Our Rapture Hope

John 13:36-14:6

We Christians have wonderful assurance and unfailing hope, because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His promised return for us in the Rapture. Our aim here is to understand thoroughly the primary passages on the Rapture so that the biblical message about this event will not be a complete mystery to us. Each Christian must develop truly Biblical convictions about this event and live consistently with those convictions until our Lord comes for us.

“Many Christians long for the Rapture, not because of their intense love for the Lord, but because it gives them an escape from the distress of our age.” • Erwin Lutzer

I am the first to admit that I sometimes ardently long for the Lord to come for us because of the problems we sometimes face! We are often misunderstood, sometimes deeply disappointed, discouraged because our dreams seem to be shattered, and we wonder what now or what next or even what if…. But even in such dark hours we still can pray with real hope as David did in Psalm 69:13, “But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.”

Hopelessness is an opportunity to trust God, not time to quit. When we are completely beaten down, we are tempted to turn from God, give up, and quit trusting Him. When our situation seems hopeless, we must determine that no matter how bad things become we will continue to pray and trust the Lord. God will hear our prayer, come to our aid, He will rescue us, or meet our needs. When life seems to reject us, we need God most. It is time to cling to Him! Don’t turn from your most faithful Friend in your darkest hours. Cling to the hope He promised. 

The first mention of our Rapture Hope came from the lips of our Lord Jesus Himself (John 14:3). It was introduced to comfort the disciples’ troubled hearts and to impart hope in the midst of their pain. Here Christ reveals the secret to a trouble-free heart in a troubled world: it is keep trusting Him and God (Jn. 14:1). Through faith in God and Christ we can overcome the painful stresses we must face. More specifically we trust Him to keep His promise to return for us in the Rapture. Notice quickly though, how the Rapture is different from the Return of Christ to the earth,

This was an entirely new revelation to be contrasted to Christ’s earlier revelation concerning His second coming to judge the world. This was a coming with an entirely different context, and its purpose was to take them out of the world and take them to the Father’s house which clearly refers to Heaven where Jesus has gone before to prepare a place for them. This is the first instance in the New Testament to what Paul later referred to as the Rapture… (1Cor. 15:51-58; 1Thess. 4:13-18).—John Walvoord

I.                  What Did Jesus Actually Promise Concerning the Rapture? (John 13:36-14:6)

To tormented souls Jesus gave this loving encouragement, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1, 27). We are not surprised that the Apostles were completely bewildered and discouraged—troubled. After all, Jesus had announced that one of them was a traitor (John 13:21), and then He warned Peter that he was going to deny his Lord three times (John 13:38). Jesus certified that Satan was at work against all of them (Luke 22:31-32), and that all the disciples would fall away (Matt. 26:31). Self-confident Peter was certain that he could not only follow his Lord, but even die with Him and for Him. Alas, Peter did not know his own heart, nor do we really know our hearts, except for one thing… our hearts easily become troubled. The cumulative weight of these revelations must have greatly depressed them. The were crushed.

Perhaps the heaviest blow of all was the realization that Jesus was going to leave them (John 7:34; 8:21; 12:8, 35; 13:33) and that He would die (John 12:32-33). Where was He going? Could they go with Him? How could they get where He was going? These were some of the perplexing questions that tumbled around in their minds and hearts. These disconcerting thoughts were tossed back and forth in their conversations at the table.

How did Jesus calm their troubled hearts? By giving them wonderful assurances to hold on to; assurances that we today may claim and thus enjoy trouble-free hearts. If you are a Believer in Jesus Christ, you may claim every single one of these assurances.

A.   Jesus Promised That Believers Will Go to Heaven (John 14:1, 2).

1.      Handle Life's Troubles With Faith (John 14:1).

                                                                           i.      Take the Lord’s Counsel to Heart. Jesus did not rebuke Peter for asking Him where He was going, but He gave this message to calm the disciples’ troubled hearts (John 13:36-38).

                                                                         ii.      Remember David Encouraged Himself in the Lord (1Sam. 30:6).

                                                                        iii.      Take Responsibility for the Condition of Your Heart. Our heart is the center of our personality. Each of us as believers is responsible for the condition of our own heart. 

a.       Proverbs 3:1, My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

b.      Proverbs 3:3, Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

c.       Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  

d.      Proverbs 4:23, Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

e.       Proverbs 20:9, Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

                                                                       iv.      Place Your Faith in the Lord’s Love, Grace, Wisdom, and Power. By a firm trust in God the Father and Jesus the Son, we can relieve our soul-sorrows and be sustained in our coming tests and trials of life. 

a.       We must keep on trusting God and Christ, because the secret to an trouble-free heart is complete trust in God. This know as the peace of God. It is never caving in under the pressure to quit.

b.      Isaiah 26:3-4, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. [4] Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:

c.       Many times we feel our faith cannot equal the test before us.

1)      But instead of giving up we turn to the Lord as the father in Mark 9:24, did when he cried unto Jesus, “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”   

2)      Weak faith can become strong faith with God’s help. The attitude of trust and confidence that the Bible calls belief or faith (Heb 11:1,6) is not something we can obtain without help. Faith is a gift from God as we take the Bible's statements, commands and promises seriously (Eph 2:8-9; Rom. 10:17).

3)      No matter how much faith we have, we will never reach the point of being self-sufficient. Faith is not stored away like money in the bank. Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus. God can use the troubles of life to strengthen our faith!   

2.      Set Your Heart on a Real Place Called Heaven (John 14:2).

                                                                           i.      Take This Heavenly Hope Seriously. Heaven is not a product of religious imagination or the result of a psyched-up mentality, looking for “pie in the sky by and by.”

                                                                         ii.      Think About Heaven Biblically. Heaven is the place where God dwells and where Jesus sits today at the right hand of the Father. Heaven is described as a kingdom (2 Peter 1:11), an inheritance (1 Peter 1:4), a country (Heb 11:16), a city (Heb 11:16), and a home (John 14:2).The thing that makes Heaven such a wonderful anticipation is the fact that God is there. The Lord Jesus will come for us in the Rapture and we will forever be with Him. What wonder it will be to finally behold our precious Christ Jesus!

                                                                        iii.      View Heaven as Home. Heaven is “My Father's house,” according to the Son of God. It is “home” for God’s children!

a.       Some years ago, a London newspaper held a contest to determine the best definition of “home.”

1)      The winning entry was, “Home is the place where you are treated the best and complain the most.”

2)      The poet Robert Frost said that home is the place that, when you arrive there, they have to take you in. A good definition!

b.      The “mansions” in John 14:2 are the places prepared for Believers in Heaven.

1)      It is unfortunate that some unbiblical songs have perpetuated the error that faithful Christians will have lovely mansions in glory, while worldly saints will have to be content with little cottages or even shacks.

2)      Jesus Christ is now preparing places for all true Believers, and each mansion will be beautiful. We may not ever have a beautiful home here on earth, but we will over there. 

3)      When He was here on earth, Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3). Now that He has returned to glory, He is building His churches on earth and a home for the “glorious church” in Heaven. I cannot wait to finally fly away unto that place to move in!

B.   Jesus Promised He Will Personally Escort Believers to Heaven (John 14:3-6).

1.      Jesus Promised to Return for a Prepared People (John 14:3, 4). 

                                                                           i.      Believe His Promise. John 14:3 is a clear promise of our Lord’s return for His people.

a.       Some will go to Heaven through the valley of the shadow of death.

b.      But those who are alive when Jesus returns will never see death (John 11:25-26).

1)      They will be changed to be like Christ and will go directly to Heaven in the Rapture (1 Thess 4:13-18).

2)      The Lord made it clear that He was going to the Father, and that He was the only way to the Father.

                                                                                                                                                   i.      Heaven is a real place, a loving place, and an exclusive place. Heaven is more real and substantial than the Grand Canyon, Paris France, Sydney Australia and Tokyo Japan. We must be born into the kingdom of God in order for it to be our place of eternal citizenship (John 3:3-7; Phil. 3:20, 21).

                                                                                                                                                 ii.      Not everybody is going to Heaven, but rather only those who have trusted Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; 1 Tim 2:4-6). I realize that may be shocking to some readers, but it is absolutely true. Only people who have repented of their sins trusting Christ as their Savior will actually live in Heaven. The rest, unbelievers, will be finally and eternally lost. They will be sentenced to the Lake of Fire forever (Rev. 20:11-15). It is most wise to trust Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. 

                                                                         ii.      Clarify His Promise.  Christ’s promise to return does not refer to His Resurrection or to a Believer’s death, but to the Rapture of the saints! 

                                                                        iii.      Be With Christ as Promised. Christ will return for His sheep and we will be with Him. This is what makes this promise so wonderful and fills it with the most precious hope. We will be with Christ!

a.       John 17:24, Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

b.      Jesus is not emphasizing the nature of Heaven, where He was going, but that Believers will be with the Father and Himself.  This is enough for the troubled hearts of us Believers!

1)      2 Cor. 5:8, We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

2)      Philip. 1:23, For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

3)      1 Thes. 4:17, Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

   

2.      Jesus Will Personally Take Us to our Father’s House (John 14:5, 6).

                                                                           i.      Note Our Destination.  Since Heaven is the Father’s house, it must be a place of love and joy.

a.       When the Apostle John tried to describe Heaven, he almost ran out of symbols and comparisons! (Rev. 21-22)

b.      Finally, he listed the things that would not be there: death, sorrow, crying, pain, night, etc. What a wonderful home it will be - and we will enjoy it forever!

                                                                         ii.      Note a Question.  Thomas’ question revealed his keen desire to be with Jesus (see John 11:16), and this meant that he had to know where the Master was going and how he himself would get there.

                                                                        iii.      Note the Direction.

a.       Jesus does not simply teach the way or point the way, He is the way.

1)      Jesus is the “Way” because He is the “Truth” and the “Life.” As the Father is Truth and Life, Jesus is the embodiment of God so people can come to the Father (John 1:4, 14, 18; 11:25).

2)      By His words, "No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me," Jesus stressed that salvation, contrary to what many people think, is not obtainable through many ways. It is a lie to say that there are many ways to God and Heaven. Jesus clearly taught this incredible reality. 

3)      Only one Way exists (Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5). Our Lord’s statement wipes away any other proposed way to Heaven good works, religious ceremonies, costly gifts, etc. There is only one way, and that way is Jesus Christ.

4)      Jesus is the only access to the Father because He is the only One from the Father (John 1:1-2, 51; 3:13). All other world religion are false, wrong, and gross deception. It does not matter how noble or sincere the participants and adherents are. There is no salvation in any other faith. It is our Christian responsibility to reach the world with the only real hope--Jesus Christ.

b.      In fact, “the Way” was one of the early names for the Christian faith (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14,22). Not many ways, but "the way."

3.      Jesus Desires to Assure our Hearts Also. How Should This Assurance Of Going To Heaven Calm Our Troubled Hearts?

                                                                           i.      Dr. James M. Gray put it beautifully in a song he wrote years ago: “Who could mind the journey, when the road leads home?”

                                                                         ii.      The assurance of a heavenly home at the end of life’s road enables us to bear joyfully with the obstacles and battles along the way.

a.       It was this assurance that even encouraged our Lord, “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Heb 12:2).

b.      Paul had this truth in mind when he wrote, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18).

Believers have hope in Jesus Christ and specifically in the much anticipated Rapture of Believers. There is comfort and grand assurance to experience as we allow ourselves to fully embrace the hope of the Rapture. Remember, hope in this respect refers to a sure expectation—a guaranteed event that will transpire in the future. Hope is not merely anticipating something that may or may not happen. There is zero chance of the Believer’s Rapture hope not occurring as God promised. Yes, we are facing and will face some troubling times throughout life, but all the while we have this precious and very real hope. Heaven is your home with God! The Lord Jesus will return for us and carry us back home with Him. Embrace it; believe it; be comforted by it!

Standing Firmly Against LGBT Behaviors, Part 1

The radical changes in sexuality and sensual expression brought on by the sexual revolution gave rise to wild sensual experimentations and barefaced homosexual behavior in America. Today many are crusading for the acceptance of homosexual orientation as normal. Same sex marriage and the redefining of marriage are related hot social and political concerns. As a result any voice of dissension or objection is labeled homophobic, intolerant, hateful and bigoted.

Even the President of the USA, Barack Obama, generously endorses LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) rights, culture, and practices. Homosexuals represented our country in the recent Winter Olympic in Sochi, Russia as a result of our president's determination. Several celebrity television personalities openly flaunt their LGBT lifestyle, some denominations are ordaining gay clergy members, and American society seems more receptive and respectful of the gay population. Everyone recalls the recent firestorm in the media when Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson made anti-gay comments in a magazine interview. To top it all off, the LGBT magazine The Advocate even considers Pope Francis as their 2013 Man of the Year. Presumably this is because of his rather compassionate comments related to civil unions. Everything is being done to create a gay positive atmosphere in America.

Endorsements through every modern media outlet coupled with supposed reliable scientific evidence is generating a broader appreciation for gay lifestyles. Furthermore, these trends, political correctness, and the new positive climate have prompted some Evangelical churches and Christians to rethink their traditional position on homosexual practices. This is tragic because there is zero compelling evidence suggesting that our traditional stand against LGBT practices is wrong or misguided.

Is Creating a Positive Climate for LGBT Culture the Right Thing to Do?

At this point it is needful to establish that I cherish no desires at all related to name calling, threatening, attacking, or mistreating folks among the LGBT population. God clearly loves us all and instructs us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Christ literally died for all sinners, and that includes us all! I am opposed to the needlessly harsh statements and attacks that people of the LGBT culture have experienced. Some of these folks literally take their own lives because of violent social rejection, depression, and the hatred they feel from folks outside their culture. Those who attempt to break away from LGBT lifestyles are probably some of the loneliest people on the entire planet. They are strongly resented by the culture they are attempting to leave, and the rest of society is largely unprepared to receive or trust them. Many, because of well founded fears, still keep their secret lives to themselves.... Once again I repeat, I am not supportive of bashing or mistreating LGBT individuals.

With this understood, and important question must be asked: how are the previously mentioned developments affecting Americans with gay children and young people? Unfortunately, some sincere parents have embraced the new climate and propaganda over the last decade. Some, confronted with sons or daughters claiming to be gay/lesbian, have sought to be supportive and affirming. Yes, there are those who violently rejected their children, but others actually tried to embrace them. These parents struggled, but tried to be supportive of their sons’ homosexual desires. They attempted to be affirming, sympathetic, and compassionate toward their children and their pursuit of LGBT lifestyles. Given the ‘reliable’ scientific evidence and the warming of the culture to homosexuals, they felt confident they were doing the right thing.

The end result in some of these stories is absolutely tragic; some of these young men contracted HIV and some were tragically snuffed out prematurely by AIDS-related illness. Such parents, who thought they were doing right, were left devastated and disillusioned as their young adult sons struggled with HIV or died as victims of an extremely dangerous and misguided movement! They all were betrayed by the concerted lies permeating our modern society. Two independent studies demonstrate the danger of contrating HIV among young practicing male homosexuals (MSM, males having sex with males] in the USA. The first study observes, “younger MSM (ages 13-24) are at particular risk. In 2010, this group accounted for 1 in 5 (19%) of all new HIV infections and 30% of new infections among all MSM. Among Black MSM, this age group accounted for 45% of new infections.” (CDC. HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report, Vol. 17, No. 4; December 2012).  The second report stated, “A study in 20 major U.S. cities found that about 1 in 5 (18%) MSM is already living with HIV, with even higher prevalence among Black MSM, and many are unaware of their infection.” (Wejnert C et al. “HIV Prevalence and Awareness of Infection in 2008 and 2011 among Men Who Have Sex with Men: 20 US Cities.” Findings presented at CROI; March 2013). The risk factor for young men pursuing this lifestyle is great!

Some of you may recall from English history how Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), the 19th-century author (writer, poet, playwright), was imprisoned for his homosexual exploits and died destitute in Paris at the ripe old age of forty-six. A more recent examples is Rock Hudson (1925 –1985), an American actor who was secretly homosexual, died as the first major celebrity from an AIDS-related illness at just 59 years old. Marc Christian MacGinnis, Rock Hudson’s ex-lover, died at age 56; apparently, Hudson had knowingly exposed him to AIDS. Literally thousands of precious lives (both male and female) are being quenched precipitously! Even more tragic is the fact that they are eternally lost. Research shows that the life expectancy for gay men is shorter than all other men—8 to 21 years shorter (http://ije.oxfordjournals.org). Gay and bisexual males of all ethnic groups are the most severely affected by AIDS, and about 25% of all new HIV infections are among youths ages 13-24 (http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/statistics). Suicide and AIDS account for an alarming number of LGBT youths’ deaths. In fact gay teens are five times more likely to commit suicide. No doubt some of this is because of fear of rejection, brutality, and intense loneliness. 

Tragically, many American Evangelical Christians remain ambivalent and unconvinced of the immorality of homosexual behavior. Still Believers remain largely unaware of how irresponsible it is to condon these deviant and dangerous practices. Though the liberal media generally portrays homosexuality in a positive light as a matter of human equality and civil rights, Christians must not accept this deceptive ploy.  Homosexual behaviors are undesirable, detrimental, and dangerous to the welfare of the individuals who practice them, and to our entire country. Homosexual behavior is a lifestyle choice; there is no compelling evidence of any kind that LGBT behaviors are natural. 

As Bible-believing Christians we must recognize the fallacies related to homosexual behavior, and be persuaded to reject it, stand against it, and respond to the objections of liberals with wisdom, truth, and compassion. The unheralded truth of the matter is that homosexual behavior actually prevents people from exploring life as God, according to Scriptures, intended for it to be experienced. Therefore, Evangelical Christians must uniformly stand against it while pointing people in the LGBT community to the hope that is in Christ as a major part of any solutions.  The answer to our social struggle is not condoning and sanctioning this behavior, but salvation in Christ, sanctification through the Spirit, and the sufficient grace of God! We must refuse to be intimidated by those who would attempt to make us feel out of touch, behind the times, and like bigots because we believe the Word of God. Christians should desire the best for these folks caught up in this sinful practice; as well as what is best for these United States of America. Everybody else seems to be free to practice their freedom of speech in this country, and it is time for our voices to be heard as well. While others are coming out of the closet, let us come out of our churches and into the public square to speak up on these matters.

It is incumbent upon Evangelical Christians to tackle the difficult issues of homosexual behavior in America and represent God in a manner that is accurate, compassionate, and consistent with the Gospel. The endorsement of homosexuality and its practice are extremely serious concerns with grave medical, national, and biblical implications. I urge each of us to approach this subject carefully so as to avoid misunderstanding this potentially devastating issue in America. Because of my research on this subject, I feel compelled to highlight the problems that accompany homosexual behavior. I also desire to cultivate solidarity among Evangelical Christians regarding this matter as part of the solution for our country. Frankly, Evangelical Christians should reject homosexual behavior for medical/scientific, national, and biblical reasons. I will cover these three reasons at length in this and the one that follows. Understanding these reasons will enable Believers to address the greatest objections to our position with wisdom, truth, and compassion.

The Medical and Scientific Reasons

First, Evangelical Christians should reject homosexual behavior for medical and scientific reasons. Homosexual practices are deviant behaviors that spawn serious medical repercussions, vulnerabilities, and spread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These practices are medically dangerous because of STDs like HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Homosexual promiscuity is the culprit in America. “Studies indicate that the average male homosexual has hundreds of sex partners in his lifetime” (Dailey, http://www.frc.org). Although MSM [male having sex with male] represent about 4% of the male population in the United States in 2010, MSM accounted for 78% of new HIV infections among males and 63% of all new infections. MSM accounted for 52% of all people living with HIV infection in 2009, the most recent year these data are available (www.liberty.edu.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048). The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services demonstrates statistically that MSM behaviors are patently dangerous (http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/statistics). This is not speculation; the facts, studies, and statistics soundly support this conclusion.

In addition, homosexual orientation is not supported by scientific evidence. Orientation is the idea that the person’s sexual attractions, identity, and behaviors stem from genetic hard wiring. This is the notion that they were born gay or lesbian and did not merely chose to be gay or lesbian. However, contrary to the conventional thinking, genetics does not sufficiently explain homosexual behavior! You see the principal study (Bailey & Pillard, 1991) to support this notion used a highly biased sample according to Dr. Stan Jones of Wheaton College. I could do the same thing to prove all Americans believe in God by going directly and only to churches on Sunday mornings to conduct my surveys across the country. The results would be fallacious because I selected a highly biased survey sample. This is the equivalent of what Bailey and Pillard did in their work. Thus, homosexuality has not been proven to be inherited. Bailey and Pillard’s research absolutely failed to consistently show by even a respectable margin that homosexuality is genetic or inherited. In addition, through faith in Jesus Christ many people have forsaken homosexual practices; therefore, it cannot be genetic. If homosexuality was normal for these people then how is it they were saved and transformed by the grace of God?

Furthermore, God did not create a “third sex”; homosexual behavior is unnatural. No doubt someone will object saying, what about the fact that homosexuals have a natural attraction for the same gender? I would answer by saying the fact that a person has an attraction does not automatically make it a legitimate attraction. I know heterosexuals who are extremely attracted to other folk’s husbands and wives, but that does not legitimize their desires! I know of adult men who spend thousands of dollars a year on pornography, but that does not mean their desires are healthy or even normal! Perverts desire to rape little children, both girls and boys, but this in no way sanctions their desires! No, sin is responsible for twisting, mangling, and warping human nature. Sin is a radical and defiantly ruthless criminal and it can erect strange passions in the human soul. No, homosexual desires and behaviors may indeed exist and persist with tremendous power in the human heart, but this does not make them normal, healthy, or good. Clearly, God did not make anyone homosexual any more than He made someone an adulterer!    

Looking further into the health issues related to this consideration, those who indulge in homosexual practices are still banned from donating blood. No doubt this is to protect the American population, the integrity of the blood bank supplies, and to prevent the spread of diseases associated with homosexual practices (http://americansfortruth.com/issues/gay, AFTAH). I understand there are parties among the LGBT community who wish to change these well founded prohibitions. I pray their every effort will fail. A contaminated blood supply would needlessly jeopardize many innocent lives in their greatest hour of need. As anyone can see, this is an extremely serious medical matter and I have only begun to touch on the potential and actual medical risks incurred by embracing and normalizing homosexual behavior. Obviously homosexual practices are not good for the individual nor this country. Those in places of influence would serve the country far better by first stopping their propaganda machines and by telling Americans the truth. Homosexual practices are dangerous and the risks increase exponentially for those who engage in high risk sexual behaviors. 

Earning The Privilege of Leadership!

Some families obviously stand out above the rest! When you meet them and as you get to know them, this conviction is strengthened. They are fresh and alive, and each family member is enthusiastic, motivated, and productive. When we look even closer at such families, we soon discover a spiritual leader who has qualities not found in the average person. He or she is the kind of leader who excels by employing a workable strategy. We want to be that kind of father and parent!

As a spiritual leader, Timothy was urged to conduct himself in a manner that no one would look down on his youthfulness in a condescending way. You know, “He is too young to lead himself, much less anyone else!” So Paul counselled Timothy to earn the respect of the people he was appointed to lead. But, how was he going to do that? How can we earn the privilege of leading others? Though we have the right and authority to lead, have we earned the privilege to influence the lives of others? Paul indicates we can earn the opportunity to truly influence others by becoming “an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”(1 Tim. 4:12). Though these guidelines apply to all areas of leadership application, I would like to apply these principles to a father and his family. This strategy also wonderfully applies to a single mother trying to raise her children in the Lord. Accordingly, a father or parent must provide a good example: Paul did not offer general motivations by merely saying “Be a good example.” No the faithful old apostle issued a checklist:

Be An Example With Your Words (1 Tim. 4:12)

The conversation of the servant of God is to be exemplary. Jesus made it extremely clear that whatever comes out of the mouth reveals what is in the person’s heart. Matthew 12:34, O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Matthew 12:37, For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

      1.  Use True Words.

Proverbs 12:22, Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

      2.  Use Controlled Words.

In Eph. 4:26 Paul says, “be ye angry, and sin not.” There’s a place for holy wrath and righteous indignation, but not for the sin of anger—especially the smoldering kind that lasts into the next day and longer.

Proverbs 25:28, He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.  (See Col. 4:6).

      3.  Use Gracious Words.

Eph. 4:29 says, “let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.” The speech of a believer should never be less than pure. It is embarrassing to hear someone who claims to serve Jesus Christ speak ungodly words. That just reveals a dirty heart. There’s no place for corrupt or filthy communication in the Christian life.  Speech that glorifies God “is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (v. 29).

Be An Example Through Your Conversation (Conduct) 1 Tim. 4:12

You are to be a model of righteous living—a person who lives out his convictions based on Biblical principles. Nothing about you should cause shame for the name of Christ.  The things you do the places you go, the things you possess—every aspect of your life is a sermon.  That sermon either contradicts or substantiates what you say.

Make your example count through consistently emphasizing godliness.  Remember the future and welfare of your family is at stake. Lead them with your good lifestyle! We cannot become holy on our own, but God gave us his Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin. Don't use the excuse that you can't help slipping into sin. Call on God's power to free you from sin's grip.

Be An Example Through Charity (Love) 1 Tim. 4:12

Ministering to your family in love doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a hugger and kisser. There is absolutely nothing at all wrong with warm expressions of family affection, but there is more to love than this. The Apostle Paul and Epaphroditus showed their love to the church by hard work (1Thess. 2:7-12); Phil. 2:27-30).  We all are to offer self-sacrificing service on behalf of others; this is especially true at home. 

When we say the right words and live the right way but lack love, we are demonstrating a wrong view of God's expectations (1 Cor. 13:1-7).   Love is a primary motivation in all of Christian living.  Love is made visible through actions of help, assistance, correction, affection, re-enforcement, and interest.  After words and actions have had their say, love makes the message ring true or false.  Little girls and boys need desperately the love of their godly father.  I still believe that the main key to preventing fornication among young unmarried people is the right kind of affection at home.  The same could be said for gangs, drugs, and alcohol.

Be An Example In Spirit (1 Tim. 4:12)

       1.  Inner Enthusiasm. ‘In spirit’ . . . describe the inner enthusiasm and excitement of a child of God” says Warren W. Wiersbe. Therefore, the word “spirit” refers to excitement, eagerness, intensity, passion, exuberance, and zeal.  It describes the child of God as bubbling over with an irrepressible fervor.

       2.  Spiritual Enthusiasm.  Guy King concluded that “spirit” refers to enthusiasm and describes it as a:

“ . . . . quality strangely lacking from the make-up of many Christians.  Plenty of enthusiasm  for a football match, or for an election campaign, but so little of it for the service of God.  How the magnificent enthusiasm of the Christian Scientists, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Communists should put us to shame.   Oh for the flaming zeal again that once the church knew.  This fine spirit will greatly help Timothy as he seeks to consolidate the position and to advance the line.” —Guy King, Leader, 79

The excellent parent is to exemplify spiritual enthusiasm in his Life, Labor and to his Lord.  How shameful it is to see the Lord’s servants work with a poor, reluctant, complaining spirit, or with little excitement, or enthusiasm about the work of the Lord.  Just one extra-long drawn out drudgery!   

Be An Example In Faith (1 Tim. 4:12)

The word “faith” carries the idea of ‘faithfulness,’ ‘trustworthiness,’ ‘consistency’ or ‘fidelity.’                                                                                                                          

     1.  Faith Is Made Evident in Faithfulness.

Timothy was to be consistent, faithful, and trustworthy in his ministry. People can follow that kind of a leader.  Consistency separates those who succeed from those who fail.

1 Cor. 4:2, Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

At all times and in all trials show your family, how they ought to maintain unshaken confidence in God by your example!  Weather it is tithing, soul winning, singing, praying, Bible reading, burden bearing, or waiting on God; be faithful at all times.

      2.  Faith is Made Evident in Fidelity.  (Dependability)

Fidelity is being faithful to your Ministry, to your flock, to your class, to your home and family, to the public, and certainly to your God. Fidelity means the people who know you have NO doubts about you; they are free to depend on you always without regret or reluctance.

           a. Preserving All. Fidelity consists in honestly keeping, preserving, and coming through when required. This involves whatever is entrusted to our care. It is preserved from lose or damage in our care.  This is the goal of every godly father—he desires to preserve his entire family from sin, Satan, and hell. 

           b. Improving All. Improving whatever is placed in our trust for improvement.  It is better than it was because of our faithful care.  Seek to develop servants for Jesus Christ through your family ministry is the idea here. While it is wonderful when a family produces a good doctor, a solid lawyer, a business strategist, a strong godly pastor, the aim is to fully develop each family member to reach their potential in Christ!

The Lord Jesus Christ was absolutely faithful to His Father and as a Good Steward of the Disciples that the Father gave Him, He lost none of them.  Every genuine convert was preserved and improved under the Lord Jesus’ faithful care and ministry! John 17:12, While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 

John 18:9, That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

Beloved, decide that you will lose nothing that God commits to your charge, and you will improve every precious gift that He gives.  Every person, opportunity, moment, and ability faithfully employed in His work to preserve and improve what He gave you to work with! Preserve and improve your family—you are the leader. By the grace of God take the initiative. Don’t be a hit and miss dad who emphasize spiritual and family matters for a short period and then forget all about it, but be consistent and faithful to your family. They need a faithful investor into their spiritual and moral welfare. They require a model to follow; the model you provide them. Decide to provide them with that mentor and example every day and always. Give them the kind of attention that will shape them for Christ.

Be An Example of Purity (1 Tim. 4:12)

Paul ended emphasizing virtue and chastity. The word “purity” refers not only to sexual chastity, but also to the motives and intents of the heart.  If your heart is pure, your behavior will be pure as well.  This implies integrity and consistency and reinforces the entire list. History has shown us that a family can be devastated by sexual impurity on the part of the parents. Men in leadership are vulnerable in that area when they let their guard down. We all must maintain absolute moral purity. Parents cannot effectively influence their children to be pure, when they are unwilling to live out this standard for themselves. Do as I say, and not as I do simply does not fly!
These are all vital constituents of Christian living. Carelessness in any one of these areas can spell failure and even disaster. The above qualities are to be developed, not just for public display, but as the uniform texture of our life.

Some families stand out visibly above the rest! They are fresh and alive, and the people involved are enthusiastic, motivated, and productive. Looking behind the scenes, you find a leader who has qualities not found in the average person. He or she is a leader who excels. Be that kind of father!

The Great White Throne Judgment II

The Great White Throne Judgment II

In the first post of this series, we established from Revelation 20 and other biblical passages that the Judge before which all lost humanity must stand is the Lord Jesus Christ. As the supreme and ultimate Judge, He will correctly administer justice most judiciously. No unrepentant sinners will receive less than pure justice. Christ will not be influenced by the whimsical notions of a fickle society, nor will He legislate from the bench to circumvent bad laws. He will prosecute each case with the utmost integrity in full accordance with His absolutely righteous nature and the eternal Word of God.

While these observations for many are rightly anticipated, still we might ask at this point, “What is the judgment criterion for the lost?” They all are obviously unsaved, who appear at this trial of the millennia, so what is the reason for such a trial and what is the standard by which sinners will be examined? The Scriptures demonstrate that their failure to accept God’s provision for salvation and the content of their lives will decide the degree of their punishment in the Lake of Fire. The following thoughts from Revelation 20 will answer these concerns and unveil what will happen in the future.

What Is The Basis of Judgment? (Rev. 20:12-13)

As unsaved individuals, they will be tried at the Great White Throne judgment on the basis of their unbelief, and the quality of their lives. While it is implied, the first of these is not explained in great detail in this text. However this truth is clearly taught elsewhere with regards to this specific event. The second criterion, the works of sinners, set forth in the Word does appear here and demands our utmost considerations. Once again the Bible is the standard by which individual’s behavior will be scrutinized; God will not employ a standard that people are oblivious of, He will not make it up as He goes, and to some degree God’s moral law is written in the heart and conscience of people (Rom. 2:14-16). Therefore, no one can claim they did not know what God expects or requires—it is written in the human soul. Once again, these trials are designed to determine the degree of guilt to ensure an appropriate sentence is given. So, then what is the biblical criteria?

I.                  Their Failure to Trust the Savior!

This is NOT a Judgment of Guilt or Innocence! When the unbelieving stand before Jesus at the Great White Throne, it will not be a trial to determine guilt or innocence. Though this may be shocking for some, guilt has already been determined. Unrepentant people appear at this trial because they are guilty. But what are they guilty of?

John 3:18, tells us, “He that believeth on him [Jesus] is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Accordingly all sinners are condemned before God even before they die because they have failed to repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith is Christ clearly cancels all condemnation for sins because it is Jesus Christ who made the payment for all sin. The righteous sentence was executed upon Him at Calvary two thousand years ago. God’s method for delivering people from the condemnation of sin is through the full payment of sin through a Substitute. Our great and gracious Substitute is the Lord Jesus Christ! At the Great White Throne judgment, people will face Him not as the gracious Savior but as their holy Judge. There is absolutely zero chance of Him showing any mercy or grace on this occasion to anyone.

John 3:36, adds additional insight to this matter stating, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” Here John rightly indicates that the wrath of God is presently upon and remains upon the person who refuses to believe on the Son, Jesus Christ. This means that unsaved people live each day under the condemnation of their sin and are in peril of Hell every single moment of every day! Each new day that God gives them life is another gracious opportunity to repent and trust Christ the Savior. It is not wise to take this for granted, because there is no guarantee that anyone will complete a day of life and no one is certain of tomorrow. The people who will stand before our Lord Jesus will receive their sentence because they have already been found guilty of unbelief.

Many people think that the unsaved are judged on the basis of their good works outweighing their bad works. Actually nothing could be further from the truth. This dangerous assumption is a mistake of colossal proportions! If we were judged as “saved” or “unsaved” based on our works, all of us would be lost (Romans 3:23; 6:23). This much can be guaranteed! There is zero hope of us performing well enough to impress a holy and perfect God. Any honest person will confess that we are not free of sinful thoughts, deeds, and aspirations. All of us must admit that we are not perfect within ourselves or with regard to our activities. It is not that we do not do good things with wholesome desires, it is more that we cannot do ONLY good thing with ONLY wholesome motives. This fact points to the reality of sin in us; so any good we do is still tainted with our sinfulness. Obviously, our bad actions are fully corrupted with sin! So can we ever hope to amass enough good works to outweigh our bad ones? This is a hopelessly gross misconception and it is only fit for rejection as a diabolical ploy of the devil to condemn souls for all eternity.

Instead, people are lost because they rejected what they knew about God, either from creation or from the Bible (Romans 1:18–21). The reality of God is demonstrated and preached by all natural creation itself. Truly the “heavens declare” the glory and righteousness of God (see Psalm 19:1; 97:6). Furthermore, God was brilliantly revealed in Jesus Christ, and is still communicated through the pages of the Word of God. God can be known and His grace reaches out to us all to this very end, but if we fail to respond in repentance and faith…all that we know and have been afforded becomes evidence indicting our sinful hearts and minds! Once again, people appear before the Great White Throne judgment because they are guilty and they need to be sentenced for their unbelief.

Guilt does not Necessarily mean the Condemned were not Religious People.

I am personally convinced that pastors, popes, missionaries, Bible translators, priests, Christian college presidents, bishops, Christian university professors, deacons, Christian authors, Church workers, and faithful followers of religion from all times and places will be at the Great White Throne judgment. Buddhists, atheist, Hindus, secularists, Muslims, Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baptist, Presbyterians, Methodist, Confucianists, scientists and on the lists of religionist go. Unfortunately, they all will be there! This is a painful reality….

Though many religious people will be judged on this occasion, they will be finally condemned because the Lord did not know them as His people. In their hearts they did not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. No matter how sincere and committed they were in the observance of their religion, they are sincerely wrong!

The same is true of people who are associated with Christianity! Consider the crystal clear words of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23,

Not every one that saith unto me [Jesus Christ], Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

The Lord did not know these religious people as His own. Look at His words carefully, “I never knew you” (v. 23). Not ‘I once knew you,’ or ‘I had forgotten you,’ but “I never knew you”! They had NO faith-relationship with the Savior! Jesus did not say these people were not religious! Evidently they were extremely religious people. They had preached, prophesied, taught, and written Bible lesson, messages, sermons, and books! They had performed miracles, cast out devils, healed the sick, and held great deliverance revivals! In fact they had performed works that caused people to marvel, they wild millions with their amazing antics, and enthusiasts flocked to their meetings by the thousands. They enjoyed popularity, fame, riches, grand audacious homes, luxurious cars, private jets, and on the list goes. This they all did in the Name of a penniless itinerant Preacher who came not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for us sinners (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45)! It is painfully obvious…Jesus did not know them and they did not actually know Him. Do not be fooled by someone pretending to be Christian. Jesus said we can discern false teachers by their fruit (Matt. 7:13-20). This is a sobering reality unfolding before us. Think deeply and honestly about this…eternal souls are in the balance. Though these people were religious, they failed to trust the Savior for the forgiveness of their sin. They thought they could merely present their religious resumes, their good works, and amazing productions to demonstrate how worthy they are of salvation. They actually believed their positive contributions to society would impress God so much that He certainly would accept them. According to Jesus, they were wrong…eternally wrong.

II.               The Content of Their Lives! (Rev. 20:11-13)

Not only did the unsaved fail to trust the Savior, the only means of genuine salvation, but they also conducted themselves in a manner that is worthy of condemnation. Just one singular sin is a monumental violation of the holy law of God! It is His righteous majesty, which is reflected in his perfect moral law that demands such a conviction. The greater the offended authority the greater the condemnation! It is one thing to offend a bum on skid row, it is quite another to offend the president or prime minister of your country! God Almighty is the supreme authority, and all creation is answerable to Him. A supreme court is set to try high crimes against His Holy Majesty. Justice for supreme crimes like the sinful works of fallen humanity demand an official verdict.

Now carefully consider precisely what the Apostle John wrote regarding this ominous occasion,

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Rev. 20:11-13)

John foresees how all the unsaved dead will be summoned to the Great White Throne judgment. The old heaven and earth are no more, the unredeemed dead or raised-resurrected to appear before the Judge, the Book of Life and the other chronicles of Heaven are brought forth. Unsaved individuals will give an account for their “works” of sin and be condemned accordingly. William MacDonald summarizes this scene with brilliant clarity,

These are the unbelievers of all ages. Two sets of books are opened. The Book of Life contains the names of all who have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. The other books contain a detailed record of the works of the unsaved. No one who appears at this judgment is registered in the Book of Life. The fact that his name is missing condemns him, but the record of his evil works determines the degree of his punishment (Believer’s Bible Commentary, 1995).

Two realities should be noted: degrees of punishment will be based on people’s works, and condemnation is certain without a singular exception!

Yes, there will be degrees of punishment for the unbelievers. Even though everyone who is lost is lost because they did not respond fully to the true light that is available to everyone ever born (John 1:9), there appears to be degrees of punishment of unbelievers based on the quality of their lives.

Those who were kind and good will be judged less severely than those who were cruel and evil. We see this idea established in Revelation 20:12, And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

In addition, The Lord Jesus strongly indicated the same idea, regarding some cities that had rejected Him. Read carefully His words in Matthew 11:22-24,

But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. [23] And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [24] But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

This is another reference to a grand and final day of judgment and clearly Jesus teaches various degrees of guilt and liability based on our behavior.

The concept of varying levels of liability and culpability is also expressed in Luke 12:47-48, we read:

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. [48] But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

While this passage does not relate to the Great White Throne judgment event, it conveys the Lord’s concept of justice, fairness, responsibility, accountability, and justice. This same Lord will preside over the trial of the ages and here we have a sense of how He views justice respecting degrees of punishment and culpability.

Their entire lives will be scrutinized carefully to determine the degree of guilt. It seems evident, then, that different degrees of punishment await those who are unsaved, punishment based on their thoughts, motives, words, and deeds here on earth. John shows us with transparent clarity how lost humanity will be judged on the basis of their works (v. 12, 13). Really this accounts for all facets of the human experience; all will be brought under the scrutiny of an all-wise and all-knowing Judge. Many other passages agree with this basic conclusion.

Concerning thoughts and motives, we find in Hebrews 4:12–13 that the word of God is able to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart, and that all things, without exception, are uncovered and open to the examining eyes of a holy God. Hebrews 4:12-13, says, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him [God Whom we must give an account to] with whom we have to do. Not only what we did or did not do, but why we did or did not satisfy divine requirements. All of this will also be given serious consideration. While the deception of gullible people is often obtainable for many deceivers, God knows the intentions, motivations, and desires of our hearts. We cannot deceive Him. Many have done right deeds for the wrong reasons and the Lord routinely discerns the difference. There is no possibility of a mistrial, the submission of tainted evidence, a hung jury, a miscarriage of justice or getting off by beating the system!

Concerning our words, Matthew 12:36–37 reads, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [37] For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” That is every idle word will be brought into judgment by God. The very words of the sinner will condemn him. Every time our Lord’s Name is used in blasphemous ways, each occasion when His holy character is abused in profane utterances, and all times when careless and meaningless references are made of Him will be accounted for. In addition the words that hurt needlessly, criticize unjustly, spread lies mercilessly, gossip vengefully, or kill brutally will not go unchallenged! In additional, this Judge will not bargain with criminals, cut a plea deal, nor pervert justice to secure justice!

Concerning our actions, Revelation 20:13, states that “they [unrepentant sinners] were judged every man according to their works.” Who would fall into this category? Everyone actually, but we can be more specific. The promoters of false religions, God-haters, God-deniers, lawless, rapists, adulterers, counterfeiters, extortioners, money mongers, thieves, idolaters, addicts, prideful achievers, workaholics, liars, those who neglected their families, and those who made children, but were too lazy to raise them. These condemned 'workers' of sin include those who sleep around from weekend to weekend, homosexuals, those who cohabitate, corrupt police, judges, mayors, presidents, senators, lawyers, doctors, murderers, anarchist, dictators, and witches will all be found guilty of sinful 'works.' Even sweet little grand mothers who refused to repent and believe on Christ will be found guilty of sin on that day. For all of them, the principle reason for guilt is the rejection of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. This action and decision can never be forgiven!

Therefore, we see justice is satisfied, in that all sinners will receive fair judgment when they stand before God with nothing but their own merits. Condemnation is the only possible outcome! Listen to me carefully; no one in their right mind wants to appear before God to be judged for their sin!

Will you be judged and condemned at the Great White Throne Judgment? Beloved, if you have not yet acknowledged to God you are a sinner living in rebellion against Him then the time is upon you to do so now. If you have failed to recognize and accept the full payment for your sin then now is the time to place your trust in Jesus’ complete payment for sin. Turn away from any notions of saving yourself, or earning your own way to God—these approaches are absolutely useless. Religion is not the answer; it only exacerbates the problem making things worse. Turn now to Jesus Christ the Son of God and Savior; ask Him to save you and become the Master of your future. Believe the truth that He died in our place, was buried to prove He really did die, and He rose again the third day exactly as the Scriptures predicted He would (1 Cor. 15:1-8). As a living Savior, He can rescue all who turn to Him for the forgiveness of sins and a new beginning in God. While you are not guaranteed tomorrow, you do have now. Trust Jesus Christ as Savior today.