Monthly Archives: January 2024

Prophecies for Our Time

A Sensitive Society-A Sign of The End

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TO HEAR A DISCUSSION OF THIS TOPIC WITH EDDIE AND CHARLIE, GO TO OUR PODCAST PROGRAMS:

ANSWERS FROM SCRIPTURE PODCASTS

Jesus’ Prophecy

What is the very last sign before the end comes? It is this: the gospel of Jesus will be preached to the whole world.  Listen to the exact wording from Jesus’ prophecy:

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 24: 10-14

Notice the phrase, “as a witness.”  Is it the preaching that is the witness or is it the people who are witness to the power of God?  It is the latter!  Image a world-wide spreading of the gospel which results in multitudes repenting of their sins and asking Jesus into their lives then producing the fruits of a new heart.  These converted believers go out to witness and to preach.  Preaching and witnessing go together otherwise; it is just a bunch of sermons.

Contrast this group with the generation existing at that time:

And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then, many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.  And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 24: 10-14

Just before the completion of the gospel going to the whole world, Jesus describes the generation that we now live in…

“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. “  

Matthew 24:10:14

I can’t think of a better description of our society at this moment.  People who are easily offended,  betraying each other, hating, lawlessness, people no longer capable of loving others.  Our newspapers, newscasters, movie producers, and social media confirm this to be true. Jesus said this would be the condition of society just before the end comes. 

An Overly Sensitive Civilization

America and the world have become a “sensitive society.” Laws are passed, and pressure is brought to bear to force every person never to offend anyone.  Will laws and protests get the desired result?  No!

Political correctness has become the new commandment of lawmakers and a Godless press. Everyone’s words (especially those in the public eye) are measured, analyzed, and judged unfairly…primarily for political and power gain.  Lawyers have become the ones carrying the big stick to threaten and force people back into line so no one is offended; otherwise, the offenders will risk life, property, and reputation.

Who are the ones on the list we are not to offend?

  • Certain Ethnicities
  • Sexual Preference and Gender Identification
  • Religious Preference, other than Christians
  • Rioters and Looters-Many state politicians say they are justified and should not be condemned.
  • Organizations with deceptive messages
  • People with opposite beliefs about the topic of freedom and values

Who does not make the list?

  • American Caucasians
  • Men
  • Heterosexuals
  • Traditional male and female families
  • Followers of Christ

Jesus said, in the last days, people would be offended and His followers would be hated:


“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets (teachers) will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

Matthew 34:9-14

A blessing is given to those not offended by Jesus:

“…blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Matthew 11:6

The Solution:

The solution is obvious when we consider and understand the truth about the human heart.  Everyday people are born in this world who will reset the chain of sin and wickedness.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9. 

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.” Jeremiah 13:23

Jesus said the answer to our society’s ills is found only in the change of the heart…a different way of thinking and doing things:

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:3

If you have been born again, you will love all those on the list of the easily offended.  But, generally, you won’t be loved back.  You will be hated and persecuted anyway.  Will that offend you?

You will see in everyone a bit of God’s image.  They will be respected and loved even though you don’t agree with them.    Here are our orders as followers of Christ.

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

Matthew 5:44. 

Can you do this?

Are you doing as Jesus instructed, or are you following the example of those easily offended….looking for ways to retaliate…to “one-up” them? 

Do Not Be an Offender

We should be careful not to offend anyone if it is in our power, even in our habits.  The Apostle Paul even encouraged us to not offend in things like what we eat or drink. Paul makes reference to this thought in Romans over the debate of food sacrificed to idols.

“It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.” Romans 14:21

It is not God’s will for us to cause anyone to stumble, or be offended, or made weak.  In another place, Paul said,

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

Paul tried to “please all men in all things.”  Paul was a people-pleaser!  His desire was to put others above himself so “they may be saved.”  Winning theological arguments or diet is not as important as winning souls.

Paul makes the point of not offending someone who invites you to dinner:

If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake.

1 Corinthians 10:27

Vegetarians, can you do this? Yes! Go back to your diet the next day. Do not offend your host! A soul is more important than your food!

This was in the context of food sacrificed to idols.  But, the main message is this. Don’t let your religion get in the way of saving and encouraging someone.

Christians That Offend:

Christians can be offensive in one of three ways:

  1.  Because people hate your leader, Jesus.
  2.  Because we tell them the truth about sin and its wages. (But even in this, we are to be harmless as a dove and wise as a serpent.” “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless[a] as doves.” Matthew 10:16
  3.  Because some of us are too religious, You may have heard of some people who are “so heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good.”  These are more interested in winning a theological debate than winning a soul for Christ.  These are usually a denominationalist.  They say things like, “My church is the right church, and everyone else is going to hell.” Or they are so consumed by being religious through useless forms and ceremonies to score points with other people or God Himself.

In Jesus’ day, there was a religious group who were offended by the words of Jesus over traditions:

When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”

Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”

Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.”

So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” Matthew 15: 10-20

The religious people were offended because their tradition of ceremonial washing of hands before eating was ignored by Jesus and His disciples.  Why?  Because it was a useless act of worthless religion.

Jesus was Offended

The most striking example of someone who was truly offended yet did not retaliate was Jesus in His final hours, where he was beaten, whipped, and made fun of.  Even as He was dying on the cross, he prayed for His enemies.  One author described Jesus this way:

“The Savior made no murmur of complaint. His face remained calm and serene, but great drops of sweat stood upon His brow. There was no pitying hand to wipe the death dew from His face, nor words of sympathy and unchanging fidelity to stay His human heart. While the soldiers were doing their fearful work, Jesus prayed for His enemies, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” His mind passed from His own suffering to the sin of His persecutors and the terrible retribution that would be theirs. No curses were called down upon the soldiers who were handling Him so roughly. No vengeance was invoked upon the priests and rulers, who were gloating over the accomplishment of their purpose. Christ pitied them in their ignorance and guilt. He breathed only a plea for their forgiveness,—”for they know not what they do.”  Desire of Ages. P. 744

My friends, we live in a sensitive society.  People are easily offended. As a result, we see hatred, division, murderers, hate, and racism growing at an alarming pace!

  • Our best response is to try to not offend anyone
  • Through  the power of Christ, don’t be easily offended
  • When we are offended, pray for our enemies:

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,”

Matthew 5:44

As you see the madness of this world, don’t be down, you followers of Jesus,. Look up!

 “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Luke 21:28

We are one day closer to the return of Christ than we were yesterday.

Good Bible Interpretation

Only One-Third of the Story

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How often have you picked up a good book and skipped over the first two-thirds of the pages to start reading? Have you done the same with instructions designed to help you put something together, assemble a new end table, or set up the new iPhone? I dare say none of us would do such a silly thing. The results would be frustrating.  You may be tempted to throw in the towel or pay someone who doesn’t mind reading the entire page of instructions.

Something similar occurs when we limit our reading of the Scriptures to only the New Testament.  By doing so, we get only one-third of the story about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  If we only focus on the New Testament, we can’t understand Him at the level and depth He intended. We may become frustrated and discouraged in our understanding of Jesus.

God’s dealings with His people, the plan of Salvation, the prophecies, the Godhead, and His will for us can become cloudy, if not invisible, by reading only part of the story. Most of all, we get an incomplete picture of Jesus. This practice can even lead to false teaching that could add further bewilderment.  Please remember that this concept does not diminish the New Testament in any way.  It does the opposite.  The New Testament writers disclose the fulfillment and reality of Jesus.  Their passion for Jesus is built on the firm foundation of God’s inspired writers from ancient times.

All Scripture

Paul told Timothy, his young protege, this critical teaching about scripture:

“…from childhood, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16

Interestingly, the word “Scripture” refers only to the Old Testament books. The New Testament was in the process of being written when Paul wrote these words about thirty years after the cross. Neither Timothy nor Paul had a copy of the New Testament. True, the disciples’ letters were scattered throughout the churches, but there was no red-letter New Testament book of the New Testament writers for them to study.

Except for one time in Daniel 10:21, The word “Scripture” is used only in the New Testament (31 times) and always refers back to what we call the Old Testament.  It was the only book Jesus, the disciples, and the Apostles used to prove that Jesus was the promised Messiah, expounding on the character of God and the plan of salvation.

So, Paul is referring to the same book Jesus quoted from.  Paul says the “Old Testament” (Scripture) is good for several things in Timothy’s ministry and, therefore, our work today: 

1.) wisdom for salvation;

2.) for doctrine;

3.) reproof;

4.) correction; and

5.) instruction in righteousness

Scripture

Scripture is the collection of writings we call the Old Testament.  This is an unfortunate title because it implies “old”; worn out, irrelevant.  Some today say, “I am a New Testament Christian.” This implies they are living under the New Covenant, which should be, but the New Covenant has its basis in the writings of the Old Testament writers.    A better statement of belief would be, “I am a Christian based on the entire word of God.”  Modern Christian teachers have minimized these books, but by doing so, how much is overlooked about Jesus?

The Jews today have the same collection of writings.  They refer to it as the Tanakh.  It is divided into three main sections:

Tanakh is an acronym, made from the first Hebrew letter of each of the Masoretic Text’s three traditional divisions: Torah (literally ‘Instruction’ or ‘Law’), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings)—hence TaNaKh.

The Tanakh consists of twenty-four books, counting as one book each: 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles, and Ezra–Nehemiah. The Twelve Minor Prophets are also counted as a single book.

Therefore, all the books of the Old Testament are in the Tankah, but some are combined.

Jesus’ Scripture Study with His Disciples

At least twice, Jesus refers directly to these books of the Scriptures to explain who He is and His mission.  Both times, he desired to open the eyes of His followers by teaching about Himself from the Scriptures.  The story is found in the book of Luke.

After His resurrection on that 1st Day of the week, the resurrected Jesus caught up with two discouraged disciples who had just left the horror of Jerusalem that occurred on the Preparation Day (Friday).  Their Rabbi had been nailed to a wooden cross like an animal!  The One they loved was beaten, stripped, and finally met a suffering death. They were so discouraged that they were not praying…only discussing the scenes of that horrible day.  They were, perhaps, rethinking their commitment to Jesus.  Their faith had reached an all-time low.

But here is what I love about Jesus.  At their lowest point, Jesus shows up! He didn’t appear to a large crowd at first, but to two lonely hurting followers.   On that dusty road to Emmaus, neither man was praying for His presence, but Jesus appeared because He knew their damaged hearts.  He does the same today.  When you are at your lowest and don’t feel like praying, Jesus will show up just for you because of His great love and understanding!

The hurting disciples converse with the stranger, not knowing it is Jesus.  They describe the scenes in Jerusalem with tears and pathos in their voice.   Luke then records Jesus’ words.

 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24: 25-27

Jesus gave them a Scripture study from the Old Testament (it was not called that then) or what the Jews today would call the Tanakh.  The topic?  Jesus!  Wouldn’t you have loved to have been a part of that study from Jesus Himself?

As suddenly as Jesus showed up, He disappeared just as they had begun their evening meal in Emmaus.  This encounter left them with “hearts burning” within them.  Even though the day was “far-spent,” they returned to Jerusalem with a new story to tell.  They had seen Jesus in the flesh and discovered Him in Scripture.  They had to tell the other disciples, so they likely ran all the way back to Jerusalem in the dark, where the other disciples were behind closed doors for “fear of the Jews” (John 20:19).  When your heart is burning, you have to be running!

It was dark when they returned to Jerusalem since they had been talking with Jesus as they ate the evening meal seven miles away.  They found the eleven disciples talking about Peter’s experience of seeing Jesus (Luke 24:34).

Suddenly, Jesus appears again!  They think they have seen a spirit, but Jesus tells them, “Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” V. 39.  Then He eats broiled fish and honeycomb with them.

But here is the relevant part to this theme: the two men on the way to Emmaus get to hear the Scripture study about Jesus a second time!  When our hearts are burning and running to tell others about Jesus, we are learning.

Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Luke 24: 44-45

From this gathering of discouraged disciples, we learn that the writings of the Old Testament (the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms) are fulfilled in Jesus. Is it not obvious?  We can learn many things about Jesus by reading these ancient writings.    

So yes.  if we only read the New Testament, we miss two-thirds of the story about Him.  Our experience and faith in Jesus will explode when we discover Jesus from people like Moses, Ezra, Nehemiah, Solomon, Isaiah, David, Daniel, and many others whom God inspired to write about what they saw and experienced (2 Peter 1:21).

“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them, you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” –Jesus (John 5:39)