The power of a Christian

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. (2Cor. 4:7‭-‬9 NLT)

Weak and fragile in ourselves

People exercise their money power, muscle power or political power to overcome their challenges. Powerless people are often victims of circumstances. However powerful a person may be still his life is fragile like a mud pot. The Bible says in Ps.103:15 that our life is like grass or the flower that blooms in the morning and dies in the evening. Only God will think of depositing His invaluable treasure in such a fragile vault like the humans.

Target of attack by the enemy

More over, if you have been moved from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, that means, if you have totally surrendered yourself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, you are the enemy’s target of attack. We read in 1Peter that our enemy the devil is prowling around like a lion seeking whom to devour (1Pet.5:8). It is true that the devil is a defeated foe and ultimate victory is ours through Christ Jesus. But he will attack us through our strengths as well as our weaknesses. He will try to plant seeds of doubt in our minds regarding God’s Word, and challenge us to question God’s faithfulness. He will work towards destroying our joy and peace and try to force us into a defeated existence or a mediocre Christian life. God’s Word commands us to “put on the whole armour of God” (Eph.6:10-18).

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Eph. 3:18‭-‬20 NLT)

Understanding and experiencing Christ’s love gives God’s power

The treasure deposited inside us is the ‘dynamite’ or the resurrection power of our Lord Jesus Christ. This will be activated as we understand and experience God’s love for us through Christ Jesus. God’s love is too difficult for us to fathom. But as you progress God will work in you:

* To make you complete

Your life will become complete with God’s life and power

* To accomplish much more than what we can imagine

Christian and suffering

Several Christians assume that a  life of faith is devoid of hardships and suffering. This thinking is borrowed from the assumptions of other religions and the basic human aspiration to live trouble-free. Many people piggyback on religion and spirituality to be materially prosperous and to have a reputation in the society. Some turn to religion to find solace and peace during crises,  sickness and pain. Christian faith also has been misunderstood by many and the Bible has been misinterpreted in most cases.

Jesus’s warning

Jesus very plainly told His disciples that there will be suffering and persecution for those who follow Him. All He promised them was His presence and the strengthening power of the Holy Spirit.

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33 NLT)

Jesus never promised His disciples a rosy life. He Himself went through humiliation and agony in His condescension and crucifixion. He told some followers who wanted to know his address, that,

“Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
(Matthew 8:20 NLT)

Jesus sent out His disciples to preach the message of the kingdom with the instruction that they “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes.
(Luke 9:3 NLT)   But they were given power to cast out evil spirits and heal diseases.

Take My yoke

Jesus invited them to remain under His Lordship and promised them rest.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
(Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 NLT)

Carry your own cross

The disciples were reminded of the way of the cross lying ahead of them. They were to tread a path laden with difficulty, opposition and suffering.

And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.
(Luke 14:27‭, ‬33 NLT)  

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
(Luke 9:23 NLT)

Prosperity Theology

Though the Bible doesn’t promise it, some preachers guarantee material prosperity, wealth and health as reward for faith. This is their formula for a ballooning congregation. As membership grows their own prosperity is guaranteed. But the poor members are left in their dreams or blamed for their lack of faith. Many end up disillusioned.

There is no biblical basis for guaranteed material prosperity for a New Testament believer. All we can pull out are verses that apply to the Jewish nation under the Abrahamic covenant.

Apostles’ life and death

According to history and legends, of the twelve disciples of Jesus, all except John were martyred. James, son of Zebedee, was executed by Herod (Act.12:2). Peter was crucified upside down and Paul was beheaded, both under Emperor Nero of Rome. Andrew was crucified somewhere in Greece. Thomas was killed in India with spears piercing through him. Philip was put to death by the Roman authority. Matthew was stabbed to death in Ethiopia. James, son of Alpheus, was stoned and clubbed to death and Mathias was burned to death. Church leaders down through centuries were persecuted and many were killed by the enemies of the Gospel. Christians are being persecuted even today in different parts of the world.

Paul’s example

Apostle Paul went through severe hardships and sufferings unlike other Apostles. In 2Corinthians 6:4-10 he narrates some of those experiences.

We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.
(2Corinthians 6:5 NLT)

Paul suffered for the sake of Christ’s commission and was boasting about it.

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.
(Galatians 6:14 NLT)

He wrote from the prison cell in Rome, to the Christian community in Philippi, reminding them that suffering is a part of the Christian life.

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.
(Philippians 1:29 NLT)

Jesus warned all those who wanted to follow Him that they should count the cost before setting out. He wanted people to be aware of the hardship and suffering which is a part of Christian life. (Luke 14:25-35) There is no turning back once you step out to follow Him.

But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
(Luke 9:62 NLT)

Uniqueness of the Bible

Of all the different sacred books, interestingly, it is the Bible that is the target of attacks by critics, skeptics and fanatics alike. Any Tom, Dick and Harry can mutilate the Gospel narrative and produce works of art, novels or movies. Some groups build their case by attacking what the Bible says. It is the most attacked book in human history. Governments have tried to ban it, rulers have tried to destroy it, critics have tried to ridicule it, skeptics have tried to negate it, enemies have tried to burn it, yet the Bible stands tall. It is not only the most translated book in history but also the widest circulated one. It has influenced more lives than governments, armies, philosophies or powers, all put together. It is the most powerful and influential book in human history. Napoleon Bonaparte commented thus, “The Bible is not merely a book but a living creature with a power that conquers all that oppose it”. The Bible still does conquer the hearts and minds of people, by the power of God’s love, even of those who oppose it.

Bible is not what people are saying about God, rather it is what God is saying about people. It is God’s communication to mankind. There are certain facts that make the Bible stand apart from all other books.

It’s History

The Bible is rooted in history. It is not a collection of stories and myths. It is not a manipulated manual for instigating fervor. It narrates how God related to His creation throughout history. It was penned by real human beings who lived at different times in history. It narrates real events about real people happened in actual places. God used the human element in recording His message to the humans because the very purpose of it was to “communicate“. God appointing messengers with His message to His people. People and places in the Bible can be traced back in history and Archeology proves this.

It’s Unity

The Bible is a library of books, written under the direct guidance of God, by about 40 different people who lived in three different continents over a period of more than 1400 years. Among the writers were Kings, Generals, Prophets, Peasants, Fishermen, Tax Collectors, Shepherds, Administrators, Physicians and Scholars- people from different walks of life. They used varied literary styles and genre, like narrative history, poetry, wise sayings, prophetic proclamations, laws and ordinances. Only a few of them were contemporaries. They used three different languages. When they were called by God to inscribe His thoughts and instructions for mankind at different times in history they just obeyed, perhaps not even knowing the eternal implications involved. In the midst of these diversities their message had the same focus. Inspired by the Spirit of God they all wrote about God’s dealings with His creation, both from the historic and the prophetic perspectives. God’s plan for man’s salvation runs through the entire Bible, from the first page to the last.

It’s Survival

History has witnessed the survival of the Bible through time and through the hardest of oppositions, both from within the Church and without. The Bible has more number of surviving manuscripts which are chronologically closer to the actual events than any other book in history. It is the only book that has been the object of scathing attack throughout history and yet survived.

It’s Influence

The Bible claims to be the “eternal, inerrent, infallible” Word of God”. It presents God’s way for man’s salvation. This message has transformed the lives of millions around the world. Followers of this book have given their lives for believing it, translating it and proclaiming it. It is the source of supernatural power for all those who are willing to believe it’s message. History is witness to the power of the Bible in transforming lives. This book has influenced great reformers, philosophers and thinkers. It has inspired artists, activists, poets, musicians, and authors. It has influenced millions of lives, more than any other piece of literature in human history, and continues to do so.

It’s Prophetic Accuracy

There is no other book in human history which predicted future events with such accuracy. There are over 300 specific prophecies in the Old Testament portion of the Bible regarding the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ. Every bit of it was fulfilled in the life of Jesus. There were prophecies about the re establishment of the state of Israel which are being fulfilled right before our eyes. God has communicated through His written Word His plans for humankind. Several of such prophecies have been fulfilled and the remaining are being fulfilled right in our times.

The Holy Bible remains the number one in translation, publication, circulation, readership, and in influencing lives, far above any other book in human history, not for any other reason but for being the eternal Word of the living God. Has it’s powerful message ever confronted you? If not, you have missed the heart – to – heart communication from your Creator God.

Withdrawing to Emmaus

Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

(Luke 24:18-27 NLT)

The disciples of Jesus were in a state of total loss after Jesus’ death and burial. All that they heard Him say and watched Him do still had not affected their mindset. They were about to bury their dreams of a free state under Jesus’ kingship.

Not rooted in the Word

As these disciples were withdrawing to their village away from the action spot Jesus caught up with them. But, sad enough, they didn’t recognize Him.

These followers of Jesus had a different expectation about the Messiah. They were not so rooted in the scriptures that they could understand the events that took place. They didn’t realise that all those were fulfillment of prophecies. These men were not there when the resurrected Lord Jesus appeared to the disciples.

Jesus was trying to remind these men the promise of God in the Scriptures and its fulfillment in His life.

Withdrawal from fellowship

These men were part of the fellowship of Jesus’ followers. But their expectations were different from the plan of God. Though all His disciples were disillusioned at the departure of their leader, they were strengthened and reaffirmed by His post resurrection appearances. Staying aloof from Christ and Christian fellowship can cost us experiences that would strengthen and reassure us of the validity of our faith.

Unbelief Rebuked

Jesus explains to them the scripture portions that foretold about the messiah and the events they had witnessed. He also rebuked them for their unbelief. However, the Savior was gracious enough to restore them and reassure them in their faith.

Are we rooted in God’s Word which is the foundation of our faith? Are we partakers of the fellowship of God’s people?

It takes humility to believe God

But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! 2Kings 5:11

It takes humility to believe in God and His Word. Often the human ego stands in the way of our experiencing God’s blessings. We nurture preconceived ideas about God and His ways. We expect God to move the way we desire. This never happens because God is a God who will not tolerate sin, even the lightest shadow of it. And any amount of unbelief in God is sin, so also the desire that He should play to your rules.

God chooses the insignificant

God may choose to use the most insignificant believer to bring a blessing in your life. He may use the most unassuming person to bring His message to you, or the most humiliating incident to lead you to the Savior. Though Naaman was a valiant warrior and accomplished army commander he was infected with a dreaded skin disease. The Israelites considered people with such a sickness as unclean and forced them to live outside the community to avoid any contact with them.

Naaman had to accept that he was infected with a disease that probably had no cure and that demanded his ostracism. He was aware that he will lose his power and position, family and friends and everything else that he cherished. He probably dreaded the impending humiliation. That was the time the slave girl discovered his plight and suggested the solution. He had the humility to accept the suggestion of his slave. God uses even the most insignificant and unassuming to shake the mighty and haughty.

God blesses the humble

It requires humility to accept when God says you are a sinner. It requires more humility to acknowledge your need for a Savior. It requires still more humility to accept when someone points out the Savior from among a host of candidates. It becomes difficult further if that someone is considered to be inferior to you.

Naaman acted up on the advise of his slave and set out to meet the prophet. His experience with the prophet was contrary to his expectations and rather humiliating. Without any introduction, investigation or inquiry, he was directed to a river for dipping himself in the water seven times. He lost his cool and was about to give up. But then, one of his servants insisted that he go through the ritual as an act of obedience. Naaman had the humility to accept that suggestion and go into the river. When he humbly obeyed he received healing and was elated.

Yielding to God’s Word in humility is the only way to blessings as the hymn goes, “Trust and obey, there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”.

Is your pride, prejudice or rigid religiosity standing in the way of your blessing? Trust God’s Word, obey it in all humility and be blessed.

Humility- Trademark of a Christian

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Philippians 2:3‭-‬11 NLT)

When apostle Paul wrote this to the church at Philippi, he was chained in a Roman prison for preaching the Gospel. He was thanking the brethren at Philippi for their help and generosity while admonishing them to remain humble following the example of our Saviour.

Attitude

Like in our present day churches, there were Christians who were vying for power and positions. They exhibited their wealth and influence and remained utterly selfish. Paul was talking to such believers in plain terms that their transformation into new life should be reflected in their attitudes. They should develop Christ-like attitude of humility. They should be unselfish and others-centred.

Condescension

Paul is pointing to Christ’s example of condescension or self denial – the attitude which every Christ-follower should emulate. He set aside his glory as the Creator God, made Himself lower to be like one of His creation, took up on Himself the guilt and shame of mankind, paid the price for the sins of the whole world through the most cruel and humiliating death, all while being absolutely sinless and perfect. God’s justice demands death penalty for a sinner.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 6:23 NLT)

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight.
(Rom. 3:23‭ NLT)

His death has saved us from our death since He became our substitute.

Elevation

Through His resurrection from death He has been elevated to the highest place of honour and glory. Very soon the whole world will see His glory and everyone will bow before Him.

…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Phil. 2:10‭-‬11 NLT)

For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’”
(Rom. 14:11 NLT)

Have you become a new creation in Christ by receiving Him into your life as your only Savior and God? Is there a transformation in your desires, attitudes and behaviour? Is humility the characteristic of your new life in Christ?

Knowing the times and seasons

We are almost at the end of the season of grace. What we see around us are it’s signs, as predicted in the Bible. All the prophecies regarding the rapture of the Church are fulfilled and the Lord will come anytime now to gather His people unto Himself. Are you ready!?

The Bible says,
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.”
(1Thessalonians 4:16‭-‬17 NLT)

We don’t know exactly when this is going to happen, but this will be the next major event that will shock the whole world. According to Bible prophecy the stage for this event is ready. Jesus told His followers in Matthew 24:32-33 the example of the fig tree. The blossoming fig tree announced the arrival of summer season. The fig tree is used as a type of Israel. Israel has been revived as a nation. Today it is a flourishing and prosperous and powerful nation. Most Jews have returned to their homeland from all corners of the world where they had been scattered. All these were fulfillment of Biblical prophecies.

The true Church will be snatched away from this world and there will come a world leader who will control the whole world. He will promise peace and security to everyone. There will be one leader, one government and one religion for seven years. This is known as the time of Jacob’s trouble or the great tribulation. He will break his promises by the middle of this period, will sit in the temple at Jerusalem and demand that everyone should worship him. Anyone who refuses will be put to death.

The world is already moving towards the ONE government, ONE religion philosophy. What everyone needs is peace and security. But the Word of God has warned about the false promises of peace and security.

Recently the UN has erected a statue in its premises in New York which they say is the guardian of peace and security. This sounds like what we see in Daniel 7:4 and Revelation 17:2-3.

Guardian for international peace and security

“While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”
(1Thessalonians 5:3 ESV)

Though we do not know the date and the time we have been given signs of the season. It is wise to be prepared to meet the judge of all mankind.

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!
(Mark 13:32‭-‬33 NLT)

Glorious Return of Christ

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Lk.21:25-28)

The Bible talks very clearly about the second coming of Jesus Christ. At the first coming He came as a gentle baby but at His second coming He will come as the King. First He came as the lamb of God and now He will come as the lion of Judah. First coming was as the gentle Saviour but the second will be as the righteous judge. At the first coming only very few people recognised Him but at the second the whole world will see His glory.

At His birth the wise men came searching for the one who was born the king of the Jews. He was not born in the palace nor was He seated on a throne. He lived as a humble servant, meek and lowly. But the Jews had the promise of a Messiah, their Saviour and King.

When Jesus was offered to them as their Messiah they did not accept Him. So the non Jews had the privilege of receiving a share of the blessings promised to the Jews. Those who believed and accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Lord were brought into the family of God. Thus the Church was born.

Jesus is coming back to judge the living and the dead. But the Church has escaped this judgement for sin. So seven years before Jesus comes back to the earth as King, He would come in mid air to take away the true believers with Him. This is the rapture of the Church. And the seven years after the rapture will be a period of great trouble. There will be a ‘one-world-government’ under the anti Christ who will rule the world. He will digitally tag everyone so no one will be able to buy or sell without this digital ID.

The scripture mentioned above describes the situation just before the return of Jesus Christ in His glory and power. The whole world would see Him. He would defeat His enemies and reign as King for a thousand years.

Those who miss the rapture will go through the seven years of unimaginable trouble as recorded in the book of Revelation.

Uniqueness of Jesus Christ

We have scores of teachers, leaders and people of influence around us. We follow these for various reasons. Some consider all of them of equal importance and significance. However, there is one who stands out among them. He has no equal. He is incomparable, the one and only. He is Jesus Christ!

God became Man

Jesus is the very God who set aside His glory and limited Himself by time and space to become a human, for redeeming mankind from sin and eternal death. He became the sacrifice for our sin. He bore the punishment for our sins upon Himself because we could never do it on our own.

Sinless one

Jesus could do it because as a human He was sinless. John the baptizer testified that He was the perfect lamb without blemish who was sacrificed for the sins of the entire human race (John 1:29).

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

(2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT)

Christ did not sin or ever tell a lie.

(1 Peter 2:22 CEV)

He challenged His enemies to convict Him of sin (John 8:46).

Prophetic Fulfillment

His birth, life, teachings, death, resurrection and ascension, everything about His life was in fulfillment of prophecies. The world has yet to see another person who came, lived, died and rose again fulfilling hundreds of prophecies. He is God’s solution for man’s fundamental problem- sin. He offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who trust Him and accept Him as the only Saviour. Will you trust Him?

The Kingdom of God

I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened. I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn’s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire. The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer. As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed. I, Daniel, was troubled by all I had seen, and my visions terrified me. So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this: “These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth. But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.” Daniel 7:9-18 NLT

The Eternal Kingdom

Taken in isolation, this is a difficult passage of scripture to explain. This should be read along with the book of Revelation and other prophetic passages that describe the end time events. The book of Daniel contains the historic narrative of the captivity and life in exile of the Jewish boys Daniel and his friends. Daniel served under the Babylonian Kings Nebuchadnezzar, his grandson Belshazzar, and the Medo-Persian Kings Darius and Cyrus. In spite of persecution and suffering, Daniel and his friends faithfully followed their Jewish religious disciplines by not eating foods prohibited for them and praying at the appointed times of the day. God was faithful in protecting and prospering them as they were faithful to Him. The book also contains several dreams the kings and Daniel had, containing prophetic messages.

Rule of the Antichrist

Chapter seven records a dream Daniel had of four strange animals which represent four different kingdoms or governments. Some believe it could be contemporary powers. But towards the end a union of governments will come which will bring in the New World order or the One World Government everyone is longing for, nations without borders, promising peace and prosperity. From among the leaders of the New World order one will become the ruler of the world government. The Bible talks about this in the first part of Daniel 7, in second Thessalonians 2 and in Revelation 13. He is the Anti-Christ also called the ‘lawless one’, or the ‘son of perdition’. He will rule the world for seven years promising peace and prosperity. He will be controlled by Satan. He will make agreements with the Jewish people and the muslims to rebuild the Jewish temple at Jerusalem. Temple worship will be re-established. But by the middle of his rule he will change his agreement and sit in the temple claiming to be god demanding worship. Anyone refusing to worship him and his image will be killed.

Rapture of the Church

Our passage for today doesn’t give much of these details but in 2Thessalonians, Revelation and elsewhere we can find them. Daniel sees the Son of Man coming in the clouds in all His glory. This is Jesus coming for His Church and receiving her to Himself. This will precede the Anti-Christ’s coming to power. He will release terrible persecution towards all who will believe in God and worship anything other than himself. At the end of seven years he will be defeated and thrown into the lake of fire.

Rule of Christ

After the end of the great tribulation Christ will establish His kingdom. This is the Kingdom promised to the Jewish nation. Jesus will reign as the King of kings and all the nations will surrender to His authority. His saints will rule with Him. Daniel didn’t have any idea of the Church and it’s place in the prophetic calendar of God. As Apostle Paul says, it was a mystery. The next big event in God’s calendar is the rapture of His Church. This can happen any time now because the stage is set as per Bible prophecy. Those who have put their trust in Jesus as their only Saviour and Lord will go with Him when He comes in the clouds.

Will you be going with Him? Are you ready?