The Kingdom, The Rapture, The Tribulation, And The Millineum

Many different teachings exist on many different Bible subjects in the world. The aim of this series is to look at various doctrines, and decide whether they be from God or man. Once again, as always, I am a man and fallible. Check scripture with me for yourself to see if these things are so. This is the third sermon in this series.

Part III of this series is too long to place on the web in one piece. I have therefore seperated it into sub-parts "a" and "b" that I may remain somewhat consistent in size, allowing people to get the most out of these sermons. Sub-part "b" will deal with the three main prophecies used for the "end times."

For purposes of this sermon, as with all I write, I will use bible names for Bible things. If someone does something else, I will simply take the thing of which they are speaking, see what the Bible says about it, and if it is there, I will give the correct name and usage for it.

Many people find prophecy to be a fascinating subject. Some will study it to discern its meaning. Some will ignore it rather than grow, as it is a difficult subject. Others will fantasize and apply all types of unintended events as evidence to prove a fallacy. A few bold ones will create their own prophecies. Why? The answer is most ignore a very plain verse of scripture; II Peter 2:10. With this scripture conveniently tucked away, or even hidden, people are able to justify any number of things by lifting prophecy out of its context and its history. If we allow the Bible to interpret itself, there will not be this problem. How can we do this with prophecy? We must look at other prophecies, see to whom they are directed, see how they are worded, notice under what circumstances they were penned, and see how they are fulfilled. With this knowledge, since God doesn’t change, if the prophecies are directed to the same type audience, are worded the same way, we can rest assured they will be fulfilled the same way. Are these teachings important to our salvation? Many argue against such. Yet, if a particular religion teaches something in error, and will not fix it when shown the way of God "more perfectly," can you trust them with other matters that pertain to salvation of your soul? This you must decide for yourself. Very few are in agreement, and there is no way that all can be correct.

All of these things have a direct dealing with the kingdom. Let’s look at the plain scriptures concerning the kingdom first. This way, we can rule out some things a prophecy might mean, since we will know if that assigned meaning contradicts scripture. I will list the scriptures first. Then, in my comments on each, I will refer directly to the passage, thereby making it easier to follow. There are many more, but none are contradictory; carrying the exact same thoughts as these.

NOW HEAR YE THE WORD OF THE LORD as recorded in Matthew 16:18-19.

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

John 18:36, "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."

Matthew 3:1-2, "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 4:17, "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 10:7, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Luke 9:27, "But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God."

Matthew 26:29, "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom."

Collossians 1:13, "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:"

Revelation 1:9, "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."