1. If the readers desire to have a part in the Lord's work as soul workers, it would be great for them to begin their own tract ministry by down loading our messages and send or give copies to others. What could be more important for you as an ambassador for Christ than to support the Body of Christ in this way? The messages are already written, so why not pass them on to others? {See I- Corinthians 5:17-21}.

No. 1. The verbal inspiration of the Word of God, {2- Timothy 3:16}.

No. 2. The Deity of Jesus Christ, and the Trinity of the Godhead, {Titus 2:13; and 2-Corinthians 13:14}.

No. 3. The total depravity of man, and everlasting punishment of those who reject Christ, {Romans Ch. 3; John 3:36; and Revelation 20:15}.

No. 4. Redemption by the blood of Christ, and by grace, not of works, are we saved, {Titus 3:5; and Ephesians 2:8-9}.

No. 5. Everlasting life and the security of the Believer, {John 10:29}.

No. 6. The personality and everlasting punishment of Satan, {Job Ch. 1; and Revelation Ch. 20}.

No. 7. The imminent Rapture [Resurrection] of the Body of Christ, followed by the great 7 year Tribulation Period and the literal Millennial Reign of Christ on this earth, {1- Thessalonians 4:16-18; 1- Corinthians 15:50-55; and Revelation 20:1-6}.

6. Commentary: Prophetic scholars are excited about the significant events that are taking place through-out this world. Many of them believe that this proves that this present age is rapidly drawing close to a final end. All over the US. Ministers are seeking to convince their readers and listeners that prophecy in the prophetic books such as Daniel and Revelation, is being fulfilled right now before their very eyes. Many are teaching and preaching that because of this fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, Jesus Christ will soon appear to resurrect [Rapture] His Saints [the Body of Christ] from this earth up into Heaven. Most of them declare that the Lord Jesus after resurrecting this Body of Believers, will return again with them to establish His righteous Kingdom on this earth. Naturally they preach that Christ will reign for one complete millennium as the King and Messiah over the entire world.

8. {V. 25} Scripture: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress [trouble and anguish] of nations [in bewilderment and], with perplexity [that is, without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn at]; the [echo = the roaring of the tossing of the] sea and the waves roaring; See {Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:10; and Zephaniah 1:15}.

9. {V. 26} Men's hearts failing them [swooning away or expiring] for fear [dread, apprehension], and [expectation] for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the [very] powers of heaven shall be shaken [and caused to totter]." {See Matthew 24-29; Luke 21:11; Joel 3:15; Joel 2:30-32; Isaiah 13:9-10; and Ezekiel 32:7-8}.

10. {V. 27} And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with [great transcendent and overwhelming] power and [with all His] great [kingly] glory [majesty and splendor]. {See Zechariah 14:13-14; Daniel 7:13; Matthew 16:27; 24:30; and Mark 13:26}.

11. {V. 28} And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption [deliverance - is] drawing near, {Luke 21:25-28}."

12. Commentary: These folks mentioned above are making the mistake of applying this text in Luke to the Body of Christ of today. The fact is, the Lord Jesus was teaching about the Hebrew people, the city of Jerusalem and their land. Jesus actually stated: "there shall be great distress in the land and wrath upon the people." The question is, what land and what people? The land of the Israelites of course. It would be a grave mistake to ever call the Body of Christ Israel, or spiritual Israel as some ignorantly do! During the coming Tribulation Period we are told:

13. Scripture: "And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them, {Revelation 9:6}." See {Job 3:21}.

14. Commentary: This above verse is referring to the Tribulation Period and has absolutely nothing to do with the Body of Christ! When this prophecy is fulfilled the Believing Body of today will have already been Raptured. If any members of the Body of Christ are expecting such an experience as is mentioned above, they had better seek death before the Tribulation while they can find it. "But, death is not the Believer's hope during this present economy!" Death is not the hope for any child of God! We as Saints are looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ:

15. {V. 13} Scripture: "Looking [and awaiting] for [the fulfillment, the realization of] that blessed 'Hope,' and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ [the Anointed One],

16. {V. 14} Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem [purchase our freedom and save] us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a 'peculiar [protected]' people [a people of His very Own possession,] zealous of good works [living a life that is good and filled with beneficial deeds]. See {Psalm 130:8; Ezekiel 37:23; and Deuteronomy 14:2}.

17. {V. 15} [Tell them all] These things speak, and exhort [urge, advise, encourage, warn], and rebuke with all [full] authority. Let no man despise [disregard or think little of] you [conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect], {Titus 2:13-15}."

18. Commentary: [The Lord's redeeming us opens the way for Him to purify us. Redeem means to purchase our release from the captivity of sin with a ransom, see {Mark 10:45} for more on Christ as our ransom]. We are not only free from the sentence of death for our sins, but we are also purified from sin's influence as we grow in Christ. Paul warned Titus to teach the Scriptures as well as to live them. We must also teach, encourage, and correct others when necessary. It is easy to feel afraid when others are older, more influential in the community, or wealthier. Like Titus, we should not let our-selves be threatened when we are trying to minister to others or provide leadership for others.

19. {V. 3} Scripture: "For [as far as the world is concerned] you are dead, and your [new real] life is hid with Christ in God.

20. {V. 4} When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory, {Colossians 3:3-4}."

21. Commentary: These verses have more than one meaning. We Saints of God are all dead as far as the old sin nature is concerned. Therefore, our new life is in Christ Jesus, where ever He is we are since we are in Him and He is in each of us. This means that we as a part of the Body of Christ are sitting in and with Him at the right hand of the Father at this very time. {V. 3} states that we are "hid with Christ" this refers to the fact that unbelievers where ever they may be, can never see us in our "new Christ like nature" as children of God the Father. According to {V. 4} when the Lord appears at the rapture or even at the Second Coming seven or more years later, we, because of our being in Him as our Head of the Body of Christ, will naturally appear with Him, spiritually speaking of course. This is very deep theology, is it not?

23. {V. 20} Scripture: "[But we are citizens of the commonwealth, our homeland which is in Heaven] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look [and earnestly and patiently await] for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ;

24. {V. 21} Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned [and transformed anew, the body of our humiliation to be conformed] like unto His glorious body [of His glory and majesty], according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself, {Philippians 3:20-21}."

25. Commentary: [The word conversation in {V. 20} literally refers to "citizenship." This figure would have been particularly appreciated by the Philippians in view of their cities status as a Roman colony, whose inhabitants were Roman citizens].

26. [Like wise the words "vile body" in {V. 21} Literally means, "body of humiliation." Our present state of mortality is a lowly one.]

27. Citizens of Philippi had the same rights and privileges as the citizens of Rome, Because Philippi was a Roman colony. Likewise, we Christians will one day experience all the special privileges of our heavenly citizenship, because we belong to Christ. Let us not be so tied to this present life that we would be sorry to see Christ return. The phrase "vile body" in {V. 21} means "body of humiliation." Our present state is a lowly one. This doesn't imply any negative attitude toward the human body. However, the bodies we will receive when we are Raptured from this earth will be glorious, like Christ's resurrected body. Those who struggle with pain, physical limitations, or disabilities can have wonderful hope and expectation in our future resurrection. See {1- Corinthians 15:35; and 2- Corinthians 5:1-10}.

31. Let the Christian be assured that no Old Testament prophecies are being fulfilled during this present age of grace period. As we study the prophetic Scriptures in the light of the Apostle Paul's Mystery program we will learn that the men of God, who are trying to make the prophecies concerning Israel's Tribulation Period and Kingdom Period fit into the present Dispensation, are workmen "who need to be ashamed," because they do not rightly divide the Word of truth in obedience to, {2- Timothy 2:15}.

33. We must believe that the Scriptural answer to the question, "will the Body of Christ go through the Tribulation Period?" will be found in the study of "Daniel's Secret," "Paul's Mystery," and "John's Revelation." We realize that we have written about this program before in other messages. But, there are a huge host of people who cannot seem to understand the prophetic Scriptures, and they go right on teaching the opposite of what the Bible makes clear to the more informed students! Let us read about Daniel's Secret:

34. Scripture: "But there is a God in heaven that reveals secrets, and makes known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in [Israel's] the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head upon the bed, are these, {Daniel 2:28}."

35. {V. 19} Scripture: "Then was the secret revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of Heaven.

36. {V. 20} Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are His:

37. {V. 21} And He changes the times and seasons: He removes kings, and sets up kings [rulers]: He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: See {Daniel 4:17; and 5:21}.

38. {V. 22} He reveals the deep and SECRET things: He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. See {Job 15:8; Psalm 25:14; and Matthew 6:6}.

39. {V. 23} I thank You, and praise You, O You God of my fathers Who have given me wisdom and might, and have made known to me now what we desired of You: for You have now made known to us the kings matter [that is, the solution to the kings problem], {Daniel 2:19-23}."

40. Commentary: After Daniel asked God to reveal Nebuchadnezzar's dream to him, he saw a vision of the dream. Daniel's prayer was answered. Before rushing off to Arioch with the news, Daniel took time to give God credit for all wisdom and power, thanking God for answering his request. How do you feel when your prayers are answered? Excited, surprised, relieved? There are times when we seek the Lord in prayer and, after having been answered, dash off in our excitement, forgetting to give God credit for the answer. We should match our persistence in prayer with genuine gratitude when our requests are answered.

41. When ever you understand that you have much to learn in life, and should you ever desire to knew more about how to handle people, then look to God for wisdom. While educational institutions provide diplomas at great expense, the Lord gives wisdom freely to all who ask, see {James 1:5}. When we see evil leaders which live long and good leaders who die young, we may wonder if God controls world events. Daniel saw evil rulers with almost limitless power, but Daniel knew and proclaimed that God "sets up kings and deposes them," that He controls everything that happens. God governs the world according to His purpose. You may be dismayed when you see evil people prosper, but God is nevertheless in control. Let this knowledge give you confidence and peace no matter what happens.

42. As to {V. 19} above, God's revelation came to Daniel in a night vision, proving that he had gone to sleep. Daniel immediately thanked the Lord for answering his prayer. Like Daniel, we must remember to pray as the first resort, not the last, and then not forget to thank God when He graciously answers our requests. When we look at {Vs. 20-23} we notice that Daniel's prayer is very instructive. He first blessed the Lord for Who He was. He recounted some of Jehovah's attributes and activities among men {Vs. 20-22} before specifically mentioning his own thanksgiving {V. 23}. Godly prayer should include both adoration and asking. We must not be hurried or formalistic as to omit either. God removes kings, and Presidents and sets up other leaders. It is good to remember that God is always in control. Daniel fully realized this and, hence, was not overly-concerned about the seemingly tragic situation in which he found himself. See {Daniel 4:17}.

43. Scripture: "You, O king, are a king of [the earthly] kings: for the God of Heaven has given you a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory, {Daniel 2:37}." [Note carefully the following]:

44. {V. 44} Scripture: "And in the days of these [final ten] kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom [and its sovereignty] shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. See {Luke 1:31-32; Daniel 7:14-17; and Revelation 11:15.}

45. {V. 45} Forasmuch as you saw that the stones was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God has made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure, {Daniel 2:44-45}."

46. Commentary: God's Kingdom will never be destroyed. If you are upset by threats of war and the prosperity of evil leaders, remember that the Lord not world leaders, decides the outcome of history. Under God's protection, His universal Kingdom is indestructible. Those who believe in God are members of His spiritual Kingdom and are secure in Him. In the above {V. 44}, where it mentions "the days of these kings," this points to the future when the revived Roman Empire is once more reassembled as the European Common Market coalition and world government, during the Tribulation Period. This will be completed after the Rapture of the Body of Christ at least seven years before the literal return of Christ to this earth, {Zechariah 14:4}. The God of Heaven will then at His coming set up His Kingdom which shall never be destroyed. The Lord, Messiah's Kingdom is that which is referred to in {Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5-6; and Micah 4:1-8}, and predicted at Christ's birth in {Luke 1:22-33}.

47. This Kingdom was never established as some have supposed in Christ's earthly ministry or until this very day, as can be seen from the statements given in {Matthew 19:28; Luke 19:11; and Acts 1:6-7}. Messiah will set up this Kingdom on earth at His return from Glory after the conclusion of the Battle of Armageddon. {Revelation 20:4-6} describes Christ ruling and reigning over the earthly kingdom predicted in Nebuchadnezzar's dream.

48. Looking at {V. 45} above, the great God naturally refers to Jehovah [Jesus Christ in the O.T.], He was the creator of the Heavens and the Earth, as distinguished from the polytheistic pantheon of Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, which is today known as "modern day Iraq." The words " What shall come to pass hereafter" in the dream presented a preview of the entire panorama of Gentile world history. The dream is certain, and the interpretation therefore, speaks of the absolute authority of the Lord's revelation of these matters. Any well studied Bible student is well aware that there should be no squabbling over millennial issues. But an unscriptural view taught by Amillennialism, suggests that the one-thousand year kingdom of {Revelation 20} is occurring in a spiritual form today, this ignores the fact of a cataclysmic event to come that is to be fulfilled in the future. The literal fulfillment of these prophetic events will completely obliterate all man-operated kingdoms and Divinely and literally fulfill the O.T. prophecies about the kingdom, even as the Jews anticipated in Christ's day.. {See Matthew 19:28; Luke 19:11; and Acts 1:6-7 again}.

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