We continue our study of the “End Times” according to God’s Schedule. Last week we noted from the Book of Revelation some of the details of the 7 Year Tribulation Period.
Let us remind ourselves of God’s Schedule. We are currently living in the age of Grace (The Church Age of Jesus Christ), after this Age, the Tribulation Age of 7 years will happen to judge Israel and the Whole World, then after the Tribulation, The Millennial Kingdom will occur, then as we will note next week, there will be a final judgment by Jesus Christ before the new heaven and the new earth, the Holy Eternal State with God!
But let us not forget that there will be a Grand Event called the Rapture for Believers of Christ which can happen before the Tribulation (like anytime now), or the rapture can happen in the middle or after the Tribulation; and remember that the Temple in Jerusalem must be rebuilt in order for the Tribulation to happen; but don’t wait to see that Temple rebuilt because you will miss God’s blessings.
I personally believe that the Rapture can happen at anytime now; but only God the Father knows the exact time! God is in control of His plans and schedule! God gives us a glimpse of the future so that we will not be surprised with what happens in the world, to truly believe and depend on Him, and to tell others about God! Jesus can show up for Christians at anytime but if the rebuilding of the Temple gets started, watch out! Completely depend on God!
Let us look into this Millennial Kingdom today; please open your Bibles to Revelation 19; what we will read is what will happen at the end of the Tribulation Period which ushers in the Millennial Kingdom; Read along with me Revelation 19:1-20:4…..
And so we read in Revelation 19:1-8 – All in heaven were praising God for the Tribulation was being completed!
Close your eyes for a moment and picture yourself in heaven (if you’re a Believer of Christ, you will be in heaven when what we read happens). The apostle John is describing us what’s happening .in heaven in Revelation 19:6-7; John is describing you and me as Believers of Christ in future heaven; picture yourself there… John described us… I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
We praise You Lord Jesus!!
V9-10: John was stopped from worshipping the angel but to worship Jesus Christ alone!
V11-16: Jesus Christ is described: Faithful and True, Judge, Eyes like blazing fire, Many Crowns, “I Am”, Robe is dipped in blood, Named “Word of God”, Commander of Armies (dressed in fine linen, white and clean), Can strike down nations with a sword “spoken”, Ruler of all nations, Destroyer of Unbelievers, King of kings and Lord of lords! This is our God and Savior!!
V17-18: Birds were called to be ready to feast on flesh of those who will be destroyed
V19: The beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against Jesus Christ. Who is the beast? We can note in this Chapter that there are 3 main enemies of God, this beast, the false prophet, and the dragon. We can note in Revelation 20 that the dragon is satan, the devil himself; the false prophet is a spokesperson for the antichrist as described in Revelation 13; and the beast is the antichrist who proclaimed himself God in the Temple. And so, the antichrist (will claim to be god) lures the world and sets up a final battle against Jesus Christ!
Now, read along with me again v20-21….
Jesus Christ finally destroys the antichrist and his prophet, thrown in to a fiery lake of burning sulfur! The rest of unbelievers were also killed; their flesh eaten by birds!
What about the devil himself?
Revelation 20:1-4….. We get a glimpse of the 1000 Year Kingdom:
• devil was captured, chained, and locked up in an Abyss (separated from everybody)
• no satanic influence on people
• there will be people living (only Christians to begin with)
• there were thrones for judging
• there will be people resurrected
• Resurrected Christians will reign with Christ
And so, what does this all mean to us today even though the Millennial Kingdom with Christ will be a while yet in the future?
A. Let us never forget that, Anyone of us can die at any moment and face the immediate judgment of God!
B. Jesus can show up in the clouds at any moment to “rapture” Believers and those left behind will go through Tribulation time with the antichrist!
C. Salvation is available now through belief in Jesus Christ and is only available while we are alive.
D. The devil is currently active in our world!
E. The Millennial Kingdom of Jesus Christ will happen for God’s glory and blessings for those who believe!
F. Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords now and forever!
Let us close with these 3 important notes:
1. All who do not believe in Jesus Christ will be separated from God for eternity and be judged along with the devil and all the demons.
2. God is love! It is God’s desire for every person to be saved from eternal judgment and reign with Him on earth for 1000 years!
3. God calls Believers living right now to share the Good News of Salvation to whoever wants to listen!
Take a moment to quietly pray about these things…..
Benediction – Revelation 22:16-21…..
