DEAD TODAY THEN RESURRECTED BACK TELLING WHAT THEY SAW BETWEEN — IS THIS BIBLICAL? No — Not biblical. Today testimonies: "I died 10 minutes in hospital, went heaven saw Jesus, hell, etc" — That is Near Death Experience NDE — Not true death, not resurrection — Not biblical resurrection. WHAT BIBLE SAYS — DEAD KNOW NOTHING Eccl 9:5-6 — For living know that they shall die: but dead know not any thing, neither have they any more reward; for memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and hatred, and envy, is now perished Eccl 9:10 — For there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in grave, whither thou goest Ps 146:4 — His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish Ps 115:17 — The dead praise not Lord, neither any that go down into silence Job 14:10-12 — But man dieth, and wasteth away... So man lieth down, and riseth not: till heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of sleep Ps 6:5 — For in death there is no remembrance of thee Sleep — Unconscious: John 11:11-14 — Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep... Then said Jesus plainly, Lazarus is dead Dan 12:2 — And many of them that sleep in dust of earth shall awake 1 Thess 4:13-14 — But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not... For if we believe Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him 1 Cor 15:6,18,20 — Some fallen asleep... fallen asleep in Christ... them also which are fallen asleep... Christ firstfruits of them that slept Death = Sleep — No consciousness, no time awareness, no story. BIBLICAL RESURRECTIONS — NONE TOLD STORY BETWEEN Lazarus John 11:1-44 — Dead 4 days John 11:39 stinketh — Jesus raised — No testimony what he saw 4 days — If he was in heaven hell, would have told — Silence proves sleep Widow's son Nain Luke 7:12-15 dead carried — Raised — No story Tabitha Dorcas Acts 9:40-41 dead — Peter raised — No story Shunammite son 2 Kings 4:20-36 Elisha raised — No story Jairus daughter Mark 5:35-42 sleepeth not dead — Raised — No story If dead know nothing Eccl 9:5, they have nothing to tell — That is why biblical resurrections silent — They were unconscious till Jesus awoke them Only true resurrection hope is future, not random today: John 5:28-29 — Marvel not: for hour is coming, in which all that are in graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth 1 Thess 4:16 — For Lord himself shall descend from heaven with shout... and dead in Christ shall rise first 1 Cor 15:52 — In moment, in twinkling of eye, at last trump: for trumpet shall sound, and dead shall be raised incorruptible Rev 20:5-6 — This is first resurrection. Blessed holy he that hath part in first resurrection — Second resurrection after 1000 years Rev 20:5 judgment Structure: First resurrection at Second Coming, second at end — Not hospital table today THEN WHAT ARE TODAY STORIES? 2 Cor 11:14 — And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into angel of light Eccl 9:5 dead know nothing — So any voice, vision during unconscious is deception — Spiritism — Isa 8:19-20 Should not people seek unto their God? for living to dead? To law and testimony if they speak not according to this word, no light in them Jer 17:9 Heart deceitful — Lack oxygen brain hallucinates — Not revelation God already gave sufficient revelation: Word washing Eph 5:26, blood cleanseth 1 John 1:7 RED 7, Spirit quicken Rom 8:11 — No need extra — Rev 22:18-19 Add not to prophecy True biblical death: Gen 2:7 dust + breath = living soul — Reverse: breath goeth forth Eccl 12:7 spirit return God who gave it, dust return earth — Waiting sleep till resurrection John 5:28-29 — No consciousness between — So no story to tell — Mark 11:24 received Brief prayer: Father One true God John17:3 Lord God Almighty Rev1:8 Father above all Eph4:6 One Lord Jesus 1Cor8:6 — Dead know nothing Eccl9:5 no knowledge Eccl9:10 thoughts perish Ps146:4 dead praise not Ps115:17 no remembrance Ps6:5 lie down rise not Job14:12 sleep John11:11 asleep 1Thess4:13 — Lazarus 4 days no story John11:39 Tabitha no story Acts9 Nain no story Luke7 — Hour coming all graves hear voice John5:28-29 dead in Christ rise first 1Thess4:16 trump dead raised 1Cor15:52 first resurrection Rev20:6 — Satan angel light 2Cor11:14 seek not dead Isa8:19 law testimony Isa8:20 — Word cleanse Eph5:26 blood cleanseth 1John1:7 quicken mortal Rom8:11 — Amen.

The Broken Things Of The Scriptures Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of YHWH. Read Exodus 32:15 to 24 - Exodus 34:1 - Exodus 25:21 - Exodus 40:20 - Acts 2:10 - Luke 22: 19 – 1 Corinthians 11 - 1 Corinthians 10:16 - Matthew 21 - Psalms 51: 17 First let us consider the two broken stones on which YHWH himself wrote the ten commandments. Israel's law: "and he gave unto moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of YHWH." (Exodus 3 1:18). "and the tables were the work of YHWH, and the writing was the writing of YHWH, graven upon tables." (exodus 32:16). "and it came to pass as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount." Exodus 32:19. This was very significant. The broken stones meant not only that Israel had broken YHWH 's law, but the best that the best of the human race could do would be to break YHWH 's law. "and i took the two tables and cast them out of my two hands, and brake them before your eyes." Deuteronomy 9: 17. But note exodus 34:1 "and YHWH said unto moses, hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest." and 25:21 "and thou shalt put the mercyseat upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee." Here we see both the terror of the law and the mercy of YHWH under the law. In Hebrews 2:1 to 3 and in Romans 3:25 to 27 we learn that surely every disobedience and transgression must receive a just recompense of reward and that YHWH must first be just and then merciful. The law of YHWH is just and demands justice and perfection. The mercyseat spoke of Messiah on the cross being the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. I John 2:2. The law worketh wrath. (Romans 4: 15). (read John 7:19). Messiah made peace through the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:20). Messiah lived a sinless life under the law, then died with lawbreakers, for all lawbreakers, to deliver them from the curse of the law, (Galatians 3:13). Thus, Messiah became the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Romans 10:4). Because of Messiah's perfection in life, death and resurrection, YHWH can be just and the justifier of all who believe on Messiah and accept his perfect propitiation. YHWH freely justifies all such believers. (Romans 3:24 to 28 - Acts 13:39). Of this the blood-sprinkled mercyseat, above the unbroken stones spoke. When YHWH gave the law at Sinai no one could endure it. (hebrews 12:20). It was contrary to them. (Colossians 2: 13 to 16). It was a yoke no one but Messiah was able to bear. (Acts 15:10). Thus, we have the broken stones and the broken commandments. "the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant." (Jeremiah 30: 10 – Psalms 89:31 and 34). Later Israel and Judah fell on the stone of Matthew 21:44 and were broken. (romans 11:11). Now note the words of Messiah in Luke 22: 19 and the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:16 and I Corinthians 11 :24: "and he took bread and gave thanks and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." "the bread which we brake, is it not the communion of the body of Messiah?" "and when he had given thanks, he break it, and said, take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." Thus, we have the broken stones - the broken covenant (law) – the broken body of Messiah - the broken bread. We break bread at YHWH 's table because his body was broken, because the descendants of Adam broke the law. Then after we accept the broken body of Messiah for redemption and think of calvary, when taking the broken bread at the table, let us remember another broken thing: "the sacrifices of YHWH are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, o YHWH, thou wilt not despise." Psalms 51:17. In Jeremiah 30:8 we read that YHWH will come to break the gentiles' yoke off Israel.

Remembering, Confessing and Belonging: How History, Creeds and Ecclesiology Counter Cultural Pathologies that Inhibit the Modern Mind in South Africa By M. R. Mahlaule DipTheol Introduction We live in an age of unprecedented access to information, yet many people appear increasingly disconnected from wisdom. Modern society prizes innovation, personal autonomy and individual choice. While these developments have brought significant benefits, they have also contributed to cultural and intellectual conditions that hinder spiritual growth and theological depth. Historical amnesia, doctrinal relativism, identity fragmentation and radical individualism have become defining characteristics of many contemporary societies, including South Africa. These cultural pathologies affect not only the wider society but also the Church. Christians are increasingly tempted to view faith as a private matter, detached from historical continuity, communal accountability and theological tradition. In some instances, contemporary believers may know more about current cultural trends than about the history of the Church, the content of the Christian faith or the nature and mission of the Church itself. The Christian tradition offers powerful resources for addressing these challenges. Three practices are particularly important: remembering history, reciting creeds and studying ecclesiology. Together, these disciplines root believers in God's redemptive story, anchor them in the historic faith and connect them to the living community of Christ's Church. Far from being outdated concerns for theologians and historians, they are essential practices for cultivating mature Christian minds and healthy Christian communities. In the South African context, where issues of identity, reconciliation, truth and belonging remain highly significant, the recovery of these disciplines is especially urgent. The Cultural Pathology of Historical Amnesia One of the most noticeable features of contemporary culture is the tendency to disconnect the present from the past. Modern people often assume that newer ideas are automatically superior to older ones. The experiences and wisdom of previous generations are frequently regarded as irrelevant, creating what the Christian scholar C. S. Lewis called "chronological snobbery". This neglect of history has serious consequences. A society that forgets its past loses the ability to learn from its mistakes. It becomes vulnerable to repeating errors that previous generations have already experienced and overcome. Historical amnesia also cultivates arrogance, as people begin to believe that their generation alone possesses the answers to life's most important questions. The Bible presents a radically different view. Remembering is a central component of covenant faithfulness. Throughout Scripture, God's people are repeatedly commanded to remember God's acts of salvation. Israel was instructed to remember the Exodus, the covenant and God's faithfulness throughout its history. Festivals, memorials and sacred traditions were established to preserve collective memory and strengthen future generations. Similarly, the Church is called to remember the saving work of Jesus Christ. The Lord's Supper itself is an act of remembrance. Christians remember Christ's incarnation, death, resurrection and ascension not merely as historical events but as realities that continue to shape their identity and mission. Church history therefore serves an important spiritual function. By studying the early Church, the ecumenical councils, the Reformation, missionary movements and the witness of faithful believers throughout the centuries, Christians recognise that they belong to a much larger story. They discover that countless generations have wrestled with theological questions, endured persecution, overcome heresies and preserved the gospel through difficult circumstances. Historical memory cultivates humility. It reminds us that we are beneficiaries of sacrifices made by those who came before us. It also enables us to draw wisdom from previous generations when confronting contemporary challenges. The South African Importance of Historical Memory The importance of historical memory takes on particular significance within South Africa. South Africa's history is marked by colonial expansion, racial segregation, apartheid, political struggle and democratic transition. The Church played complex roles throughout this history. Some Christians used theology to justify injustice, while others courageously opposed oppression and defended human dignity in the name of Christ. Many younger Christians have limited awareness of this history. Yet understanding the successes and failures of the South African Church is essential for faithful ministry today. Historical memory encourages honest reflection, repentance where necessary and gratitude for the sacrificial witness of those who stood for the truth. South African church history is rich with examples of courageous faith. Missionaries established schools, translated Scripture and planted congregations. Indigenous Christian leaders helped contextualise the gospel within African cultures. African Initiated Churches emerged as expressions of faith that demonstrated both spiritual vitality and cultural relevance. Remembering these contributions helps contemporary believers appreciate God's work through diverse communities and traditions. It also challenges the Church to continue pursuing reconciliation, justice and unity in a society still dealing with the wounds of its past. Historical memory therefore becomes more than an academic exercise. It becomes a means of spiritual formation and social responsibility. Creeds as Antidotes to Doctrinal Confusion A second cultural pathology is the fragmentation of truth. Contemporary culture often encourages people to create their own truths and moral frameworks. Personal preference is frequently elevated above objective reality. As a result, certainty becomes suspect and long-established theological convictions may be dismissed as restrictive or outdated. Within such a context, Christian creeds provide essential stability. The Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed and other historic confessions summarise foundational biblical teachings regarding God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation and the Church. They emerged from the Church's struggle to preserve biblical truth against false teaching and doctrinal error. Creeds perform several important functions. Firstly, they provide theological continuity. When Christians recite the creeds, they join a confession shared by believers across centuries and continents. They participate in a faith that did not originate with them but has been faithfully transmitted through generations. Secondly, creeds cultivate humility. They remind believers that Christianity is a received faith rather than an invented one. Christian doctrine is not determined by cultural trends, social media influence or personal opinion. It is grounded in God's revelation through Scripture. Thirdly, creeds strengthen Christian identity. In an age of uncertainty and confusion, they clearly articulate the core beliefs that define Christian faith. They provide a theological compass that guides believers through competing ideologies and spiritual claims. Most importantly, creeds point believers away from themselves and towards the Triune God revealed in Scripture. They teach Christians what to believe, why they believe it and how those beliefs connect them to the universal Church. Creeds in the South African Religious Landscape South Africa's religious environment is remarkably vibrant and diverse. Churches range from historic denominations to Pentecostal, Charismatic and African Initiated traditions. This diversity represents a significant strength, yet it can also create challenges. Rapid church growth has occasionally been accompanied by doctrinal instability, personality-driven ministries and a tendency to elevate charismatic leaders above theological accountability. In such circumstances, creeds provide an important safeguard. The historic creeds remind believers that authentic Christianity is measured not by popularity, extraordinary claims or personality cults, but by faithfulness to the apostolic gospel. For South African churches, the recovery of creedal theology can contribute significantly to theological education, discipleship and spiritual maturity. Creeds offer a shared language through which Christians from diverse cultural, linguistic and denominational backgrounds can affirm their common faith. They serve as reminders that the Church in South Africa is part of a global and historic Christian community stretching across nations, cultures and generations. Ecclesiology and the Crisis of Belonging A third cultural pathology is radical individualism. Modern culture often encourages people to view themselves primarily as autonomous individuals. Personal fulfilment is prioritised above communal responsibility. As a result, many people experience profound loneliness despite increased connectivity through technology and social media. Unfortunately, this mindset has also influenced Christian thinking. Faith is sometimes reduced to a private spiritual experience disconnected from corporate worship, membership, accountability and service. The doctrine of the Church, known as ecclesiology, offers a powerful corrective. Biblically, salvation is never purely individualistic. Believers are incorporated into a community. The New Testament describes the Church as the body of Christ, the family of God, the household of faith and a holy temple indwelt by the Spirit. These images communicate relationship, dependence and belonging. Studying ecclesiology helps Christians understand that spiritual growth occurs within community. God uses worship, fellowship, teaching, discipline, pastoral care and the sacraments as means of grace through which believers are nurtured and transformed. Ecclesiology also protects Christians from consumer-driven approaches to church life. The Church exists not merely to meet personal needs but to glorify God, proclaim the gospel and make disciples. When believers understand the biblical nature of the Church, they discover that membership in Christ's body carries both privileges and responsibilities. They recognise that Christianity cannot flourish in isolation. Ecclesiology and the South African Quest for Community The doctrine of the Church has particular relevance within South Africa. Despite the end of apartheid, many communities continue to experience divisions along racial, cultural, linguistic and economic lines. Social fragmentation remains a major challenge. Questions of identity and belonging are ongoing realities for many South Africans. The Church offers a powerful alternative vision. In Christ, believers are united by a shared identity that transcends ethnic, social and cultural distinctions. The Church becomes a visible witness to reconciliation and mutual acceptance. It demonstrates that unity is possible without requiring uniformity. For African Initiated Churches, including the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), ecclesiology carries special significance. Historically, these churches have provided spiritual formation, cultural affirmation, social support and community cohesion for millions of Africans. They have offered a sense of belonging rooted in shared faith and collective identity. In an increasingly individualistic world, this communal dimension remains one of the Church's greatest strengths. It reminds believers that they are part of a covenant community bound together by faith in Christ and mutual commitment to one another. Healthy ecclesiology therefore serves not only theological purposes but also social and pastoral ones. It helps build communities characterised by worship, care, accountability and hope. The Combined Power of Memory, Creed and Church History, creeds and ecclesiology are most effective when understood together. History reminds believers where they have come from. Creeds remind them what they believe. Ecclesiology reminds them to whom they belong. Together, these disciplines provide a comprehensive response to many of the cultural pathologies affecting contemporary society. History counters amnesia by connecting believers to God's work across generations. Creeds counter confusion by preserving and proclaiming enduring truth. Ecclesiology counters isolation by grounding believers within the community of faith. Collectively, these practices nurture Christians who are rooted rather than rootless, grounded rather than confused and connected rather than isolated. They encourage believers to resist the temptation to place themselves at the centre of reality and instead locate their identity within God's redemptive purposes. For the Church in South Africa, these disciplines also provide resources for reconciliation, unity and faithful witness. They remind Christians that their identity is not ultimately determined by politics, race, culture or social standing, but by Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Conclusion The modern world faces a profound crisis of memory, truth and belonging. Historical amnesia separates people from their roots. Doctrinal relativism obscures truth. Radical individualism weakens community and leaves many searching for identity and purpose. The Christian response is both theological and practical. By remembering history, reciting creeds and studying ecclesiology, believers cultivate habits that shape their minds, strengthen their faith and deepen their participation in the community of Christ. These disciplines remind Christians that they are heirs of a historic faith, confessors of eternal truth and members of a living body. They provide stability amidst confusion, wisdom amidst uncertainty and community amidst isolation. In South Africa, where the wounds of history remain visible and where questions of identity, reconciliation and belonging continue to shape public life, the recovery of historical memory, creedal faith and robust ecclesiology is especially important. These practices equip the Church to be both a guardian of Christian truth and a witness to God's reconciling work in society. The Church's future will not be secured through innovation alone. It will be strengthened by remembering the faith of previous generations, confessing the truth once delivered to the saints and embracing the communal life of the body of Christ. As Scripture exhorts: "Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past" (Deuteronomy 32:7). The way forward for the Church may well begin by recovering what many have forgotten: memory, confession and communion. These gifts remain vital for forming Christian minds and nurturing faithful disciples in South Africa and beyond.

SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER Thank You, Lord, for Carrying Me Through Another Week! “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV) Heavenly Father, On this Saturday morning, we come before You with grateful hearts. Thank You for waking us up. Thank You for life, health, strength, grace, and another opportunity to call upon Your holy name. Lord, You brought us through another week! Through every long day of work, every responsibility, every challenge, every Bible Study, every lesson learned, every conversation, and every moment when we felt tired—You were faithful. Your Word declares: “It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV) Father, some of us worked hard this week. Our bodies may be tired and our minds may need rest. We carried responsibilities at work, at home, in our families, in ministry, and in our communities. But this morning, we lay every burden at Your feet. Give us rest that sleep alone cannot provide. Give us peace that circumstances cannot take away. Renew our minds. Restore our strength. Refresh our spirits. For You promised: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (KJV) Father, thank You also for every opportunity we had this week to study Your Word. Thank You for every scripture that challenged us, corrected us, encouraged us, and caused us to grow. Don't allow what we studied to remain only in our notebooks or our minds. Plant Your Word deeply within our hearts. Help us not only to be hearers of the Word, but doers of the Word. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…” — James 1:22 (KJV) Lord, let what we learned this week change how we live next week. When we are tested, bring Your Word back to our remembrance. When we are discouraged, remind us of Your promises. When we must make decisions, give us wisdom. When temptation comes, strengthen us to stand. When someone needs encouragement, give us the right words to speak. Father, we thank You for the work You have placed in our hands. Sometimes we complain about the workload, but today we pause and say, Thank You for providing. Thank You for opening doors. Thank You for giving us the ability to work. Your Word says: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” — Colossians 3:23 (KJV) Help us remember that even our work can become worship when we do it unto You. Lord, as we enter this weekend, protect our families. Cover our homes. Watch over our children, grandchildren, spouses, parents, siblings, church families, friends, and loved ones. Bring healing to those who are sick. Bring comfort to those who are grieving. Bring provision to those facing financial difficulties. Bring employment to those searching for work. Bring reconciliation where relationships have been broken. Bring salvation to those who do not know Jesus Christ. Bring hope to those who feel like giving up. And bring peace to every troubled heart. Father, prepare us for the week ahead, but don't allow us to become so concerned about tomorrow that we miss the blessing of today. Today, we choose to rejoice. Today, we choose to worship. Today, we choose to rest in Your presence. Today, we choose to remember: WE MADE IT THROUGH ANOTHER WEEK BECAUSE GOD KEPT US! Not because we were strong enough. Not because we had everything figured out. Not because everything went according to our plans. But because Your grace was sufficient! So, Father, we close this prayer simply saying: Thank You for Monday through Friday. Thank You for this Saturday morning! Thank You for every lesson. Thank You for every blessing. Thank You for every closed door that protected us. Thank You for every open door that provided for us. Thank You for every prayer You answered—and even for the prayers where You told us to wait. We don't know everything the coming week will bring, but we know Who will be with us when it comes. “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” — Psalm 29:11 (KJV) Lord, restore us today. Refresh us today. Strengthen us today. Fill us again today. And when a new week begins, help us rise rested in our bodies, renewed in our minds, strengthened in our faith, and ready to walk in everything You have called us to do. We give You all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise. In the mighty, matchless, and wonderful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!

26:17-30 This passage gives the account of the first Lords's Supper. And we learn scarce detail over the “certain man” Jesus indicated the disciples should ask. The other gospels add detail we don't have here. And it is not entirely unique to Christianity. In the temple was the Table of Showbread. (Shewbread) Some called it the table of remembrance. It was placed weekly the 12 loaves of bread, each representing the tribes of Israel. The bread would sit on the table during the week and on the Sabbath, only priests were allowed to eat it. Fresh bread replaced the eaten loaves every Sabbath day. It is here that Jesus tells everyone that one of the twelve will betray Him. Eleven of them are deeply grieved asking, “is it I Lord?’ Each asks. But Judas, fresh off the rebukes he had received, asks, “Is it I, Rabbi?“ Jesus offers a piece of dipped bread with his words, Judas accepts, as we are told elsewhere that after the bread, Satan enters Judas, and he departs. Whether this was a demonic possession or Satan really wanting his chance to betray God again or not, we don't know. At his departure. Jesus institutes the Lords Supper. But there needs to be something made clear. Some churches hold to more of a spiritualist view of it in which a priest calls Jesus from Heaven to be offered again weekly. According to this teaching, the priest uses his “priestly powers” to turn bread into Jesus's actual body and the wine into Jesus's blood. That idea is entirely antithetical to Scriptures and is inherently dangerous to believe. Hebrews 7:26-27 says, “For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens; who has no daily need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because He did this once for all time when He offered up Himself. ” Hebrews 7:26-27 No human being on Earth has the power to call down Christ from Heaven to put Him in a wafer. Jesus's offering was once for all. So what do we know for sure? The Lord's Supper, like the table of showbread was a remembrance of being delivered by God. The first deliverance from Egypt, the second from sin. It was held weekly, just as the Showbread was eaten weekly. It was ONLY for Christians, not visitors to your church. After the meal, they leave singing hymns. The next time you take Communion, stop, think back to the cross and remember it was for you. Think on those things as you partake. “Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near; I am keeping the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ” The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve. And as they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” Being deeply grieved, they began saying to Him, each one: “Surely it is not I, Lord?” And He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. The Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself.” Now while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Father’s kingdom.” And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

RED 7 VISION IN SKY I SAW AFTER IT VANISHED — SIN, WARNING, MERCY, JUDGMENT TO THE LAST AGE Text: it's divine Message A. RED COLOUR ITSELF IS SIN = REV 18:5 — SIN THAT HAS REACHED HEAVEN The vision is not random. Red is the colour of sin documented in scripture. Isaiah 1:18 "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson" Rev 18:5 "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities" Jer 51:9 "For her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies" Gen 18:20-21 "Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down and see" Present nations = Babylon the Great. Global system of harlotry. All categories of sin piled: Rev 18:3 "For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her" Gal 5:19-21 Works of flesh — adultery, fornication, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, murders, drunkenness When sin reaches heaven, God's face turns to JUDGMENT. He lives — He remembers. Psalm 34:16 "The face of the Lord is against them that do evil" Exodus 3:7 "I have surely seen the affliction of my people... and have heard their cry" B. GOD'S MESSAGE TO WARN OF SIN AND CALL TO REPENT — LIKE JONAH TO NINEVEH God never destroys without warning. He raises a son to warn. Amos 3:7 "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 "The Lord... sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion" Your case is Jonah model: Jonah 1:2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me" — Same as Rev 18:5! Jonah 3:4-10 Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, repented in sackcloth, and God repented of the evil. Purpose of RED7 Vanishing Vision = Limited time offer of mercy. Isaiah 55:6 "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near" 2 Cor 6:2 "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" God chooses a son in last age to testify — like John the Baptist as voice. Rev 1:1-2 God sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John Matthew 24:14 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world... and then shall the end come" C. IF FAIL TO REPENT = JUDGEMENT. Rev 9:15, 20-21, Rev 16 This is the fixed law. Mercy rejected becomes wrath. Small plague was Corona — Luke 21:11 Pestilence. But they repented NOT. Rev 9:20-21 "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands... Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts" If small rebuke fails, GREAT JUDGMENT comes — to wipe out unrepentant. Rev 9:15 "Were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men" Rev 16:1 "Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth" — Grievous sores, sea as blood, scorched with fire, darkness, Armageddon Hebrews 10:26-27 "If we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation" Luke 13:3 "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" D. BABYLON IS FALLEN & ITS SIN REACHED HEAVEN — GOD REMEMBERED Rev 18:2 "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen" Rev 14:8 "Babylon is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink" Rev 16:19 "Great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath" God remembers — means He has opened books for accounting. Rev 20:12 "And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works" E. THE CALL NOW: COME OUT OF BABYLON SIN, & DON'T SUFFER IN HER SIN.

Here is the full Sermon — What God OUGHT to do NOW to Nations as Rev 18:5: SERMON: GOD LIVES — HIS FACE AGAINST BABYLON NATIONS — RED7 MERCY BEFORE HIS WRATH COMES! Main Text: Rev 18:5 "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." Introduction: Nations think God is dead or quiet. HE LIVES. His face is not quiet to disobedience. Psa 34:16 "The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off remembrance" 1Thess 4:3 "This is the will of God, your sanctification" The sins of this present dark world — fornication, LGBTQ, murder, corruption, idolatry, witchcraft, love of money — have piled up like Babylon the Great, the corrupt global system. Rev 18:2-3 "Babylon is fallen... all nations have drunk of wine of her fornication" Jer 51:9 "Her judgment reacheth unto heaven" This is what the Lord showed His servant me Reagan — RED7 in the Sky, then vanished. 1. WHAT DOES RED7 MEAN? GOD'S FACE — MERCY AND JUDGEMENT IN ONE SIGN SKY = HEAVEN. Sins reached there. Deut 26:15 "Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven" Matt 6:9 "Our Father which art in heaven" RED = 4 Witnesses: a) SIN — Isa 1:18 "Though your sins be as scarlet, red as crimson" b) JUDGEMENT / WARNING / WAR — Rev 6:4 "There went out another horse that was red... to take peace", Nahum 2:3 Shields made red c) BLOOD OF JESUS, SACRIFICE, MERCY — Eph 1:7 "Redemption through his blood", Heb 9:22 "Without shedding of blood is no remission", 1John 1:7 "Blood of Jesus cleanseth us from all sin" d) 7 = DIVINE COMPLETENESS — Gen 2:2 God ended work on 7th day, Lev 16:14 Blood sprinkled 7 times for COMPLETE atonement, Rev 1:4 Seven Spirits = complete Holy Ghost VANISHED = TIME OF GRACE IS SHORT, WINDOW CLOSING Gen 6:3 "My spirit shall not always strive with man" Isa 55:6 "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found" 2Cor 6:2 "Behold, NOW is accepted time; NOW is day of salvation" God says: Complete mercy is offered NOW through Blood, but complete wrath is READY if refused. 2. WHAT GOD OUGHT TO DO AND IS DOING NOW — PROPHETIC ORDER GOD DOES NOT JUDGE WITHOUT WARNING. His justice follows order: Step 1: ISSUE GLOBAL CALL TO COME OUT Before He strikes, He warns His people to separate. Rev 18:4 "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" 2Cor 6:17 "Come out from among them, and be ye separate" James 4:4 Friendship of world is enmity with God Step 2: GIVE SMALL PLAGUES AS MERCY WARNINGS Corona virus, wars, floods, famines — they are NOT final wrath. They are small shakes to wake Nations to repent. Luke 21:11 "Great earthquakes, famines, pestilences; fearful sights from heaven" Rev 6:8 Power over fourth part to kill with death Hag 2:6-7 "Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake heavens and earth... that they may desire" Purpose: To break pride and lead to repentance. Rom 2:4 "Goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" But Nations repented NOT! Rev 9:20-21 "Neither repented they of murders, nor fornications..." Step 3: IF REFUSE — GREAT PLAGUE TO WIPE OUT UNREPENTANT EVILDOERS If mercy of Blood is rejected, Red shifts from MERCY to WRATH. God MUST judge, for He is Holy. Ecc 8:11 Because sentence not executed speedily, hearts set to do evil — but God will judge Heb 10:26-27 "If we sin wilfully after truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice, but fearful looking for judgment" Nahum 1:3 "Lord will not at all acquit the wicked" What is coming if Nations refuse? Rev 16:1-2 Pour out vials of wrath — noisome grievous sore Rev 9:15 Third part of men killed Rev 18:8 "Her plagues come in one day, death, mourning, famine; she shall be utterly burned" Luke 13:3 "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" Judgement begins in House of God first, now to Nations. 1Pet 4:17 "Judgment must begin at house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall end be of them that obey not?" 3. FINAL CALL — REPENT AND LIVE PURE THROUGH FAITH, OR PERISH God's heart is NOT destruction but repentance. 2Pet 3:9 "Not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" Ezek 18:32 "Turn yourselves and live ye" Ezek 33:11 "Why will ye die?" HOW TO LIVE PURE? Through faith in Christ — His Blood makes us Righteousness. 2Cor 5:21 "We might be made righteousness of God in him" 1Cor 1:30 Christ is made unto us righteousness and sanctification 1John 3:7 He that doeth righteousness is righteous Tit 2:11-12 Grace teaches to DENY ungodliness, live soberly, righteously 1Tim 4:5 Sanctified by Word and Prayer Matt 6:33 SEEK FIRST Kingdom and His Righteousness ALTAR CALL: RED7 vanished — Time is short. Corona was small. Choose Blood of Jesus NOW. Be washed, live pure, holy. Refuse — Great Plague, Lake of Fire Rev 20:15 awaits. Isa 1:18 Come now let us reason... though sins as scarlet, shall be white as snow John 8:24 "If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" Repent and LIVE PURE and LIVE. Or perish in thy sins.

BUILD YOURSELF BEFORE THE BATTLE COMES Part 4, Biblical Discernment Through the Book of Jude Jude 17–21 For three days we have been studying Jude's warning concerning deception. We have seen people who “crept in unnoticed.” We have examined the danger of grace being distorted into permission for sin. Yesterday we followed Jude back through three Old Testament examples: Cain, corrupted worship. Balaam, corrupted motives. Korah, corrupted authority. But now something changes. Jude turns away from describing the deceivers and speaks directly to believers: “But you, beloved…” Jude 17, NKJV I love those words. But you. Others may abandon truth. But you. Culture may redefine right and wrong. But you. False teachers may distort Scripture. But you. People around you may follow whatever direction the wind is blowing. But you, beloved. You don't have to go with them. Jude is about to show us how to become spiritually strong enough to remain standing. REMEMBER WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN TOLD Jude begins: “But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 17 Notice the first word: Remember. Jude does not tell them they need some new revelation. He tells them to remember what they have already been taught. That is important. Sometimes believers spend so much time searching for a new word that we neglect the Word God has already given us. The apostles had warned that difficult times would come. Jude continues: “how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.” Jude 18 Peter gave almost the same warning: “Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts.” 2 Peter 3:3 Paul warned Timothy: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” 2 Timothy 3:1 Jesus Himself repeatedly warned His disciples concerning deception. So when deception appears, Christians should not panic as though God's plan has somehow failed. God already told us it would come. The question is whether we prepared ourselves before it arrived. DON'T WAIT FOR THE BATTLE TO BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION Jesus told the story of two men who built houses. One built upon rock. The other built upon sand. Then: The rain came. The floods came. The winds blew. Notice something. The storm came against both houses. The difference wasn't whether they experienced the storm. The difference was what had been built before the storm arrived. Jesus said: “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 You don't build the foundation during the storm. You build it beforehand. That is exactly what Jude is teaching us. Build yourself before the battle comes. JUDE GIVES US FOUR SPIRITUAL ACTIONS Beginning in verse 20, Jude gives us one of the clearest patterns for spiritual stability in the New Testament: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 20–21 Look at the four actions: BUILD. PRAY. KEEP. LOOK. These are not complicated. But they are powerful. 1. BUILD YOURSELVES UP IN YOUR MOST HOLY FAITH Jude says: “building yourselves up on your most holy faith…” Spiritual maturity does not happen accidentally. You have to build. Paul told the Ephesian elders: “I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up…” Acts 20:32 The Word builds us. Paul told the Colossians: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him…” Colossians 2:6–7 Notice the imagery. Rooted. Built up. Established. A tree survives storms because of roots nobody can see. A house survives storms because of a foundation underneath it. And believers stand against deception because something has been built inside them. That is why we keep returning to Scripture. Not merely to collect information. Not merely to win arguments. But because the Word builds spiritual strength. Remember what we studied in Hebrews: “Those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14 Discernment develops through spiritual maturity. The deeper your roots grow into God's truth, the harder it becomes for every new wind of doctrine to uproot you. YOU CANNOT LIVE ON SOMEONE ELSE'S STUDY This is important. Listening to good preaching is valuable. Reading good Christian books can help us. Bible studies can strengthen us. But none of those should replace personally knowing God's Word. There comes a point where every believer needs to open the Bible and ask: “Lord, what have You said?” Paul told Timothy: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God… rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 Build yourself. Verse by verse. Truth by truth. Day by day. Because when deception comes, you may not have time to build a foundation. You will stand on the foundation you already have. 2. PRAYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT Jude continues: “praying in the Holy Spirit.” Notice where Jude places prayer. Right in the middle of spiritual warfare and deception. Prayer isn't the believer's last resort. Prayer is part of our preparation. Paul says: “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” Ephesians 6:18 That comes immediately after Paul describes the armor of God. Romans tells us: “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought…” Romans 8:26 The Holy Spirit helps us pray according to God's will. There are moments when our understanding is limited. There are circumstances we cannot see clearly. There are spiritual battles we don't fully understand. But the Holy Spirit does. So Jude says: Pray. Stay in fellowship with God. Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Stay dependent upon Him. We don't overcome deception merely by becoming intellectually sharper. We need truth and the Spirit. The Spirit of God will never lead us contrary to the Word He inspired. Jesus called Him: “the Spirit of truth.” John 16:13 The Word and Spirit work together. 3. KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD Then Jude says: “keep yourselves in the love of God.” We need to understand this correctly. Jude is not saying: “Make God keep loving you.” God's love is not something we earn through perfect performance. Rather, Jude is calling believers to remain consciously and obediently within the fellowship of God's love. Jesus said: “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” John 15:9 Then He connects abiding with obedience: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love.” John 15:10 There is a powerful connection here: Love and obedience are not enemies. Jesus said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15 The world often tells us love means affirming whatever someone desires. Jesus shows us something deeper. Biblical love remains connected to truth and obedience. That means remaining in God's love sometimes requires saying no to something the world celebrates. Not because we hate people. But because we love God enough to trust what He has said. 4. KEEP LOOKING FOR JESUS Finally Jude says: “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” There is our fourth action. Build. Pray. Keep. Look. Where are we looking? Toward Jesus. That matters because whatever continually captures our attention will eventually influence our thinking. If all we look at is darkness, we can become discouraged. If all we study is deception, we can become suspicious. If all we watch is what the world is doing, we can become fearful. Jude says: Look toward Christ. Paul calls this: “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13 Our hope is not ultimately that the world will become easier. Our hope is Jesus Christ. He came. He died. He rose again. He is Lord. And He is coming again. That keeps everything in perspective. NOTICE THE BALANCE Jude does not tell believers: “Just trust God and do nothing.” Neither does he tell them: “Everything depends upon your own strength.” Instead, Scripture holds two truths together. We actively build. We actively pray. We actively remain. We actively look. But something wonderful is coming in verse 24. Jude will eventually say: “Now to Him who can keep you from stumbling…” Do you see it? Jude 21: “Keep yourselves…” Jude 24: “Him who can keep you…” That is not a contradiction. That is relationship. We faithfully respond to God while depending completely upon His sustaining grace. Paul expressed something similar: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12–13 We work because God is working within us. BUILD BEFORE THE BATTLE Church, there is a lesson here we desperately need. Don't wait until temptation comes to begin learning Scripture about temptation. Don't wait until deception comes to begin learning truth. Don't wait until fear attacks to discover God's promises. Don't wait until the storm hits to start building your foundation. Don't wait until the battle starts to put on your armor. Build now. Put the Word into your heart now. Pray now. Develop fellowship with the Holy Spirit now. Learn obedience now. Remain in God's love now. Keep your eyes on Jesus now. David wrote: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11 Notice where the Word was. Already hidden in his heart. When the battle comes, the Holy Spirit can bring to remembrance the Word you have stored inside. THIS COMPLETES THE DISCERNMENT PATTERN WE HAVE BEEN BUILDING Look how far this study has taken us: Isaiah 5:20 Recognize that good and evil can be reversed. Romans 12:2 Renew your mind. Hebrews 5:14 Train your spiritual senses. John 17:17 Establish yourself in God's truth. Ephesians 5:8–11 Walk as a child of light. Jude 3 Contend for the faith. Jude 4–16 Recognize the patterns of deception. And now: Jude 20–21 Build yourself so deception cannot easily move you. That is spiritual maturity. Not merely knowing what is wrong. Becoming strong in what is right. BUT YOU, BELOVED Maybe that is the word somebody needs today. You cannot control which direction everybody around you chooses. You cannot control culture. You cannot control what every preacher teaches. You cannot control what appears on social media tomorrow. But you can decide what foundation you will build upon. But you, beloved… Build yourself up. Pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourself in the love of God. Keep looking toward Jesus. Because the strongest defense against darkness is not spending your entire life studying darkness. It is becoming filled with light. The strongest defense against deception is becoming deeply established in truth. And the strongest preparation for tomorrow's battle is walking closely with Jesus today. OUR PRAYER Father, build us through Your Word. Teach us to pray in the Holy Spirit. Help us remain in Your love and obedience. Keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus. Give us spiritual discernment without fear, conviction without pride, courage without harshness, and truth without compromise. Prepare us today for whatever we may face tomorrow. In Jesus' name, Amen. “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 20–21, NKJV Tomorrow, Part 5: “Truth With Mercy, And the God Who Keeps Us,” Jude 22–25. We will finish our journey through Jude by examining something beautiful. After commanding us to contend for truth and recognize deception, Jude tells us how to treat people who have become caught in it. Truth must never lose mercy. And then Jude finishes by turning our attention away from our own strength toward “Him who can keep you from stumbling.” Question for discussion: Which of Jude's four instructions needs strengthening in your life right now: BUILD, PRAY, KEEP, or LOOK?

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Chronicles 7–8 | 2 Thessalonians 2 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Chronicles 7 God Responds to Worship, Prayer, and a Humble Heart 2 Chronicles 7 continues immediately after Solomon’s prayer of dedication. The temple has been completed, the nation has gathered in worship, and Solomon has asked the Lord to hear His people whenever they turn toward Him. God now responds in a dramatic way, confirming both the temple and the covenant responsibilities of His people. Fire comes down from heaven and consumes the sacrifices, while the glory of the Lord fills the temple so powerfully that the priests cannot enter. The people respond by bowing down and worshiping, praising God for His goodness and enduring mercy. The emphasis is not ultimately on Solomon’s magnificent building but on the God who has chosen to reveal His presence among His people. Solomon and the nation then dedicate the temple with sacrifices and an extended celebration. Worship becomes a national event marked by gratitude, joy, and remembrance of God’s faithfulness. The people eventually return home rejoicing because of the goodness the Lord has shown to David, Solomon, and Israel. After the celebration, God appears to Solomon privately and answers the prayer he offered in the previous chapter. The Lord confirms that He has heard Solomon and has chosen the temple as a place associated with sacrifice and worship. Yet God also makes clear that the temple itself will never become a substitute for a faithful relationship with Him. This is where the chapter’s well-known call to humility and repentance must be understood within its original covenant setting. God is speaking specifically to Solomon concerning Israel. If covenant disobedience results in drought, devastation, or other forms of national discipline, God’s people are to humble themselves, pray, seek Him, and turn from their wicked ways. When they genuinely return to Him, God promises to hear, forgive, and bring restoration. The principle reaches beyond Israel even though the covenant promise itself was given to that nation: God desires humble hearts that seek Him rather than merely religious activity. Genuine spiritual renewal includes prayer, repentance, and turning away from sin. It is not enough to desire relief from consequences while continuing in rebellion. God then speaks directly about Solomon’s leadership. If Solomon walks faithfully as David did, the Lord will continue establishing the Davidic kingdom according to His covenant promise. But if Solomon and the nation abandon God for idols, serious consequences will follow. Even the magnificent temple could become a ruin and a testimony to the danger of forsaking the Lord. That warning is especially important in Chronicles because the original readers knew exactly what eventually happened. Solomon’s temple did not protect an unrepentant nation. Jerusalem eventually fell, the temple was destroyed, and Judah went into exile. God had been faithful both to His promises of blessing and to His warnings concerning rebellion. Theological Emphasis 2 Chronicles 7 presents God as both holy and merciful. His glory fills the temple, revealing His majesty, while His response to Solomon reveals His willingness to forgive those who genuinely return to Him. At the same time, God refuses to allow outward religion to replace inward faithfulness. A temple, ceremony, ministry, or spiritual heritage can never substitute for a heart that seeks the Lord. The chapter also reinforces one of the major themes of Chronicles: seeking God matters. The spiritual condition of the nation is connected not merely to outward circumstances but to whether the people remain faithful to the Lord. Christ-Centered Truth The temple, sacrifices, and promise of forgiveness ultimately point beyond Solomon to Jesus Christ. Israel repeatedly needed sacrifices because sin remained an ongoing problem, but Jesus offered Himself as the final and sufficient sacrifice. Through His finished work on the cross, forgiveness is secured for everyone who comes to God through Him. Christ also accomplishes something greater than temporary national restoration. Through Him, sinners are reconciled to God, receive the Holy Spirit, and are brought into the New Covenant. The glory that once filled a physical temple now points toward God dwelling within His redeemed people. Believer Application For believers today, 2 Chronicles 7 reminds us that spiritual renewal begins with the heart. We should never confuse Christian activity with genuine fellowship with Christ. Prayer, worship, ministry, church attendance, and service are valuable, but they must flow from hearts that continually seek the Lord. When God exposes sin, our response should be humility rather than defensiveness, repentance rather than excuses, and renewed dependence upon Christ rather than greater confidence in ourselves. God’s grace invites us to return to Him, and because of Jesus, forgiveness rests upon His completed work rather than our ability to make ourselves worthy. 2 Chronicles 8 Faithfully Building What God Has Entrusted After the dramatic dedication of the temple in chapter 7, 2 Chronicles 8 summarizes Solomon’s accomplishments during the years that follow. The chapter describes cities being rebuilt, territories being strengthened, labor being organized, worship being maintained, and the kingdom becoming increasingly established. The emphasis shifts from the extraordinary moment of dedication to the ordinary responsibility of faithfully administering what God has provided. Solomon strengthens cities throughout the kingdom and develops important centers for storage, military operations, and national administration. These projects demonstrate wisdom, organization, and preparation. God has given Israel a season of peace, and Solomon uses that peace to strengthen the kingdom rather than simply enjoying its prosperity. This reflects an important principle of stewardship. Seasons of blessing are not merely opportunities for comfort; they are opportunities to prepare, build, serve, and invest in what God has entrusted to us. The chapter also describes Solomon’s labor force and administrative structure. Responsibilities are distributed among different groups, while Israelites serve primarily in military and leadership roles. The kingdom is becoming organized on a large scale, demonstrating that effective leadership requires both vision and practical administration. Yet the Chronicler keeps bringing the reader back to worship. Solomon maintains the priestly and Levitical divisions established through David. Sacrifices are offered according to the appointed times, and the temple ministries continue according to their proper order. The construction project may be finished, but the purpose of the temple must continue. This distinction matters. It is possible to become so focused on building something for God that we eventually neglect the reason it was built. Solomon’s responsibility is not merely to complete the temple but to ensure that worship remains central to Israel’s life. The chapter also mentions Solomon’s relationship with Pharaoh’s daughter. He moves her away from the area associated with David’s palace because of the holiness connected with the places where the Ark had been. The account shows Solomon’s awareness of sacred boundaries, although his foreign marriages will later become part of the spiritual compromise that damages his reign. Chronicles does not develop that failure here, but the broader biblical story reminds us that outward respect for holy things must be matched by inward faithfulness. By the chapter’s conclusion, Solomon’s work is described as successfully organized and completed. Trade expands, resources increase, and the kingdom enjoys remarkable prosperity. The promises God made concerning Solomon’s reign are visibly unfolding. Theological Emphasis 2 Chronicles 8 emphasizes faithful stewardship after spiritual victory. The dramatic dedication of the temple was important, but faithfulness had to continue after the celebration ended. Solomon needed to govern, organize, maintain worship, oversee resources, and administer the responsibilities God had given him. The chapter reminds us that spiritual maturity is often demonstrated in ordinary consistency. Great moments of worship matter, but so do the days afterward when God’s people must faithfully continue doing what He has called them to do. Christ-Centered Truth Solomon’s kingdom experienced peace, prosperity, organization, and expanding influence, but it remained temporary. Solomon could build cities, organize worship, and strengthen Israel, but he could not establish an eternal kingdom. Jesus Christ is the greater Son of David and the greater Solomon. His kingdom does not depend upon military strength, economic prosperity, or earthly administration. Through His death and resurrection, Christ established an everlasting kingdom, and He is now building His Church throughout the nations. Solomon completed the temple, but Christ is building a people. Every believer becomes part of the spiritual house God is constructing, with Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. Believer Application For believers today, 2 Chronicles 8 reminds us that faithfulness is often less dramatic than the moments that first inspire us. God may give us a vision, calling, ministry, business, family responsibility, or opportunity, but after the excitement comes the work of stewardship. We are called to organize wisely, manage resources faithfully, maintain proper priorities, and keep worship at the center of what we build. Success should never cause us to forget why God entrusted the opportunity to us in the first place. The chapter therefore gives us a healthy pattern: seek God first, build faithfully, steward wisely, and keep Christ at the center. Whatever God places into our hands should ultimately serve His purposes and bring glory to His name. 2 Thessalonians 2 — Standing Firm in the Truth Until the Christ Returns 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 addresses confusion surrounding the return of the Christ, the Son of God, and the Day of the Lord. Some believers had become troubled by claims that this prophetic period had already arrived. Paul responds by directing them away from fear and speculation and back toward the truth God had already revealed. The chapter describes coming apostasy, the revelation of the man of lawlessness, satanic deception, and ultimately the victorious return of the Christ. Its central message is not fear but confidence: evil will have its moment, but the Son of God will triumph completely. Paul begins by addressing the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the gathering of believers to Him. His concern is that the Thessalonians not become quickly shaken or alarmed by claims concerning the Day of the Lord. This reveals an important principle for biblical prophecy: truth concerning the future should establish believers, not destabilize them. Prophecy is not intended to create panic. God's redemptive plan is under His complete authority, and nothing concerning the return of the Son of God will happen outside His sovereign purpose. Paul warns believers not to be deceived by supposed spiritual revelations, teachings, or communications falsely attributed to apostolic authority. The early church faced misinformation just as believers do today. Christian living therefore requires discernment. Not every spiritual claim is true. Not every confident teacher is correct. Not every prophetic prediction comes from God. Everything must be examined according to the truth of God's Word. Paul then explains that specific developments are connected with the Day of the Lord. He speaks of a coming rebellion or falling away and the revelation of the man of lawlessness. This individual will openly oppose God and exalt himself, ultimately seeking the worship and authority that belong to God alone. The pattern is consistent with Satan's rebellion throughout Scripture. The enemy continually seeks to counterfeit what belongs to God. Instead of submission, there is rebellion. Instead of worshiping the Creator, fallen humanity is tempted to worship the creature. Yet the chapter makes clear that this rebellion remains under God's sovereign limits. Evil does not control history. God does. Paul refers to a restraining influence that presently prevents the man of lawlessness from being revealed before the appointed time. The passage does not explain every detail concerning the identity of this restrainer, and faithful believers have held different interpretations. The central truth, however, is unmistakable: the lawless one cannot appear until the time God permits. God's redemptive plan cannot be rushed, delayed, or overturned by Satan. The enemy operates only within limits established by the sovereign Lord. Paul then describes the mystery of lawlessness as already being at work. Although the final manifestation of rebellion remains future, the spirit of rebellion against God is already active in the world. Christian living therefore requires spiritual awareness. Believers should recognize that there is an ongoing battle between truth and deception, righteousness and lawlessness, the kingdom of the Christ and the rebellion of the enemy. But the chapter does not leave believers staring at the power of evil. It immediately points to the victory of the Son of God. The lawless one may appear powerful for a season, but his destruction will come through the Lord Jesus. The Christ will overthrow him by the power of His coming. This is the great prophetic certainty of the chapter: Satan does not win. Lawlessness does not win. Deception does not win. The Christ wins. The Son of God who first came in humility will return in authority and glory. The Christ who was rejected will reign. The Christ who was crucified has risen. And the Christ who rose from the dead will return as victorious King. This is the direction toward which God's redemptive plan is moving. Paul then explains that the coming lawless one will operate with satanic power, false signs, counterfeit wonders, and deception. This is an important warning because supernatural activity by itself does not prove that something comes from God. Biblical discernment does not ask merely, "Is something supernatural happening?" The deeper question is, "Does this agree with God's truth and glorify the Christ?" Satan's strategy involves deception, and deception is especially dangerous when it appears convincing. The chapter explains that those who perish do so because they refuse the love of the truth that would lead them to salvation. The issue is ultimately not merely intellectual confusion but rejection of God's truth. This highlights the urgency of the gospel. God's redemptive plan has revealed salvation through the Son of God. The Christ died for sin, rose from the dead, and offers reconciliation to those who trust in Him. Truth therefore is not merely a theological concept. Truth leads us to the Christ. Paul then contrasts those who embrace deception with believers who have been called through the gospel. His attention moves away from the rebellion of the world and toward the security of God's people. Believers have been called to share in the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. This dramatically changes the tone of the chapter. The Christian's future is not centered upon the Antichrist, the man of lawlessness, apostasy, or judgment. Our future is centered upon the Christ. Prophecy should never cause believers to become more fascinated with the enemy than with the Son of God. The great hope of Scripture is Jesus. Paul therefore calls believers to stand firm and hold tightly to the truth they have received. This is the practical application of the entire chapter. Because deception is coming, know God's truth. Because lawlessness is increasing, pursue holiness. Because false teaching exists, remain rooted in Scripture. Because the Christ is returning, stand firm in Him. Christian living in the last days is not about constantly chasing prophetic speculation. It is about remaining faithfully anchored in the Son of God. Paul concludes with encouragement rooted in God's love and grace. The Lord has given His people eternal encouragement and good hope, and Paul prays that God would strengthen their hearts in every good work and word. This reveals the proper effect of biblical prophecy. Prophecy should produce hope and holiness, stability and service, discernment and devotion. Throughout 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, Scripture acknowledges that significant spiritual deception and rebellion will characterize the unfolding events surrounding the Day of the Lord. Yet none of these things threaten the sovereignty of God. The man of lawlessness has an appointed limit. Satan has an appointed limit. Deception has an appointed limit. But the kingdom of the Christ has no end. For believers today, this chapter calls us to remain calm, biblical, discerning, and Christ-centered. We should neither ignore prophecy nor become consumed by speculation. Instead, we should allow biblical prophecy to strengthen our confidence in the Son of God. The Christ is coming. The Christ will gather His people. The Christ will expose deception. The Christ will overthrow lawlessness. The Christ will reign. Until then, Christian living means loving the truth, remaining rooted in God's Word, rejecting spiritual deception, continuing in good works, proclaiming the gospel, and standing firmly in the Christ. History is not moving toward the victory of darkness. It is moving toward the glorious triumph of the Son of God and the completion of His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #StudyYourBible #OpenYourBible #TomorrowInTheWord #GodsWord #ScriptureForToday #BibleStudyTime #FaithJourney #WalkWithGod

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield was famous for his catchphrase “I get no respect!” That came to my remembrance yesterday after an evangelism opportunity outside of Walmart. I approached an elderly man sitting on his rollator. He wore a cap indicating he was a Vietnam War veteran. I first thanked him for his service. He replied, “Finally, some respect!” Then I offered him a gospel tract after saying, “I spent some time in the army myself. Now I’m in the army of the Lord.” Without saying a word, this veteran quickly made the “talk to the hand” gesture. It’s sad he showed no respect for the things of God. “Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?” (Hebrews 12:9)