Are You Rejoicing With Heaven?

Do you realize that this world has been RIGGED against you? By DIVINE DESIGN? For those who BELIEVE, the script HAS BEEN flipped, and now, it is RIGGED FOR YOU. 

We have King Jesus, the God of ALL Peace, to thank for it all!

As the world collapses and tumbles toward complete chaos, His children, HIS SAINTS, will walk in HIS PEACE because it is NOW RIGGED FOR US, Praise God!

Should Christians Celebrate the End Times?

Should Christians “celebrate and rejoice” over the End Times, each event that leads to Jesus’ appearance to gather His Bride?

What does Scripture say about our most appropriate response to the world's terror, the fulfillment of Biblical End Times prophecy?

THE PARADOX: The World Trembles, Heaven Rejoices

We stand at an unprecedented moment in human history:

- Wars and rumors of wars escalating

- Political chaos and assassination attempts

- Natural disasters increasing in frequency and intensity

- Moral darkness deepening (transgender militancy, persecution of Christians)

- Islamic terrorism targeting Jews and Christians

- The stage being set for the Antichrist's peace plan

- Technology enabling the mark of the beast

- Deception spreading (alien disclosure narratives)

- The church watching for the rapture

The world is TERRIFIED.

But should WE be?

More importantly: Is HEAVEN rejoicing? And if so, should we join them?

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THE 6,000 YEARS AND THE 1,000-YEAR REST

The Pattern of Creation

Genesis 1:31-2:2 - "And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done."

God worked 6 days, rested on the 7th.

This establishes a prophetic pattern:

- 6 days of work = 6,000 years of human governance under sin

- 7th day of rest = 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom under Christ's reign

2 Peter 3:8 - "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."

Six Thousand Years of SELF-Governance

From Adam's fall to Christ's return ≈ 6,000 years of:

- Human autonomy (SELF)
- Sin's reign
- Death's dominion
- Satan's deception
- Kingdoms rising and falling
- Wars, suffering, oppression
- Humanity "doing what is right in their own eyes"

Judges 21:25 - "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

This describes all of human history: SELF reigning.

The Thousand-Year REST

Revelation 20:4-6 - "Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years...Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years."

The 7th "day" - 1,000 years of:

- Christ reigning physically on earth
- Satan bound
- Peace, righteousness, justice
- No war, no deception
- Creation restored
- REST from SELF-governance

This is the Sabbath rest for God's people.

Hebrews 4:9 - "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God"

The Abrupt End of SELF-Governance

6,000 years of human rule is ENDING.

Not gradually. ABRUPTLY.

Daniel 2:34-35 - "As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth."

Human kingdoms → Destroyed in a moment

God's Kingdom → Fills the earth

Daniel 2:44 - "And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever"

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IS HEAVEN REJOICING?

YES - Heaven Celebrates God's Judgments

Revelation 11:15-18 - "Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.' And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, 'We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.'"

Heaven's response:

- Loud voices proclaiming Christ's reign
- Elders worshiping
- Thanksgiving for God taking His power
- Celebration that God's wrath has come
- Rejoicing that destroyers will be destroyed

Heaven Rejoices Over Babylon's Fall

Revelation 18:20 - "Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!"

When Babylon (the world system) falls, heaven is commanded to REJOICE.

Revelation 19:1-3 - "After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, 'Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.' Once more they cried out, 'Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.'"

Heaven's response to judgment:

- HALLELUJAH! (Praise the LORD!)
- Declaring God's judgments are true and just
- Celebrating that evil is being punished
- Rejoicing that martyrs are avenged

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Revelation 19:6-9 - "Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure'—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'"

Heaven celebrates:

- God's reign
- The marriage of the Lamb
- The Bride made ready
- With REJOICING and EXULTATION

The Return of the King

Revelation 19:11-16 - "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war...And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses...On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords."

The armies of heaven (the saints) follow Christ into battle - not cowering in fear, but riding with the King in His victory.

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SHOULD WE REJOICE WITH HEAVEN?

YES - We Are to Rejoice at His Coming

Luke 21:28 - "Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Not "cower in fear."

Not "hide in despair."

"Straighten up and raise your heads" - Look up with expectation!

Philippians 4:4-5 - "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand"

"The Lord is at hand" = Near, about to appear

Because He is near → REJOICE!

Hebrews 10:25 - "Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

As the Day draws near → Encourage one another

Not discourage. Not panic. ENCOURAGE.

We Long for His Appearing

2 Timothy 4:8 - "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

"Loved his appearing" - Not feared it. LOVED it.

Do you LOVE His appearing?

Or do you love this world too much to want Him to return?

Revelation 22:17 - "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.'...He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

The Bride's cry: "COME!"

Not "Please wait, I'm not ready."
Not "I'm scared of what's coming."
"COME, LORD JESUS!"

We Rejoice IN FAITH, Not in Sight

1 Peter 1:6-8 - "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory"

"Rejoice with joy that is inexpressible" - Even while grieved by trials

Our rejoicing is not based on circumstances (what we see).

Our rejoicing is based on FAITH (what we believe).

We believe:

- Jesus is coming
- His Kingdom will be established
- Evil will be judged
- Righteousness will reign
- We will reign with Him

Therefore, we REJOICE.

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THE WORLD'S TERROR VS. THE BELIEVER'S CONFIDENCE

The World Has No Hope

1 Thessalonians 5:3 - "While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."

The world:

- Seeks peace apart from God
- Claims security in human systems
- Will be caught completely off guard
- Cannot escape

Ephesians 2:12 - "Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world."

Without Christ = No hope!

We Have Living Hope

1 Peter 1:3 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead"

Living hope = Not dead hope (wishful thinking), but alive, certain, guaranteed

Titus 2:13 - "Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ"

The rapture is our BLESSED HOPE.

Not "terrifying event."
Not "dreaded moment."
BLESSED HOPE.

We Are Children of Light, Not Darkness

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 - "But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness."

The Day of the Lord will surprise the world (children of darkness).
But it will NOT surprise us (children of light).

We know it's coming. We're watching for it. We're ready.

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WHAT ABOUT THE SCARY EVENTS?

The world is witnessing:

- Wars and conflicts escalating (Ukraine, Middle East)

- Political chaos and violence (assassination attempts)

- Natural disasters (earthquakes, storms, floods)

- Islamic terrorism and antisemitism

- Moral perversion (militant transgender movement)

- Deception (alien narratives, false peace plans)

- Technology enabling global control (mark of the beast systems)

Should we fear these things?

Jesus Said These Things MUST Happen

Matthew 24:6 - "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet."

"See that you are not alarmed" - Literally: Don't be shaken, don't panic, don't fear

Why? "For this MUST take place"

These are not random events. These are prophesied events on God's timeline.

Luke 21:9 - "And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once."

"Do not be terrified" - Direct command

These Are Birth Pains, Not the End

Matthew 24:8 - "All these are but the beginning of the birth pains."

Birth pains mean:

- Something is being BORN (new Kingdom)
- Pain increases but is TEMPORARY
- The outcome is JOY (new life)

John 16:21 - "When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world."

The pain is real. But JOY is coming.

These Events Confirm God's Word

Every end times event that unfolds proves:

- God's Word is TRUE
- His prophecies are being FULFILLED
- His timeline is on SCHEDULE
- His return is IMMINENT

This should cause REJOICING, not fear.

Luke 21:31-32 - "So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place."

When you see these things → The Kingdom is NEAR

This is GOOD NEWS!

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BIBLICAL COMMANDS: How to Respond

Do Not Fear

Luke 21:26 - "People fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world"

That's the WORLD's response.

Our response:

Luke 12:32 - "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

John 14:27 - "Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Lift Up Your Heads

Luke 21:28 - "Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Don't look down in despair.
Don't hide in fear.
LOOK UP - Your King is coming!

Rejoice and Be Glad

Matthew 5:12 - "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven"

Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice."

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - "Rejoice always"

Not "rejoice when circumstances are good."

REJOICE ALWAYS - including (especially) when the world is falling apart.

Watch and Be Ready

Matthew 24:42 - "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming."

Mark 13:33-37 - "Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come...And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.'"

Luke 21:36 - "But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Occupy Until He Comes

Luke 19:13 - "Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.'"

Don't sit idle waiting.

WORK - do Kingdom business until He returns:

- Preach the Gospel
- Make disciples
- Love others
- Serve faithfully
- Live holy lives

Comfort One Another

1 Thessalonians 4:18 - "Therefore encourage one another with these words."

The doctrine of the rapture should be ENCOURAGING, not terrifying.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

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PRAISING GOD FOR END TIMES EVENTS

All Things Work for God's Purpose

Romans 8:28 - "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

ALL THINGS - including:

- Wars
- Natural disasters
- Political chaos
- Persecution
- Deception
- Terror

God is working ALL of it together for His purpose.

Ephesians 1:11 - "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will"

God is in COMPLETE CONTROL.

God's Judgments Are Righteous

Revelation 16:5-7 - "And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, 'Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!' And I heard the altar saying, 'Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!'"

Even the angels declare: God's judgments are JUST.

Psalm 19:9 - "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether."

We Can Praise God for His Justice

Psalm 58:10-11 - "The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. Mankind will say, 'Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.'"

This is not sadistic glee over suffering.

This is rejoicing that JUSTICE is being done, that EVIL is being punished, that RIGHTEOUSNESS wins.

Revelation 18:20 - "Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!"

Heaven rejoices when Babylon falls because:

- God's justice is vindicated
- Evil is punished
- Martyrs are avenged
- Truth triumphs over lies

We Praise God That His Kingdom Is Coming

Every event bringing us closer to Christ's return is cause for PRAISE.

War in Ukraine? → Kingdom is nearer → PRAISE GOD

Political chaos? → Kingdom is nearer → PRAISE GOD

Natural disasters? → Kingdom is nearer → PRAISE GOD

Persecution increasing? → Kingdom is nearer → PRAISE GOD

Deception spreading? → Kingdom is nearer → PRAISE GOD

Not because we enjoy suffering.

But because we know suffering ends when the KING RETURNS.

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THE BALANCE: Mourning and Rejoicing

We Mourn for the Lost

Romans 9:2-3 - "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers"

Paul mourned for those heading to judgment.

Luke 19:41 - "And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it"

Jesus wept over Jerusalem's coming judgment.

We should:

- Mourn that people are rejecting Christ
- Grieve that many will face wrath
- Weep over lost souls
- Urgently share the Gospel

But We Still Rejoice in God's Plan

Psalm 2:1-4 - "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, 'Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.' He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision."

God is not wringing His hands in worry.

He is not surprised or threatened.

He LAUGHS - because He is sovereign and His plan cannot be stopped.

We Can Hold Both

Ecclesiastes 3:4 - "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance"

We weep for the lost.

We rejoice in God's sovereign plan.

We mourn over sin's devastation.

We celebrate righteousness' coming victory.

We grieve persecution.

We exult that we're counted worthy to suffer for His name.

These are not contradictory. They coexist in the mature believer.

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PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Living in the End Times

Share the Gospel Urgently

2 Corinthians 6:2 - "Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Time is SHORT. People need to hear the Gospel NOW.

Acts 2:40 - "And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.'"

Live Holy Lives

2 Peter 3:11-12 - "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God"

If you believe He's coming soon, LIVE LIKE IT.

1 John 3:2-3 - "Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."

Be Watchful and Sober-Minded

1 Peter 4:7 - "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers."

1 Thessalonians 5:6 - "So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."

Encourage the Faint-Hearted

1 Thessalonians 5:14 - "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."

Many believers are afraid. ENCOURAGE THEM with God's Word.

Stand Firm

1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Don't waver. Don't compromise. Don't retreat.

STAND FIRM until He comes.

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MARANATHA!

The 6,000 years of human SELF-governance is ending ABRUPTLY.

The 1,000 years of REST under Christ's reign is about to begin.

Heaven is REJOICING.

So should we.

Not because we enjoy suffering.

Not because we're indifferent to the lost.

But because we BELIEVE God's Word, we TRUST His sovereignty, and we KNOW the outcome.

The events that terrify the world confirm to us that:

- Scripture is true
- Prophecy is being fulfilled
- Christ's return is imminent
- The Kingdom is near

Therefore:

Do not fear - God is in control

Lift up your heads - Redemption draws near

Rejoice always - In faith, not in sight

Watch and be ready - He comes like a thief

Occupy until He comes - Do Kingdom work

Comfort one another - Encourage the fearful

Praise God - His plan is unfolding perfectly

Share the Gospel - Time is short

Live holy - Be ready to meet Him

Stand firm - Do not waver

The world stumbles toward judgment in darkness.

We march toward glory in light.

The world has no hope.

We have LIVING HOPE.

The world fears what's coming.

We LONG for what's coming.

Revelation 22:20 - "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

MARANATHA!

Rejoice with heaven, brother!

The King is coming!
The Kingdom is near!
The REST is about to begin!

Even so, COME, LORD JESUS!

"Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." - Luke 21:28

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. The Lord is at hand." - Philippians 4:4-5

"Therefore encourage one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:18

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