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Key Bible Themes Bible Study
December 14, 2022 - Present

Lesson 1 - Introduction - December 14, 2022

The goal of this series of Bible lessons is to explore the key themes of the Scriptures that explains God’s purpose and will for His people.  A good working  knowledge of the Scriptures will greatly influence the way we live our lives and practice our Christian faith.  Additionally, it will help to answer our questions and clarify the intended meaning of the inspired writers.  

Lesson 2 - Part 1 - The Bible - The Word of God - December 14, 2022

The Bible, from the Greek word, “biblos,” is a book that was written by more than 40 human authors, covering thousands of years, with amazing continuity.  What makes the Bible so unique in its character is that it is indeed the Word of God, even though it was written by human authors.  Both testaments (Old and New) claim to be God’s communication to humanity, the only divine revelation from the one true God. 

There are two different approaches to arguing the Bible being the Word of God. First, there are those who believe that the Scripture is self-authenticating.  1) The Bible needs no other testimony of its authenticity.  The Bible is true because it says it is true, and the Holy Spirit bears witness to this truth.  No other arguments are necessary

A second approach believes that the claims of Scriptures have sufficient evidence to back them up. 2) The Bible testifies on its own behalf.  Those who hold this view believe there is overwhelming evidence to convince anyone that the Bible is what it claims to be—the Word of God. 

Many believe that that the issue of the Bible’s authenticity is something that should not be debated. The authority of the Bible must be believed because the Scriptures says so. 

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Lesson 2 - Part 2 - The Bible - The Inspired Word of God - December 21, 2022

Introduction

How can a human author, recording his own thoughts and knowledge, be guided to write exactly what God directs him to write? This is the question that is addressed in what is called the Doctrine of Inspiration. The inspiration of the Bible is defined as “God directing human authors, without destroying their own individuality, literary style, or personal interest.”  The Doctrine of Inspiration presents some problems and challenges for human understanding because it deals with the supernatural

 

Lesson 2 - Part 3 - The Bible - Its Subject and Purpose - December 28, 2022

Introduction

From reading the Scriptures it is plain to see that Jesus Christ is the main subject of the entire Bible. From the testimony of Jesus Himself we find that the entire Bible is about Him. These are His words in John 5:39 to the Bible scholars of that time: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”  Later in Verse 46 Jesus said, "For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.”  The books of the Old Testament were the only Scriptures they could search.  Jesus made the bold claim that the entire Bible is about Him! The entire Old Testament (the only Scripture at the time) was looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. He would bring God’s kingdom to the earth. Everything in the Old Testament Scripture was pointing toward Him.

So, then what is the purpose of the Bible?  If we have to speak of a single purpose of the Bible, it would be to reveal God to us.  There are many things that we could never know about God unless He told them to us.  The Bible is God’s self-revelation to humanity.  The Bible also tells us who we are. It tells us of our sin and of God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ.  Let’s look at these two questions concerning the Bible: A) Who is its subject, and B) what is its purpose?

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Lesson 3 - Part 1 - God - The Trinity - January 4, 2023

Introduction

The one common belief among all cultures and civilizations is that the only explanation for our world, the human experience, is that there must be a divine being greater than man. Man Instinctively, man reaches out to a higher being to satisfy questions and issues greater than his own abilities and reasoning.

The Doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to the Christian faith. It is crucial for properly understanding what God is like, how He relates to us, and how we should relate to Him.  But it also raises the difficult questions, how can God be both one and three?  While we cannot fully understand everything about the Trinity, it is possible to come to a solid grasp of what it means for God to be three in one. The Doctrine of the Trinity means that there is one God Who eternally exists as three distinct Persons — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Another way of looking at it is, God is one in essence and three in person.  These are the three central truths about God: 

(1) the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct Persons, 

(2) each Person is fully God, and 

(3) there is only one God. 

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Lesson 3 - Part 2 - God - God the Father - January 11, 2023

Introduction

Throughout the Bible we find God portrayed as a Father.  In the three Persons Who make up the Holy Trinity, (The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) it is the First Person Who is designated as the Father.  However, the Father alone is not the entire Trinity, just as the Son is not the Trinity, nor is the Holy Spirit the Trinity.  The Trinity includes all three persons.  While the Doctrine of the Trinity is presented in the Old Testament, the New Testament defines and reveals the full doctrine. The Father is presented as electing, loving and bestowing. The Son is presented as suffering, redeeming, and upholding the universe. The Holy Spirit is presented as regenerating, indwelling, baptizing, energizing, and sanctifying.  Because of this permanent and irreversible order, the Father is properly designated as the First Person, without lessoning in any way the deity of either, the Second Person or the Third Person.  Look what the Father does - He sends (1st John 4:14) and commissions (Isaiah 9:6) the Son, and the Son sends and commissions the Holy Spirit (John 15:26). 

The subject of the Fatherhood of God is too vast to fully cover in this study.  So, this lesson on God the Father will be limited to His Headship, His Maintenance, and His title as Abba Father.

 

Lesson 3 - Part 3a - God - God the Son - January 18, 2023

Introduction

Concerning the triune nature of God, John wrote in his epistle: “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one”(1st John 1:7). While God the Father is most notably revealed in the Old Testament, God the Son (the second person of the Trinity) is most prominently revealed in the Gospels. The  study of God the Son is formally called Christology.  This doctrine is one of the most important doctrines of the Bible, mainly because it is this doctrine which distinguishes the true believers from cults.  2nd John 9-11 warns us: “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”  Many people and religions deny the deity of Christ.  In order to fully understand the Doctrine of God the Son we need to let the Bible answer these four questions:

  1. Who He is?

  2. What has He done?

  3. What will He do?

  4. What is He doing?

Lesson 3 - Part 3b - God - God the Son - January 25, 2023

Introduction

Having looked at Part 3a, the Person and the Deeds of God the Son, “Who He Is,” and “What He has Done,”  we complete this Christological study by examining “What He Will Do” and “What He is Doing.”

Lesson 3 - Part 4a & 4b- God - God the Holy Spirit - February 8 & 15, 2023

Introduction

Pneumatology refers to the biblical Doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The term is taken from the Greek word, “pneuma” meaning “wind’’ “breath,” or “spirit,” and the Latin word “logia” meaning “study.” Generally, this includes such topics as the personality of the Spirit, His deity, and the works of the Spirit throughout the Scriptures. 

We believe that the Holy Spirit is co-equal with God the Father and God the Son and is of the same essence.  Yet, He is also distinct from them.  Scripture describes the Holy Spirit in personal terms, not as an impersonal force. Notice that it says that He teaches, guides, comforts and intercedes (John 14:26; Romans 8:14). He possesses emotions, intellect and will (Ephesians 4:30; 1st Corinthians 12:11). The Holy Spirit spoke to Philip and gave counsel to the church at Jerusalem (Acts 8:29). He was sinned against and lied to (Acts 5:3-4).

The Scriptures also attest to the deity of the Holy Spirit.  He is spoken of as God and is identified with the title of Jehovah (Acts 5:4).  Therefore, the Christian who is indwelt by the Spirit is indwelt by God (Ephesians 2:22).  The Holy Spirit possesses the attributes of deity, such as omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence and being eternal (1st Corinthians 2:10-11).  He does works only God can do, such as creating, regenerating and sanctifying.  He is equally associated with the other members of the Trinity (Genesis 1:2; 2nd Thessalonians 2:13). 

The work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament differed somewhat from His work in the New Testament.  In Old Testament times, the possession of the Holy Spirit by the believer was not permanent in every case.  The Spirit had a ministry of restraining sin and in the creation of the world. 

The Holy Spirit today plays a major role in the application of salvation to the individual.  It is the Spirit Who brings conviction to the unbeliever and causes him to see the truth of the Gospel.  Those who respond to this conviction and place their faith in Jesus Christ receive eternal life and a new nature.  The Holy Spirit unites the believer with Christ and places him in the body of Christ, which is the church (1st Corinthians 12:13).  He also unites the believer with Christ in His death, enabling him to live victoriously over sin.  The Holy Spirit controls the believer who yields to God and submits himself to God's Word (Romans 12:1-2).  When these conditions are met, the believer lives in the power of the Spirit and produces the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).

Lesson 4 - Part 1 - Man - His Creation & Nature - February 26, 2023

Introduction

Many have have tried to answer the question of the origin of man with many conflicting and uncertain information.  Apart from the Scriptures, theories such as “Evolution” and “Natural Selection” will continue to come up short.  Only in the Scripture can one expect to find a complete and accurate account of man’s origin. However, the doctrine of man is clearly taught in the Scriptures (Genesis 1-2; 2:25; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 11:3). The first Chapter of Genesis alone, repeatedly refers to God as Creator. Throughout the Bible more than fifty references of this title is used. 

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Lesson 5 - Angels - March 8, 2023

Introduction

The Bible informs us that long before the creation of man, God created an countless company of beings described as angels.  Like men, they are capable of great intelligence and moral responsibility. The word “angel” means “messenger,” and while referring to a special class of being, the term sometimes refers to others who are messengers – namely pastors who were called “the angels of the seven churches in Asia” (Revelation 2-3). Also, the term “Angel of Jehovah” is used in the appearances of Christ in the Old Testament; this is called a Christophany (Genesis 16:7-9; 21:17-19;22;11). Christology, the study of Christ, the second person of the Godhead, teaches that Christ existed and appeared in the Old Testament, before His birth into the world in the New Testament Scriptures.

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Lesson 6 - Part 1 - Satan - March 15, 2023

Introduction

We know that Satan was already created as the highest being above all the moral creatures of God. But there is an immeasurable gulf of difference and abilities that separate Satan and the Godhead. Satan was created by God, Who is self-existent, always was and always will be. Satan is fallen and doomed, God is forever holy and supreme in His eternal rulership.

This study of Satan is significant because every believer must know his enemy. We must understand the following:

  • His Personality and Power

  • His Work and Destiny

Lesson 6 - Part 2 - Satan - March 22, 2023

Introduction

The best approach to learning who Satan is begins with revealing who he is not. Inasmuch as Satan alone benefits from the misconceptions about him, we can trust that he is the author of all this confusion. 

Lesson 7 - Part 1 - Sin - April 5, 2023

Introduction

The reality of sin as a dominant force in the human experience makes it a major theme of the Bible. Once again, the authority of the Scriptures, refutes the world’s inadequate and false theory that there is right and wrong in the world, and that sin is a natural part of our existence.  Contrary to the teachings of Gnosticism, man is not inherently evil.  This nonbiblical approach to the problem and reality of sin ignores the fact that man was originally created perfect and without sin.  The world’s explanation of sin overlooks the fact that the Bible declares sin and its consequences to be a curse.  Galatians 3:13 states: “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree").”  Perhaps the greatest flaw of the world’s misconception of sin is that it denies the existence of a moral God and moral principles.  Everything about God, all of His moral attributes have to do with moral standards: God is:

  • Holy – “And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!" (Isaiah 6:3)

  • Righteous – “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

  • Love – “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1st John 4:8)

  • Truth – “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”(John 14:6)

  • Good – “Good and upright is the LORD.” (Psalm 25:8)

  • Merciful – “The LORD is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.”  (Psalm 145:8)

All of these attributes speak of God’s holy conduct and character.  They all reflect the goodness of God. 

In short, all of the world’s theories about sin fall short of the biblical standards of good moral conduct.  They reject the biblical revelation of the character and universality of sin.

Lesson 7 - Part 2 - Sin - April 12, 2023

Introduction

In order to fully appreciate man’s deliverance from the penalty of sin, a proper understanding of salvation is essential.  According to its meaning in the Scriptures, the word “salvation” represents the whole work of God by which He rescues man from the eternal ruin and doom of sin, and bestows on him the riches of His grace, including eternal life now and eternal glory in heaven. “Salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). David declared, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).  He alone is our Deliverer.  Every aspect of salvation is of God, and is in no sense the work of man.

Beginning with Adam and continuing to Christ, those individuals who put their trust in God were spiritually reborn and made heirs of heaven’s glory. According to Isaiah 66:7-10, even Israel, which rejected Christ will experience a complete rebirth at the time of the Lord’s return. Jeremiah 31:34 prophesy’s “all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD.” However, the salvation that God offers to this present age far exceeds any saving grace both past and future. It includes every phase of the gracious work of God, including the indwelling, sealing, and baptism in the Spirit.

Any study of the doctrine of sin is incomplete without examining salvation as God’s antidote and answer to both the penalty and the power of sin.

Lesson 7 - Part 3 - Sin - April 19, 2023

Introduction

Having explained God’s plan for the believer’s escape from the Penalty of Sin, we turn our attention to Salvation from the Power of Sin. Salvation from the power of sin is God’s gracious provision for those He has already saved from the guilt and penalty of sin. This doctrine is limited to “believer’s only.” Although saved and secure in Christ, Christians still have the disposition or inclination to sin. The Scriptures and the human experience offer abundant proof to this fact. Much that is written in the New Testament Epistles, is directed to believers as a way of deliverance from sin.

New Christians are often alarmed and confused by their continued sin nature, even doubting their salvation. That is why there is no more important truth to be understood than God’s gracious plan whereby man may live to the glory of God.

Lesson 8 - Righteous - April 26, 2023

Introduction

What is “righteousness?”  If you break down this word you have the root word “right,” which indicates “moral correctness,”while the suffix “eous” means “to have the nature of.”  When you combine these two together you get the simple definition, “to have a nature of moral correctness.”  To get a more comprehensive answer to our question, we need to take a look at the moral nature of both God and man.  God’s righteousness is innate – natural or in-born. “The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works” (Psalm 145:17).  On the other hand, sinful man is without any righteousness. “As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10; Psalm 14:3).  To Begin with, “righteousness” is an attribute of God. “For the LORD is righteous” (Psalm 11:7).  The Bible talks a lot about righteousness.  It is not a word that the world uses very much, however, it is central to understanding what went wrong in the relationship between God and man, and how that relationship can be made right again. 

The Scriptures distinguishes four aspects of righteousness.  The Righteousness of God, the Self-Righteousness of Man, the Imputed Righteousness of God, and Imparted Righteousness by the Holy Spirit.

Lesson 9 - Part 1 - Sancification - May 10, 2023

Introduction

“Sanctify,” the root word of “sanctification,” is used in some various form 106 times in the Old Testament, and 31 times in the New Testament.  This points to the importance of this theme in the Bible. “Sanctify” means to “set apart,” or the “state of being set apart.”  To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer.  In that sense, an automobile is "sanctified" when used as transportation.  Eyeglasses are "sanctified" when used to improve sight.  In the theological sense, things are “sanctified” when they are used for the purpose God intends.  A person is “sanctified,” therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose.

Lesson 9 - Part 2 - Sanctification - May 24, 2023

Introduction

Sanctification is one of those religious-sounding words that people in the church use, but may not understand what it means.  In its most basic sense, to sanctify something is to set it apart for God’s special use and purpose. Therefore God’s people are sometimes said to be sanctified because they are set apart for God’s special purposes in the world: “Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy; for I am the LORD your God. Keep my statutes, and do them; I am the LORD Who sanctifies you” (Leviticus 20:7-8). 

As we observed in an earlier lesson, the word sanctification is closely related to holiness. The word sanctification can be used similarly in the New Testament. Thus in one sense, believers are already sanctified because of what Jesus has done for them. Hebrews 10:10 tells us that as followers of Christ “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

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Lesson 10 - Part 1 - The Church - May 31, 2023

Introduction

We begin an extensive study of the Church of Jesus Christ.  The Church in the New Testament is revealed to be the central purpose of God in this present age.  Acts 42:2 could be considered a purpose statement for the church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” According to this verse, the purposes and activities of the church should be 1) teaching biblical doctrine, 2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, 3)observing the Lord’s Supper, and 4) praying.  In contrast with God’s purposes for individuals and the nation of Israel of the Old Testament, the Bible reveals the Church to be an assembly of believers made up of Jews and Gentiles, who are called out of the world and joined together in union by the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

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Lesson 10 - Part 2 - The Church -  Purpose & Commission - June 7, 2023

Introduction

It is by means of the Church that God is making known His grand purpose in the creation of the universe that the wisdom of God might be clearly shown.  It was not enough to display it by the formation of the sun, the stars, the earth, the seas, the mountains, or the floods.  Nor was it sufficient to show it by the creation of intelligent beings, the formation of immortal souls on earth, and the various ranks of the angelic hosts that surround the throne of God. God displays His great purposes through the Church of Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 3:10 confirms this fact: “…that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the Church.”  This divine commission of the church is given to individual believers rather than the corporate body.  Christ as the Head of the Church is able to direct each believer in the paths of the Lord’s will in keeping with His plan for our personal gifts and the plan of God for each individual’s life.  All of this is in harmony with God’s general design for the Church in the present age.  It is through the Church that God is fulfilling a present and divine purpose, which is unfolding exactly as prophesied in the Scriptures.

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Lesson 10 – Part 3 - The Church - Service & Stewardship - June 14, 2023

Introduction

Almost every doctrine of the Old Testament is anticipated in the New Testament, and remains incomplete until it is fulfilled or perfected in the period of God’s grace and new covenant with man called the New Testament. The theme of Christian service is no exception. 

Any service appointed by God, whether of the Old or New Testament, is committed primarily to a divinely ordered priesthood.  In the Old Testament the priesthood was a hierarchy over the nation, and in their service they were under the authority of the high priest.  In the New Testament every believer is a priest unto God. That is what is meant by the term, “believer-priest.” “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1st Peter 2:9).  We are under the authority of Christ, Who is the true High Priest. All Old Testament priests were simply a type of New Testament priests.  In the New Testament, service is to be committed to all believers alike and on the grounds of their priestly relationship to God.  Like the priests of the Old Testament, the New Testament priests have been appointed to serve both God and man.

There was no Gospel to be preached to the nations in the Old Testament. (That was the function of the prophets.)  The priests were assigned to the divinely appointed ritual in the Tabernacle or Temple.  In contrast, the ministry of the New Testament is much broader, including a service to God, fellow believers and men everywhere.

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Lesson 10 - Part 4 - The Church - June 21, 2023

Introduction

When we speak about “the Church,” we are not referring to a material structure.  It is comprised of those people whom God has called out of the world into the light of His Son. The Greek word for “Church” means “an assembly.”  The Bible informs us that Christ maintains a special relationship to His body, the Church.  The Bible refers to the Church as belonging to  Christ.  In Matthew 16:18, He told His disciples, “I will build My Church.”  Ephesians 1:22 tells us that God “…Put all things under His (Christ’s) feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church.”  When a person obeys God’s will through baptism, he is simultaneously added to the Church (Acts 2:38-47).  Thus a very special relationship exists between the church described in the Bible and Christ.

Lesson 10 - Part 5 - The Church - June 28, 2023

Introduction

This final section of our study on The Church will address the Judgements and Rewards of the Church.  The Scriptures speak of many judgements that God has executed and will hand down.  One of the most significant judgements is the Judgement Seat of Christ where the Church (the people of God), is both judged and rewarded.  As we look at the Rewards and Judgements of the Church, a close study of the Judgment Seat of Christ is in order.

Lessson 11 - Preparing for the Second Coming - July 5, 2023

Introduction

Jesus Christ had much to say concerning His followers being prepared for His Second Coming.  Accordingly, the Bible is our guide for being prepared. The coming of Christ is near. As the present age of grace unfolds many prophesies are being fulfilled.One of the things that makes you a disciple is the fact that you believe that Jesus Christ is returning to take His bride with Him.This is a fact that we must stay aware of and consciously remind ourselves of regularly to avoid being like the foolish virgins who slept and were caught unawares when the bridegroom returned.

Lesson 12 - Mortification - July 12, 2023

Introduction

The topic of the Doctrine of Mortification is one that is often ignored, or casually mentioned in many serious Bible Studies.  I believe that is because it better received as a supporting element of the study of biblical doctrines such as Regeneration, Sanctification, or Justification. It is true that each of these doctrines touch upon the components of “mortification.” However, I agree with Christian authors such as Charles Spurgeon, J. C. Ryle, JJ. I. Packer, and John Owen, to name a few, that a good understanding of this important doctrine is critical to the believer’s continued growth and successful struggle with sin.

“Mortification” is the theological term used to describe the call for those who are united to Christ and living in the power of the Spirit, to put to death (mortify) lingering sinful impulses that arise from within and resist temptations that surface from outside of the believer. It’s easy to make the mistake of reducing “mortification” to moralistic attempts to not do bad things. But when rightly understood, “mortification” becomes more than a series of negative “thou shall not” concepts, but a positive tool for healthy Christian living.  Sin is virus that infects our lives and causes disorder and eventual death.  Therefore, it must be mortified – put to death.  There is only one way to achieve  the true Christian life, and that is through the death of sin. Thank God for the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, which now offers us new life. 

The simple reality is that “mortification” is war: and four steps are involved in effective warfare.

Lesson 13 - Preparation for the Rapture - July 19, 2023

Introduction

The Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are often confused as the same event. Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether a scripture verse is referring to the Rapture or the Second Coming of Christ. However, in studying end-times Bible prophecy, it is very important to differentiate between the two.  The Rapture is the event when Jesus Christ returns to remove the Church (all believers in Christ) from the earth. The Second Coming is when Jesus returns to defeat the Antichrist, destroy evil, and establish His millennial kingdom. 

Lesson 14 - The Tribulation - July 26, 2023

Introduction

There is much confusion concerning the Doctrine of the Great Tribulation, mainly  due to a failure to distinguish between general trials and sufferings of the people of God and the periods of great trouble that the Bible speaks of in both the Old and New Testaments. The concept of tribulation implies a time of conflict, affliction, anguish of heart, and trouble in general.  Tribulation is a common human experience, resulting from two realities: 1) conflict between God and Satan in the world, and 2) man’s sin and rebellion against God. 

Christ assured His disciples in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation., but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  The trials of Job in the Old Testament, and the Apostle Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” in the New Testament are good biblical examples of man’s constant struggle with trouble and affliction.  Since Adam’s Fall, trials and suffering have characterized man’s condition down through history.  According to Billy Graham, “Suffering is a part of the human condition and it comes to us all. The key is how we react to it, either turning away from God in anger and bitterness or growing closer to Him in trust and confidence.”  In contrast to these general afflictions of trouble, the Scriptures speaks of the Great Tribulation, a special time of worldwide suffering and anguish, which will continue for  42 months (Revelation 11:12; 13:5) or 1260 days (Revelation 11:3), (both of these periods amount to 3 ½ years) leading up to the second coming of Christ. 

Lesson 15 - The Rapture - September 7, 2023

Introduction

The Rapture is perhaps the most important event that will happen in the prophetical events of the end times.  (Another name for end times is eschatology –  study of the final events of history and the destiny of humanity.) The Rapture is significant because it will impact every true Christian personally.  The Rapture will only involve Christians.  In brief, the Rapture is an event where all who have put their trust in the Living God, whether alive or deceased, will be suddenly caught up from the earth, to be joined with Christ in the air, and taken to heaven.  The Apostle Paul describes the Rapture in 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18:

Lesson 16 - The Millennial Kingdom - September 13, 2023

Introduction

The phrase “Millennial Kingdom” refers to a future period when Jesus Christ reigns over an earthly kingdom for 1,000 years. “The Millennium,” is from the Latin words “Mille” (1000) and “Annum” (year). This is that kingdom that Jesus taught His disciples to pray for in Matthew 6:10 – “Thy kingdom come…”   Chapter 20 of the Book of Revelation reveals there is to be a future earthly kingdom of 1,000 years duration following the Second Coming of Christ.  

The purpose of the 1,000-year reign is to fulfill various promises God made to the world. Some of these promises, called covenants, were given specifically to Israel. Others were given to Jesus, the nations of the world, and creation.  Jesus’ 1,000-year reign will be a time of promises kept.

However, the primary purpose of the Millennial Kingdom is to demonstrate what life on earth would have been had man not rebelled in the Garden of Eden, but instead had exercised his God-given dominion in righteousness. The restoration of the earth (Matthew 19:28; Acts 3:21) in preparation for the Millennial Kingdom will roll back conditions to be much like they were prior to the flood. Animals will be vegetarian and will no longer fear man.  The earth will be highly productive and peace will extend throughout the globe.  This is what would have been had man not rebelled against God.  In the righteous rule of Jesus from Jerusalem, the Millennial Kingdom will be a time of great spiritual and material blessing, which was God’s intention for the earth from the beginning.  It forms a transition between present history which is cursed with sin, and the eternal state of perfection.  In Matthew 19:28 Jesus spoke of a spiritual renewal of the world: “So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

While Revelation 20:2-7 gives the precise time period of the millennial kingdom, there are countless other passages that point to a literal reign of the Messiah on the earth.  The fulfillment of many of God’s covenants and promises rests on a literal, physical, and future kingdom. Some scholars suggest that the millennial kingdom is allegorical (symbolic), however, there is no solid basis for denying the literal interpretation of the millennial kingdom and its duration being 1,000 years. 

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