Gene Cunningham - September 8, 2019
AZ 2019 Lesson 5
Matthew 24 is about the tribulation period only. The Church is not in it. The "evil servant" (Matt 24:48) represent the unbelieving Israel. See Isaiah passages (41:8, 42:1, and 44:1). See also Page 28 of the Conference Notes. "Hypocrites" in Matthew 23 are the same in Chapter 24 -- religious people with a pretense of waiting for the Messiah, but rejecting Jesus. The parallel passage in Luke 12:37-48 calls them "unbelievers" (see also Matt 5:20). Gene also goes over characteristics of God, namely Grace and Light.
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 2:6, Luke 12:37-48, 1 John 1:5, 1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 23:13-30, Romans 5:1-8, 1 Peter 1:4-5, Matthew 24:1-51, Matthew 5:20, Colossians 1:12, Isaiah 41:8, 1 John 1:7, Isaiah 42:1, Ephesians 4:24, Titus 2:13
From Series: "Shedding Ancient Light on the Outer Darkness Controversy"
Summary of the 2019 Arizona Conference 1. The theme running all through Matthew is the presentation of the King, His rejection by Israel, and the justice of the coming judgment. 2. All of the parables/teachings we have studied are consistent in the promise of reward to those who believe and warning of eternal judgment to those who reject their King. In light of this, how significant is the act of Pilate in posting over Jesus’ head the crime for which He was crucified, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews” (Matt. 27:37; Mark 15:26; Luke 23:38; John 19:19)? 3. The term “outer darkness” was well understood by the Jews of Jesus’ time to refer to Gehenna/Hell. 4. Though the Jews assumed a right to enter the kingdom based on their lineage, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that each one “must be born again” by faith in Him. 5. Nowhere in these passages is the focus on the Church, nor are they describing events at the Bema Seat of Christ. 6. Sound biblical interpretation demands that passages be studied in the light of their literal, historical, grammatical, and cultural setting.