THE SIGNS OF HIS COMING AND OF THE END OF THE WORLD (Part 8):  THE RULE AND REIGN OF CHRIST

Click here to download the Weekly Bible Study message:  – 290821…- (THE SIGNS OF THE IMMINENCE OF RAPTURE)  PART 8                                              Weekly Bible Study (12/09/13)                          Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement Topic:            THE SIGNS OF HIS COMING AND OF THE END OF THE WORLD (Part 8)                         THE RULE AND REIGN OF CHRIST Text:              Matt. 24:29-33 INTRODUCTION: For the past several weeks, we have taken some time to take a glimpse of the end-time events, having seen the next item in God’s programme which is the RAPTURE, and the catastrophic post rapture era during which the hearts of men shall fail (1Thess. 4:15-17, Lk. 21:25-27,36) We shall be looking at the RULE and REIGN of CHRIST on this earth under the following: (a) THE RETURN\DESCENT AT OLIVET (b) THE RULE AND REIGN AT JERUSALEM 1. THE RETURN/DESCENT AT OLIVE The fact that the Lord Jesus will literally return to this world cannot be gainsayed. The prophets of old predicted it (Zech. 14:45; Ps. 50:3). The angels testified of it (Acts 1:10-11). The Apostle of the Lord to the gentiles said it (2Thess. 2:3-10), and Saint Jude confirmed it (Jude 14,15). Unequivocably the Lord Jesus announced it (Matt. 24:26-28). The advent will be as literal as the ASCENSION. If we believe that the disciples saw His departure at Mt. Olivet, we should believe that His return would be witnessed by people that would be around Jerusalem at that time. At His coming, He will consume the Antichrist to pave the way for His earthly rule (Zech. 14:12; 2Thess. 2:3-10; Rev. 19:11-16). 2.  THE RULE AND REIGN AT JERUSALEM The Lord Jesus Christ is NOT coming again to the earth as the soft and tender lamb of God who trod upon the earth during His first advent (cons. Jn.1:29-30,35-36), but rather as the LION of the tribe of Judah and the KING of Kings (Rev. 5:5; 17:14; 19:14-16). He shall be coming with His angels and holy ones (saints) to rule on earth, (Rev. 1:7; Jude 14:15). His rule shall last for 1000years, during which Satan the architect of evil will be bound (Rev. 20:1-7). It is called the millennial reign of Christ and it is a Theocratic Kingdom (which is the rule of God through a divinely chosen representative). With an iron hand, He will subdue any nation that will not acknowledge His Lordship, as people shall come from far nations to pay homage to the Counsellor (Isa. 9:6; Zech. 14:16-19). It is a time that man shall be allowed to live free of the outward sources of temptation, though his depravity would still remain. The millennial era which is the physical manifestation of God, kingdom on earth (cons. Matt. 6:10) shall be characterized by the following (i) Peace and prosperity (Isa. 2:4; 9:6-7; 34:25-26; Amos 9:13-15) (ii) Holiness (Isa. 1:26-27; 35:8-9; Ezk. 43:7-12) (iii) Justice (Isa. 9:7; 11:5; 42:1-4; Jer. 23:5; 31:23) (iv) Fullness of knowledge (Isa. 11:1-2,9; 41:13-20; 54:13; Hab. 2:14) (v) Removal of aggressive or hurtful animal instincts (Isa. 11:6-9; 65:25) (vi) Removal of sickness (Isa. 33:24; Jer. 30:17) (vii) Healing of the physically disadvantaged (Isa. 29:17-19; 35:3-6) (viii) Longevity and safety (Isa. 41:8-14; 65:20-24; Ezk. 34:27; Amos 9:15; Zech. 14:10,11) (ix) Manifestation of divine glory (Isa. 24:23; 35:2; 60:1-9) (x) Comfort (Isa. 12:1-2; Jer. 31:23-25; Zeph. 3:18-20). This glory that shall encapsulate Jerusalem and extend to other nations of the world was tasted by the disciples at the mount of transfiguration (Mk. 9:1-5). This experience that made the privileged to desire to remain in the open without a roof over their heads, and even without their loved ones is not one that any can afford to miss. Consider the awareness that came upon the disciple to recognize the hitherto unfamiliar visitors. Let us rise up to pray for God’s sustenance in these dark days that we may be found worthy of the glory of the future days. HSCF: 260