CLICK TO SEE ALL VIDEOS IN THIS SERIES

This series of short lessons attempts to detail Jesus’ Roadmap for the Future. It starts with the last lessons Jesus gave the disciples on the Mount of Olives, and ends with teachings from the Apostle Paul about the Rapture.

As an introduction, the Olivet Discourse was aimed at the consequences of Israel’s rejection of Jesus as Messiah, and anticipated the destruction of the nation (70 A.D.) and the final Tribulation period. Remember that the Church Age is an intercalation—meaning an insertion, like a parenthesis, into the Age of Israel. This means that with the Rapture of the Church, the Tribulation picks up where 70 A.D. leaves off. This is why the Church Age is called a “mystery” (Rom. 11:25; 16:25; Eph. 3:1–13; Col. 1:26–27), which is a graduate course to “the principalities and powers in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:10).
The Olivet Discourse reveals the consequences of Israel’s rejection of her Messiah (compare Matt. 23:37–39 and Rom. 9:1–5; 10:1–4; 11:25). These consequences are defined by Paul as “wrath … to the uttermost” (1 Thess. 2:15–16).
The outline is actually given by Jesus Himself, by using certain key words as markers of the divisions. Perhaps the most obvious of these words is “Then,” a time-word indicating a sequence of events. We find this in Matt. 24:1, 9, 11, 16, 21, 23, 29, 40; 25:1, 7, 16, 24, 34, 37, 41, 44, 45. With the exception of its use in Matt. 24:1, where it connects Jesus’ departure from the Temple with the following discourse, in all the subsequent times, it is used specifically to refer to the Tribulation period followed by His Second Coming. It is worth quoting Mark, here, for the statement he includes:
“For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.” Mark 13:19
In Matthew 24, Jesus gives us an outline, speaking of “tribulation” (Matt. 24:9), followed by “the abomination of desolation” (Matt. 24:15, see Dan. 11:31; 12:11), which is then followed by “great tribulation” (Matt. 24:21) and, finally, “after the tribulation of those days” (Matt. 24:29) by the return of Christ to Earth (Matt. 24:30–31). Although both Mark 13 and Luke 21 include portions of this message, only Matthew gives us such a clear picture of the chain of events.

Gene Cunningham - September 11, 2000

Elijah #3

When we see ourselves as the Bible presents us, anyone else looks like a saint unless we are blinded. Prayer takes us into the realm of impossibility (1Ki 17:17-24, Mat 14:26). We want to pray logical prayers. The Bible reveals only those things we need to know (Deu 29:29, Rom 11:33-34). If you are going to mine the riches of the wisdom of God we must step out in faith. There's isolation and condemnation in suffering (1Ki 17:18). Elijah's prayer is bold (1Ki 17:19-23, Heb 4:16). Prayer is secret (Mat 6:6, Psa 91:1, Col 3:1). God performed mighty acts through Moses (Psa 103:7). Elijah recognizes God's sovereignty and human frailty (from the widow's point of view). Jehoshaphat prays this way (2Ch 20:1-30). If Elijah didn't pray the widow's son would not have come back (1Ki 17:22). God has reserved the right to do things based on prayer. The triumph of prayer - inexhaustible giving and inexpressible joy (1Ki 17:23-24, Jam 1:17). Only the intercessor knows the joy of answered prayer. Elijah "prayed earnestly" -- fervent praying includes all the realm of prayer - confession, thanksgiving, supplication, requests, intercession (Jam 5:17, Mat 7:7)

Scripture References: Colossians 3:1, Psalms 91:1, Matthew 6:6, Matthew 7:7, Hebrews 4:16, James 5:17, Romans 11:33-34, James 1:17, Deuteronomy 29:29, Psalms 103:7, Matthew 14:26

More Messages from Gene Cunningham | Download Audio

 

More Messages from Gene Cunningham...

Powered by Series Engine