Saturday, March 16, 2024

Morning Message: All Things Are New



Bobservations' Column
Titled - "All Things Are New"
Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

From Roman Catholicism we have the legend of the Irish Saint driving the snakes out of Ireland. Born in 385 AD, St. Patrick was never actually declared a Saint by the Church. Neither was he actually Irish. Born in Britain to two Roman citizens, Maewyn Succat was most likely Scottish, or Welch.

As a teenager, Maewyn was kidnapped in a pirate raid, and sold into slavery in Ireland! He found himself herding and watching over sheep in his young life, but eventually escaped to a monastery in England. While finding refuge there, he became a devout Christian, and later became a missionary to Ireland in order to bring Christianity to the Irish. Besides being a missionary and ordained as a Priest (at which time he took the name of Patrick [its Latin root meaning “father.”]), he eventually became a Bishop in Ireland, and was deemed its Patron Saint. He was also dubbed the Patron Saint of Engineers because of the many churches he caused to be built around that island country.

There are several parallels between Patrick’s life and King David’s, as well as both their lives sharing in the Life of Jesus Himself. All three share in the life of a shepherd, Jesus being the Shepherd of our Souls

Next week for Palm Sunday, we will read of Jesus leading His “flock” into Jerusalem and fulfilling prophecy during the final week of His life on Earth.

During Patrick’s life, as lore would have us believe, he drove the serpents out of Ireland. But given the climate there, I wonder if it was not the serpent of evil.

The snakes and serpents of this world have taken over the whole Earth and Satan, that old serpent has defiled it thoroughly. When Jesus calls from heaven, He will call His flock to His side in the Rapture. His Church will be brought out of the defiled world and from that point, we will always be with Him. The snakes on Earth will be brought even lower than they already are and cast into the Lake of Fire.

1 Peter 2:25 -
“For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd, and Bishop of your souls.”
Bobservations' Column: Audio Version


Sunday Morning Audio Message:
Revelation 21:9-27 - "All Things Are New"

Summary/Additional Bible Notes:  

John attempts to describe the New Jerusalem in terms others can understand. In doing so, he mentions precious materials such as gold and jasper, but associates them with properties those materials don't normally have. Gold, for instance, is not normally "clear," and neither is jasper. This is John's struggle in explaining what he sees; a modern person might say they saw smoke that looked like "transparent lead," and those hearing it would understand the mixture of two separate ideas. Here, John does something similar in his effort to describe the indescribable (Revelation 21:9–21). Describing the effect of God's glory radiating from the New Jerusalem, the city appeared to the apostle like one gigantic precious stone. It was crystal-clear and unblemished.  Heaven's capital city is thus pictured as a huge, flawless diamond, refracting the brilliant, blazing glory of God throughout the new heaven and the new earth.

John also points out that there is no temple in this new city, since there is no need for a temple. Temples, priests, and rituals are all necessary when man is somehow separated from God. Two people speaking face-to-face don't need telephones or letters; those living in direct communion with God won't need a temple. This description also re-emphasizes the perfect holiness of this New Jerusalem, and the fact that only those who put their faith in Christ will be found there (Revelation 21:22–27). Revelation 22 is the final chapter of the New Testament. There, John will complete his description of the New Jerusalem and give some final words to those who read this text.

The most distinguishing characteristic of the capital city of eternity is that it is the throne of the eternal, Almighty One, and therefore had the glory of God in it.  Radiating from the New Jerusalem will be the brilliance of the full manifestation of God's glory, so much so that "the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.

The chapter concludes revealing that this great glory, security, and fellowship are available for all people. The nations walk by its light and the kings of the earth bring their glory into it. They will bring the glory and the honor of the nations (21:26). Isaiah also prophesied of this moment.

Those who do not submit to God will not be allowed to enter through the gates. Only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life can enter into this glorious fellowship with God and receive the eternal blessings and rewards. These images portray the glory and blessings we will enjoy in full fellowship with God in the age to come after Christ returns.


Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

The Lamb's Wife (21:9) - The New Jerusalem takes on the character of its inhabitants, the redeemed (see verse 2; 19:7-9).

Jasper (21:11) - This is a transliteration, not a translation, of the Greek word.  Rather than the modern opaque jasper, the term actually refers to a completely clear diamond, a perfect gem with the brilliant light of god's glory shining out of it and streaming over the new heaven and the new earth (see 4:3).

Twelve Gates (21:12)The description of the New Jerusalem is a literal city on a literal earth with dimensions and descriptions exactly as recorded. In order to understand the significance of the twelve gates being inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes, we must look to the beginning of the Old Testament, when God promised a new land and a great nation to Abraham, whose descendants would spread blessing upon all other nations (Genesis 12:1–3). To Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, whom God later named “Israel” (Genesis 32:28), twelve sons were born to establish the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 49). Those twelve tribes escaped slavery in Egypt, inherited the Promised Land (Exodus 6:14; 24:4), received the Law (Exodus 20), and were chosen by God to be His covenant people (Exodus 19:5–6).

During the reign of David, out of all the territories of the tribes of Israel, God chose the city of Jerusalem in Judah as the place where God’s name would rest (2 Chronicles 12:13). Revelation speaks of the New Jerusalem that has been prepared for the reign of the Lamb (Revelation 21:1–3). This New Jerusalem sits on twelve foundations, representing the twelve apostles who would reign over the twelve tribes of Israel (verse 14; cf. Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:30). The gates of the city are symmetrically arranged: “There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west” (Revelation 21:13). Each gate of the New Jerusalem bears the inscription of one of the tribes of Israel, and each gate is guarded by an angel (Revelation 21:12). These angels are there to let in “only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (verse 27).

It is through the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem that the true tribal people—believers of Jewish descent as well as Gentiles who have been “grafted in” with God’s people (Romans 11:17–25)—will enter the joy of the Lord (see Matthew 25:21).

Twelve Names (21:12) - Celebrating for all eternity God's covenant relationship with Israel. The gates of the New Jerusalem are inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Israel was chosen by God to be a light to all nations (Isaiah 49:5–7; Romans 9:23–25), and God will never revoke Israel’s status as His chosen people (see Romans 11:29). The New Jerusalem thus contains a tribute to the patriarchs of Israel. It also contains a tribute to the apostles (Revelation 21:14), so both Old Testament and New Testament are represented in the city—the New Jerusalem is filled with the elect of God from all eras. 

Twelve Tribes (21:12) - The twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb (21:14) are inscribed on the city's foundational structures, and this indicates that "the bride, the Lamb's wife" (21:9) is composed of believers from both old and new covenants, both before and after the first coming of Christ, Israel and the church.  Compare also Ephesians 2:14, 19-21.

Twelve Foundation Stones (21:14) - These stones commemorate God's covenant relationship with the church, with the apostles as the foundation (Ephesians 2:20).  At the top of each gate was the name of one of the apostles.  The layout of the city's gates pictures God's favor on all His redeemed people, both those under the old and new covenants. 

Gold Reed (21:15) - The reed was about ten feet long, which was a standard of measurement.

Measure the City (21:15) - The angel is with a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates, and its walls. These vast measurements of the city are to show that the people of God are secure and safe. This city with its perfect dimensions in equal length, width, and height represents God’s presence with his people who have been made perfect (Hebrews 12:22-24). This action indicates that the capital of heaven belongs to God and He is measuring what is His (see 11:1).

Length, Breadth, and Height (21:16) - The city has the symmetrical dimensions of a perfect cube, which parallels its closest earthly counterpart, the inner sanctuary in the tabernacle and temple.

Twelve Thousand Furlongs (21:16) - This would be nearly fourteen hundred miles cubed or over two million square miles, offering plenty of room for all the glorified saints to live.

One Hundred and Forty-Four Cubits (21:17) - Seventy-two yards or two hundred sixteen feet; likely the width of the wall.

Jasper (21:18) - See verse 11. This is the material of the thick wall-diamond.

Pure Gold, Like Clear Glass (21:18) - Unlike earth's gold, this gold will be transparent so the over-powering radiance of God's glory can refract and glisten through the entire city.

Chalcedony (21:19) - This name derives from Chalcedon, an ancient name for a city in modern Turkey.  The gem is a sky-blue agate stone with translucent, colored stripes.

Sardonyx (21:20) - A gem with a transparent gold or yellowish tone.

Sardius (21:20) - A common stone from the quartz family, which ranged in color from orange-red to brownish-red to blood-red (4:3).

Chrysolite (21:20) - A gem with transparent gold or yellowish tone.

Beryl (21:20) - A mineral with several varieties of gems, ranging from the green emerald to the golden yellow beryl to the light blue aquamarine.

Topaz (21:20) - Ancient topaz was a softer stone with a yellow or yellow-green color.

Chrysoprase (21:20) - The modern form of this jewel is an apple-green variety of quartz.  The Greek name suggests a gold-tinted, green gemstone.

Jacinth (21:20) - Today this stone is a transparent zircon, usually red or reddish-brown.  The one John saw was blue or shining violet in color.

Amethyst (21:20) - A clear quartz crystal that ranges in color from a faint purple to an intense purple.

Twelve Pearls (21:21) - The pearly gates are never closed (21:25), thus providing access to the city at every level throughout its great height. Each gate is composed of 1, 380 miles of solid pearl.

One Pearl (21:21) - Each of the gates of the city is a single, fifteen-hundred-mile-high pearl.  Even as earthly pearls are formed in response to the wounding of oyster flesh, so these gigantic, supernatural pearls will remind saints throughout eternity of the magnitude of Christ's suffering and its eternal benefit. 

No Temple (21:22) - Several passages affirm that there is a temple in heaven (3:12; 7:15; 11:19; 15:5).  Here, it is clear there is none in eternity.  How can this be?  The temple is not a building; it is the Lord God Himself.  Verse 23 continues the thought of no temple, except God and the Lamb.  The glory of God that illuminates all heaven defines it as His temple.  There is no need for a temple in the eternal state since God Himself will be the temple in which everything exists.  The presence of God literally fills the entire new heaven and new earth (see verse 3).  Going to heaven will be entering the limitless presence of the Lord. 

The Nations (21:24) - Literally "the peoples," this means that the redeemed people from every nation and ethnic group will dwell in heaven's light.  In the eternal city, there will be no more divisions, barriers, or exclusions because of race or politics.  All kinds of peoples in eternity dissolve into the people of God, and they will move freely in and about the city.



Saturday, March 9, 2024

Morning Message: Epilogue - Called to Peace





















Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Epilogue - Called to Peace"
Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The Bible is a unique volume of Books, yet all 66 Books have a central theme. Regardless of the 40 individual scribes and prophets whose words are recorded, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (from 2 Timothy 3:16). This “instruction in righteousness” is the righteousness of Christ, pointing all to our Redeemer, Savior, Messiah, Jesus Christ is the central theme.

In 1 Kings 19:9-12, the Prophet Elijah had a heavy heart because of the state of God’s Chosen People. And when God spoke to him, His voice came not in a strong wind, nor from a subsequent earthquake, nor from the fire that followed the earthquake. But after the wind, the earthquake, and the fire, there was a stillness as Elijah sought the voice of the Lord. The voice was quiet, and small as it spoke to the Prophet. The voice was from within himself. It was not the booming voice of Judgment, but that still, that small voice within Elijah’s own heart, for God reigned in the Prophet’s heart. The voice asked Elijah a question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” The man had sought the safety of a cave on Mt. Horeb as the storms approached. He was hiding though, not performing the role of a Prophet of God, neither teaching, nor warning.

God’s people had been in rebellion. The storms were perhaps judgment against them, but Elijah was now speaking with God in the aftermath. Elijah heard the voice of God’s Holy Spirit, and it was still and small, and comforting.

That is the voice of the Holy Spirit, bringing reproof, and correction, and then instruction to His Believers. The Bible’s Books accomplish all those things as they point Jew and Gentile alike to the personhood of Jesus Christ.

We are at the Epilogue of the Book of Revelation. The havoc has passed; the Beast, the False Prophet, and Satan too have been cast into the Lake of Fire, along with all those that followed his pernicious ways.

“Old things are passed away, and behold all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Audio Message:
Revelation 21:1-8 - "Epilogue - Called to Peace"

Summary/Additional Bible Notes:  

From the time described midway through Genesis chapter 3 until the events of Revelation 20, earth experienced—is experiencing—the presence of sin and death. At the end of Revelation chapter 20, John sees God delivering the final and ultimate judgment on Satan, casting all evil into the lake of fire. At that point, creation will finally be free from everything wicked, and what follows is a description of a remade, restored earth.

When the smoke clears following God's final punishment of the wicked, earth as we know it will be no more.  John records in chapters 21-22 the startling revelation of the city of God and the beginning of the eternal state.  Paradise was lost in the Garden of Eden when Adam sinned (Genesis 3).  Paradise is regained when God makes all things new (Revelation 21-22). God will create a new universe to be the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed.  

Following the great white throne judgment of chapter 20, John sees a new heaven and a new earth. Scholars debate whether this means that all of creation will be destroyed and re-made, or that God will re-condition creation. The terminology used seems to suggest a new creation. John sees the new city of Jerusalem descending onto the earth, and voices celebrating the restored relationship between God and man. In particular, John hears the voice from the throne declare an end to suffering, pain, and death for all of eternity. At the same time, John hears a reminder that sin, and those who chose it over God, are condemned to the "second death" of hell (Revelation 21:1–8).

Verses 1-8 appear to offer us a brief summary of what is described in more detail in the remainder of chapters 21-22. John sees a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem. The Greek word John uses for “new” is kainos, which means 
recently made, fresh, recent, unused, unworn, a new kind, unprecedented, unheard of.

One way of understanding the structure of these final chapters is to see this whole segment (vv. 1-8) as an outline or summary of the remaining portion of the book.

For example:
  • In verse 2 we see the New Jerusalem, explained more fully in Rev. 21:9-21.
  • In verse 3 we see that God dwells among men, described in more detail in Rev. 21:22-27.
  • In verse 5 we see the renewal of the world, for which we are provided more information in Rev. 22:1-5.
  • In verse 5 we also see, “These words are faithful and true,” which is expanded upon in Rev. 22:6-10.
  • In verse 6 we see Jesus declare His work completed, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega,” more fully revealed in Rev. 22:11-15.
  • In verses 6-7 we see a final blessing, the water of life to all who thirst, expanded upon in Rev. 22:16-17.
  • And in verse 8 we see the final curse upon the rebellious, repeated in Rev. 22:18-19.
Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

A New Heaven and A New Earth (21:1) - The entire universe as we now know it will be destroyed and be replaced by a new creation that will last forever.  This is an Old Testament teaching as well as a New Testament one. In 2 Peter 3:13, God promised that a new heavens and earth would come in which would dwell perfect righteousness.  Jesus claimed the very same in Matthew 24:3. The heavens and earth, which, like the first, would be "made" as well as "created" (compare Genesis 2:3 with Isaiah 65:17 and 66:22), would never pass away. "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain" (Isaiah 66:22). 

No More Sea (21:1) - Currently three-fourths of the earth's surface is water, but the new environment will no longer be water-based and will have completely different climatic conditions (see 22:1-2).  There will be water on the new earth (Revelation 22:1-2) of which the water of the present age is only a type and prophecy.  That water is the water of everlasting life.

The Tabernacle of God (21:3) - The word translated "tabernacle" means place of abode.  This is God's house, the place where He lives. The word for "tabernacle" in the Old Testament (Hebrew mishkan) is a cognate to its Greek equivalent (skene).  The well-known term for the glory-cloud that filled the tabernacle, the Shekinah, developed from a related word, Sheken, meaning "habitation" (Deuteronomy 12:5). 

Wipe Away Every Tear (21:4) - The curse (sorrow, pain, sweat and death) that God pronounced on the earth and its inhabitants when Adam sinned (Genesis 3:17-19) is gone.  This great deliverance has been purchased dearly, at the cost of infinite sorrow, pain, sweating and dying on the part of God Himself, through Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man.  There will be no more pain or sorrow or tears ever again, and death is swallowed up in victory.  

All Things New (21:5) - Not some things, but ALL things. Not only will everything be made new, but also everything will then stay new.  No more corruption or decay. 

True And Faithful (21:5) - John is instructed to write that "these words are true and faithful".  Here is the full assurance of God Himself who is faithful and true.  The One who sits upon the throne is Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the beginning and the end (Isaiah 44:6; 48:12).  God started history, and He will end it.  Everything in between, and in the future is according to His sovereign plan.  Every detail of His Word in prophecy, has been tested and found true. Because God is true, every word He speaks is true. 

Water of Life (21:6) - This refers to the lasting spiritual water of which Jesus spoke, the conversation at the well of Samaria:  "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14).  Later, Jesus also said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified)" John 7:27-39.

This "water of life" is both symbolic of the Holy Spirit, with the eternal life He gives all who believe on Christ, and also literal water, sparkling pure and abundant in the beautiful river flowing through the holy city (Revelation 22:1).  

Him Who Thirsts (21:6) - Those who will be redeemed and enter heaven are those who are dissatisfied with their hopeless, lost condition and crave God's righteousness with every part of their being. Heaven belongs to those who, knowing their souls are parched by sin, have earnestly sought the satisfaction of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ.  A citizen of heaven described as "one who thirsts" signifies those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6).  

He Who Overcomes (21:7) - See 1 John 5:4-5.  An overcomer is one who exercises saving faith in Jesus Christ.  The most wonderful promise to the one who overcomes and who thirsts for righteousness, is God's promise "I will be his God."  Equally amazing is God's promise that the one who overcomes "will be My son." Believers have been adopted as God's own and will be fully realized in heaven (Romans 8:23).

Inherit (21:7) - To each of the seven churches (Revelation 2 and 3) had previously been given a gracious promise for the "overcomers" in that church.  Now an eighth and final promise is given to him "that overcometh."  This is an implicit assurance that all the overcomers shall inherit all things. This is because Christ Himself is "heir of all things" (Hebrews 1:2; Psalm 2:8), and those who are in Christ are "joint-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17), receiving "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:4, 5).The spiritual inheritance all believers will receive is the fullness of the new creation.

Shall Have their Part in the Lake Which Burns (21:8) - In contrast to the glorious promises to the redeemed, the Lord inserts another WARNING to those who remain (by virtue of unbelief) unforgiven in their murders and flesh-peddling, unrepentant of their demonic idolatries, and committed to their falsehoods.  They will spend eternity in the lake of fire, in eternal torments, the second death (Revelation 20:14,15).  The New Testament often goes beyond just citing unbelief in listing character and lifestyle trains of the outcast, so that believers can identify such people. 





Saturday, March 2, 2024

Morning Message: The Day of the Lord




Bobservations' Column
Titled - "The Day of the Lord"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

As we have just finished chapter 19 and the beginning of chapter 20, we should be reminded about what the Holy Spirit has told John about Christ’s Second Coming. I have always been encouraged by John 15:15, as Jesus tells the Apostles that He has told them “...all things that His Father has told Him.”

And it’s always good to take God at His Word. Revelation 19:14 speaks of the “armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses.” It is the fulfillment of Zechariah 14:4,5 where we are told that “the Lord my God shall come, and all the Saints with thee.”

One of the exciting things about this fulfillment is the John 15:15 reference, where we started. Now we have a bigger picture of God’s faithfulness. And what we find is that John 15:15 is itself a fulfillment. The Father never wants to leave His children in the dark, without knowledge.

The Prophecies of the Prophets are incredible! In Amos 3:3, the Prophet asks a rhetorical question: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Of course, they cannot possibly do that without an agreement made in advance: Where was the walk to begin? What is the destination to be? What path would be taken? And what is the pace that the two would keep? Without agreement in all these things, the two are not walking together. The Holy Spirit’s words for Amos and for John to record are impeccably accurate. Amos is the Prophet that tells us almost 800 years before Jesus’ birth, about the “Day of the Lord” which we read about today. He describes it in 5:16-20. The prophecies are to help His children to be of one mind with Him.

All the intricacies of God’s Word are seemingly beyond finding out, until we run across them in the Word. Then we are held in awe at His wonderful works. This is why it’s so
important to be in God’s Word daily! Let’s see what other nuggets we can find as we go through the rest of the chapter.

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the Prophets.” - Amos 3:7

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version



Sunday Morning's Audio Message:
Revelation 20:11-15 - "The Day of the Lord"

Summary/Additional Bible Notes 

"I won’t mind going to hell. All my friends will be there.” Many flippant comments like this are made by unbelievers who think that eternity is something to joke about. Everyone dies, and what the Bible says about eternal punishment reveals that it is no joking matter.

The word throne appears often in the Apocalypse, but we must distinguish between its different appearances. For example, the throne in chapters 4–5, as well as the one in chapter 7, is a throne of grace and mercy. Here stand the redeemed. They have been washed by the blood of the Lamb and offer their worship, praise, and thanks (5:8–10; 7:9–17). The throne in 20:11–15, however, is one of justice and punishment. Those who stand there will face only judgment. There we find no praise, no joy, no singing—only silent gloom as wrath is displayed and judgment meted out.

And who will sit on the throne of judgment? Scripture makes it clear that it will be the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said in John 5:22, “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” It is the Lord Jesus, the despised Nazarene and lowly carpenter, who will occupy the judge’s “bench” on that day. The apostle Paul stated, “I charge thee, therefore, before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:1). He will judge the living in the Judgment of the nations at the beginning of His Millennial Kingdom (Matthew 25:31–46); and at the end of the Kingdom, He will judge the “dead” at the Great White Throne.


Today we are finishing up the twentieth chapter of Revelation, verses 11-15.

After the final defeat and punishment of Satan, the rest of mankind is resurrected. These are the non-believers, brought back to life in the second resurrection. This brings them to a great white throne, symbolic of purity and justice. Unlike the rainbow throne described in earlier chapters, this one is austere. Those who died in Christ are judged on the basis of His life, rather than their own—those are the persons whose names were written in the book of life (John 3:16–18). In contrast, here at the great white throne judgment, unbelievers are judged on their own deeds, which means damnation (Romans 6:23). Every person who did not follow Christ is consigned to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).

Great White Throne (20:11) - Nearly fifty times in Revelation there is the mention of a throne.  This is a judgment throne, elevated, pure and holy.  God sits on it as judge (see 4:2-3, 9; 5:1, 7, 13; 6:16; 7:10, 15) in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ (see 21:5-6).

Earth and the Heaven Fled Away (20:11) - John saw the contaminated universe go out of existence.  Peter described this moment in 2 Peter 3:1013.  The universe is "uncreated," going into nonexistence.

The Dead (20:12) - 
The people described here, at the Great White Throne, are the unsaved dead. No one who has received Christ as his or her personal Savior will be there. There is no blowing of the trumpet, no white robes, no clean linen, no garments of righteousness—all characteristics of the presence of believers. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and Revelation 19:8.) Scripture teaches that the final resurrection will not be a general resurrection but a resurrection with two stages—one for the saved and one for the unsaved.

Standing Before God (20:12) - In a judicial sense, as guilty, condemned prisoners before the bar of divine justice; there are no living sinners left in the destroyed universe since all sinners were killed and all believers glorified.

Books (20:12) - These books record every thought, word, and deed of sinful men - all recorded by divine omniscience (see Daniel 7:10, the verse that is the source of this text).  They will provide the evidence for eternal condemnation (see 18:6-7).

The “books” of 20:12 record all the evil deeds of the individuals standing before the Great White Throne. They are judged according to their “works,” or deeds. When their names are not found in the book of life, they will have no basis for objecting to the fairness of the Judge for omitting them. The “other” books will give evidence from their lives to demonstrate their culpability and the fact that they deserve the punishment they receive in the lake of fire.

The “books” will play one more role also: They will indicate the degree of punishment these people will receive. Although all will be “lost,” the measure of their punishment will coincide with the degree of spiritual truth they received and rejected in their lifetimes. (For a fuller understanding of this aspect of eternal punishment, see Matthew 11:23–24; Luke 12:41–48; and Hebrews 10:29.)

These passages are not meant for mere debate. They are meant to be pondered deeply by everyone who reads them. What is your condition before a Holy God, my friend? Will you be at this judgment, trembling before your Maker at the Great White Throne because you never received His grace provided for you in His Son, the Lamb? I urge you to trust in the blood of the Lamb today, so you will not have to face His wrath tomorrow.

Book of Life (20:12) - It contains the names of all the redeemed (see 3:5). It contains the names of all who have been saved from the second death. They belong to Jesus Christ, the Lamb who purchased their redemption. Other references to this book are Revelation 13:8 and 21:27.

Judge According to their Works (20:12) - Their thoughts (Luke 8:17) words (Matthew 12:7), and actions (Matthew 16:27) will be compared to God's perfect, holy standard (Matthew 5:48) and will be found wanting (Romans 3:23).  This also implies that there are degrees of punishment in hell (see Matthew 10:14-15; 11:22; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 12:47-48).

Death and Hell (20:13) - Both terms describe the state of death.  All unrighteous dead will appear at the Great White Throne judgment; none will escape.  All the places that have held the bodies of the unrighteous dead will yield up new bodies suited for hell.

Second Death (20:14) - 
The “first death” is physical death—something we all must experience (except, of course, for the generation of believers who will be transported into the presence of the Lord via the Rapture). The first death involves separation of the soul from the body. The second death (described in Revelation 20:14–15), will be the eternal separation of unbelievers from God. It has been said, with appropriate candor, “If you are born once, you will die twice; if you are born twice, you will die only once.”

The "second death" is for all those who were born only physically in their lifetimes. They were not born again spiritually (John 1:13; 3:6–7). The second death will involve a conscious and tormented existence in the lake of fire. The term lake of fire is a metaphor for a place that is too horrible to be imagined. Human language can only compare it to something we can faintly comprehend. The reality will be far worse than anything we can think of.

There are more than twenty references in the New Testament alone to these fires of hell, most of them in statements of the Lord Jesus Himself.  The warnings are given with such urgency as to leave no doubt that they should be taken with all seriousness.  

Whosoever... Not Found... Lambs Book of Life (20:15) - Not only are lost men and women condemned by the record of their works but also by the absence of their names in the Lamb's book of life.  Just as there are degrees of reward for the righteous in heaven, there are degrees of punishment for the unrighteous in hell.

There is only one way to avoid the terrifying future of hell.  Those who confess their sins and ask God to forgive them on the basis of Christ's substitutionary death on their behalf will be delivered from God's eternal wrath (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9).

Ungodly men and women today scoff at the reality of hell.  They will even go so far as to use it as an excuse for rejecting Christ.  "How could a God of love send someone to such a horrible fate?"  
The entire question is wrong. A better wording is “If God is love, then why do some people go to hell?” Romans 1:18–20 lays the foundation for the answer:  "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness (wickedness) of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness (suppress the truth by their wickedness); Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."

People have been given enough truth to know and surrender to God, but they refuse it. Self-will wants to deny God’s right to tell us what to do. So, with the truth in front of them, many people turn away and refuse to see it. Atheist Thomas Nagel has said, “It isn’t just that I don’t believe in God and, naturally, hope that I’m right in my belief. It’s that I hope there is no God! I don’t want there to be a God; I don’t want the universe to be like that.”

Jesus was God incarnate and therefore love incarnate, but He spoke more about judgment and hell than anyone else in Scripture.

No human being can escape the knowledge of his or her own sinfulness. We may mask it, may play psychological games with it. We may try to blunt it through drugs or alcohol or a fast-paced life, going from relationship to relationship. But in every human heart the law of God does a convicting work, and that convicting work has an existential element to it. There is naturally the fear of death because of what may lie immediately ahead of that. And even though people would reject Christianity, reject the Bible and what it says—about, “It’s appointed unto men once to die, and after that the judgment”—they cannot escape the consciousness of their own sin, and they cannot escape the lingering reality that justice does exist in the world. We understand the concept of it; we understand right and wrong, and there may well be an accounting yet to come. 

Is your name written in the Lamb's book of life?







Saturday, February 24, 2024

Morning Message: Jesus Is Not Done!



Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Jesus Is Not Done"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz


For today’s teaching, I was undecided about the title, for about 15 seconds. I was thinking about entitling it “Satan: Bound, Loosed, and Doomed.” While all three of these things happen in today’s passage, the focus of a Pastor should always be Jesus; what Jesus has done, is doing, and promises yet to do. Warnings of the works of Satan are often appropriate, but the mighty works of Jesus should be the focus. Yes, there is much evil in the world, but Jesus has overcome the world.

Satan’s evil works are everywhere. I found that out while ministering to jail and prison inmates long ago. What I learned was unnerving. There was actually little difference between me, and those on the other side of the bars. There were typically worldly evils that lurked in my own heart! Thoughts, attitudes, and habits have to be examined, and then dealt with through God’s Word.

Inmates must deal with theirs, and the rest of us must address our own. Parole Officers are the ones that keep parolees accountable to the law. If a parolee violates the law, this thing called “recidivism” can kick in and they can be sent back into prison. They are not released again (in theory) until they repent and can be trusted to live daily under man’s laws.

For Believers, our gracious Lord Jesus is the one to hold us accountable to His Word. And yes, His grace is ever-present, His mercies are new every morning. But for our own sinful attitudes and thoughts to be purged, our repentance must be true, and that only happens through some measure of brokenness, and a love for Christ, never again wanting to do those old things that wall us away from Jesus.

Satan is bound and released in today’s teaching, but there is no brokenness in him, and he will soon meet his doom. When he is released, he will return again to his old tricks of deceit and lies to gather an army of the unregenerate who hate authority as much as he does. Satan’s plans do not change, he is still bent on being “like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:14)

Bring your heart to Jesus. He will gently bring brokenness and make your heart new. Your own recidivism will come to an end.

“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”2 Corinthians 5:17

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version:

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:
Revelation 20:1-10 - "Jesus is Not Done!"

Summary/Additional Bible Notes: 

As we get into chapter 20 of the book of Revelation, we are now in the Millennial kingdom, the goal toward which all of redemptive history progresses.

When Christ returns, He will establish a literal kingdom on earth, which will last for a thousand years.

In this chapter we will see the binding of Satan for a thousand-year duration. Christ's thousand-year earthly kingdom, Satan's final rebellion, and the Great White Throne Judgment. In the end, Jesus Christ will make all things right. Alleluia!

John sees an angel binding Satan with a great chain and confining him to the bottomless pit for a thousand years. During this time, it seems Satan is not allowed to exert his normal influence on the world. Part of this binding, and eventual releasing seems to be to prove that mankind is desperately wicked—even after a millennium of peace, some people will still choose to reject God, as seen later in the chapter. During this time, those who were saved during the tribulation are brought back to life: the first resurrection (Revelation 20:1–6).

Satan's release at the end of the thousand years results in a rebellion. This is a sad commentary on man's limitless ability to reject God and follow his own stubborn pride. Even after ten centuries of peace and righteousness, led by Christ Himself, so many people will be willing to follow Satan that "their number is like the sand of the sea." Once again, those who oppose God will be soundly defeated—this time, however, Satan is cast forever into the lake of fire. There will be no escape or temptation from the Devil anymore (Revelation 20:7–11).

Bottomless Pit (20:1) - The place where demons are incarcerated pending their final sentencing to the lake of fire (22 9:1).

Laid Hold (20:2) - This includes not only Satan but also the demons.  Their imprisonment will dramatically alter the world during the kingdom, since their destructive influence in all areas of human thought and life will be removed.

Dragon (20:2) - Likening Satan to a dragon emphasizes his ferocity and cruelty (see 12:3).

Serpent of Old (20:2) - A reference to Satan's first appearance in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-6), where he deceived Eve (see 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:14).

A Thousand Years (20:3) - This is the first of six references to the length of the millennial kingdom (see vv. 3-7).

Released for a Little While (20:3) - Satan will be released so God can make a permanent end of sin before establishing the new heaven and earth.  All who survive the Tribulation and enter the kingdom will be believers.  However, despite that and the personal presence and rule of the Lord Jesus Christ, many of their descendants will refuse to believe in Him.  Satan will then gather those unbelievers for one final futile rebellion against God.  It will be quickly and decisively crushed, followed by the Great White throne judgment and the establishment of the eternal state.

I saw (20:4) - Four times in this chapter, John says, "And I saw" (verses 1,4,11,12).  He was an eyewitness of these amazing events which are to come. 

Thrones...They that Sat Upon Them (20:4) - Who are these kingly judges? They are the saints.  Those who had been redeemed by His blood, resurrected from the grave, raptured into His presence, and evaluated for their rewards at His judgment seat.  (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Daniel 7:22). 

Souls of those Beheaded (20:4) - These are tribulation martyrs (see 6:9; 18:24; 19:2).  The Greek word translated "beheaded" became a general term for execution, not necessarily a particular method.

His Mark (20:4) - See 13:16).  Tribulation martyrs will be executed for refusing the mark of the beast.

Reigned (20:4) - Tribulation believers, along with the redeemed from both the Old and New Testament eras, will reign with Christ (1 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Timothy 2:12) during the thousand-year kingdom.

The Rest of the Dead (20:5) - The bodies of unbelievers of all ages will not be resurrected until the Great White Throne judgment (vv. 12-13).

First Resurrection (20:5) - Scripture teaches two kinds of resurrection: the "resurrection of life" and "the resurrection of condemnation" (John 5:29; see also Daniel 12:2; Acts 24:15).  The first kind of resurrection is described as "the resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14), the resurrection of "those who are Christ's at His coming" (1 Corinthians 15:23), and the "better resurrection" (Hebrews 11:35).  It includes only the redeemed of the church age (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), the Old Testament (Daniel 12:2), and the Tribulation (V. 4).  They will enter the kingdom in resurrection bodies, along with believers who survived the Tribulation.  The second kind of resurrection, then, will be the resurrection of the unconverted, who will receive their final bodies suited for torment in hell.

Blessed (20:6) - Those who die in the Lord (14:13) are blessed with the privilege of entering His kingdom (see 1:3).

Second Death (20:6) - The first death is spiritual and physical, the second is eternal in the lake of fire, and final, eternal hell (vs 14).  

Satan...Loosed (20:7) - He is loosed to bring cohesive leadership to the world of rebels born to the believers who entered the kingdom at the beginning.  He is loosed to reveal the character of Christ - rejecting sinners who are brought into judgment for the last time ever.

Gog and Magog (20:8) - One of the most amazing commentaries on the fallen human nature to be found in all the Word of God is right here in this passage.  After one thousand years of a perfect human environment, with an abundance of material provisions and spiritual instruction for everyone, no crime, no war, no external temptation to sin, with the personal presence of all the resurrected saints and even of Christ Himself, and with Satan and all of his demons bound in the abyss, there are still a multitude of unsaved men and women on earth who are ready to rebel against the Lord the first time they get a chance.

Gog and Magog are the name given to the army of rebels and its leader at the end of the Millennium.  They were names of ancient enemies of the Lord.  Magog was the grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:2) and founder of a kingdom located north of the Black and Caspian Seas.  God is apparently the leader of a rebel army known collectively as Magog.  The battle depicted in verses 8 and 9 is like the one in Ezekiel 38, 39; it is best to see this one as taking place at the end of the Millenium.

Beloved City (20:9) - Jerusalem (see Psalm 78:68), the capital city during Christ's millennial reign.  The saints will be living around the city where Christ reigns (see Isaiah 24:23).

Fire (20:9) - Frequently associated in Scripture with divine judgment of wicked men (2 Kings 1:10, 12, 14; Luke 9:54; 17:29).

Deceived (20:10) - Just as his demons will entice the world's armies into the Battle of Armageddon, Satan will draw them into a suicidal assault against Christ and His people (16:13-14).

Tormented Day and Night (20:10) - See 14:11. Continuous, unrelieved torment will be the final state of Satan, fallen angels, and unredeemed men. Here is the final end of the rebellious "son of the morning" who wanted to exalt his own throne above God's throne.  The great blasphemer, the idol, the false god, the breaker of God's rest, the rebel against his father, the murderer from the beginning, the robber, the great adulterer, the father of lies, the coveter of divine worship, the one who is the very antitheses of the holy and gracious God, the Devil, will finally be cast forever into the lake of fire.  Hell is the place of torment, not annihilation. 












Saturday, February 17, 2024

Morning Message: A Second Coming

















Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Separating the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, from the Stupidity of Easter"
Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Easter Season is upon us, as of this past Wednesday. Some denominations recognize only the 40 days before we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Why only 40 days? Do we not have 365 days each year to prepare our hearts for the Lord? Every day is a day to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. And, Jesus never celebrated Easter, but it has been Easter in the Church beginning about 200 AD. Jesus celebrated Passover, a day commemorating the Israelite’s release from the slavery of Egypt.

Easter, as celebrated today in the west and other places, has little to do with the Resurrection of Christ Jesus, or the Jewish Feast of Passover. The bunnies and eggs of Easter are symbols of the fertility that chickens and rabbits seem to enjoy. Even the word “Easter” is derived from an ancient Pagen goddess called Astarte. We find her in Roman, Greek, Mesopotamian, Egyptian cultures, and even Anglo-Saxon culture had “Eostre.” In Asia Minor, in the region of Ephesus, she was called Dianah, and referred to as “the many breasted one.” In every culture, and by her many names, she is the goddess of fertility.

Hence, the Church has lent the fertility symbols of ancient Pagens to the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. They indoctrinate little children into the practices by plying them with decorated eggs, Chocolate Easter Bunnies, and Easter Egg Hunts on the White House Lawn, none of which will ever bring forth new life. Yet adults cry “Oh what fun!” as their children chase after the symbols of fertility and idolatry.

It was the blood sacrifice of lambs, their blood smeared on the lintels of Jewish houses that caused the angel of death to pass over those homes, and move onto bring judgment to the Pagen idolaters of Egypt. God judged those that enslaved His Chosen People and introduced them to their false gods. It was the blood sacrifice of Jesus that paid for our sin, so that God’s judgment would pass over us. Jesus, is the Lamb of God, the Paschal Lamb, from the Hebrew/Aramaic “Pascha.”

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness.” - 2 Corinthians 6:14

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version


Sunday Morning's Audio Message:
Revelation 19:11-21 - "A Second Coming" (Part 2)

Summary/Additional Bible NotesAudio Message forthcoming!

In part 2 of Revelation 19, John's amazing vision in this section also includes the long-awaited second coming of Jesus Christ. This is a moment of incredible triumph. Jesus' first arrival on earth was humble (Luke 2:7) and involved His sacrificial death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). His return is neither humble nor meek. Christ is described as a royal conqueror, wearing a robe dipped in the blood of His enemies, at the helm of the armies of heaven. Now displayed as the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus will single-handedly obliterate the earthly armies which have amassed against Him (Isaiah 63:3). This results in the damnation of the Antichrist and False Prophet, who become the first two beings cast into the eternal lake of fire (Revelation 19:11–21).

These events mark the end of the tribulation, and the beginning of the millennial kingdom: a thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. 

The second coming of Jesus must be distinguished from the rapture of the church prior to the seven-year tribulation.  At the rapture, Christ comes for His saints (John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).  At the second coming, He comes with His saints.  At the rapture, Christ meets the saints in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17) to take them up from earth to heaven (John 14:2-3).  At the second coming, He descends with them from heaven to the earth (Zechariah 14:4).   These are two distinct events.

What a glorious description of Jesus' return in verses 11-13.  Heaven opens, Jesus is sitting on a White Horse, He is called Faithful and True.  He judges in Righteousness and is waging war.  His eyes are a flame of fire and on His head are many crowns.  He has a name written on Him that no one knows except Himself.  He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.  This is our Savior, our Lord and King.

He is no longer riding on a donkey, but on the white horse of a Conquering King.  His rule is described in graphic, powerful imagery in verses 15 and 16.  From His mouth comes a sharp sword.  Christ will wield that sword with deadly effect as He strikes down the nations.  All those gathered at the battle at Armageddon.  The world's unredeemed people, those who have survived the tribulation, will be judged at the sheep and goat judgment following His return.  

John describes a banner around His robe and on His thigh with a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."  Jesus is absolute sovereign and possesses absolute rule in His kingdom.  

The last few verses describe another angel with a key role in the Apocalypse.   The darkness is lifted the smoke from Babylon's destruction is cleared.  The utter destruction of Babylon can be seen.  The fulfillment of Ezekiel 39:12 begins.  All those who sought to make war against Christ and His army will in an instant be destroyed.  The beast, the false prophet, those who received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image will be thrown into the lake of fire (See: Matthew 25:41; 66:24; Matthew 13:42; Mark 9:48). All those who war against Christ are killed with the sword which came forth from His mouth.  

Heaven Opened (19:11) - The One who ascended to heaven and had been seated at the Father's right hand (Hebrews 8:1; 10:12) will return to take back the earth from the usurper and establish His kingdom (5:1-10).  The nature of this even shows how it differs from the Rapture.  At the Rapture, Christ comes for His own, meets them in the air and takes them from earth to heaven.  There is no judgment.  At His second coming, Christ returns from Heaven to earth, with His own to judge.

White Horse (19:11) - The white horse portrays Jesus as the conqueror on His war horse, coming to destroy the wicked, to overthrow the antichrist, and to defeat Satan and take control of the earth.

Faithful and True (19:11) - He who sits on the white horse is called Faithful and true.  He was called the "faithful and true Witness" (Revelation 3:14).  He is faithful to His promises (2 Corinthians 1:20), and everything He speaks is always true (John 8:45; Titus 1:2).

In Righteousness He Judges (19:11) - He who is faithful to His word and righteous character, will also judge in righteousness.  

Makes War (19:11) - portraying the holy wrath of God against sinners.  God's patience with sinful, rebellious mankind ends.

Eyes Were a Flame of Fire (19:12) - Nothing escapes His piercing vision.  The eyes that wept over the fate of unrepentant Jerusalem, over the sorrow, suffering, and death in this sin-cursed world, are now flashing with the fire of judgment.  

A Name... No One Knew (19:12) - Though John could clearly see the writing on the crowns, He could not decipher it, nor could anyone.  Evidently it is written in characters of some unknown script, beyond our own learning.  It is not a name ascribed to Him in this passage, or any passage of scripture.  It is probably the name which is above every name (Philippians 2:9), not the name "Jesus" but the name "given to Jesus" (Philippians 2:10) when He was raised from the dead and exalted "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named" (Ephesians 1:21).  The names assigned the Lord Jesus Christ in Scripture are many and beautiful, but all of them together cannot exhaust the infinite meaning of His ineffable name. 

Robe Dipped in Blood (19:13) - Not only is this graphic symbolism, but stark reality.  This is the shed blood of His enemies.  The slain multitudes are real, as is the Conquering King.

The Word (19:13) - Jesus is the image of the invisible 'God; the express image of His person; and the final, full revelation from God.  Jesus is the Word!

Armies in Heaven (19:14) - Composed of the church (vs. 8), tribulation saints (7:13), Old Testament believers, and even angels.  They return not to help Jesus in the battle, but to reign with Him after He defeats His enemies (20:4).

Sharp Sword (19:15) - Symbol of Christ's power to destroy His enemies (1:16).  The sword comes out of His mouth, indicating that He wins the battle with the power of His word. 

Rod of Iron (19:15) - Swift, righteous judgment will mark Christ's rule in His kingdom.  Believers share His authority (see 2:2, 27; 12:5).

Winepress (19:15) - symbol of judgment (14:9)

On His Thigh (19:16) - Jesus will wear a banner across His robe and down His thigh with a title emblazoned on it that emphasizes His absolute sovereignty over all (17:14).

Supper of the Great God (19:17) - Also called "the battle of that great day of God Almighty" (16:14), it will begin with an angel summoning birds to feed on the corpses of those who will be slain (Matthew 24:27-28).  God will declare His victory before the battle even begins.  The Old Testament frequently pictures the indignity of carrion birds feasting on human flesh (Psalm 79:2; Isaiah 18:6; Jeremiah 16:4; 19:7; 34:20; Ezekiel 29:5). 

His Army (19:19) - Described by Zechariah, as "all the saints" (14:5).

Beast Captured, and the False Prophet (19:20) - In an instant the world's armies are without their leaders.  The beast is the Antichrist (13:1-4); the false prophet is his religious cohort (13:11-17).

Cast Alive (19:20) - Banished alive and directly to the lake of fire.  The beast and the false prophet are the first of countless millions of unregenerate men and women who will join them, as will the fallen angels.

Lake of Fire (19:20) - The final hell, the place of eternal punishment for all unrepentant sinners.

Fire...Brimstone (19:20) - both words associated with divine judgment (14:10; 20:10; 21:8).  Everlasting fires.   There is no question that the Bible teaches that the ultimate destiny of all the unsaved is to be cast into the "everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41).  This will be their eternal prison.  










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