Introduction: What is keeping the Antichrist from emerging? If you answered the CHURCH, you are correct! Are things shaping up for the Antichrist to arise on the scene? Your thoughts? How can we tell?

1. The Church is holding back the Antichrist! (2Thess 2:5-8)

“5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.”

Look at the phrase, “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.”

The word “withholdeth” is κατέχω: (kat-ekh’-o), which means to hold fast, back, detain, restrain.

Even though the word “what” is in the neuter form, here it refers to the Holy Spirit within the Church. The same tense is used in the gospels to refer to the Holy Spirit. Technically speaking, the Holy Spirit cannot be completely removed because He is omnipresent. However, His indwelling presence (in the Church) is taken away in this instance, and yet He remains on the earth.

“until he be taken out of the way.” So right now, we are the wall that is holding the Antichrist back. Can you feel the pressure against the wall?

2. Next, the Antichrist will be revealed! (2Thess 2:8)

“8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.”

That is, he will move on the scene, make a covenant with Israel and then ultimately “sit in the temple of God” desiring to be worshipped as God.

“Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” (2Thess 2:4)

The devil has always wanted to be worshiped. (see Isa 14 & Ezek 28). He will succeed only for a brief season. His time will come to an abrupt end.

Introduction: We all are traveling on these three roads in life. Can you imagine what the rapture is going to be like? Just think about being reunited with your loved ones in the sky. That will be a happy day!

1. The Road called Preparation! (1Thess 4:13,14,15)

“13But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.”

Did you notice that Paul identifies with those who were alive? That includes us! Where are you in this road? How far? How much farther?

2. The road called Evacuation! (1Thess 4:16,17)

“16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Jesus will come in the air. We will go up to meet him. It is going to be a hallelujah homecoming!

3. The road called Destination! (1Thess 4:18)

“18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

Isn’t it comforting to know we will be in heaven with our loved ones and our Lord.

Introduction: Here are 3 life – changing decisions for you to make today that will alter your destiny. The book of Acts is not necessarily a pattern for the Church today, instead it is a record of what our risen Lord accomplished after fulfilling His promise by the outpouring of His Holy Spirit upon the Church.

We will all make these 3 decisions today. Which one will you make?

1. Are you going to answer Jesus’ RECALL or will you let the devil set you up for a pitfall? (Acts 3:19)

Jesus sends out RECALLS! Just like an automotive business sends out RECALLS, our Lord does the same.

This can be clearly seen as Jeremiah the prophet was instructed to go down to the Potter’s house. As the Potter was working with the clay, he noticed it was “marred.” This means it had blemishes. However, the Potter did not throw the clay away, instead he re-made it. God was showing Jeremiah that He was not finished with Israel.

Fast forward. The New Testament reveals the same.

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” (Rom 5:20)

Praise the Lord! Do you need a second chance?

2. Do you need to be REFRESHED or will you continue to be dominated by the FLESH? (Acts 3:19,20)

The Flesh will dominated you if you let it! It is much easier to float down the river of the flesh rather than swim against the current with Spirit-filled living! Are you floating down or are you swimming against? If you are swimming against the current of the flesh then you will need to be REFRESHED!

3. Are you getting ready for Christ’s RETURN or will you go through the Judgment Seat and be burned? (Acts 3:21)

Watch for Jesus return or go through the BEMA judgment and be burned. Which one would you rather do? No rewards. Or crowns to cast at the feet of Jesus.

Conclusion: Technically speaking Peter’s message was to those Israelis who had rejected Jesus Christ. But Jesus has given them a promise which He will fulfill when He “RESTORES” the Kingdom  during His millennium.

However, the practical meaning for the Church today is for a time of “REFRESHING” with revival. As mentioned, there are rewards for Revival!

Introduction: What should we do? I mean waiting for Jesus to return? Just got a text comment on our NRC YOUTUBE. It went something like this…CHRISTians have been talking & waiting a long time for Jesus to return. That is true from a human perspective. But remember…. A day to the Lord is a thousand years. 

Peter writes, 

“8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Peter 3:8)

So what are we waiting for? The answer is for God to say “It’s time”! But what should we do as we are waiting?

1. Anticipate with Hope! (Tit 2:13)

“13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

There’s hope in Jesus! He’s in control!! He will prove that completely when He comes again. Are you anticipating His return?

2. Abrogate (change) our Lifestyle! (Tit 2:12)

“12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”

While we are waiting, our lifestyle ought to be different than the world’s. Why? Because Jesus Christ is now our new owner! Under new management!! He makes the difference. 

3. Activate our telling others! (Tit 2:11)

“11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”

Just like we activate our cell phones, otherwise they do not pick up a signal; we are to activate our testimony through the ministry of serving the Lord.

How are you doing?

Conclusion: So how can we experience REVIVAL before Jesus’ ARRIVAL?

The answer according to Paul is by

* Anticipation

* Abrogation

* Activation 

Introduction: What are we going to do in the New Jerusalem? Are you getting prepared? How is it going to be throughout all eternity? So what is life going to be like in this glorious city? This devotion will focus on these thoughts:

1. Fellowship with Jesus and other believers! (Rev 22:4)

“4And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.”

Imagine seeing the face of our Savior and Lord. Doesn’t that seem to be somewhat incomprehensible? But please note: We are marked men and women in heaven… but really actually right now in this life.

2. A life throughout eternity consisting of Serving Jesus! (Rev 22:3)

“3And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.”

We need all the practice and experience we can get here on earth. Actually, we were created for that purpose; i.e. serving our Lord. How are you doing? Why are you doing what you are doing? To get a paycheck? To be recognized by men? To feel good about yourself? Checking our motives is extremely important. Do you agree?

3. Heavenly REST! (Rev 14:13)

“Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

This kind of rest does not mean inactivity. Instead, it means resting in the work not from the work. Are you resting?

4. Holiness! (Rev 21:27)

“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

Our God is both loving and holy. That is why Jesus came to the earth and sacrificed His life’s blood. In other words, this holy God had to judge sin, and He did by becoming a perfect man without sin, and thus satisfying the holy demands of a holy God. That is why we must go through Jesus Christ to get to the Father (John 14:6).

5. Satisfaction! (Rev 21:6)

“6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.”

A life dedicated to Jesus Christ will be a life of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Conclusion: Worship will be at the center of the New Jerusalem.

“19 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.” (Rev 19:1)

The Revival in the New Jerusalem! (Rev 21,22)

This intimate time in heaven is going to be one continuous revival.

1. We will have a “BRAND NEW BODY!

There will be no more pain, no suffering, and no heartaches in heaven. 

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Think about it. No more headaches, high blood pressure, strokes, heart problems, diabetes, cancer, obesity, or aging!

The Fountain of Youth will be absent. Think about it. No more dying, crying, or buying!

You will not be able to buy any real estate in heaven… only a prior reservation with Jesus will be needed to unlock the door of heaven. Jesus is making the land available for all who will believe in Him and be saved through His redeeming blood.

Death will be a trespasser. The grim reaper will not be allowed through the pearly gates of that city.

No more screening ambulances, or blaring fire trucks, or even medical doctors needed in heaven!

2. We will have a BRAND NEW HOME! (Rev 21:6,7)

“6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”

Have you considered what we have to look forward to? Because of our adoption in the family of God, we inherit a heavenly home. This home will be unlike anything on earth. It will not rust, decay, or wear out. There will not be any need to spray for bugs, termites or rats. The plumbing will not leak. The roof will never need replacing. Heating and air conditioning will be obsolete. Insurance and TAXES will be out of the question..FREE from Uncle Sam!

“3And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Rev 21:23)

The walls will be made out of jasper with colors more beautiful than a rainbow! Our God is a master architect who uses only the finest materials!

Gold streets? No. The street (not streets) will be paved of pure gold reflecting like transparent glass with the twelve gates for entering the NEW JERUSALEM all of them made of solid pearls. 

Needless to say, just the decorated scenery of the NEW JERUSALEM will be breathtaking. But do not forget the MAIN ATTRACTION- being with our Lord Jesus Christ who made us, bought us and is coming back for us!

But first, look what comes in the package deal with the NEW JERUSALEM. This glorious city offers FREE light bills! FREE interneting!! No need for garbage or land fills in heaven!!! Oh yea, pure – crystal clear water will be flowing from the throne of the Lamb. 

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month.” (Rev 22:1-2)

Luscious fruit will flourish from the TREE of Life every month….

What are the dimensions of this city? How about 2,250,000 square miles!

Conclusion: Does this make you alittle HOMESICK for HEAVEN? Can you wrap your finite mind around the New Jerusalem? Everything that you can imagine, it will be far better! All of this is ours because of Jesus Christ who died for our sins, arose from the grave, and promised to come again and take us to this NEW JERUSALEM.

Introduction: After the snatching away of the Church in the rapture when the dead shall be raised and the living shall be pulled in the air to meet Jesus, the Antichrist will confirm a covenant with the Jewish people for seven years. This is called the tribulation. But immediately following the tribulation, the judgment seat of Christ, and the marriage supper of the Lamb, Jesus Christ will sit upon His throne on earth. This is referred to in the Bible as the millennium.

1. The Millennium Reign (Rev 20; Isa 11; 65)

During this 1,000 year reign of Jesus, Satan will be bound by one mighty angel! This will be done to keep him from deceiving the nations. The martyred saints who have not worshiped the beast or received his image will be resurrected to sit on their thrones with our Lord. Keep in mind, many Jews will enter into this unparalleled time in human history with physical bodies along with some Gentiles who have passed the Judgment of the Nation’s test. Meanwhile, we the Church, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles will have glorified bodies. Children that are born during this time will be given time (100 years) to repent and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The animal kingdom will be transformed with the wolf and the lamb eating together; i.e. contrary to today when the wolf would have “lamb chops”!

The curse will be somewhat lifted much like it was in the garden of Eden. Perfect peace and prosperity will be cultural trend. Jerusalem will be changed geographically and spiritually when the Lamb of God rules and reigns from His throne situated on the Temple Mount. Messiah’s temple will make all other temples pale in comparison because if its elegance, beauty, and splendor.

King Jesus will be worshipped! But even in this perfect environment, and a unprecedented time of revival, sinful men will still be deceived by Satan when he is loosed out of his prison; and yet ultimately, he will be thrown into the lake of fire along with the false prophet and the beast to be tormented forever. Jesus is in control!

Introduction: Are you a recovering addict? Have you had an addiction? Before you say no, you probably have had an addiction. In fact, I’m sure you have. Maybe not meth or chronic gambling but guess what? We are all SIN-RECOVERING ADDICTS! We have had a SIN ADDICTION!! Therefore, we are recovering SIN ADDICTS. The apostle Paul, led by the Holy Spirit addresses those issues.

1. In DENIAL for a REVIVAL! (Rom 7:14-20)

“14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”

Remember before his conversion Paul was a Pharisee. He attempted to keep the law. He worked to be justified by works.
So in the first half of chapter seven of Romans this appears to be an unconverted man trying to please God by keeping the law. However, the last half of the chapter seems to be describing a converted man trying to please God through the works of the flesh. Does this makes sense? Where do you fit in?

2. REVIVAL over DENIAL! (Rom 7:21-25)

“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin…..”

Finally, Paul – now a CHRISTian – realizes that death to self and new resurrection life in Christ is the only way to produce fruit. Anything else becomes legalism. Do you ever try to revert back to the flesh in serving the Lord? Pleasing God? Self effort? Striving in the flesh? Hopefully, we come to the same conclusion, Oh “wretched” – miserable man
that I am…

However, according to the book of Revelation, there will be a great outpouring – revival in the future.

1. A Revival that results in many Jews and Gentiles converted to Christianity. (Rev 7:9,10)

“9After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”

Who are these being saved coming out of tribulation? The Spirit of God communicates through John the beloved.

“And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Rev 7:13-14)

Apparently there will be a great revival during a terrible time on earth which will result in a number of Israelites and Gentiles coming to and trusting in Jesus Christ. Their sins will be forgiven because of the redeeming blood of the lamb!

So what will they do in heaven?

“15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” (Rev 7:15)

We are saved to serve the Lord! Are you? It is a joy to serve the One who gave His all for me!

Conclusion: Here is an apocalyptic revelation that a massive number of people will be gloriously snatched from Satan and brought into heaven. A real revival is coming.

Introduction: There seems to be biblical references that things get progressively worse prior to Jesus Christ’s coming.
Those days appear to be close. Do you agree? However, according to the book of Revelation, there will be a great outpouring – revival in the future.

1. There will be Revival fires igniting and spreading because of the preaching of the two faithful witnesses with the power of Elijah and Moses, which will influence a multitude of Israelites! (Rev 11:3-7)

“And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth…..5And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 6These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.”

(Rev 7:4) “And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.” 

(Rev 14:1-4) “1And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. 2And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.”

Talk about a REVIVAL! Our Lord is not finished with Israel. He has a plan for them. It will be revealed and fulfilled during the tribulation and the millennial Kingdom of Jesus Christ. This awaits in the future. Remember. The rapture could occur any moment. Therefore, these events may be right around the corner.