The world was a cold and hateful place, where Satan and his fallen angels had corrupted the seed of men. It looks like it will be that way again in the last days, and God will have to intervene one last time to make it right.

(v.40) The Rapture will freak out those who were left behind! They will have neighbors, coworkers, and family members that are suddenly gone. We should be busy about witnessing to them, since like God, we should wish that none will be left behind.

(v.44) Just like the Jewish wedding ceremony, our Groom will come for His Bride at an hour that we can't predict. The Rapture will happen, and then God will focus again on Israel.

16 Sep (John 14:1-6)

The Gospels: The Way, the Truth, and the Life

John 14:1-6

(v.1) For those of you that have trouble thinking of verses that proclaim Jesus to be God, this chapter will be great ammo!

It would be blasphemous to equate Himself with God, unless He is God!

(v.2) When Jesus was resurrected and ascended up to heaven, He was back in His glory, preparing the way for us. He gave us His Spirit here on earth, to indwell us, and to guide us. As we live here on earth, we are earning and gathering treasures (rewards) up in heaven. God will bless us here on earth, but only to further His kingdom.

(v.3) This is one of quite a few examples of the Rapture. The word, "rapture" is not in the Bible...but then again, the word "bible" isn't either! Does that mean it doesn't exist? Of course not!

We get the word Rapture from the Latin word translated from the Greek, which is Rapturo. It means a quick snatching up...like in jacks when you grab the jack before the ball bounces again.

Jesus will come and Rapture His Bride before He comes to judge the world...are you and your family ready?

(v.6) Some people like to say, "All roads (religions or faiths) lead to God." This is only true in one sense...all who have lived will face God individually. The faithful will face Jesus and be rewarded for our good works. The unfaithful will be judged by the Law, and be sentenced to eternal torment in hell.

For those of you that are shy about saying that Jesus is the only way to salvation, don't worry, He said it for you!

2 Sep (Matt 17; Mark 9 & Luke 9)

The Gospels: Jesus Glorified

Matthew 17

(v.2) Some of the disciples (Peter, James and John) were given the privilege to see Jesus in His glory...the way He looked before He became man. And if we read other Scripture, we see He will look like this again, but with His scars. 1 John 3:2

In other Scripture, the same description of Him is revealed:

Daniel 7:9

Revelation 1:14

I teach my kids, that the Creator of the universe gave up so much power and reduced Himself to be like us...all so He could save us from our sins!

(v.4) Again, Peter speaks without thinking first, but we do see his thinking here...Peter saw Jesus transfigured, Moses and Elijah with Him, and thought that Jesus was bringing God's Kingdom to earth right then! This was the fulfillment of the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) where God indwells in us.

So why were Moses and Elijah there for a debriefing of the last days by Jesus? There are two ways to think of this, and I believe both are valid:

1. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets. All of the Old Testament is encapsulated by the Law and the Prophets, for they both speak of the Messiah.

2. Moses represents the faithful who have already died. This would include Abraham, David, etc and all of the people over the centuries who died while believing in God's plan of redemption in His Son. Elijah was raptured...he didn't die. This represents the Church, which will be raptured and spared a physical death. Jew or Gentile, dead or raptured, we are all His in our faith!

(v.13) The Jews revere Elijah, and Scripture says that Elijah would prepare the way to the Kingdom of God. As Jesus stated here, John the Baptist was the spirit of Elijah, and he prepared the people for repentance before the Kingdom of God came to earth...in Jesus!

(v.21) Fasting and praying is important, and Jesus points this out by showing that more power comes to believers by doing this. Whenever I have fasted and prayed all day, I have found that He gives me strength to conquer my flesh, and my mind is clearer to see His Word. I must confess, I don't do it as much as I should, but I do recommend it to anyone who wants to grow closer to the LORD.

28 Jul (Zechariah 13-14)

Zechariah 13

(v.2) After the Day of the LORD, Jesus will put an end to idol worship once and for all. He will reign for 1,000 years with His people, and they will worship Him!

(v.6) What are these wounds? They are the holes in His wrists that show of His crucifixion! His brothers, and His people betrayed Him, and it all started in the Temple where He was falsely arrested and accused!

(v.7) When Jesus was arrested and crucified, all His disciples (except John) scattered and fled for fear of their lives! It's so neat to see things click with our kids, when they see that Zechariah was writing about the crucifixion of God...hundreds of years before crucifixion was even invented!

Jesus is our Good Shepherd, and His wounds and death saved us from death to sin. John 10:11

(v.9) God will judge with fire...for the unbeliever, it will be eternal torment. For the believer, it will refine us and make us beautiful in the Father's eyes! All because of our faith in His Son!

Zechariah 14

(v.3) Jesus will make all the unbelievers fight against Israel, and He will personally fight the battle for them! Take time to stress to your kids that Jesus fights our battles for us every day...if we let Him!

(v.5) ...and the saints with Him...

This is another proof that the Rapture will happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation. We who are His will come with Jesus, but Jesus will do all the work...just like He did all the work for our salvation! 1 Cor 15:23

(v.7) When Jesus returns, the whole universe will be affected...night will seem like day. Many scholars believe this is what Adam and Eve enjoyed while basking in the glow of the LORD in the Garden of Eden.

(v.9) Again, the word for LORD is Elohim...which means one, in the plural...this is the Trinity!

(v.16) During the Millennium, Jesus will oversee the Feasts and the people will observe them with their whole hearts...like it should have been the first time He came. But, God knew that sin had to be vanquished first, so He sent His Son to die for us before He came to take us home! Rom 5:8

9 Jul (Daniel 3)

Daniel 3

(v.1) The root of Nebby's pride may have been from a revolt in 596 B.C. so he made this image to require the people to decide who's side they're on. About 20 years have passed since Nebby had Daniel interpret his dream...time allows us to forget God and what we should hold onto.

(v.13) Jews were forbidden to bow before any image in Exo 20:4, Lev 26:1 and Deu 16:22

(v.15) I point out to my kids that Nebby liked Daniel and his three friends, so he gave them a second chance...they were favored in his eyes. Also, notice what Nebby says here:

And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?

Remember this for later in the chapter, for Nebby himself will answer his own question!

(v.18) This is key to the Christian faith...God can get us out of any situation...it just depends upon His purposes and His will, to determine whether we are spared or not. It's hard for all of us to understand sometimes, especially kids, when someone who is faithful is hurt or killed. We as parents need to focus on the goodness of God, and that He sees the big picture...someone may be touched eternally towards salvation by the misfortune of a faithful saint.

(v.25) I suggest you take time to explain a few key elements to this verse:

~ The fire only burned the ropes that bound them...God's eternal fire frees those who are His

~ Take a quick look at Rev 7 where God seals or protects the 144,000 Jews...remember that Daniel is a type of the Church, and he is absent (like the Rapture of the Church after Rev 3) and God will protect His elect during the Tribulation (like Daniel's three friends who are a type of Israel).

~ There was a fourth person there...Jesus Himself! Even Nebby sees that this "man" was like the Son of God...that's because He is!!!

(v.27) As in Rev 7 there are the faithful Jews who are sealed and protected from harm in order to fulfill God's purposes. Daniel's friends are symbolic of Israel in the last days...those that are sealed by God will be free to preach the Gospel and fear nothing.

One thing you can ask your kids, is where is Daniel at this time? He is never mentioned in this chapter.

If we understand the last days, then the model fits...Daniel represents the Church that has been raptured, while God seals the faithful Jews during the time of the Great Tribulation. God has removed His Church from the scene, and goes back to focus on the redemption of Israel.

4 June (Isaiah 36-40)

Isaiah 36

The king of Assyria has a message to the people of Judah, which mirrors what we face today. We have so many leaders of America and other nations that want us to be like them, instead of them being like us. God established this nation to be His Christian nation to compliment His Jewish nation of Israel. In both countries, life is sacred, good fellowship and citizenry is encouraged, and we both rely on hard work to get ahead.

Unfortunately, in both Israel and America today, we have so many voices in power that want us to abandon the principles established in the Bible, and go by man's wisdom and rules. It is up to us believers in God and capitalism to stand up for our principles and encourage hard work and servant hood.

Providence has given to our nation the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.

~ John Jay

Founding Father and 1st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Isaiah 37

(v.4) King Hezekiah had it right...the first thing to do when faced with a troubling situation is to pray and seek God. As a result, God heard their worship and prayers, and He fought the battle for them...we can learn from this!

(v.14) We need to do just as Hezekiah did...lay our problems before the LORD!

Isaiah 38

(v.3) At the news from God that he wouldn't live long, Hezekiah wept and implored God to let him live longer. Hezekiah doesn't say why he wants to live longer, but I'm sure it's because he wants to enjoy his family and serve the LORD to protect Judah, that is the focus.

God is merciful and tender, and He heard Hezekiah's righteous plea, and He granted him another fifteen years to serve and defend His land and people.

(v.11) Notice Hezekiah calls God YAH which is I AM in Hebrew.

(v.19) The father shall make known Your truth to the children. This is another verse that reminds me that as the Pastor of My House, and the father to my children, it's my duty to teach them God's ways, and His Word.

Isaiah 39

(v.6) Here is a prophecy of Babylon conquering Judah, which happened as the LORD said it would.

(v.7) Scholars believe this is a prophecy of Daniel and his friends being taken to Babylon. They were princes in the kingly tribe of Judah, but this may be a key verse to show us that they were eunuchs...stripped of the ability to procreate, but destined to serve God only.

Isaiah 40

(v.3) This verse should ring a bell to those of us who read the Gospels telling about John the Baptist. Matt 3:3

(v.5) God was revealed to the world in Jesus, and God's glory was in His Son.

(v.8) Over the centuries, skeptics have tried to disprove the Bible, but they have failed every time because the word of our God stands forever.

(v.11) This is cited among scholars as an early reference to the Rapture. Jesus is our Good Shepherd, and He will gather us to Himself before He brings judgment upon the world.

(v.28) This is so comforting to me! As a father, I admit to times where I was too tired at times to play with my kids, or help them with their homework. But the LORD of Lords, our King of kings is never weary or tired...He is forever loving us and praying for us to the Father. John 17

16 May (Joel 3)

Joel 3

(v.2) Joel is describing what we hear often called today, Armageddon. This is the final battle between God (Jesus) and all unbelievers. The valley is named Megiddo, and it's also called the valley of Jehoshaphat. In Hebrew, Jehoshaphat means God Will Judge.

Scholars have noted that when Napoleon Bonaparte travelled to this area, he saw how perfect the valley would be for the final battle according to the Bible. He saw it as the perfect place to have many nations, and millions of people fight at one time.

I also point out to my kids that Israel is always special to God. He will return His focus on Israel once He has brought His Bride (the Church) to heaven in the Rapture. The whole world, without Christians in it, will try to get rid of the nation Israel, once and for all. They will get close, but God will come again and save them. This time of affliction and distress for Israel is called the Great Tribulation by Jesus Himself. Matt 24:21; Rev 2:22, 7:14

Only when Israel sees that there is no hope for saving themselves, they will turn to God. Hosea 5:15

(v.14) The Valley of Decision is where God will judge the nations and peoples that rejected Him and fought against Israel...His land.

(v.15) Here we see the darkness referred to many times for the last days.

(v.17) Jesus will sit on the Throne of David and reign for 1,000 years...this is called the Millennium. Only then will there be peace, since the Prince of Peace is ruling in Jerusalem!

(v.18) Creation will be restored, except for the lands that fought against God...they will be desolate.

8 May (2 Kings 1-3)

2nd Kings 1

(v.2) Baal-Zebub should be familiar to us...it is often associated with Satan. It is, since this god was the Lord of the Flies! This culture worshipped flies of all things!

(v.10) Again, God works through Elijah, and brings fire down from heaven to consume the enemy fighters. God would show His approval of things by sending fire down from heaven. Most often, it was for sacrifices to Him, but in this case, it was to protect His anointed.

2nd Kings 2

(v.2) Elisha's response to Elijah reminds me of Ruth's to Naomi...they wouldn't be separated from the one they follow.

(v.9) Elisha asked that God would work twice as many miracles through him as He did with Elijah...this came true!

(v.11) Elijah was raptured as was Enoch. These are examples for us to believe in when talking about the rapture of the Church. Also, many scholars believe that the two witnesses that were with Jesus in Matt 17:3 were Moses and Elijah. This makes sense, since Moses represented the Law, and Elijah represented the Prophets. Also, we see two unnamed witnesses in Rev 11 that have the powers that God gave them.

2nd Kings 3

(v.11) Jehoshaphat was wise...inquire of the LORD before doing any important or critical tasks!

(v.22) These battles mirror what God tells us will happen in the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation makes complete sense if we know our Old Testament. I suggest you review Joshua and these kings books, and you'll see what God is telling us in Revelation.

Mar 27 (Psa 49, 50, 73, 84)

Songs About Right and Wrong

Psalm 49

(v.7) This is a verse that contradicts what the Roman Catholic Church taught, and why Martin Luther and other Catholic priests rebelled. The RCC was corrupt, and taught the people that they could by their own way, and their dead relative's way, out of Pergatory by indulgences. This was not Scriptural, and was opposed by the Reformers. Satan has entered the Church after he realized that his persecution of it was making the Church grow. All denominations, and all cults are man-made, and prone to corruption. The only way to keep ourselves on track, is to obey God's Word...not man's word.

Jesus is the ONLY way to salvation...not by our works, our being "good people" or any other way other than our faith in what Jesus did on the cross for us. 1 Thes 5:9

(v.15) This verse speaks of the physical resurrection in the last days. When we die, our spirit will immediately be with Christ. But after the Great Tribulation, all believers will be resurrected in body, and given new heavenly bodies.

Psalm 50

(v.5) This alludes to the Rapture, where God will gather His Church before He brings His wrath upon the world.

(v.17) This is a sobering verse...all those who rejected Jesus and God's plan of redemption, will have their will be granted. They refused God's love and mercy, and they will live eternally with their own decision...eternally separated from God in hell. This is why I teach my kids that hell is real, and we need to share God's love and Gospel to all...so they can be saved from their sins that Jesus died for.

Psalm 73

The psalmist battles with the question, "Why do wicked people prosper in this world?" We all have seen the bad guys win and gain power over our lifetimes. But we must remember that this world is just a blip in eternity. What does it gain someone to be rich and powerful if they lose their soul? Matt 16:26

(v.26) I love this verse! Our flesh fails us daily, but our God does not! The more we rely on Him to guide our actions every day, the less we will allow our flesh to fail us. This is what the meaning of Jesus being our LORD really is...if we are His servants, then He is our Master.

Psalm 84

(v.5) This is a powerful verse that I focus on with my kids. We are just pilgrims here on this earth...our home is in heaven. If we keep our focus on heavenly things, and not worldly things, we will be blessed and joyful. But if we dwell upon the things of this world, we will be disappointed and miss out on God's plans for us.

(v.10) The worst job in heaven is exponentially greater than the best day on earth or in hell. I just want to be with God eternally...that may be a doorkeeper, a janitor, or whatever! No matter what it is, I will be grateful and enjoy the beauty of the LORD forever!

(v.11) I stress to my kids, that if we obey God's Word, He will bless us and give to us abundantly. He will not hold back His blessings if we are doing His will...He can't. It's against His character.