Futuristic Premillennialism: Why There Must Be a Future Earthly Kingdom of Christ

We believe the Bible teaches that there must be a future, earthly, Messianic Kingdom and that this long-anticipated kingdom will last 1000 years (see Revelation 19-20).  

Our doctrinal convictions related to the end times do not rest on a single text of Scripture; (though Revelation 20 is abundantly clear).

The Biblical Case for Futuristic Premillennialism is supported by Seven Lines of Reason:

It's 1) the Fruit of a Consistent “Hermeneutic.”

“Hermeneutics” is 'the study of the principles and methods of interpreting the text of the Bible as to ascertain the original intent of the Divine/human authors of Scripture.'

  

Note our recent exposition of 2 Timothy 2:15 and a very important message on the "3 Key Words of Biblical Prophesy." 

All sermons can be downloaded for free on our website at www.lakecountrybible.org 

2) The Unconditional Promises in the Biblical Covenants.

See LCBC sermon series on Genesis 12 & 15 and our series on 2 Samuel 7 and Luke 1.

3) The Hope of the Old Testament Saints and Prophets.

Per my exposition of Hosea 3.  Note key prophetic passages such as Isaiah 11, Daniel 9, and Zech. 12-14.  

How the End of the Story Impacts Today and Tomorrow

Matthew 24:45-51

How the End of the Story Impacts 

Today and Tomorrow 

“If I had only known this or that I would have done things differently!”

When’s the last time you said this?   When is the last time you said this with regards to Scripture? For example, if I had known God's Word said this, I would not have done that.


General Outline of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse:

I) The Horrific Tribulation (Matthew 24:4-28)
II) The Glorious 2nd Coming (Matthew 24:29-32)


In view of the prophesied future (per v. 4-31) Jesus’ disciples must be:

1) Well versed students of Scripture (especially biblical prophecy).

(Matthew 24:32-35)


2) Ready and prepared for the end.

(Matthew 24:36-44)


While still remaining 3) Faithful stewards of the present

(Matthew 24:45-51)


Biblical stewardship can be defined as: Utilizing and managing all the resources God provides for the glory of Christ and for the spiritual good of others.  Think about the stewardship of time (Ephesians 5:16), money (Prov. 3:9), spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:6; 1 Pet. 4:10-11), God-given talents (Luke 12:48), family, intellect, etc. Note Matt. 24:45-47; 25:14f.  Are you a faithful and wise steward?


For Further Reflection/Application: We must be doers of the Word and not merely hearers

List the last 3-4 times you said to yourself, “If I had only known this or that I would have done things differently?” Provide at least two examples that are spiritual in nature and related to Scriptural revelation.

List two practical ways how the “end of the story” ought to impact today and tomorrow more fully in your own life? Read 1 Timothy 4:7-8 which talks about physical exercise and the spiritual disciplines in view of eternity. Elders/Pastors note 1 Peter 5:4.

Songs that Reference God’s Judgments; (and Why We Should Not Neglect This Theme)

Songs that Reference God’s Judgments (and Why God's People shouldn't neglect this biblical theme in worship).  Article by Bob Kauflin —Choosing Songs, —Worship and Eschatology, —Worship and God

"We generally shy away from singing songs about God’s judgments, but that judgment is a theme found in many Psalms and Scriptural songs. I promised that I’d follow up with a post that suggested some songs we can sing that reference God’s judgments and help us think about them in a way that honors God, encourages a passion for holiness, and strengthens our confidence in the gospel. So one month later, here we are.

Before listing the songs, it’s important to mention three things: First, God is the Judge, not us. We’re concerned about his fame and vindication, not ours. That means we don’t sing about God’s judgments with self-righteousness or callousness. 

Second, God judging evil is part of the Bible’s story line to redeem a people for his glory. As one commenter said, “God’s judgment is simply the ‘negative’ side of our great heartcry, ‘Let your kingdom come!'” 

Finally, the predominant theme of our gatherings is not simply that God judges wickedness, but that he rejoices in righteousness. And that his righteousness has been most clearly demonstrated in the Jesus Christ, the Son of God, dying for our sins and rising from the dead. Because Christ was made to be sin for us, we are now clothed in the righteousness of God and are no longer under his wrath. Definitely cause for great rejoicing!

With that being said, here are some suggestions, modern and hymns.

Day of Judgment, Day of Wonders (John Newton)
(Probably one of the best comprehensive hymns on the day of judgment.)
At His call the dead awaken,
Rise to life from earth and sea;
All the powers of nature shaken
By His look, prepares to flee.
Careless sinner, what will then become of thee?

Almighty (Paul Baloche, from Glorious)
You will judge the nations,
You’ll reward Your servants,
Both the great and small.

Lord of All (Kristian Stanfill, from Attention)
We will respond with joy in our song
Your enemies rise, Your enemies fall
Your fire consumes them all

Eschatology 101– Simple Definitions

We have been studying major prophetic passages in the Old and New Testament for over a year at Lake Country Bible Church.  Currently we are in Matthew 24-25 which is one of Jesus' clearest statements regarding the "end times."  For any of my Christian readers who think that eschatology is not very practical and relevant I'd encourage you to listen to this sermon titled, "How the End of the Story Impacts Today and Tomorrow."  The Holy Spirit has been showing me in my personal studies how often the future is used in relationship to the present.

The following article by Pastor Jesse Johnson is a nice summary as one seeks to understand basic definitions of key terms.  These simple definitions will help one make sense of the different major views on eschatology within the Christian church.  All believers embrace the core doctrine concerning the second Coming of Christ!  We all know and believe in the glorious return of Christ.  As with many doctrines, the more one studies the totality of the Scriptural revelation the less complicated this subject becomes.  At LCBC we are committed premillennialists.

"Eschatology: the study of future prophesied events associated with the Second Coming of Jesus, the kingdom, and eternity. Literally it is the study of the “end times,” but much of the study focuses on the rapture and the tribulation, two events that happen at least 1,000 years before the “end times.” Hence, my definition is better than the dictionary’s.

Millennium: A 1,000 year period where Jesus reigns over the earth. This period sees the restoration of Israel, and the fulfillment of the promises and prophecies given to Israel in the OT. Satan is bound, and the earth is inhabited by both resurrected believers as well as people who were born during the kingdom. It is described all over the book of Isaiah, but especially in Isa 24, 51, 54, 60, 65-66. It is also detailed in Ezekiel 37-48, Daniel 7, Zechariah 8, and Revelation 19-20.

Second Coming: A term that refers to the events that take place around the return of Jesus to earth. These events include the rapture, the tribulation, the anti-Christ, the abomination described in Daniel 9 and 2 Thesselonians 2, and the physical return of Jesus to earth.

Post-millennialism: The belief that the Second Coming occurs after the millennium. This is held by Douglas Wilson, R. C. Sproul, and Tim Keller.

Pre-millennialism: The belief that the Second Coming occurs before the millennium. This is held by John MacArthur, John Piper, D. A. Carson, and Wayne Grudem.

Amillennialism: The belief that that millennium is not an actual time period, but rather that scripture’s descriptions of that time period should be interpreted as being fulfilled in this age, and often spiritually. In other words, there is no millennium, and the kingdom of God on earth is now. This view is held by Michael Horton (and almost every Presbyterian you have ever met), Mark Dever, and J. I. Packer.

How the Future Impacts the Present

 Revelation 20:1-6 and Matthew 24:36-44

How the Future Impacts the Present

(pt. 10)

INTRO:  How does the disciples’ unpreparedness at Gethsemane tie in with this morning’s sermon text (note Matthew 24:36-44)?

If Jesus' faithful disciples were unprepared after a mere 60 minutes (see Matthew 26:40), how many believers will be caught asleep at the wheel when the King returns (2000+ years later)?  

How should the future impact the present?  Why is biblical eschatology so important?

How many believers today will be unprepared when the King finally returns after 2000+ years?  List 5 reasons why this is so. 

“I want to be more expectant and excited about the 2^nd Coming of Christ but I am struggling to do so.”  How does one foster greater longings for future and eternal things?  Talk with another LCBCer who is “on fire” for Christ.

General Outline of Jesus’ Oliviet Discourse

I) The Horrific Tribulation                              (Matthew 24:4-28)

II) The Glorious 2^nd Coming                            (Matthew 24:29-32)

 

                     (or)

I) End Times (Kingdom) Confusion                (Matthew 24:3)

II) Red Letter Clarification                             (Matthew 24:4-25:46)

The “Horrific Tribulation” and the “Glorious Return of Christ” should impact our lives in a multiplicity of ways.  In view of the prophesied future (per v. 4-31)- 

Jesus’ disciples must be:

1) Well Versed Students of Scripture (especially of biblical prophecy).

(Matthew 24:32-35)

Jesus’ disciples must be:

Future Things: The Glorious 2nd Coming. Matthew 24:29-35

 Revelation 20:1-6 and Matthew 24:29-35

Future Things: The Glorious 2nd Coming

(pt. 9)

INTRO:  As you think about the future, what do you look forward to the most? note Titus 2:13

I) The Horrific Tribulation 
(Matthew 24:4-28)

After the Tribulation Period (note Matthew 24:29f) comes

II) The Glorious 2nd Advent of Christ                     

(Matthew 24:29f)

 

The “Horrific Tribulation” and the “Glorious Return of Christ” should impact our lives in a multiplicity of ways:

Jesus’ disciples must be:  1) Well Versed Students of Scripture (and of Biblical Prophecy)

(Matthew 24:32-35)

Notice the first two commands of Christ in verses 32-33: "LEARN and RECOGNIZE!"

Tribulation showers (vv. 3-28) bring what? _____  Millennial Kingdom flowers!

What is “the pain then glory” principle.  (Rom. 8:16-18; 2 Cor. 4:16-18)

Think about this principle in view of the life of Job, Joseph, the Lord Jesus, and Israel's national history from AD 70 up through the future tribulation period. 

Matthew 24:15-28: The Horrific Tribulation. Study Guide For Comprehension and Application

 Revelation 20:1-6 and Matthew 24:15-28 
Future Things: The Horrific Tribulation

(pt. 8)

INTRO:  What do you wish you could know about your immediate future?

In the Master-teacher’s “Olivet Discourse” the Good Shepherd let’s his beloved sheep know:

A) What to expect? 

B) What signs to look for? 

& C) What they/we ought to do with this head full of knowledge?

This morning we’ll zero in on what Jesus' disciples ought to do” in view of the revealed truth that is Matthew 24:15-28   

1) UNDERSTAND THE PROPHETIC SIGNS 

(Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9-11; Rev. 11:2; 13)

2) RUN FOR YOUR LIVES  

(Matthew 24:16-19)

3) PRAY FOR PROVIDENTIAL MERCIES 

(Matthew 24:20-22; Genesis 6 Psalm 67; Isaiah 64)

4) EXERCISE BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT

(Matthew 24:23-28; 1 Thess. 5:21-22; 1 Chron. 12:32)

For Further Reflection/Application:  We must be doers of the Word and not merely hearers

What do you wish you could know as it relates to your immediate future?

Why do so many unbelievers live for the moment?  Many secular songs promote this mindset.

Matthew 24:3-14: Signs that the End is Near

Matthew 24:3-14

Future Things: Signs that the End is Near

(pt. 7)

  

INTRO:  End Times Confusion and/or Indifference to Biblical Prophecy is commonplace.

LCBC believes that end times details that are recorded in the Scriptures matter: Explain why-____________________________________________________________________________ _______

Summarize Matthew 24-25 in a sentence or two: _____________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________.

How should an unbeliever respond to facts of history (1 Cor. 15:1-11) and the details that God has revealed concerning things to come? (Acts 17:30-31; Hebrews 9:27-28; Romans 2:3-11). When you talk with lost friends, family members, and co-workers about what you’re being taught at church, help them to understand the practical ramifications of God’s revealed truth.

The Olivet Discourse: (Overview Outline)

A) End Times Confusion

(Mathew 24:3)

B) Red-Letter Clarification

(Matthew 24:4-25:46)

End Times Confusion and Red-Letter Clarification

How and why do unbelievers and believers approach the future differently? 

Does it really matter if a Christian understands the details of biblical 'eschatology' (truth related to the "end times")? 

How does understanding what God has revealed concerning the future impact the here and now? 

We will address this and more on Sunday at Lake Country Bible Church. Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 24-25. "End Times Confusion and Red-Letter Clarification."