As we return to our expositional study of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, we find ourselves in “heavenly places”, hearing and seeing things that God revealed to John and told him to write to us (Revelation 15). Don’t be deceived (Matthew 24:4,5); judgment IS coming!
In spite of all the false teachings that have predicted the date world was going to end, the Bible is very clear in promising the return of Jesus Christ to this earth to set up His Kingdom (Acts 1:6-11). So, while the unsaved fulfill bible prophecy by mocking the promise of Christ’s coming (2 Peter 3:3-10), the Church must not forget our mandate to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), making disciples of Christ for His glory (Matthew 28:19-20). God in His wonderful love for us has given us His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), which is called the “more sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19-21). In others words, we can count on God to be true, even if every man is a liar (Romans 3:4).
Our faith does not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:1-5), and that power of God is the gospel of Christ unto salvation (Romans 1:16,17). The Scriptures are very clear in telling us that God has blessed the body of Christ with ascension ministry giftings and callings (Ephesians 4:8-11). However, we must read on to learn that the purpose of the ministry is that the body would be built up in the faith, matured and united in the Name of Jesus Christ, in order that we might not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:12-16). It is only safe to follow a man inasmuch as he is pointing you to Jesus Christ (John 1:29, 3:30) and bearing the fruit of The Spirit that reveals that he himself is following Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 4:15,16, 11:1).
Make no mistake about it, Jesus Christ is coming again (Revelation 19: 11-21). His coming is meant to inspire us to live in purity (1 John 3:1-3) and godliness (2 Peter 3:11-14). Jesus taught those who follow Him to occupy until He comes (Luke 19:13). To occupy means that we continually yield our lives to The Lord as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 1: 9-10).
