1Then I saw in the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne a scroll written on the front and back and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming in a loud voice: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look into it. 4 So I began weeping bitterly because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered; thus he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:1 – 5 NET
The prophetic Scriptures were never meant to be read in isolation…
1 Now as Jesus was going out of the temple courts and walking away, his disciples came to show him the temple buildings. 2 And he said to them, “Do you see all these things? I tell you the truth, not one stone will be left on another. All will be torn down!”
3 As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:1 -3
Prophecy Conferences
Prophecy conferences have been around and quite popular for a long time. People flock to churches, public venues, and conference centers looking to hear the latest insight on how the last days are going to work out. Teachers who are well versed in the subject will spend hours and days regaling their listeners with Scriptures and visual aids as they seek to unpack the prophetic Scriptures.
The First One
In Matthew 24, we have what very well may be the first prophecy conference. Jesus had just told His disciples that the very heart of their faith, the Temple, was going to be reduced to ruble. The led the disciples to ask how this was all going to work out. The explanation Jesus gives provides some tremendous insight into the prophet Daniel’s prophecy concerning the last seven years of the 490 years designated for his people. I hope you will grab your Bible and follow along as we examine Jesus’ teaching together.
Yes, there are visual aids. I’m fast becoming one of “them.”
For those who would prefer to download the audio version, you can find it at Sermon,net.
Not Optional
Understanding how the end times are going to play out is really not optional. God has given us a lot of information regarding these things. We simply need to do the hard work of digging into them. That should be normal for those who are living in the Reign.
“A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion, to put an end to their sin, to atone for their guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to confirm the prophetic vision, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.” Daniel 9:24 NLT
There is one prophecy that is foundational to understanding all the other prophecies regarding the End Times, particularly the ones in the New Testament. That prophecy is the preview given to Daniel, found in the ninth chapter of his book. There Daniel is given a timeline of God’s dealings with his people right up until the end. How it all works together is the subject of this message.
If you would prefer, the audio only version of this message can be found on our church channel at Sermon.net.
Sorry, there are no study notes for this message. However, I do encourage you to take notes on this important topic.
Having a clear grasp of what was shown to Daniel is vitally important, particularly to those of us who are living in the Reign.
1 The Lord reigns! The nations tremble. He sits enthroned above the cherubim; the earth shakes. 2 The Lord is elevated in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name. He is holy! Psalm 99:1 – 3 NET
Tomorrow is a big day in the United States as it’s citizens go to the polls to elect their next President. No one is certain what the outcome will be. However, regardless what happens tomorrow, for God’s people there will be certain fundamental things that will not change.
What we have called the “End-Times” message is actually the message of the entire Bible. We have a vivid preview of coming attractions laid out for us in the Old Testament. Then Jesus continued the message through His identity, message and predictions. The question that remains is, how did the early church respond to this? Looking at the apostolic response is what this message is all about.
If you would prefer, and audio version can be found at Sermon.net.
Living in the Reign 