Future Things: The Devil’s Disastrous End- Revelation 20:1-3

 Revelation 20:1-3

Future Things: The Devil’s Disastrous End

INTRO:  Parallels between the Iraq War and Revelation 19-20:

 A)     Shock and Awe-                                              (Rev. 19:11-18)

B)     Two-thirds of the Terrible 3 Taken Out -       (Rev. 19:19-21)

C)    Unfinished Business-  (Saddam)                       (Rev. 20:1-3)

In order to help us better understand this prophetic portion of Scripture we’ll hang our thoughts on three words:

1) Sequence 

(Rev. 20:1a; 19:17, 19; 20:4, 11).

The key chronological phrase that is used in Revelation- "Then I saw."

2) Subjugation 

(Rev. 20:1b-3)

Satan is summarily rounded up, bound, and thrown into the Abyss. He will not be free to prowl about like a roaring lion and will not be able to deceive the nations during the future earthly Kingdom.

3) Suprise 

(Rev. 20:3b)

Satan MUST be released for a short while after the Millennial kingdom...

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

What are some of the names and/or biblical descriptions in Scripture related to our archenemy (Satan)?  What do these names suggest concerning the on-going Devilish activity of the Evil One?  (Genesis 3; Job 1; Matt. 4:1, 3; 13:19; John 8:44-45; Eph. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:4, 6:5 1 Peter 5:8; Rev.12:9-10, 20:1-3, 10).

What are some of the sinister schemes of Satan against believers and against the Church?  Satan wants to divide us.  Satan wants to deceive us.  Satan wants to unite us (around anything but the Word of truth and Christ).  Satan wants to distract us.  Satan wants to tempt us.  Satan wants to condemn us in hopes of immobilizing us.  What else?  What do you say happening in your own life and/or in your own congregation? 

Shepherding a Fool

Shepherding a Fool
Article by Pastor Daron Roberts

"Over the past few years I have had the privilege of teaching through Proverbs.. During this study I have been uniquely impacted by the amount of time Solomon spends describing the “fool.” In fact, Solomon stretches out roughly 70 descriptions of a fool in Proverbs alone. As pastors, while we labor to implant wisdom to the humble and help the naive put a truth-filter on their minds—as well as guard against scoffers infecting the thinking of the vulnerable—we also find ourselves regularly ministering to those who are entangled in folly. These people are either categorical “fools” (i.e., lost in their folly, rebels at the core, and in desperate need of Christ as their Savior) or they are sheep who are acting like fools and in need of tender shepherding to help them shed their foolish ways. As any pastor knows, before we can help people learn what they must put on, we must first help them identify what to put off. And for a fool (or someone being foolish) that requires specific passages applied to specific tendencies in order to help them indict themselves and grow. Based on that need, below is a list of 25 characteristics from Proverbs that have been an aid to me in pastoral ministry—and with my kids—in shepherding a fool. 

25 Characteristics of a Fool from Proverbs 

1. They rebel against authorities (10:1; 15:5; 19:13). 
2. They view their opinion as an authority over Scripture (26:12).
3. They are stubborn when instructed by Scripture (1:22; 8:5; 13:19; 14:33; 16:22; 17:10; 24:7).
4. They spout their opinion rather than receive instruction (10:8,10,14,21; 14:9; 12:15; 18:2; 23:9; 26:4-5).
5. They twist Scripture for personal gain (26:7, 9).
6. Their lives are full of unnecessary correction (7:22; 14:3; 19:29). 
7. They learn nothing from the consequences of sin (14:24; 26:11; 26:3; 27:22).
8. They do not fear God (1:22-29).
9. They are lazy (1:32).
10. They are hypocrites (17:16).
11. They are consumers (21:20).
12. They are deceptive (14:8; 18:7; 19:1). 
13. Their speech lacks love (15:2). 
14. They are impulsive (12:23; 13:16; 29:20).
15. They abuse information (10:18; 15:14; 18:6; 26:6). 
16. They are arrogant (14:16).

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.  

Matthew 25:31-46; The Great Separation

Matthew 25:31-46

Future Things: The Great Separation

(pt. 12)

Many believers hold different interpretations when it comes to the finer point of biblical eschatology (truth related to the end times). What should we do when good and godly saints disagree over some point of doctrine? What should we not do?  

Here is a summary of the Last Days According to Jesus.  The Master-Teacher taught his disciples Four Key Truths:

1) When the Messianic King Comes He Will Establish the Long-Awaited Kingdom-just not right away!  (Luke 19:11-27)

2)  For Rejecting her King, the Jewish People will be repeatedly trampled upon UNTIL “the time of the Gentiles is complete.” (Luke 19:28-44; 21:24)

3) The Glorious Kingdom will begin WHEN national Israel finally welcomes Jesus as Savior, Lord, and King!   (Luke 13:34-35)

4) Upon Reestablishing the Throne of David, the Son of Man will Judge the (Unbelieving) Nations! (Matthew 25:31-46)

Matthew 25:31-46 (the sheep and goats judgement) is different than the final judgement in Revelation 20:11-15.  The first takes place before the Millennial Kingdom and the second takes place after the Messianic Kingdom.  Some Christian theologians teach that Matthew 25 and Revelation 20 are talking about the same event.  On textual grounds we lovingly disagree.  And here's why:

Matthew 25:31-46 

A)   Unlike Rev. 20, the judgment here involves BOTH sheep & goats!

B) Unlike Rev. 20, those judged in Mattthew 25 are ALIVE (when King Jesus Returns to earth)

C) Unlike Rev. 20, this judgement takes place on EARTH BEFORE the Millennial Kingdom!

The key words in v. 31 are WHEN and THEN.

D) Unlike Rev. 20 the judgement in Matthew 25 is specifically related to the mistreatment of Tribulation saints!

Humanitarian groups often quote Matthew 25:34-46 out of context.  We must always study and apply the Bible in context.  Failure to do so leads to various errors (some more significant than others).

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

Discipling Men in the Local Church

Brothers in Christ,

Let me begin with the testimony of an older saint named Michael Hyatt.  Mike recently posted on Facebook the following word of encouragement/perspective- “I’m not exaggerating when I say reading changed my life. What started as a childhood hobby became a lifetime obsession. Not only did my insatiable reading habit eventually lead me to become CEO of Thomas Nelson, one of the largest publishing houses in the world, but it allowed me to learn early on how important it was to become a lifetime learner. I can honestly tell you that reading is one of THE MOST effective ways to achieve personal and professional growth. Now, I won’t lie. It’s not always easy to know which books are actually worth your time. And unless you’re in publishing (or a full time pastor), you probably don’t have hours to spend pouring over pages to find the best resources…..”

The goal of men’s leadership training and development is to pick some of the very best Christian resources related to important BIBLICAL subjects, and to come together once a month as men, and encourage one another to think, speak, and live biblically. Every New Testament passage that talks about biblical growth drips with sanctified sweat. It’s why we’re called “to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness” and “to work out our salvation with fear and trembling” and to “take EVERY thought captive to the obedience of Christ” and “contend earnestly for the faith” “and to passionately guard the deposit of sound doctrine.” These are God’s Words to his Church (not the opinion of man). By Divine design, men are uniquely called to be spiritual leaders. The Sr. Pastor should be heavily invested in this process "until Christ is formed in you."

A number of good thoughts, observations, and questions have come in during and after our first nine sessions of Men’s Leadership Track 1. Let me try and highlight a few of them:

1) Leaders are readers. But not all men gravitate towards reading. Some men are exceptionally gifted when it comes to working with their hands! PTL for that. We all don’t have the same skill set.

Just a little history- the men’s leadership ministry that I implemented last year was originally put together by a veteran pastor in another state. His discipleship efforts yielded wonderful fruit in the life of his local church. I’ve tweaked what this godly man does (and what many other like-minded pastors have done in different places) to try and meet the pressing needs of THIS particular congregation.

Unlike LCBC, in a previous church context most of the men I led were blue collar guys. Hunters and farmers and factory workers…. Manly men who (in general) did not read much beyond the newspaper… I told them that I know with God’s help and a little accountability/encouragement you guys will be able to read 4-5 sanctifying books over the course of 10 months. Seven years later the vast majority of blue collar men had read 30+ books… 

Now I can hear someone say- “Pastor, knowledge alone PUFFETH UP.” That’s so true… But the Lord who created our amazing brains uses biblical instruction/doctrine/truth to move our religious affections, to deepen our core convictions, and to help us become better Christ-glorifying churchmen, husbands, fathers, deacons, elders, members, etc. That’s the heartbeat of this ministry. Read through 1-2 Timothy this week and you’ll see what a heavy premium the Holy Spirit places on sound doctrine and biblical instruction. The early church in Acts 2:42 is said to have “DEVOTED THEMSELVES to the apostles doctrine…..” as should we.

2) I don’t think God is ever going to call me to be an elder or deacon, isn’t that the primary target of this ministry? If so, is it worth my time to be part of “Iron Men?” Those are great questions. Three things: 1) Yes, one of the goals of this ministry is to develop future leaders and to help current leaders become even more useful to the Lord (1 Tim. 4:15; 2 Tim. 2:2). Biblical and faithful lay leaders are the backbone of the local church. 2) Some of you men are so humble that you have no idea the great things God would like to do in and through you. When you study the 4 Gospels, who would have ever thought that 12 ordinary men (most of whom were “uneducated” fishermen) would be used to “turn the world upside down” for Christ!!! When I look into a room full of (FAT) F.aithful, A.vailable and T.eachable LCBC men I see loads of POTENTIAL. The father of modern missions Willam Carey said, “Except great things from God; attempt great things for God.” Amen and amen! 3) The class is broad enough to help any man become a more useful/biblical church member and to hopefully become an even better spiritual leader at home. However, this is not the only ministry under the banner of men’s ministries. Kim Benson leads a small group Bible Study. Tim Buege leads a monthly prayer meeting and is helping to coordinate QTRLY men’s breakfast gatherings (the next one is taking place this Saturday). Denny VanCleve put together a summer Bible study. And Mike Umlands leads a time of relationship building called “Geezers.” For a 200 person church we offer so many different ministries- in large part, because we have so many faithful lay people actively serving (1 Pet. 4:10-11; 1 Cor. 12-14).

Find a Church that Teaches ALL of the Bible (Including the End Times)

Having spent many weeks considering one of the great end times passages of Scripture (Matthew 24-25)- let's talk a bit more about practical application: How should the prophesied future impact the here and now? What are some of the main take aways of this study? Why should we love this biblical genre?

We quickly discovered that the disciples' were confused about certain key details related to the Kingdom of God (note Mt 24:3). If Jesus is the Messianic King, why does it seem as if the long awaited Kingdom is not going to launch right away; (note the larger context in Matthew 23:37-39)?  Just like 2000 years ago, many believers today are also dazed and confused when it comes to biblical eschatology; (Unlike the disciples in Matthew 24 we have the complete Old AND New Testament Scriptures).  Everything we need to know about the future has been preserved in the Word of God.  That's a really amazing reality!  It's our job to know what the Bible has to say about future things.  More on that point in a moment.

Jesus' longest recorded answer to any question in Scripture begins in Mt. 24:4 and ends approximately 100 verses later.  This simple textual observation alone tells us something of the importance of this subject.  The Olivet Discourse is about one main thing: the prophesied future.  If the details were important to Jesus they should interest us.

In today's evangelical world we need to be reminded that ALL the details/chapters of Scripture matter...this certainly includes details related to prophecy and eschatology. Over 25% of the Bible (8352 verses) fits into this genre... and yet so many believers know so very little of how these verses/events all fit together. Pan-millennialism has become the accepted norm- "I don't know or really care about many of the biblical details related to the end times- it's too confusing...But that's ok, because it'll all PAN out in the end." "Let's move onto a subject that's more important or relevant." Matthew 24-25 should correct such errant thinking that plagues the American Church today. Note also 2 Tim. 2:15, 3:16-4:5, and 2 Peter 3:16.

Baptism Service 2018

Baptism Service

Unlike the Lord's Supper, believers' baptism is a one time event where disciples identify with Jesus and the body of Christ.  Because baptism is only done on a "as needed" basis it is always a highlight in the life of any Christian fellowship.

This year we heard six stellar testimonies.  Everyone who was baptized was under thirty yet each one is pursuing the Lord with singular passion and focus.  God is doing something special at LCBC.  "For from Him and to Him and through Him be all thanks to Him be the glory forever!"

It was a tremendous blessing for Pastors Josh, Kent, and I to have front row seats for this most sacred service.  Please join us in encouraging these faithful Christians to "excel still more."  Truly His grace is amazing!

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