Biblical Truth with Malcolm Hedding

In the verses now before us Paul turns his attention to the reality of spiritual conflict. This constitutes a clear reminder that we are up against dark spiritual powers of wickedness that are seeking to gain a foothold in our lives and thereby destroy our Christian testimony and impede our impact in the world. In his Ephesian letter Paul underlines this more dramatically when he writes: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places." And of course, in his first epistle, Peter reminds us that the Devil is constantly on the prowl seeking who he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Here then Paul reminds us that: 1.The Devil resists local church ministry designed to encourage God' children. V17-18 Read full article here: https://malcolmhedding.com/understanding-1-thessalonians-part-6/ Get Malcolm's Resources: https://malcolmhedding.com/shop/

Paul has thus far applauded the believers at Thessaloniki for their genuine faith in Christ Jesus that brought forth powerful transformation in their lives and that also impacted their region with the glorious Gospel of Jesus. It is also plunged them into persecution as the counter culture of Jesus was being embraced by more and more people and therefore collided with the world around them (Acts 17:6) . He is rightly proud of them and thus reaffirms his love for them and sets forth the true motivations that he has in his heart in terms of his ministry and calling to be a servant God among them. These are wonderful insights into the attitudes and principles that should guide and govern every person called into ministry and we should take note of them. In the section now before us he gives us a concluding summary to all the things that he has just said. We should note the following: Read entire article here: https://malcolmhedding.com/understanding-1-thessalonians-part-5/ Get more resources here: https://malcolmhedding.com/shop/

We have noted thus far that Paul's ministry at Thessaloniki was not in vain as it brought forth the fruit of salvation in the lives of many in the city. He, and his apostolic band were sent out from the Church at Antioch with the blessing of the leaders there and that of the Holy Spirit. His missionary trip was therefore God inspired and therefore in a sense couldn't fail. The Thessalonians turned from their idols and their sins to serve God by Jesus Christ and to await His second coming. Moreover, their testimony in this regard impacted the whole region. Paul was proud of them and gives them an overview of his commitment; to God, the preaching of the Word of God and to them. He is a genuine servant of Jesus seeking only to glorify Him through his life and ministry and therefore he seeks nothing from them save their growing love for Christ and His people. Our insight then into Paul's character and dedication to Christ is therefore a challenge to all those who would follow Christ in ministry and to those who already do. In the verses now before us he continues to express his feelings for them and commitment to them by reminding them of what he did do when he was with them and not of what he didn't do, as in the previous passage. Here we see the heart of a true shepherd of God's flock and this should serve as a template for all those who would also follow this calling. Actually every aspiring ministry candidate should be instructed by these passages as they reveal the true nature of our calling and it's worth noting that this chapter is then a record of Paul's legacy. This great servant of Jesus is worth following, just as he himself often encouraged us to do. We should consequently take note of the manner in which he engaged the believers at Thessaloniki: Read the entire article here: https://malcolmhedding.com/understanding-1-thessalonians-part-4/ Check out more resources here: https://malcolmhedding.com/shop/

In this passage we have reflected or modeled the type of interaction and relationship that should exist between Christian Ministers and the congregations that they serve. The wider context is that Paul was a part of an Apostolic Band that was initially called forth by the Holy Spirit and sent out into the world to plant churches by the leaders of the Church at Antioch: “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up Herod the tetrarch m and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts13:1-3 Apostles are in fact “Sent Ones” and they emerge out the fivefold gift ministries mentioned by Paul in Ephesians 4:11-12: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12 Apostles are then teachers, pastors, evangelists and prophets who once given to local church ministry have been set aside by the Holy Spirit for trans-local or itinerant ministry with an emphasis upon church planting. They therefore, as in Paul's case, have a home base to which they are accountable. This is why Paul returned to Antioch after his missionary journeys. Note Acts 14:26. True preachers are not “loners” doing their own independent thing without reference to a governing oversight! It was in this light that Paul, Silvanus and Timothy came to Thessaloniki. We should then consider the following: Read the entire article here: https://malcolmhedding.com/understanding-1-thessalonians-part-3/ Check out more resources here: https://malcolmhedding.com/shop/

Paul's first letter to the Church at Thessaloniki – Study 2 Having opened the letter with a greeting and a statement of thanksgiving concerning the sincere commitment to Christ of the believers at Thessaloniki, Paul then turns his attention to the impact that the Word of God has upon people when it is faithfully preached. He therefore writes about: A. The preaching of the Word of God. 1:5 We have already noted in our introduction to the letter that Paul travelled from Philippi to Thessaloniki. He was thus an itinerant preacher or more correctly an Apostle or Sent One. The bible teaches that the Word of God is carried to the world by preachers. These are raised up by God and without them the will and purpose of God cannot be fulfilled (Romans 10:14-17). However, a preacher has to have certain credentials because he is the custodian of the message of eternal salvation. That is, he must in every way reflect or embody the message that he brings. Paul understood this and therefore he reminds the believers at Thessaloniki of four things: read more.... click the following link to access the entire blog: https://malcolmhedding.com/understanding-1-thessalonians-part-2/ click this link for more resources: https://malcolmhedding.com/shop/

Paul's First Letter to the Church at Thessaloniki Introduction As we begin our study of this wonderful Pauline letter we must remember that it is indeed a letter and actually not a book. It is written to the congregation at Thessaloniki and therefore the text must be expounded with this in mind. That is, we should not over complicate our understanding of it but simply endeavor to discover what the letter intended to say to old and young alike. By doing this we will honor Paul, the context and be encouraged by what he had to say to his readers. Also, as we have noted in our introduction, in our previous podcast, the letter is general in content addressing many themes that are important to understand as we, like the believers at Thessaloniki, set out to follow Christ and end well. A. The Greeting 1:1 Paul begins with his familiar greeting by affirming the congregations standing and position with God. They are in God the Father and in Christ Jesus and therefore he draws our attention immediately to the nature of the Godhead. Jesus then enjoys equality with God, something that He surrendered for a season in order to redeem the world from sin. Not that He ceased to be fully God but instead laid aside some of the attributes of divinity in order to become fully man. In his letter to the Church at Philippi Paul writes of this glorious truth (Philippians 2:5-7). To some extent this holds mystery, a fact that Paul acknowledges in his first letter to Timothy: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:16 Having asserted the nature of the godhead he then extends God's grace and peace to the congregation. Our relationship with God, by Jesus Christ, is entirely rooted in His unmerited favor extended toward us which brings us, who were once His enemies, into a place of peace with Him. This is truly wonderful and the goal of our earthly pilgrimage. Read the entire article here: https://malcolmhedding.com/understanding-1-thessalonians-part-1/  For more Resources click here: https://malcolmhedding.com/shop/

The Glorious Second Coming of Jesus At the beginning of this study series we noted that the Book of Revelation is all about the glorious unveiling or physical return of Jesus to the earth. The events described in this book are the steps that have to take place for this to happen. They are not random or haphazard because God remains sovereign over the affairs of men, and so they constitute the seven seals of the Title Deed to heaven and earth that Jesus purchased with His blood on the cross. Great upheavals await the earth as we are now entering the birth pangs of the end time and these will intensify. They are, as Jesus put it, “the beginning of sorrows”, and so the follower of Jesus is to fortify and steady himself spiritually because a great tribulation awaits us as we plunge toward the glorious return of Christ. To help us the book gives us what we call “Great Signs” and these are: The ministry of the Two Witnesses, Moses and Elijah. The restoration of Israel, the woman clothed with the sun, moon and twelve stars The rise of the Beast, a half devil, half man Demonoid, who has been here before The fall of Babylon, that great world system, part religious and part commercial that is drunk with the blood of the saints All of these are caught up in the events that will usher in the Revelation of Jesus. Given the wickedness of those living on the earth God will allow evil to overflow and spill over, and even appear to triumph, as it brings forth its global government undergirded by a satanic religion that will perform great supernatural signs and wonders. This will present the true believers in Jesus with a test to embrace truth, demonstrate patience and even welcome martyrdom as they face the Great Tribulation. They will overcome by the “blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives into death” (Revelation 12:11). Read the full article here: https://malcolmhedding.com/revelation-series-part-11-the-glorious-second-coming-of-jesus/ More resources click here: https://malcolmhedding.com/shop/

Paul's First Letter to The Church at Thessaloniki “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” Acts 17:6 Introduction This epistle, considered by church historians to be Paul's first, is believed to have been written in about 52 AD. It arises out of Paul's second missionary journey, recorded in Acts 17, when he and Silas arrived in Thessaloniki having journeyed there from Philippi. The journey had thus far been tumultuous as he and Silas had been jailed in Philippi for preaching the Gospel there. This is because their message, though verified by the Jewish scriptures, was bold and radical and called upon men and women to repent, embrace Jesus as Lord and live out a different life style to that of the prevailing culture. This is seen by the statement of their accusers that went as follows: “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” Acts 16:20-21 Find entire article here: https://malcolmhedding.com/1thessalonians-part1/  Other resources please visit: www.malcolmhedding.com/shop

The great sign chapters of the book of Revelation introduce us to the major players of the end time. It is crucial that we familiarize ourselves with these because they instruct us in truth and warn us of things to come. Some of the “things to come” are just around the corner or, more correctly, nearly on top of us. In this study we shall consider the subject of Babylon and surprisingly, John's oracle devotes two whole chapters to this subject. This means that it holds great importance and significance and we should “wake up” to it. Shaun Willcock writes, “The black arts flourished; astrology, witchcraft and in fact all satanic occult practices were developed in Babylon. Chapter seventeen deals with the spiritual roots of Babylon and chapter eighteen with its commercial and political roots. In both cases the child of God is to “Brexit” Babylon for entanglement in its intrigues will pollute and destroy one's relationship with the God of heaven. The Bible warns that, “Friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4). The world is Babylon and those who love it are the enemies of God. John also warns of getting entangled with the world as its lust will destroy one's spiritual life (1 John 2:15-17). He in fact tells us that the world is “passing away” and so God has no inclination then to rehabilitate it. Like the Titanic, it is severely broken and will sink! We are looking for a new heavens and a new earth wherein righteousness will dwell (2 Peter 3:16). There are far too many Christians involved with the world or seeking to repair it. Our ministry is to infiltrate and penetrate the world with the Gospel of Jesus and thereby call people out of it. In fact Christians in the New Testament are named as the “called out ones.” We are to be in it but not of it! Mystical Babylon This is the teaching of Revelation 17. John sees a Woman wearing purple and scarlet and she is called: MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. This woman is sitting aside the Beast who rules the ten regions of the world. She is wealthy, has committed fornication with the rulers of this earth and, masquerading as Christian, has persecuted the Church and even murdered the saints. This is precisely why John marvels. Could it be that a pseudo form of Christianity will arise to resist the real Church of the Living God. The answer is, yes. This woman, unlike the woman of Israel in Revelation 12, is a seductress and therefore deceives the whole earth with her mystical practices that come from Babylon, the source of all that is wicked and confusing. She is actually mentioned in Zechariah 5:5-11. Here a woman of great wickedness is seen in a basket that is taken to Babylon. Being sealed with a lead cover over the mouth of the basket she has mysteriously deceived the whole earth. That is, her true nature and identity has been hidden. Two angelic beings take her to Babylon and place the basket on an altar there. Meaning, that at the right time the lead seal will be removed and she will come forth for all to see and she will openly deceive the nations with her occultism and wickedness. Full Blog Article: https://malcolmhedding.com/revelation-serie-part-10-babylon/ Resources: www.malcolmhedding.com/shop

The Book of Revelation Series Part 9 – The Antichrist Most certainly a major part John's oracle is given over to the subject of the Antichrist or Beast. He is a dominant player in understanding end time truth and most certainly the world awaits his arrival but thankfully, he is finally overcome and destroyed by Christ at His revelation or second coming (2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 19:20). In fact scripture tells us that many antichrists have come and consequently the people of God through the centuries have had to stand up to the challenge that these represent (1 John 2:18). In many cases, as with the early Church of the first and second centuries, the only way to resist him was to lay down one's life! (Revelation 12:11). Much of the western Church today is not ready or even capable of facing such a challenge and yet the book of Revelation warns that it is coming and may just be around the corner. Indeed, we would do well to prepare ourselves by building a solid relationship with Jesus by prayer, the in depth study of God's word, fellowship with God's people and a willingness to serve the interests of the Kingdom of God in the world. Scripture clearly warns that the final Antichrist, who will step onto the stage of history, will be evil beyond anything we have seen before! He will achieve what no leader has ever done in that he will rule the world and thus, every nation will submit to his totalitarian regime. Great and mighty warriors of old attempted to achieve this goal and failed, but this soon to appear Beast will finally bring satanic governance to the world! We ignore the book of Revelation to our peril. Full Blog Post: https://malcolmhedding.com/the-book-of-revelation-series-part-9-the-antichrist/ Resources: www.malcolmhedding.com/shop

Revelation Part 8 – The Pregnant Women, Dragon and the Angel of War The Book of revelation introduces us to a number of key players that will be involved with the count down, as it were, to the visible and real return of Jesus to the earth. In our last study together we examined the identity and nature of the ministry of the “Two Witnesses”. They will bring about the restoration of all things in Israel. This process of restoration is already unfolding in that the physical return of the Jewish people to their ancient homeland is now well underway. The Bible confirms that the Jewish people will return in unbelief (Ezekiel 36:24-28) and then, by virtue of a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, initiated by Moses and Elijah, there will be a great spiritual revival in Israel paving the way for the return of Messiah. This is the clear teaching of scripture and of Zechariah 12 in particular: “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” Zechariah 12:10 All of this brings into focus the foundational role that the Jewish people have played out in God's plan for world redemption. Jesus said, “Salvation is of the Jews” ( John 4:22). He used the word Jews in the plural meaning that the historical journey of the Jewish people has been pregnant with the purpose of God for the world. Paul confirms this in his Roman epistle (Romans 3:1-2; 9:1-5; 15:27). This is exactly the truth that is underlined in Revelation twelve. Full Blog Post: https://malcolmhedding.com/revelation-part-8-the-pregnant-women-dragon-and-the-angel-of-war/ Resources: www.malcolmhedding.com/shop

Book of Revelation Series – Part 7 The Two Witnesses We have noted so far that the scroll having Seven Seals is the title deed to the earth. Jesus, by virtue of His death burial and resurrection, has the right to open the seals and finally, with His feet upon the Mount of Olives, take possession of that which He has purchased with His blood. The Kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15). He will rule the nations with a “rod of iron” and His triumphant Church will be His co-regent (Revelation 2:26-29). The knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9), the nation's will learn war no more (Isaiah 2:1-4) and year by year they will ascend to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. ( Zechariah 14:16) The Trumpet and Bowl judgements are not in sequence but in parallel, since they both end with the second coming of Jesus. However, they give us a more detailed description of the “days of sorrow” that will lead up to the glorious revelation of Jesus, in great power and glory. Wars, natural disasters, pestilences, apostasy and evil, of a type never seen before, will assault the earth. A global government will seize control of the world and it, driven by delusional demonic power, will enslave the peoples of the earth by trapping them in a cashless society that requires a mark and absolute allegiance in order to buy and sell (Revelation 13:16-17). Scripture affirms that men's hearts will fail them as they ponder the awful events afflicting the earth (Luke 21:26). All of this is now on the horizon of the world. The truth is, because of their wickedness, God will hand the citizens of the world over to this system thus preparing them for the awful Day of God's wrath that will befall them (Revelation 17:17). The Church will be challenged to take its stand and so it will be purified, though many will fall away, and others will be martyred. Full Blog Post: https://malcolmhedding.com/book-of-revelation-series-part-7-the-two-witnesses/ Resources: www.malcolmhedding.com/shop

The Book of Revelation part 6 – The Trumpets and Bowls Judgements We have noted in these studies that the Seven Sealed Scroll that appears at the very throne of God, in chapter five of the book, is the title deed to the earth that was purchased with Jesus' blood by His death. When He opens the last Seal then the “kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.” The breaking of the Seven Seals constitute the broad picture of end time events that lead to the second coming of Jesus. We have already noted that they are similar to the signs that Jesus mentioned in His Olivet Discourse as recorded in Matthew 24. The Full Commentary By contrast the Trumpet and Bowl Judgements give us a more detailed understanding of these events and are thus a commentary on the Seven Seals. By them we get a better understanding of end time events and we are thus better armed, if indeed we have to face them. The Trumpet and Bowl Judgements are therefore not in sequence but in parallel. Both conclude with the coming of Christ for the Church on the Great Day of Wrath, that befalls the world after the Great Tribulation. Though they may differ in perspective, just like the four Gospels, they all “come down to the wire” by giving us a picture of a huge invasion force that comes down into the Middle East arena for the great battle of Armageddon. These are said to be the “Kings from the east.” See Revelation 9:13-16 and Revelation 16:12. Full Blog Post: https://malcolmhedding.com/the-book-of-revelation-part-6-the-trumpets-and-bowls-jugdements/ Resources: www.malcolmhedding.com/shop

The Book of Revelation part 5 – The Great Tribulation Some thoughts about the Great Tribulation “Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:13-14 These saints, who emerge out of the great tribulation, are not in any way pictured as those who didn't make the cut at a secret rapture a few years before because the were lukewarm and backsliden, as some would have us believe. No, by contrast they are celebrated and honored because they have overcome and have triumphed gloriously in Christ. They even enjoy a special place in heaven! (Revelation 7:15). As far as scripture is concerned, believers in Jesus have always been in tribulation. It is just part of our walk in Christ because our values are in conflict with the world, the Devil and even ourselves. Jesus warned that we would be hated by all men because we have attached our lives to His: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have over- come the world.” John 16:33 John also saw himself ensnared in tribulation and even said so: “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 1:9 And, of course, Paul warned the believers, in all the churches under his care, that: “….we must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22 Full Blog Post: https://malcolmhedding.com/the-book-of-revelation-part-5-the-great-tribulation/ Resources: www.malcolmhedding.com/shop

The Book of Revelation – Part 4 the Seven Seals A few important thoughts The high point of the book is the Revelation or Second Coming of Christ. As we have already noted, the whole book is written for the whole Church, and it lays out before it the great triumph that it will enjoy when Jesus comes again in great power and glory. This visible, real return of Jesus to the Mt. Of Olives is the blessed hope set before it. This, indeed, is what the book of Revelation is all about. There is thus no word or hint, in the entire oracle, of a so called secret rapture that supposedly takes place before all the cataclysmic events spoken of in the book transpire. Jesus is in fact forearming His Church by giving it this book and thereby assuring it that, beyond the great trials ahead, is the glorious triumph of His Second Coming or Revelation. As I stated, this is the blessed hope of the Church! According to the book then, the Day of the Lord or the Day of His wrath takes place on the day of Jesus' physical and real second coming in great power and glory. This is also the day when the Church is raptured or “snatched away” to meet Him as He comes in flaming fire to wage war against the ungodly of the earth. Of this scripture plainly speaks: “………since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty Angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God………when He comes in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those have believed, because our testimony among you was believed.” 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 Full Blog Post: https://malcolmhedding.com/the-book-of-revelation-part-4-the-seven-seals/ Resources: www.malcolmhedding.com/shop

The Book of Revelation – Part 3 Sovereignty and Redemption Before we encounter the dramatic events of the end time, which will unfold on earth so as to facilitate the Revelation or Second Coming of Christ, we are introduced to the two realities that anchor our faith in God. 1. Sovereignty At the beginning of chapter four John is called into heaven and once there his eyes gaze upon the very nerve center of the whole created order; the Throne of God. This Throne is all glorious and is encircled by an Emerald Rainbow. It is also transcendent and therefore entirely removed from creation. The Throne of God is then self sufficient, magnificent beyond words and all powerful. Encircling this Throne is a heavenly court of angelic elders and the Almighty Himself. He is not seen but is described as the combined brilliance of Jasper and Sardius stones. Seven Lamps of fire, symbols of the seven attributes of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:1-2), are set there as well and four Living Creatures, symbols of Jesus' life and ministry as reflected in the four written Gospels, are also in attendance. This glorious scene, unfolding before John's eyes, sits on a magnificent Sea of Glass. Everything here speaks of rest, control, authority and power. There is no sense of panic, urgency and crisis here because an all powerful and sovereign God is in total control of His world and therefore His eternal purpose is on track and cannot be subverted. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can shake Him, but He can shake the world and will! Hebrews 12:25-26 All of the heavenly host rightly worship Him and acknowledge His holiness and glory. They ascribe blessing to His wonderful name and proclaim that indeed, He created all things and that by Him they consist and are upheld. This is bold truth sweeping away the foolishness of godless evolution! As we see this scene, by the help of the Holy Spirit who illuminates the pages of scripture, we too, like John, are caught up into heaven and long to be there. Our God is indeed sovereign and exists as three persons and all of these have the very same essence (John 10:30). In these turbulent and dark days we need to rest our eyes and faith upon these things. The message of chapter four is clear, heaven has everything under control and, if we will focus on this glorious place, we will have nothing to fear and a wonderful joy and peace will flood our hearts. 2. Redemption The situation on earth is entirely different, it is chaotic and filled with the darkness and wickedness of sin. Even the natural creation of fawn and flora has become fallen, down graded and polluted because of humankind's rebellion against God (Romans 8:18-22). It anxiously awaits a resolution to the problem. John, overcome by this appalling reality, looks for a deliverer on earth who will save the earth and her inhabitants from this great chaos and wickedness. One who would bring an end to evil, sinfulness and alienation from God but there is no one because the problem begins with humankind's relationship with God. But, of a truth, the chasm or breach between God and the people of this world is so great and far reaching that no human being can close it. It is, in all respects, a bridge too far because humankind's sinfulness falls hopelessly short of the perfection of God, even our very best efforts cannot save us (Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Peter 3:18). We are consequently forever separated from God and therefore doomed and destined to spend eternity under His wrath! John we are told, wept! Resources: www.malcolmhedding.com/shop

The Book of Revelation – Part 2 Judgement and Repentance The book of Revelation, as we have seen, has to do with those things that have to take place in the world, the Church and in Israel in order to facilitate the unveiling or Revelation of Jesus Christ or His second coming. In that sense then, the book is about Jesus. Of this an Angel reminded John as recorded in chapter nineteen and verse ten. He is the spirit of prophecy. We would do well to take note of this when we examine the detailed information given about other issues contained in this prophetic oracle. As we now move to consider the main teaching of the book we should briefly consider the following: 1. The book is about judgment. (Psalm 92:7) This is a major theme of the book since it constitutes that process whereby Jesus brings His enemies to His footstool so that He may rightly stand up and crush them. It also then has to do with judging His people the Church. She will be evaluated and judged so that she may repent, be purified and made ready for His revelation. The Church must hear the voice of the Spirit of God, change and overcome. In fact judgment begins with the household of God as 1 Peter 4:17 tells us and this is why, before doing anything else, Jesus turns His gaze and attention upon the Church. That is, His message to the Seven Churches of Asia. Before proceeding it is important to make a few comments about God's judgment as reflected in scripture. The God of the Bible judges His world and His people. He has not lost control of the world and certainly this includes the powers of darkness. They, not being omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient, actually and unknowingly serve His purposes in the matter of judgment. We see this supremely reflected in the death of Jesus. The Devil induced Judas to betray Jesus (John 6:70, John 13:1-2; 26-27) since he was determined to kill Him. Jesus acknowledged the power play of the powers of darkness in His arrest and crucifixion (Luke 22:53) and yet they were unwittingly playing into the hands of God and fulfilling His purpose for the redemption of humanity. The thing that the Devil desired the most and planned for became his undoing, defeat and downfall. The same thing is happening today in terms of the Corona Virus, in that it is entirely devilish and demonic but, by the sovereignty of God, it is rightly judging the world and purifying the Church! The great manifestation of the judgment of God that will take place at Armageddon is in fact orchestrated by evil and demonic spirits (Revelation 16:12-16). These, once again, in their mad drive to destroy the human race, will play into the hands of God to achieve His purpose and triumph and in the end guarantee their destruction. Revelation 20:10. 2. Jesus message to the seven Churches of Asia Chapters two and three record the evaluation or judgment that Jesus pronounces over His Church in the world. This is reflected in His dealings with seven churches that were real and were located in Asia. Interestingly, they give us a remarkable reflection of the state of the Church as it journeyed through 2000 years of history to the present. Also, His message to them, taken all together, gives us a picture of what the Church in any area of the world should look like. We should closely study Jesus' message to His people in Asia.

The Book of Revelation – Introduction The term Revelation means, the making manifest or the unveiling of Christ A. Authorship, exhortation and warning The book was written by John in response to the inspiration that Jesus gave him. John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos and, being fairly advanced in years, he wrote the book between AD 92 and 94. The book carries a blessing and warning depending on what attitude the reader takes when he or she approaches it. However, it remains the most neglected book of the Bible by preachers. Revelation 1:3, Revelation 22:18-19. B. Purpose and concepts 1. To assure believers in Jesus of His ultimate and final triumph over all that is wicked and evil in the world. Revelation 1:7-8, Revelation 22:12-13, Revelation 21:3-4. 2. The book is written in typical Hebraic style meaning that it employs: progressive prophetic fulfillment, Hebrew parallelism and remez. We will say more about this later. Most important of all is the fact that the whole book is written to the whole church! Revelation 1:10-11. Every page of the book is relevant to the church. 3. To set out the things that have to take place in the church and the world in order to bring forth the triumphant second coming of Jesus. Jesus can only step onto the stage of history, literally and physically, when this stage has been set. In terms of the world; wickedness has to ripen and come to its fullness (Matthew 22:44)….and, in terms of the church, she has to be judged and purified. That is “The Bride must make herself ready.” Revelation 14:14-20 sets forth this principle. Harvest time is coming! Note: The fullness of wickedness is embodied in the person and regime of Antichrist and the fullness of the church's purification is achieved by enduring these. Revelation 14:9-12; Revelation 7:13-17. Remember, judgment begins with the household of God! 1 Peter 4:17 Today the “setting of the stage” is rapidly taking place. You have to be spiritually blind not to see it. The rise of electronic money and surveillance systems, the emergence of micro chip implanted technology and the frequent calls by many in places of power and authority for a one world government and religion are all unique signs spoken of in the book of Revelation. Indeed, the “setting of the stage ” is rapidly drawing to a close and the people of God must get ready for the greatest event in history! Very challenging days are ahead of us and the Corona Virus is just the beginning of sorrows but Christ is coming!

This second episode of this series expounds on the two great signs of Jesus his second coming.

This first episode of this series expounds on the seasons of Christian life that we as believers walk through in the journey of our faith.