The Book of Revelation – personal journey
Am I crazy to read or study a book of prophecy, judgment, warnings, and hope? More people today have questions about the future with all that is going on world-wide. Many scholars have spent a lifetime pursuing an understanding of the Word of God. Yet, the God of the universe has given His word that all will occur as He has said. Revelation has much to say about the coming days for this world. So if you are of a mind, please join me in a journey into a future that you may never have imagined or thought possible. Let us look at the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
What follows comes from a Pre-Tribulation point-of-view, an explanation provided later. Much of the narrative comes from reading a detailed analysis and discussion by Dr. Jack Van Impe in his book titled Revelation Revealed – verse by verse. See all his work at www.JVIM.com. Another source is the commentary Exploring Revelation by John Phillips, available at various book outlets. This journey will be in segments by chapter. I highly recommend both resources.
There are three main views on when the Rapture of the Church will occur:
(1) Pre-Tribulation (the rapture occurring before the tribulation),
(2) Mid-Tribulation (it occurs somewhere at the mid-point of the tribulation), and
(3) Post-Tribulation (occurring at the end of the tribulation).
So what is the rapture anyway? The biblical passage in
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 states that all believers in Jesus Christ, living or dead, will meet the Lord Jesus in the air and be with Him forever and ever. Then in 1 Thessalonians 5:9, the apostle Paul writes, “For God did not appoint us (believers) to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Also, Christ promised in Revelation 3:10 to keep believers from the hour of trial coming upon the earth. What is coming is not for them, but it is the time for Jacob’s trouble. Christ promises to keep believers from the trials in this time known as the Tribulation. A literal and consistent interpretation of the Bible lends itself to the pre-tribulation position as the most biblically-based view.
You can also find clear explanation to your biblical questions on www.gotquestions.org.
I plan to submit another posting each week until we conclude. Next, Book of Revelation – Chapter 1
Proverbs 17:15 – Speaks Today
“He that justifies the wicked, and he that condemns the just, even they both are abominations (offenses) to the Lord.” Proverbs 17:15
An example of “he that justifies the wicked” is like the reporter who stands in front of a burning building and tells you these are primarily peaceful protests. Another example is the judge who acquits or gives a free pass to criminals.
An example of “he that condemns the just” are the judges and attorney generals who prosecute the innocent on made-up or fraudulently concocted charges. We are seeing too many instants of this today.
When the “rule of law” is ignored, it can end a functioning government, end protection for good citizens, and end the punishment for criminals.
Fool in his Folly (Deceit)
We have warning in Proverbs 17:12.
”Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly.”
We can think of ‘folly’ being deceit or the lack of good sense. As fierce a fighter that a mama bear can be, it is better to tangle with her than with a deceitful fool. Allow me to borrow from Prophets and Kings (570, 571) for this statement. H/T: stepstolife.org
It is not our open and avowed enemies that are most to be feared. But those who come with smooth, pleasant words and fair speeches, seeking friendly alliances and bi-partisan agreements, have greater power to deceive. Against such, every person should be on alert; otherwise, some carefully concealed and masterly snare take him unaware.
Such has been the situation for years at all levels of our government. Only now has everyone noticed. What can change a fool? Only God and His saving grace for those that come to Him.
The Rule of Kings, Presidents, and Others in Power
Haven’t you questioned the leaders of your state or national government at times? What were they thinking when…they decided to do that? I have noticed something interesting.
The Bible has a lot to say about the conduct of kings, which implied any leader or representative of the people. There is a great responsibility that goes with being the leader of a country like the United States. A responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
Proverbs 16:10
All kings and judges of the earth are to be just and rule in the fear of God (Matthew Henry commentary). Seems today that our leaders have no fear of God, nor do they respect Him because they don’t respect the people they govern.
Proverbs 16:11
Fairness in business, not dishonesty, honors the Lord God. This is true of business dealings as well as governmental affairs toward the citizens and other countries. Where is the fairness today?
Proverbs 16:12
All rulers and unelected bureaucrats should love truth and justice. A good king not only does justice, but it is disgusting to him to do otherwise; he will hate the thought of doing wrong and perverting justice (Benson commentary). We see none of this today. But it should be demanded of our elected officials at all levels. And should be a characteristic or quality that we look for in future government leaders.
So ask yourself, do you see this quality in the current occupier of the WH or in the Supreme Court or in your state and local county offices? If not, why not? We are responsible for insuring that the proper men and women of the highest ethical standards serve. God help us!
Groupthink
Have you found yourself in a situation of “groupthink” lately? I believe that at one time or another, whether we realized it or not, we were. What is groupthink? The Oxford Dictionary states “it is the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility.”
More than ever, all of us need to practice the ability to think for ourselves. Making independent and individual decisions can seem like a scary place to be because right or wrong you alone are responsible for the consequences. Going along with the group can seem like a safe place where no one has responsibility and blame can be spread evenly around. It can also present problems that none wish to pursue.
Groupthink can occur when a person has a strong tendency to fall for group decision-making on any issue. People become convinced that the group’s action is best without giving any time to consider other alternatives. There are some folks who may not be able to make decisions on their own. They wait to see where the majority of friends and family thinking is going and just goes along to get along. Otherwise they start to feel isolated or stressed out. Because of their uncertainty, they turn to a hive mentality in decision-making and just go with the group.
The graphic below illustrates what can happen. Always ask the critical questions up front. Ask why and ask for justifications. Present alternative points of view. Watch what happens next. You will surprise many.
Bill Wyler
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