1. What is it going to be like BEFORE the KING Comes? (Zech 14:1-3)

“1Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. 2For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.”

Luke describes this time as a time of FEAR. (Luke 21:25-26)

“25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”

2. What is it going to be like WHEN the King comes? (Zech 14:4, 5)

“4And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 5And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.”

Jesus describes the events during this time of His return. (Luke 21:27, 28)

“27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

3. What is it going to be like AFTER the King comes? (Zech 14:8, 9)

“8And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. 9And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.”

Conclusion: I’m looking forward to the King coming! Are you? This world is in a mess. His Kingdom will be established when He returns.

“16And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. 17And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.” (Zech 14:16,17)

1. Look at the TRANSFORMATION and JUBILATION of this crowd who had been saved! (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. “

2. Look at the JUSTIFICATION of these who had been saved! (Rev 7:13, 14)

“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.”

3. Look at the SANCTIFICATION of these who had been saved! (Rev 7:15)

“5Therefore 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.”

Introduction: What is heaven going to be like? What will we see? Hear? Feel? In less than a week, it has been a privilege to preach two (2) homegoing services (funerals) for two precious CHRISTians. “I’ve got HEAVEN on my MIND!”

John paints a picture of heaven with the focal point being the WORTHY LAMB, Jesus Christ.

“1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.”
(Rev 5:1-4)

In the passage of the book of Revelation chapter 5, clearly, there are three (3) reasons Jesus is WORTHY.

• **WORTHY to Love!
• **WORTHY to Serve!
• **WORTHY to Worship!
• **WORTHY to Give Him our all!

1. Jesus Christ is WORTHY because He is described as the LION from the tribe of Judah and the ROOT of David!
(Rev 5:5)

“5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”

The word “prevailed” is νικάω: (nik-ah’-o), which means to conquer, prevail victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue.

• ** Jesus conquered death (John 11:25)
• ** Jesus conquered sin (1John 3:8)
• ** Jesus conquered the devil (Col 2:14, 15)

2. Jesus Christ is WORTHY because He is our GREAT High Priest! (Rev 5:8)

“8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.”

The word “beast” is ζῷον, zóon, which means a living creature, an animal.

Please note the word “beast” which describes the Antichrist is θηρίον, thérion (thay-ree’-on).

3. Jesus Christ is WORTHY because He has bought us with His own BLOOD! (Rev 5:9)

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”

Paul writes about the redeeming blood of Jesus! (Eph 1:7)

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”

“5Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” (Rom 4:25)

“….being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Rom 5:9)

Peter writes about Jesus’s redeeming blood:

“18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” (1Pet 1:18, 19)

John writes about Jesus Christ’s cleansing blood!

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1John 1:7)

Personal Application: The only thing that can take away the stains and guilt of sin is the BLOOD of Jesus. A holy God requires blood for atonement or forgiveness. “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Heb 9:22)

God the Father required the blood of animals in the O.T. every year in order to be in a right relationship with Him.

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” (Lev 17:11)

The Day of Atonement would be required where two goats were used. One was a slain goat. The other was a scape goat. Both for shadowed the coming of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice forever. (Lev 16)

However, in the New Testament, Jesus Christ was the perfect Lamb that takes away all sin, once and for all.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1John 2:1)

Since God requires a penalty to be paid for sin, Jesus Christ’s blood met the Holy demands of the Father. Consequently, He was “propitiated” or satisfied.

Conclusion: The case is made. Jesus is the WORTHY LAMB! Let all the earth bow down and WORSHIP Him!! One last thought….to top it off….the WORTHY LAMB has made us kings and priests, and we are going to reign on this earth.

“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Rev 5:10)

Introduction: How are you doing? Are you feeling down with the “blues”? As a child of God, what can we do when we get down?

1. What are some Reasons for “Drawing Near to God”? (James 4:8)

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you….”

Reason # 1. Because Jesus loves us and poured out His life’s blood to redeem us!

Reason # 2. Because Jesus wants to impart (give) us His life!

Reason # 3. Because Jesus is coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory!

2. What are some Reasons that keep us from “Drawing near to God”? (James 4:8)

“8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

Reason # 1. Because of unclean hands!

Reason # 2. Because of uncommitted minds!

3. What are some ways to “Draw near to God”? (James 4:10)

“10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

# 1. Humility 

# 2. Sincerity 

(James 4:7)

“7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

The word “submit” is ὑποτάγητε (upotagēte), which means to place or rank under, to subject, mid. to obey.

Conclusion: Here are some good reasons to “Draw near to God”, and some things that keep us from getting closer to Jesus.

But please note: When we “DRAW NEAR to our LORD JESUS,” He lifts us up!

“…and he shall lift you up.”

1. Do you know what the word “MARANATHA” means?

“The LORD COMES”! (1Cor 16:22)

Some translate the phrase to mean, “The Lord HAS come.”
Others translate the phrase to mean, “The Lord WILL come.”

2. Did you know, “The LORD JESUS will Come”?

First, He will return for His bride as He said He would.

“1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

Here is a great parallel between a Jewish wedding and the rapture of the Church.

First, the bride and groom to be, would make a covenant. Sometimes this consisted of rings, money, or at least a guarantee to stay pure and true until marriage. Meanwhile, the bridegroom would go away to his Father’s house to prepare a place for his bride. Jesus said the same thing in John 14:2,“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” While the bridegroom was gone, the bride must be “WATCHING & WAITING” for his return.

Do you see the parallel with the Church today? Are you watching and waiting? Working? Worshiping? Witnessing?

And then, at the right time, the bridegroom would send out a procession to announce his coming for his bride. They would shout, “BEHOLD the BRIDEGROOM COMETH”! Sound familiar?

Paul writes to the Thessalonians, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.” (1Thess 4:16)

When the bridegroom would be approaching, the bride would go out to meet him.

Paul says, “….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:” (1Thess 4:17) 

Next, the bride and groom would return to his Father’s house and the marriage would be consummated. Guess how long they would stay in the marriage chamber? 7 days. Interesting, do you know why? Because that parallels with the 7 years of tribulation on earth, while the Church is married to her bridegroom in heaven.

John writes, “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” (Rev 19:7,8)

After the 7 days, the bride and the groom would come out of their chamber and enjoy & celebrate the “Marriage supper” with the marriage guests. Likewise, after the marriage in heaven to our Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus (Eph 5:25), we shall return to the earth to celebrate the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. John says, “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Rev 19:9)

Text: Matthew 6:19

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Introduction:  I remember playing on the baseball team in high school. Before every game, we would gather in a circle and put one hand in the middle and repeat out loud what is referred to as the “LORD’S PRAYER.” Do you remember the phrase in that model prayer, “Thy kingdom Come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is being done in heaven….”? At the time, I did not fully know what it meant. Did you? Do you now? Little did I know, at the time, almost forty years later, our Lord would have me to write a dissertation on the subject, while working on a PhD in Bible Prophecy. Isn’t our Lord Jesus wonderful in all of His ways? You never know what He will use in your life…all for His glory! This devotion will attempt to explain the meaning of that phrase.

When is the KINGDOM of God? Is it now or is it yet to come? Admittedly, if you are talking about God’s UNIVERSAL KINGDOM, then it is now residing (Psa 145:13).

“13Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.”

1. When will the KINGDOM of God come? (Rev 20:1-6)

“1And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”

Chronologically speaking – on a time line chart- the KINGDOM will be ushered in after the second coming of Jesus Christ (not the rapture – which will be 7 years before the second coming). The KINGDOM will last for a duration of 1,000 years.

(Rev 20:1-6)

“4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

Did you notice how many times John repeats the number of years as 1,000? Six times the number 1,000 is referenced (vv 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 of Rev 20). Our Lord only needs to say it once, in order for it to be true. Why am I saying this? Because their are those who interpret the Bible allegorically (not literally). In doing so, they deny the literal 1,000 years. Yet, the Word of God – Bible Prophecy – fits like a hand in a glove.

2. How will the KINGDOM be inaugurated? (Rev 20:7-10)

“And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

After the battle of Armageddon when the armies of the Antichrist will be defeated, Jesus Christ will enter the temple described in Ezekiel 40-48. By the way, Zechariah makes mention of both of these events. The building of Messiah’s Temple (Zech 6:12) and the conversion of a multitude of Jews (Zech 3:9, 12:10, 13:8, etc.)

3. What role will we play in the KINGDOM to come? (Gen 12-15; 2Sam 7:14-16, Deut 30; Jer 31; Rev 2, 3)

Since Jesus came offering the KINGDOM to the Jews and by in large, they rejected it; consequently, the KINGDOM has been postponed. However, during the millennial reign of Christ (1,000 years), He will establish and fulfill His unconditional Covenants will the Jewish People. In addition, the Church, the body of Christ, will return with Him from heaven and participate during the KINGDOM period. Right now, we are encouraged to be OVERCOMERS (Rev 2, 3).

Conclusion: Jesus taught His disciples to pray…

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

The Church plays an important role on earth now as the bride of Christ. Jesus is the Bridegroom. However, He will return as the KING of KINGS and the LORD of LORDS! Presently, as the bride of Christ, we need to be preparing for the Bridegroom to come for His bride. How? By watching and waiting, and worshipping, and working.

Introduction: What is your biggest FEAR? Is it death? Defeat? Disappointment? Losing your wealth? Is it just me or does it seem like we are on the brink of a civil war in this country?

How is your health? Will your money be enough when you are older? Are our children and grandchildren ready for the troubles and trials of life?

1. Are you living in Fear because of your Circumstances? (Mark 4:41)

“And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

(2Tim 1:7)

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

The disciples were deathly afraid when going through a fierce storm. What should we do when we feel fearful?

2. Are you living in Fear because of your lack of Faith? (Mark 4:40)

“40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”

(Isaiah 41:10)

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

3. Should we be fighting our Fear and Feeding our Faith? (Mark 4:39)

“39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

Conclusion: When we are afraid, what should we do? We should “TURN to JESUS,” “TALK to JESUS,” and TRUST in JESUS”!

Will you do that right now?

Introduction: Memories are Precious.

“PRECIOUS MEMORIES”

Do you have some good memories of your loved ones? Grandmother, grandad, mom, dad, child, friend, brother, or sister? My sisters and brother have been communicating thru text messages ever since my dear Dad went to be with the Lord. Recently, one of my sisters posted a picture of him with a big smile standing next to a man. Immediately, my mind flashed back to what King David said about Abner when he died. 

“And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?”

(2Sam 3:38)

Let our Lord bless you in this devotion as we REMEMBER the good words in Scripture that are said about those who have passed into the heavens, and are “safe in the arms of Jesus.”

1. Abel (Heb 11:4)

“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”

2. Dorcas (Acts 9:36,37)

“36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died:”

3. Stephen (Acts 7:55, 56, 59, 60)

“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God…. 59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

4. David (Acts 13:36)

“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption”

5. Barnabas (Acts 11:23,24)

“Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”

Personal Application: Barnabas was an encourager. Do we discourage people or do we encourage them? Luke records that he was full of the Holy Ghost, and overflowing with faith. Because of his trust in Jesus, he gave generously. Barnabas experienced God’s GRACE. Therefore, he freely received, and he freely gave.

Conclusion: What will be said about you & me? I just got off the phone with a dear friend. Her mom just passed away. While planning her celebration service, we were rejoicing in the Lord because of her Christian testimony.

Bottom Line: Oh to leave a “LASTING LEGACY”….

Introduction: Do you know when your time will come? Are you ready? We never know.

Paul gives the Church of Corinth and us today incredible HOPE and insight concerning the future, according to the Word of God.

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”

**The word “firstfruits” is ἀπαρχή, which had to do with the Levitical law involving the very first crops. However, in this case, it has to do with Jesus being the “first” one to rise from the dead, never to die again. 

**Every believer has that promise to rise from the dead because of faith & trust in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit “quickens” life in a person, and at the point of death, the Spirit departs from the body into heaven to spend eternity future in the New Jerusalem.

(2Cor 5:8, Eph 2:1-10)

“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead,” (1Cor 15:21).

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive,” (1Cor 15:22)

2. Where are you going? (1Cor 15:23)

“23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”

The word “order” is τάγμα, which means arranged in order, a division, rank. Order is a military term.

Personal Application: Have you decided to follow Jesus? No turning back… No turning back! Keep marching forward. Don’t look back.

• Promise – Giver?
• Peace – Maker?
• Storm – Calmer?
• Joy – Giver?
• Grave – Robber?
• Mountain – Mover?

3. When are you going? (1Cor 15:24)

“Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.”

The word “end” is τέλος, which means an end, a toll.

Contrary to those who teach the end here means the final end after the second coming of Christ; there is a gap. The kingdom period follows the second coming of Christ and then the end comes after the millennium, which carries the believer into eternity future.

The word “kingdom” is βασιλεία, which means sovereignty, royal power.

4. What about until your time comes? (1Cor 15:25-28)

“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”

Personal Application: We learn to come under authority and then we can be over….see Rev 2 & 3.

Conclusion: This passage of Scripture assures every child of God of a “HOPEFUL FUTURE.” Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (firstfruits), His eternal plan is in place for all those who call upon His name in repentance and saving faith. They will receive the gift of eternal life.

That is a great reason to be ready “When your Time Comes”!

1. LET GO of your PAST FAILURES! (Rev 2:4)

“4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”

Personal Application: In the book of Jonah, Jonah tried to run from God, but he couldn’t hide.

• In Chapter (1), Jonah’s the Prejudice Prophet!
• In Chapter (2), Jonah’s the Praying Prophet!
• In Chapter (3), Jonah’s the Pouting Prophet!

Are we running from the Lord’s Calling?

2. GO BACK to your 1st LOVE! (Rev 2:5)

“5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works;”

The word “Left” your “first love” is ἀφίημι, which means to send away, leave alone, permit, abandon.

“Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly.”

Personal Application: Because of being swallowed by a whale (Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 12:40), Jonah started praying when he should have done that at the beginning. Do we pray about God’s will? Or do we have our minds made up about what we really want to do, and then expect God to bless our plans?

3. FOLLOW THRU on WHAT OUR LORD JESUS TELLS YOU TO DO! (Rev 2:7)

“7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

(Jonah 3:4)

“And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.”

The word “OVERCOME” is νικάω, which means conquer, am victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue.

Conclusion: We have all failed….even the best of people, CHRISTians, miss the mark. The question is how are we going to respond to our failures? In order to honor our Lord, we, like Jonah, must “LET GO of our PAST FAILURES, GO BACK to our 1st LOVE, and then FOLLOW THRU on WHAT HE LEADS US TO DO.”

Then and only then, we can go from Failure to FREEDOM! Do we need to return to our 1st LOVE Jesus?