Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

Mark 6:14-29

Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly. Mark 6:20

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 6:14-29, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God allows evil and sin in the world - albeit temporarily.  God will defeat Satan, evil and sin during the final days as written in the book of Revelation - no one knows the day or hour but we can take comfort that the victory is already assured. In the same way, we see people "carried away" by their sin as God allows sin to overcome and condemn them (see James 1:14-15).  Only God hardens - preventing salvation - and softens hearts - enabling salvation.  We see that God was softening the heart of Herod.  Although Herod ultimately has John the Baptist killed, Herod did fear God and God is worthy of our fear - reverent fear. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People's passions and temptations for sin, as driven by Satan are strong and we must be able to recognize them before "giving way" to them as Herod allowed the influence of Herodias and her grudge against John the Baptist to play a role in his death (see v26 where Herod was exceedingly sorry but nonetheless at least somewhat beholden to someone else's sin).  Beware of these kinds of influences on your own life!  Satan is on the prowl - 1 Peter 5:8.    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should avoid sinful influences and becoming comfortable around such influences - as previously indicated they can drag us away into sin and eternal condemnation.  We should follow John's the Baptist's obedience to continue to share the Word and to repent - although of course this means death or some other harsh earthly consequence.  We can rest in how God saves.      

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who loves and who is full of incredible grace and compassion.  Thank You for softening my heart and saving me.  I am not deserving of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.

Malachi 4:1-6

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction. Malachi 4:5-6

I continue my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning I continue with Malachi 4:1-6, focusing on a commentary-assisted review of 4:5-6, including commentary for this fourth and last division, which the commentary entitles Looking Forward in Hope, Anticipating Restoration, as well as the commentary's conclusion for the entirety of 4:1-6.  Excerpts from the commentary for this division and the conclusion:

• 4:5-6: "Malachi announced in 3:1 that the forerunner to the Messiah would come. We know from the NT that the forerunner is John the Baptist. But he says here in verses 5-6 that there would be another person, another forerunner, to come before the Day of the Lord. We know this forerunner cannot ultimately be John the Baptist because this day ends with fathers turning their hearts to children and children turning their hearts to fathers. If this prophecy was completely fulfilled in John, we might ask why Jesus was still rejected by the Jews. So what is He talking about here? Although Jesus said in Matthew 11 that John the Baptist is the forerunner, something happens in Matthew 17 to prove that yet another Elijah will fulfill Malachi’s prophecy. In Matthew 17 Jesus leads the disciples up to the Mount of Transfiguration, where both Elijah and Moses appear, talking with the Lord." In Matthew 17:11-12 (The Transfiguration) specifically, Jesus shares that "Elijah is coming and will restore everything" and the commentary shares that "the key for our purposes is the future tense “will restore.” At the time Jesus is speaking, John the Baptist is already dead. So we know that he cannot be the Elijah of Malachi 4:5. In addition, John the Baptist cannot be this Elijah because this Elijah is going to reestablish all things. John the Baptist was hindered from doing this because of the wickedness of the people’s hearts.  Thus, Jesus is stating that He is the Elijah-like figure, initiating His kingdom at His resurrection and completing it at His second coming when He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers—a time of great repentance."
•  Conclusion: The commentary shares how Malachi and the Old Testament end by providing both a warning to those who do not fear the Lord and how they will be eternally condemned, and an encouragement to those who do fear God that will see God's perfect justice carried out during end times and how God is saving us from eternal condemnation.  
  

In addition to my commentary's thoughts on Malachi 4:5-6, a quick review of John Piper's thoughts on this text also offer me great encouragement as a father that has been very critical of a son - see Piper's sermon here.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace and compassion for me. Thank You!  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.

Malachi 4:1-6

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction. Malachi 4:5-6

I continue my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning I continue with Malachi 4:1-6, focusing on an unassisted review of 4:5-6.  Here, as the book of book of Malachi closes, God delivers a message to Israel that during end times (before the third woe) God will send Elijah and he will bring peace to families.  Keeping in mind the text is not clear to me in terms of God's specific message and application, the words offered are nonetheless encouraging.  First, they are encouraging for those families who struggle with tension between parents and children - I am one of those parents (who isn't?) who experience this tension.  Beyond the implied peace - the outcome of this peace is not clear.  Revelation 11 shares how, during end times, there are two witnesses that share testimony and prophecy, are attacked and killed, but then rise again to Heaven.  A cursory Internet search reveals that Moses and Elijah are these two witnesses, yet I am going to wait until tomorrow for details on what my commentary shares.  The hope is that God uses the two witnesses to offer testimony and opportunities for those who have not already been saved to be saved during end times.  My mind goes to Jude 22-23 where we are commanded to "have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire."  Eternal damnation (Hell) sounds like an awful, awful place and believers are no more deserving than anyone else for their salvation.  We should, given an opportunity, offer grace to everyone and share the gospel hoping that a seed planted will be germinated by God such that others are saved. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and mercy for me - giving me salvation. I know I am not deserving.  Thank You for my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...harshness towards others and harsh talk.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply your message for me today and every day.      

And [Jerusalem] shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction.Jerusalem shall dwell in security.

Zechariah 14:10-21

And [Jerusalem] shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction.Jerusalem shall dwell in security. Zechariah 14:11

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 14:10-21, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, the commentary describes this division with the title God’s Gracious Assurances to Us.  It shares that the end times prophecy delivered by God through Zechariah provides three assurances that give us hope and comfort now:

• Vv11-15: King Jesus will establish His kingdom: "[i]n light of the fact that Zechariah and his contemporaries were working hard to restore the ruined city of Jerusalem, this prophecy must have been especially encouraging."
• Vv16-19: All nations will worship King Jesus: Survivors from other nations that attack Jerusalem during the Battle of Armageddon are described as non-combatants or those who did not participate in the attack.  They are spared God's wrath and "they will come to Jerusalem each year for the Festival of Booths, which was a celebration of the harvest. It was a time of giving thanks and praise to the Lord."  These verses also describe a drought in Egypt which depended on rain overflowing the Nile to irrigate its crops.  We are encouraged here to be thankful for God during all times (1 Thessalonians 5:18), even when we perceive that blessings "dry-up," as the commentary shares "[w]e can be grateful that Jesus is gracious enough to care for us even when we neglect to give Him thanks. Still, we miss out on certain blessings when we fail to give God thanks. We can live our lives day by day giving thanks to King Jesus and worshiping Him because of the ways He has blessed us." 
  
• Vv20-21 provides assurance that "the holiness of King Jesus will prevail:"  Revelation 21 describes a New Jerusalem where every aspect of the city will be holy - the commentary shares: "[t]hough Jerusalem has often been called the “Holy City” in Scripture and in history, with Jesus reigning, Jerusalem will truly be holy. Every part of the city—to the smallest part, such as bells on horses and pots in cupboards—will be holy to the Lord because Jesus is ruling. His coming promises our certain victory."

Once again, believers should take comfort in the gift of prophecy, and how it offers us assurances that God has already defeated sin and death, and we should continue to endure through all of what we may experience in the brokenness of this world because ultimately God is saving a place for us in Heaven.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who gives me the gift of prophecy to assure me that You have already defeated sin and death and that You are saving a place for me in Heaven.  Thank You Father God Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And [Jerusalem] shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction. Jerusalem shall dwell in security.

Zechariah 14:10-21

And [Jerusalem] shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction.Jerusalem shall dwell in security. Zechariah 14:11

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 14:10-21, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, as the text continues to unfold a scene from end times, as the text describes both how God protects those who believe and turn to Him and how God pours out His wrath on those who do not worship Him.  V11 provides encouragement to God's faithful as God promises that Jerusalem will never again face destruction and the city will "dwell in security."  V12 then describes how those of the other nations waging war against Jerusalem will suffer in agony as their flesh, eyes, and tongues rot.  V13 shares how those who suffer this wrath will experience great panic. V14 then moves to describe how God will plunder all the surrounding nations of their wealth. V15 then shares how even the animals of these nations will suffer a plague. V16 pivots to those of all the nations who have survived God's wrath (presumably because they call on His name as faithful) - this remnant will "go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths."  Vv17-19 then shares how those who do not worship the Lord will experience no rain, a plague, and punishment. Vv20-21 conclude the text for this division, and for the book of Zechariah by sharing how bells of the horses shall have inscriptions that read "Holy to the Lord," and how pots used in the temple will be "holy to the Lord of hosts," perhaps suggesting a return to the sanctity of temple rituals and temple tools that might at the time of Zechariah been used for unholy purposes.  While certain aspects of the text are less clear, we should be clear that end times will bring judgement and accountability for all, believers and non-believers alike.  Those who have rejected God will suffer eternally.  We should be motivated to encourage others to avoid this fate - to save them.  See also Jude 22-23.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for the prophecies You provide of end times and how this gives me comfort that You save and are saving a place for me.  Help me Father God be merciful to those who doubt and share the Good News with them persistently.  I am not deserving of how good You are to me Father God.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your words for me today and every day.

And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one.

Zechariah 14:4-9

And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one. Zechariah 14:9

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 14:4-9, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21). The commentary shares how the Mount of Olives, featured in the text for this division, "occupies a prominent place in the earthly ministry of Jesus. We read in the Synoptic Gospels that Jesus preached His most extensive sermon concerning the future, end times, and prophecy from the Mount of Olives. Recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, it is often called the “Olivet Discourse.” Then all four Gospels tell us that during His last night on earth before His crucifixion Jesus went to the foot of the Mount of Olives, to the Garden of Gethsemane, and offered up His soul to the Father in surrender (Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-53; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-14)."  The Mount of Olives also features in Acts 1 before Jesus ascends to Heaven. In this division of Zechariah, per the commentary: "writing over 500 years before the birth of Christ, Zechariah prophesied that at the climax of the Battle of Armageddon, the Lord will one day personally, physically, and visibly descend to earth at the Mount of Olives, just as He ascended into heaven from that place. At the instant Christ appears on the Mount of Olives, Zechariah identifies six amazing events that will happen:"

• the Mount of Olives will split in two - a sign of God's judgement
• the people of Israel will flee through this newly formed valley to Azal (it is wholly clear where this)
• Jesus will return (second coming) accompanied by Holy Ones, including, per the commentary "God’s holy ones are not only the angelic armies of heaven but also resurrected and glorified believers" (see also references to saints or holy ones at Deuteronomy 33:3; Psalms 89:5-7; Job 15:15, Leviticus 11:44-45; Psalms 16:3; Daniel 8:24).  Matthew 24:30b-31 also describes this return.
  
• The heavens will be transformed as described as light regardless of the hour; God will be the light of the heavens
• Living waters will flow perpetually providing abundant fertility during the millennial reign of Christ described in Isiah 27:6, 35:1-3, and Amos 9:13-14.
• Jesus will be acknowledged as the only Lord and God - there will no longer be other gods or false worship; He will reign and it will be clear.

Believers are encouraged to be ready as no one knows the day or the hour of Christ's return (Matthew 24:36) and on that day all will be held accountable for their deeds. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me, gives me the comfort of knowing that the victory over sin and death is already won, You are victorious, and You are saving a place for me in Heaven.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle.

Zechariah 14:1-3

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. Zechariah 14:2-3

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 14:1-3, which the commentary outlines as the second of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here the commentary depicts the text for this division with the title Satan’s Gruesome Attack on Jerusalem.  It then shares how the text provides a glimpse of what will happen to Jerusalem at the Battle of Armageddon during end times (see Revelation 16:16 and 19:11-20), describing the scene: "[t]he intent of this worldwide attack will be to impose satanic authority on Jerusalem and to subdue God’s people completely."  The commentary then emphasizes how at that point God steps in to finally defeat Satan. We are reminded that our safety and refuge "does not depend on our distance from danger...[but instead] on our nearness to God," implying that is where our focus should be.  God is always with us and He will help us overcome anything the world will ever throw at us - He will save us and we will overcome (see John 16:33). God promises to remain near to those who remain near to Him (spending time with Him in scripture study, prayer, etc.) - see Jeremiah 29:13.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and my Savior.  I am SO grateful for the amazing grace You pour out for me every day.  You save and You are saving a place for me in Heaven and oh what a glorious place it will be.  I am not deserving of how You save and how You protect, etc.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle.

Zechariah 14:1-3

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. Zechariah 14:2-3

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 14:1-3, which the commentary outlines as the second of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, the text shares how Jerusalem will be sacked, with v1 describing how spoil taken from the city will be divided "in your midst" referring to possessions of God's people who are the audience of the prophecy from Zechariah.  Yet this is not referring to the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD where God delivers his wrath against his people for accumulated sin as He uses Rome to put down a Jewish rebellion (see also thoughts here re: Ezekiel 4:9-17).  Instead all (v2) nations are fighting against Jerusalem in a scene more reflective of end times and the Battle of Armageddon, consistent with the preceding text in Zechariah.  Looking forward to v4, we also see reference to "on that day," which again is consistent with preceding text as it refers to the Battle of Armageddon. This depicts a violent and scary time where a remnant - half - is exiled (suggesting protection), while invasion and violence awaits the other half.  Yet v3 once again should provide confidence and comfort knowing that the victory over sin and death is already won!  God fights for us - and we know He wins and He creates a New Creation (Revelation 21) and saves a place for us (John 14:1-4).  Be confident and comforted!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace and love for me.  You intercede and fight for me and I know You have already sealed victory over sin and death - and You are saving a place for me in Heaven. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and gifts.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”

Zechariah 13:2-9

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested.  They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’” Zechariah 13:9

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 13:2-9, which the commentary outlines as the first of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, the text once again focuses on end times using the reference "on that day" twice in the text 13:2-9 (vv2, 4).  Speaking to Israel through Zechariah, God provides a prophecy of end times where He condemns and idols and false prophets.  V7 shares how God will strike "the man who stands next to me" - a clear reference to Jesus and a messianic prophecy.  Vv8-9 refers to a remnant that God will refine and test as if gold and silver where this refining process removes impurities. Malachi 3:3 also refers to this "refiner's fire" and it describes how the "sons of Levi" will be purified.  While God sees all believers as justified and righteous in His eyes - imputed righteousness - God does not promise that our earthly lives will be free of challenges.  On the contrary - we will face challenges and trials as this is the nature of the fallen world in which we live and inherited from the Fall.  At the same time, God does promise that we will overcome these challenges and trials - see John 16:33.  This promise from John shares and implies that we will overcome these challenges in this life and in the life to come in Heaven.  Key ways in which God helps us overcome include the sanctification process where God equips us day-by-day where we become more like Him through our daily focus on spiritual disciplines (prayer, study of His Word, etc.) and our relationship with Him. God is also with us through the Holy Spirit. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who never leaves or forsakes me.  You also equip me to endure trials and challenges of all kinds.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and for the blessings You pour out for me every day.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.     

Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.’

Zechariah 12:2-9

Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.’ Zechariah 12:5

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 12:2-9, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, in a correction to my thought yesterday about how the wrath of God portrayed in this division is not referring to how Jerusalem is sacked in 70 AD, but instead is referring to the Battle of Armageddon or the final days as revealed in the book of Revelation.  The commentary emphasizes how the words "on that day" appear 6 times in Zechariah 12:2-9 and how they appear 16 times across chapters 12-14.  These words refer to the event to unfold as the Battle of Armageddon.  The battle is described by the commentary: "One day all of the enemies of God, led by the Antichrist, will come to wage war against Jerusalem, gathering for battle at Armageddon (Zechariah 14:1-3, Revelation 16:16; 19:19). The fight in the Valley of Armageddon is part of the battle. However, the battle is also going to be fought in the city of Jerusalem. “On that day,” then, refers to the time of the Battle of Armageddon, a day that will culminate in the second coming of Christ."  While each verse through v4 describe the how the battle unfolds, starting in v5 through v9 we see how God's people are saved.  The commentary encourages us to see how God's side always wins and how we should with reverent fear align our lives with that of God in preparation for end times.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, what an amazing God You are that You fight for me and save.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.     

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.]

Zechariah 12

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.] Zechariah 12:1

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 12:1, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, the commentary portends the text in the second and third divisions as prophecy of Jesus' second coming, which interestingly enough is - per the commentary - prophesied more often in the Old Testament than the New Testament.  With v1, the commentary describes how the text serves as a "foundation for everything that God calls His people to be and do rests in the fact that God made us....He has the sovereign and absolute right to rule over us and even to judge us."  In the New Testament, Colossians 1:15-17 shares how God reigns in all things.  Revelation 20:12-15 shares how all will be judged according to their deeds and if we are not saved and in the book of life we will be eternally damned. We are encouraged to be reminded that we are accountable to God - and to live in reverent fear of Him - see also this post from John Piper here.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, what an amazing God You are that You saved me - You made and formed me, and You know everything about me, including my sin.  You saved me in spite of my sin and how I was hostile to You and an enemy of You.  Thank You Jesus for Your amazing grace.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it.

 Zechariah 1:18-21

And these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it. Zechariah 1:21

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 1:18-21, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13). These verses describe a vision Zechariah has of four horns and four craftsmen, and how the horns represent the nations that have oppressed and "scattered" Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem (v19).  The craftsmen represent to battle against the horns (v21) and to fulfill Zechariah's previous vision (vv7-17) where God will bring about stability to His people as He is "exceedingly angry" with those who have oppressed God's people.  The text presages how God will ultimately defeat Satan, sin and death during the end times as depicted in Revelation where we also see horns that represent the power of evil.  God's people can take comfort in how we know the battle for our souls has already been won and we can take refuge in God's protection and His loving arms.  See also Exodus 14:14 where Moses calms the anxious Israelites as it appears that the Egyptians will recapture God's people and bring them back to bondage. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for taking on my sin and the sin of all humanity so that I could life, now and for eternity with You.  Thank You Jesus!! I am not deserving of how You interceded on my behalf and continue to do so....my sin continues and it is great.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there.

Zephaniah 1:14-17

The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. Zephaniah 1:14

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my study focus is an unassisted review of the fifth division per my commentary: vv14-17.  Here Zephaniah, continues to warn all those in Jerusalem, and in particular those in Judah who have pursued foreign gods (vv4-5, 8-9), not inquired of the One True God (v6), and have become complacent or neutral about God (v12).  Zephaniah warns them about God's coming judgement and how this judgement or God's wrath will be soon and it will be terrifying.  This is a terrible thing to happen to anyone - hence Jude writes how believers should have mercy on those who doubt (Jude 1:22) by sharing the gospel with them with the hope that they can repent, believe and be saved.  Matthew 24 provides Jesus' warning about judgement day and exhorts believers to be ready.  We should not procrastinate in our faith.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is saving a place for me in Heaven and this provides great comfort to me as I know when You return it will be a terrifying day for those who do not believe.  I am not deserving of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

 1 John 2

But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.  I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. 1 John 2:20-21

This morning, I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books. My study today focuses on a commentary-assisted review of 1 John 2:18-27. 

Per the commentary for this text:

Main idea: There have always been those, and more will come, who actively oppose Christ and the gospel; Christians must resist such error and cling to the truth of God as revealed by the Spirit in the Scriptures.

Excerpt from introduction:

• John seeks for believers to be on watch for signs that end times are near - and one of those signs is the antichrist, false teachers who deny God and seek to lead/deceive believers away from God. "[I]t is absolutely essential that we have a biblically balanced understanding of who the antichrists are and what the antichrists do."
  

Divisions:

1. Antichrists Attack Christ (2:18): John is the only Bible author who uses the term antichrist, yet other authors in the Bible refer to the same figure, including Daniel ("the coming prince" - Daniel 9:27), and Paul ("the man of lawlessness" - 2 Thessalonians 2:3), and as the beast from the sea in Revelation 13:1-10. We are urged to live with a sense of urgency, not knowing when the second coming of Christ will appear and we are to be ready. We are also to be aware that during the end times (defined as the period between first and second coming of Christ) there will be those who serve as antichrists denying God and deceiving others, and then there will be the Antichrist who "comes at the end of the last hour. Jesus Himself warned us of all of this in Matthew 24:4-5,24-25." The antichrists that oppose Jesus who come before the final Antichrist "do not directly oppose Jesus." Instead they practice deception and seduction and they "redefine Him."  By "chipping" away at who He is, believers quickly lose sight of the One True God and begin following false Gods and their ways.  "This is the spirit of the antichrists, and it will attempt to lead you down the road of spiritual error that is a theological dead end....[B]e on the lookout for those who attack the biblical teachings about Christ. They will do you no good." 
   
2. Antichrists Abandon the Church (2:19,22-23): We are warned about "enemies within" the church.  We should recognize that antichrists who leave the church were never truly part of the church.  "Perseverance is the proof of possession. Defection from the fellowship gives evidence of a defective faith. That was certainly John’s perspective." Those who are truly saved persevere as part of the church.  We are referred to John 10:27-29 where Jesus refers to His followers as sheep who follow the shepherd when they hear His voice and how no one will be able to "snatch them out of His hand."  We must avoid the false belief that Jesus is significant but not preeminent and that not the Savior. This belief leads us away from the church.
   
3. Antichrists Assault the Christian (2:20-21,24-27): Believers are equipped with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to truly know God and to discern truth from falsehoods. If we abide in Him we can defend ourselves from the attacks of the antichrists. We must also be clear that we are not to add or subtract anything from God. "The false teachers will attempt to deceive you into thinking you need something more than Christ or something other than Christ."
   

Comment and discuss this post.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the One True God who gives me the Holy Spirit and Your Word and You protect me and save me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.

 1 John 2

 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. 1 John 2:24-25

This morning, I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books.  My study today focuses on an unassisted review of 1 John 2:18-27.  In the text for today, John focuses on end times, how it is approaching, and how we are to avoid false teachers/Christs and those who deny Jesus is the Christ.

Believers must hold fast to faith and to the knowledge imparted to us through the gospel (v20).  John's warning is urgent that we be reminded of the truth (v21) that it stands in contrast to the lies spread by false teachers and the prince of this world (Satan), and that this truth protects us in our efforts to hold fast.  The word "abide" appears 10 times in this chapter, and 5 times in the text for today - hence John considers that the truth abide in us as critical in our walk.  

I am reminded of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 how God's Word is to abide in us.  John 15:1-11 also shares how Jesus is the True Vine and how we are branches and to remain in Him.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who promises to give me life to the full now and forever in Heaven - and You are faithful as Your promises all find a yes in You.  Thank You Jesus for life and salvation and Your faithfulness....rich blessings that indescribable and I am undeserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

I resume my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to an assisted review of 1 Corinthians 15:20-34 using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary volume for this book.  From the commentary for this text:

Main idea: "The resurrection of Jesus was not a one-off event; it guarantees our resurrection as well, and much more!"

Key excerpts from the introduction: "There was obviously some misunderstanding and misconception in Corinth both about the necessity of a general resurrection and about the quality of any resurrected body. Up to this point in the chapter, Paul has corrected the faulty supposition that one can believe in the resurrection of the Savior but not the resurrection of the saints. He argued that if there is no general resurrection, then one can not possibly believe in a particular resurrection. He showed the devastating consequences of a non-resurrected Jesus. Thankfully, here Paul quickly pivots from the gloom and doom of a purely hypothetical situation to the joyful actuality that Christ has indeed been raised from the dead. His resurrection is actually a guarantee of our resurrection."

Divisions per the commentary: 

1. Jesus’s Resurrection Guarantees the Certainty of Future Resurrection (15:20-22): "[S]ince there is an implication that none of these Corinthian believers deny the resurrection of Jesus, they must accept the corollary truth, which is that his resurrection guarantees their resurrection.  This is a great word of comfort to these Corinthian believers, who had seen many loved ones precede them in death. Jesus is the firstfruits of those who have died."
   
2. Jesus’s Resurrection Guarantees the Priority of Future Resurrection (15:23): "There is an interval between the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of believers in part because the resurrection of believers takes place at the second coming of Jesus. The resurrected Lord will descend, and at that time those who belong to Christ will also be raised and given their new resurrection bodies."
   
3. Jesus’s Resurrection Guarantees the Finality of Future Resurrection (15:24-26): "Though scholars debate what the phrase “the end” refers to, one should not overthink it. Simply understand that this refers to the “end of this age or world-order to be followed by the age to come” (Bruce, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 146). This is “when [Jesus] hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when he abolishes all [other] rule and all authority and power” (v. 24). To that, Schreiner would add, “This almost certainly refers to demonic powers” (1 Corinthians, 314). Demonic powers will not merely be subjugated; they will be annihilated. Make no mistake."
   
4. Jesus’s Resurrection Guarantees the Totality of Future Resurrection (15:27-28): "Perhaps Bruce puts it best and most succinctly: “The kingdom of Christ comes to an end in its present phase, but only to merge in the eternal Kingdom of God, so there is no failure of the prophetic promise that the Messiah’s kingdom will know no end[.]"
   
5. Jesus’s Resurrection Guarantees the Reality of Future Resurrection (15:29-34): "There is no greater truth than the truth that, because Jesus was raised from the dead, so shall we be." 
   

Comment and discuss this text.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - giving me salvation and eternal life - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of all the blessings You pour out for me...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

 2 Thessalonians 2

But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Daniel 7:26-27

I continue my pause on my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  Today, my focus is John MacArthur's discussion of the man of lawlessness as raised in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 as part of Paul's description of the great tribulation.  Per MacArthur, this man of lawlessness is the culmination of all false teachers and deceivers throughout human history who speak at behest of Satan.  Although we understand him to be the final antichrist - we must understand that per 1 John 1, 2:18, 22, 4:3, and 2 John 1:7 all who deny Christ in the present age (before Christ returns) are the spirit of this final antichrist.  Attributes of this man of lawlessness/sin include: 

• lawless, blasphemer
• acts in defiance of Christ 
• destructive of all things Godly
• final man of sin - final earthly figure
• plays a crucial role in last days
• culmination of all hatred towards Christ, blasphemy, false teachers, etc.

MacArthur urges us to understand that the spirit of the antichrist is in the world today - it is real.  He provides one example - Adolph Hitler - and Hitler is described as possessed of Satan. We are also urged to understand how scripture portrays the antichrist in Ezekiel 38-39, Daniel 7-9, 11, Zechariah 11, and in Revelation as the beast.  The man of lawlessness represents a scary time for those who are not part of God's elect (by God's choosing - not of any effort on their/our own).  He will dominate the whole world during the great tribulation, but will be destroyed per Daniel 7:23-27. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who protects me from harm as You arm me with all that I need to battle sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I know sin (and the antichrist) is real and I continue to have sin in my life - as such I am not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me.  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

 2 Thessalonians 2

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:15

I continue my pause on my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning, I my focus is once again 2 Thessalonians 2, and I am assisted by the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series volume for 1-2 Thessalonians to unpack the text. The commentary's:

• Main idea for the text: "God gives us a glimpse into the future so that we can live hopefully and expectantly in the present."
• Introduction for the text (excerpts): "This portion of Paul’s letter introduces some new material, including the events surrounding a coming world leader called the “man of lawlessness” (2:3). This individual will be the personification of evil like this world has never seen....His purpose is twofold: to usurp the place of God and to deceive those who are perishing. But as quickly as he enters the scene of human history, the return of Jesus Christ will bring an abrupt end to his reign of terror (2:8)....Paul is less interested in satisfying our eschatological whims and more concerned with bringing the Thessalonians pastoral encouragement."

The commentary then provides the following divisions (covering through v12):

1. Deception Distorts Reality (2:1-3a, 5): "Satan’s goal has [always] been to deceive God’s people and to thwart God’s purposes (Gen 3:1; John 8:44)....[His] battle plan includes two main strategies: exploit our weaknesses, and blind us to God’s truth."  While the Thessalonians are under attack for their faith (see 2 Thessalonians 1), Paul builds on his efforts from chapter one where he seeks to comfort the Thessalonians by reminding them of doctrine he previously shared concerning Christ's second coming.  In this chapter, his focus is on end times where Satan (referred to as the "man of lawlessness") is no longer restrained (by God) from doing harm as he sees fit, but instead allowed to rule briefly.  The case is made for a "pre-tribulational view of the rapture" where Christ will "snatch" the church away into His protection prior to Satan allowing to rule. Paul shares these details with the church in Thessalonians to give them comfort knowing what will come and not to be deceived about it from false teachers.  The commentary describes how "[t]he only corrective to false teaching is repeatedly and consistently to expose people to true teaching— God’s revealed Word (Jude 3-4).   
   
2. Rebellion Intensifies in History (2:3b-4,6-10a): "Paul points the Thessalonians to three future events: the apostasy, the revelation of the man of lawlessness, and the removal of the restrainer (2:3b, 7-8)."  The man of lawlessness is described as the anti-christ as he opposes God in all ways: "God stands for creation; he is the son of destruction; God demands worship; he sits in God’s sanctuary; God declares truth; he peddles unrighteous deception; Jesus was revealed from heaven; he will be revealed from earth; Jesus will come for His church; he will come in Satan’s power." 
3. God Controls Our Destiny (2:8b, 10b-12): "The antichrist exits the stage of history just as quickly as he entered when God seals his fate with the coming of Jesus Christ. The same fate awaits every person who will be deceived by the antichrist. Even during the dreadful Day of the Lord, God’s purposes will prevail."  A chilling warning to those who deny Christ is provided: "[c]ondemnation is the inevitable outcome of deliberate and willful disregard for and rejection of the truth of the gospel. Whether a person chooses to accept or reject salvation is a matter of the heart."  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and protects me from the great deceiver by arming me with all I need to battle sin and deception.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessing and love. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.

Daniel 12

But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days. Daniel 12:13

I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 12:5-13 as I lean on my commentary for this text.  The commentary starts by sharing how in v5, Daniel's vision pivots to describe how "two other angels join Gabriel on the bank of the Tigris" (see also Daniel 10:4). It then shares how Jesus is described starting in v6 as the "man in linen" (see also Daniel 10:5-6).  "Someone," presumably one of the angels who joined Gabriel, asks of Jesus in v6 "how long shall it be till the end of these wonders?"  Jesus responds but in a way that is incomplete; in v7 Jesus responds that the end of these wonders would be "for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished."  The commentary refers to this period as "[w]hen evil has done its worst and the hopes of the people of God seem shattered, then God will act." Daniel is still confused - as should be all believers - in v8.  In v9, Jesus continues to respond to Daniel by sharing that the fullness of Daniel's vision and a more complete understanding of what will occur at the end will remain a mystery and be "sealed." The commentary shares: "[t]he word is protected, and it will be preserved. Everything will happen as God intends at the right time. Be faithful. Trust him. Be patient...there are things we know and things we don’t know and can’t know because God has chosen not to reveal them to us. However, one thing we can know with certainty is how we are to live in light of the Son of Man’s coming at the time of the end." In v10-13 there is a call for believers to endure and persevere the suffering and persecution that will occur as we will be refined as the commentary shares "our Lord promises to bless those who endure and persevere through these difficult and troubling times of opposition and persecution...God says, but I still have work for you to do. When it is time for you to retire from my work, then I will bring you home. Then “you will rest” because you will be with me. Then, as promised in verse 2, you will “stand to receive your allotted inheritance” (v. 13; ESV, “allotted place”), your destiny, your reward. This will happen “at the end of the days.” So do your duty, make disciples, proclaim my Word, and endure. Something wonderful is on the horizon at the end." Persevere and endure!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great and I am grateful for how You reveal Yourself through Your Word and the Holy Spirit - thank You Jesus for providing great words of comfort and assurance so that I can endure and persevere.  I am not deserving of how You reveal Yourself to me nor for my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”

Daniel 12

But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:13

I resume my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 12 and my unaided observations of the text.  Here, Daniel's vision from the previous chapter continues, yet pivots to describe prophecy of what is almost certain to be the end of times - although the description here in Daniel 12 focuses on end times for Israel.  "Your people" is referred to twice in v1 as the angel describes the prophecy to Daniel - reinforcing this position.  There is a reference to "the book" which is also referred to in Revelation. The faithful of Israel who have died will awaken to Heaven, while others will awaken to eternal damnation.  We see a vision of the One True God in v8-13 and in his vision, God speaks to Daniel. Once again, we can comfort in knowing that if we persevere to the end, enduring in our faith and trust in God, we can rest assured in our salvation knowing He is saving a place for us in Heaven.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God as You are abounding in love and mercy and You offer salvation for those who repent and acknowledge You as their Lord and Savior.  Thank You for this amazing gift that You offer.  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.