Overcoming & Getting Ready - Grace Awakening

From Understanding to Action

We've journeyed through three powerful truths:

Part 1: We exposed the deception - Matthew 24:36 has been weaponized to shut down biblical watchfulness, but Jesus consistently commanded us to watch, recognize, and be ready.

Part 2: We saw Paul's devastating counter-testimony - from Ephesians to 1 Thessalonians to Revelation, God's Word makes clear that believers CAN and SHOULD know the season of Christ's return.

Part 3: We traced the historical tragedy - how amillennialism took root through Augustine, survived the Reformation, and weaponized Matthew 24:36 to resist prophetic truth even after Israel's miraculous rebirth in 1948.

Now in Part 4: We turn from understanding to action. How do we overcome this deception? How do we get ready? What does God require of us in light of these truths?

But before we discuss our response, we must first understand the foundation: This is all about grace.

The Absolute Goodness of God - Grace Foundation

Our Complete Depravity Apart from Christ

We must begin here, at the bottom, with the truth about ourselves.

Romans 3:10-12: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, there is not even one."

Romans 3:23: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Ephesians 2:1-3: "And you were dead in your offenses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest."

The reality we must never forget:
We are completely unworthy
We are utterly unrighteous
We are lawless rebels by nature
We practice sin daily apart from Christ
We were born dead, separated from God
We deserve nothing but wrath

This is not false humility - this is TRUTH.

The more we discover about Jesus and His absolute goodness, the more we understand the depravity of our sinful nature. The closer we draw to God's perfect light, the more we see our darkness.

Isaiah 6:5: "Then I said, 'Woe to me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.'"

Job 42:5-6: "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You; therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes."

Yet God's Goodness Draws Us

Romans 2:4: "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?"

It is God's GOODNESS - not our goodness - that changes us.

Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Everything we're discovering about the Day of the Lord, about prophetic truth, about watchfulness and readiness - all of it is GRACE.

We don't deserve this understanding. We can't earn it. It's God's gift to us.

We are being made wise NOT because we deserve it, but BECAUSE we don't deserve it.

The Scroll of Life: Written Before the Foundation of the World

Ephesians 1:4-6: "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved."

The Lamb's Book of Life contains:
Our names (written before creation)
God's eternal purposes
The title deed to all creation
The plan of redemption
The timeline of fulfillment
Every prophetic event predetermined

Revelation 13:8: "All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain."

The Lamb was slain before the foundation of the world - redemption was always God's plan, predetermined in eternity past.

IT IS WRITTEN

When Jesus faced Satan in the wilderness, His weapon was always the same: "IT IS WRITTEN" (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10)

The Scroll is written. The plan is established. The outcome is certain.

We declare by faith: IT IS WRITTEN.

Isaiah 46:9-10: "Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.'"

By Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone

The Reformation recovered these essential truths:

Sola Gratia - Grace alone saves us
Sola Fide - Faith alone receives salvation
Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone is our authority
Solus Christus - Christ alone is our mediator
Soli Deo Gloria - To God alone be the glory

This is the Grace Awakening.

Understanding the Day of the Lord, recognizing the season, being ready for Christ's return - all of this flows from grace, is received by faith, and is grounded in Scripture alone.

The Spirit of Truth Reveals All Things

John 14:26: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you."

John 16:13: "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come."

The Holy Spirit:

Teaches us all things
Reminds us of Jesus' words
Guides us into ALL truth
Discloses what is TO COME (future/prophetic events)

The Spirit of Truth now dwells within believers, revealing all truth, **including prophetic truth about Christ's return

The Mind of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:16: "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ."

We have been given the mind of Christ - how can we have His mind yet be kept ignorant of His most significant future action?

1 Corinthians 2:9-10: "but just as it is written: 'Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the human heart, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.' For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God."

God REVEALS through the Spirit what was previously hidden.

God Does Nothing Without Informing His Prophets

Amos 3:7: "Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret plan to His servants the prophets."

The pattern of Scripture:

Noah was warned 120 years in advance (Genesis 6:3)

Abraham was told about Sodom's destruction (Genesis 18:17)

Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream about coming famine (Genesis 41)

Moses was shown the plagues before they came (Exodus 7-11)

Daniel was given the timeline of kingdoms and the 70 weeks (Daniel 9)

The prophets foretold the Babylonian captivity and its 70-year duration (Jeremiah 25:11)

Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus as Messiah at His first coming (Luke 2:25-38)

Why would God break His pattern for the Second Coming?

He wouldn't. He won't. He hasn't.

The information is in Scripture. We simply need eyes to see it.

The Day of the Lord - Full Knowing Brings Full Encouraging

The Name Itself: "The REVELATION of Jesus Christ"

Why would the final book be called "Revelation" if we're not meant to understand it?

Revelation = Apokalypsis (Greek) = Unveiling, Disclosure, Making Known

The opposite of: concealment, mystery, hiddenness

Revelation 1:1: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place."

Purpose: To SHOW (demonstrate, make clear) to His servants what must happen.

Childlike Faith: Believe What God Says

Matthew 18:3: "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."

The simplest and best way to read Scripture: Believe what it says.

When Jesus says:

"Watch" - we should watch
"Be ready" - we should be ready
"You will see" - we should look
"This generation will not pass away" - we should count the generation

When Paul says:

"You know the times and seasons" - we should know them
"The day will not overtake you" - we should not be surprised
"Encourage one another with these words" - we should be encouraged

When prophecy is given - we should study it and expect literal fulfillment.

The Apostasy (Apostasia) - The Departure

2 Thessalonians 2:3: "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction."

Apostasia:

Primary meaning: departure, removal, taking away
Can mean physical departure or spiritual departure
Used in Greek literature for physical departure/removal

The context suggests PHYSICAL departure:

The "restrainer" (Holy Spirit in the Church) must be removed (2 Thess 2:6-7)

THEN the man of lawlessness can be revealed
The sequence: Departure → Revelation of Antichrist → Day of the Lord

When the Church is suddenly removed:

Believers will not be surprised - we've been watching and expecting it

The world will be in shock and confusion - sudden disappearance of millions

All children will be taken - no children left behind (age of accountability)

Everyone will KNOW the Day of the Lord has begun - the sign is undeniable

Those left behind have two choices: Martyrdom for refusing the mark, or damnation for taking it

The Church MUST Be Removed Before Wrath

1 Thessalonians 5:9: "For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Thessalonians 1:10: "and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is, Jesus who rescues us from the wrath to come."

Revelation 3:10: "Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of the testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth."

"Keep you FROM" (ek) = out of, away from - not "through"

The pattern of Scripture:

Enoch was removed before the flood (Genesis 5:24)

Noah was protected IN the ark BEFORE the flood judgment (Genesis 7:1)

Lot was removed from Sodom BEFORE fire fell (Genesis 19:15-16)

Rahab was protected BEFORE Jericho's destruction (Joshua 6:17)

God's pattern: Remove or protect the righteous BEFORE judgment falls.

The Wrath of the Lamb - Justice and Order

Revelation 6:16-17: "and they said to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the sight of the One who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?'"

The Day of the Lord brings:

Justice for all wickedness
Order from chaos
Righteousness established
Evil destroyed
Christ's kingdom inaugurated

This is GOOD NEWS for believers:

Our redemption is complete
Our glorification has come
We reign with Christ
Justice is finally served
God's name is vindicated

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

John 14:1-3: "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, for I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be."

Jesus gives this comfort WHILE teaching about:

His death
The disciples' coming persecution
The destruction of Jerusalem
The Tribulation period
His return

How can He tell us "Do not be troubled" about the worst events in history unless He's also telling us we'll be WITH HIM and protected FROM those events?

In That Day You Will Ask and Receive

John 16:23-24: "In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made complete."

"In that day" - the Day of the Lord, when we're with Him

We can ask the Father ANYTHING in Jesus' name and He will give it.

This includes: "Father, help me understand the timing of Your Son's return so I can be ready and warn others."

If God's Word says He'll give us anything we ask in Jesus' name, why would He withhold understanding about the most important prophetic event?

All Children Will Be Taken

This is implied by:

Matthew 19:14: "But Jesus said, 'Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them to come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"

2 Samuel 12:23 - David's confidence about his deceased infant: "But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I am going to him, but he will not return to me."

The age of accountability - children who haven't reached the age of moral responsibility are covered by God's grace.

When the Rapture occurs:

All believers (those in Christ) will be taken
All children under the age of accountability will be taken

This will be UNDENIABLE proof that something supernatural has occurred

Imagine the chaos:

Every baby and young child on earth suddenly gone
Airplanes crashing because pilots vanished
Cars crashing because drivers vanished
Hospitals in chaos
Families devastated

The world will KNOW the Day of the Lord has begun.

For Believers: No Surprise

We won't be surprised because:

We've been watching the signs
We've seen the fig tree blossom (Israel reborn)
We've noticed the birth pangs increasing
We've studied the Scriptures
We've been living in expectation
The Holy Spirit has been preparing our hearts

1 Thessalonians 5:4 (worth repeating): "But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so that the day would overtake you like a thief."

We will be with Him in glorified bodies, no longer subject to:

Sin
Death
Pain
Sorrow
Decay
Temptation

Philippians 3:20-21: "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our lowly condition into conformity with His glorious body, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself."

For Unbelievers: Shock and Dismay

Those who didn't believe will be:
Shocked by the sudden disappearance of millions
Confused by the chaos
Dismayed when they realize what they missed
Terrified as they see prophecy unfolding
Left with a terrible choice

The choice:

Refuse the mark of the beast and be martyred - dying for faith they didn't have before, but gaining eternal life (Revelation 20:4)

Take the mark and be damned - choosing temporary survival over eternal life, sealing their fate (Revelation 14:9-11)

Revelation 14:9-11: "Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.'"

This is why we must warn people NOW - once the Rapture occurs, the cost of salvation becomes martyrdom.

Revelation 2-3: The Path to Readiness

The seven churches of Revelation represent not only historical churches, but also seven types of churches in every age, and seven conditions of individual believers. As we approach the Day of the Lord, we must examine ourselves against these seven churches and respond to Jesus' commands.

Ephesus: The Loveless Church (Revelation 2:1-7)

The problem: "But I have this against you, that you have left your first love."

The command: "Remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first."

The warning: "Or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent."

Application to watching for Christ's return:

Our first love is for Jesus Himself, not just doctrine or prophecy study

Watching for His return must flow from LOVE for Him

We study prophecy because we long to see Him

We maintain readiness because we love Him and want to please Him

The promise to overcomers: "To the one who overcomes, I will grant to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God."

Action step: Return to your first love. If prophecy study has become academic rather than relational, stop and worship. Remember why you're watching - because you love Him and long to see Him face to face.

Smyrna: The Persecuted Church (Revelation 2:8-11)

The encouragement: "I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the slander by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan."

The promise: "Do not fear what you are about to suffer... Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."

No rebuke given - this church is faithful under persecution.

Application:

Those who watch and proclaim Christ's soon return will face mockery and persecution

The world will call us "date-setters," "fanatics," "fear-mongers"

Even other believers will slander and oppose us

We must remain faithful regardless of the cost

The promise to overcomers: "The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death."

Action step: Expect opposition. When it comes, rejoice. You're in good company - the prophets, apostles, and Jesus Himself were mocked for speaking truth.

Pergamum: The Compromising Church (Revelation 2:12-17)

The commendation: "I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; and you hold firmly to My name, and did not deny My faith."

The rebuke: "But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam... So you too, have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans."

The command: "Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth."

Application:

The Church today has compromised with the world's teachings

We've tolerated false doctrines (like "you can't know the timing")

We've adopted the world's skepticism toward prophecy

We must REPENT of compromise and return to pure biblical truth

The promise to overcomers: "To the one who overcomes, I will give him some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it."

Action step: Identify where you've compromised with worldly thinking about Christ's return. Repent. Return to Scripture alone as your authority.

Thyatira: The Corrupt Church (Revelation 2:18-29)

The commendation: "I know your deeds, and your love and faith, and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first."

The rebuke: "But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray."

The warning: "Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds."

The encouragement to the faithful remnant: "But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. Nevertheless, hold firmly to what you have until I come."

Application:

The Church has tolerated false prophets and teachers

These false teachers have led believers away from prophetic truth

There is a faithful remnant who haven't followed the deception

To this remnant: "Hold firmly until I come"

The promise to overcomers: "And the one who overcomes, and the one who keeps My works until the end, I will give authority over the nations... and I will give him the morning star."

The morning star is JESUS HIMSELF (Revelation 22:16) - the ultimate promise is HIM.

Action step: Separate from false teaching. Don't tolerate it. Hold firmly to biblical truth about Christ's return until He comes.

Sardis: The Dead Church (Revelation 3:1-6)

The rebuke: "I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead."

The command: "Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you."

THIS IS THE KEY PASSAGE FOR OUR STUDY:

The church that is spiritually ASLEEP will be surprised ("I will come like a thief")

The church that WAKES UP will know the hour

The implication: Awake believers WILL know; sleeping believers WON'T

The faithful remnant: "But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy."

Application to modern Church:

Most of the Church is spiritually DEAD - has a reputation for being alive but isn't

The false teaching about Matthew 24:36 has put the Church to SLEEP

Jesus commands: WAKE UP

Those who wake up and watch WILL know when He's coming

Those who stay asleep will be taken by surprise

The promise to overcomers: "The one who overcomes will be clothed the same way, in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels."

Action step: WAKE UP. This is the central command. Shake off spiritual lethargy. Open your eyes. Study prophecy. Watch the signs. Be alert.

Philadelphia: The Faithful Church (Revelation 3:7-13)

The commendation: "I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name."

The promise: "Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of the testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth."

THIS IS THE RAPTURE PROMISE:

Those who persevere in faithfulness

Those who keep His word (including prophetic word)

Those who don't deny His name

Will be kept FROM (ek - out of) the hour of testing

The exhortation: "I am coming quickly; hold firmly to what you have, so that no one will take your crown."

Application:

This represents the faithful remnant watching for Christ's return

They have "a little power" (not mega-churches, but faithful believers)

They keep God's word (study and believe Scripture, including prophecy)

They will be REMOVED before the Tribulation

The promise to overcomers: "The one who overcomes,I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name."

Action step: This is the goal. Be like Philadelphia. Keep His word. Don't deny His name. Persevere in faithfulness. Hold fast until He comes.

Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church (Revelation 3:14-22)

The rebuke: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth."

The self-deception: "Because you say, 'I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,' and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked."

The counsel: "I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see."

The call: "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me."

Application to modern Western Church:

Materially wealthy but spiritually bankrupt

Thinks it has everything but actually has nothing

BLIND to spiritual reality (including prophetic reality)

LUKEWARM - no passion for Christ's return

Self-satisfied and comfortable

Jesus is OUTSIDE the church, knocking to get in

This describes most of modern evangelical Christianity:

Prosperity gospel
Entertainment-focused
Avoid "controversial" topics like prophecy
No urgency, no watching, no expectation
Offended by talk of Christ's soon return

The promise to overcomers: "The one who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne."

Action step: If this describes you or your church, REPENT. Buy gold refined by fire (genuine faith). Get white garments (righteousness). Get eye salve (spiritual sight). Become ZEALOUS, not lukewarm.

The Pattern: Overcome or Be Left Behind

Each church receives:

A description of Christ relevant to their condition

Commendation and/or rebuke

A call to repent or persevere

A specific promise to "the one who overcomes"

The call to overcome is the call to:

Maintain first love for Jesus (Ephesus)
Endure persecution faithfully (Smyrna)
Reject compromise with false teaching (Pergamum)
Separate from spiritual corruption (Thyatira)
WAKE UP from spiritual sleep (Sardis)
Keep Christ's word and persevere (Philadelphia)
Repent of lukewarmness and become zealous (Laodicea)

These are the conditions for being READY when He returns.

Our Part: Repent and Believe Every Word

Repentance: The Foundation of Readiness

Acts 17:30-31: "Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now proclaiming to mankind that all people everywhere are to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all people by raising Him from the dead."

God has fixed a day - the Day of the Lord is appointed and certain.

All are commanded to repent - turning from sin and turning to Christ.

Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist's message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 4:17 - Jesus' first message: "From that time Jesus began to preach and say, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"

The kingdom is STILL at hand - even more so now than then.

What we must repent of:

Spiritual apathy and lukewarmness
Compromise with false teaching
Fear of man's opinion
Love of this world
Unbelief regarding God's prophetic Word

Believe Every Word

Matthew 4:4: "But He answered and said, 'It is written: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God."'"

Every word - not just the comfortable words, not just the salvation words, but EVERY word, including:

The prophetic words
The warning words
The "watch" words
The timing indicators
The signs given

Luke 21:33: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."

2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work."

ALL Scripture - including the 27% that is prophecy.

What we must believe:
Jesus' commands to watch
Paul's promises that we CAN know
The signs Jesus gave us
The promises to overcomers
The blessed hope of the Rapture
The reality of coming judgment
The certainty of Christ's return

The True Story: Grace Upon Grace

This is not just about facts and verses - this is about the story of God's absolute goodness and faithfulness.

The story we must tell the world:

God created everything good - no sin, no death, perfect fellowship

Humanity rebelled - chose independence from God, bringing death and curse

God immediately promised redemption - Genesis 3:15, the seed of the woman would crush the serpent

The entire Old Testament - God preparing the way, giving prophecies, making covenants

Jesus came exactly as prophesied - born in Bethlehem, of a virgin, from David's line, at the exact time Daniel predicted

Jesus lived sinlessly - the only human who never sinned, qualified to be our substitute

Jesus died for our sins - took our punishment, satisfied God's justice

Jesus rose from the dead - conquered death, proved His claims, guaranteed our resurrection

Jesus ascended to the Father - now seated at the right hand, interceding for us

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit - to dwell in believers, guide us, empower us

The Church age - the mystery revealed, Gentiles grafted in, the Bride being prepared

Israel restored (1948) - the fig tree budded, the prophetic clock restarted

The signs increasing - exactly as Jesus said, birth pangs increasing in frequency and intensity

The Rapture imminent - the Church's blessed hope, our gathering to Him

The Tribulation coming - God's wrath on unbelieving world, Israel's final purging

Jesus returns visibly - with His saints, to establish His kingdom

The Millennium - 1,000 years of Christ's reign, Satan bound

The Great White Throne - final judgment of the wicked

The New Heaven and New Earth - eternal state, God dwelling with humanity forever

All things restored - God's name, reputation, and glory fully displayed

Every single step is GRACE - undeserved favor, unmerited kindness, unearned blessing.

How to Overcome the False Teaching: Practical Steps

Step 1: Read Scripture for Ourselves

Don't rely solely on:

Seminary tradition
Denominational teaching
Popular Christian authors
What you've always been taught

Instead:

Let Scripture interpret Scripture

Use the literal-grammatical-historical method

Let the Holy Spirit guide your understanding

Test everything against God's Word

1 John 2:27: "As for you, the anointing which you received from Him remains in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you remain in Him."

Step 2: Study Revelation 2-3 Repeatedly

The process:

Read Revelation 2-3 multiple times

Identify which church condition describes you personally

Respond to Jesus' specific commands to that church

Pursue the characteristics of the overcomers

Heed the warnings and embrace the promises

Ask yourself honestly:

Have I lost my first love? (Ephesus)
Am I faithfully enduring opposition? (Smyrna)
Have I compromised with false teaching? (Pergamum)
Am I tolerating corruption? (Thyatira)
Am I spiritually asleep? (Sardis)
Am I faithfully persevering? (Philadelphia)
Am I lukewarm and self-satisfied? (Laodicea)

Step 3: Recognize the Context of Matthew 24:36

Study the full Olivet Discourse:

Read Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21 together

Note the Jewish idioms (Feast of Trumpets, wedding customs)

See how verses 32-34 and 42-44 frame verse 36

Understand Jesus is commanding watchfulness, not ignorance

The correct interpretation: "You won't know the exact day and hour [like the Feast of Trumpets, like a Jewish wedding], BUT you will know the season, recognize the signs, and be watching so you're ready and NOT surprised."

Step 4: Let Paul Interpret Jesus

Remember Paul's authority:

Paul received direct revelation of the mystery (Ephesians 3:3)

Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles

Paul wrote 13 epistles under inspiration

Paul's teaching is Scripture

Paul explicitly teaches:

We CAN know times and seasons (1 Thessalonians 5:1)

The day will NOT overtake believers as a thief (1 Thessalonians 5:4)

We are commanded to understand God's will (Ephesians 5:17)

We will SEE the day drawing near (Hebrews 10:25)

When interpreting Jesus' words in the Gospels, let Paul's epistles inform your understanding. Paul's teaching makes the meaning of Matthew 24:36 clear.

Step 5: Watch for the Signs Jesus Gave

The primary sign: Israel's restoration - the fig tree (Matthew 24:32)

Israel reborn May 14, 1948

This generation (70-80 years) will not pass away

We are living in that generation

Other signs to watch:

Increase in wars, famines, earthquakes (Matthew 24:6-7)

Gospel preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14) - now possible via technology

Increase in deception (Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 24)

Apostasy/falling away (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

Scoffers mocking Christ's return (2 Peter 3:3-4)

Perilous times in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

People lovers of self, money, pleasure rather than God (2 Timothy 3:2-4)

Knowledge increasing (Daniel 12:4)

Preparation for one-world government/economy (Revelation 13)

Step 6: Maintain Readiness Through

First love for Jesus:

Passionate devotion, not mere doctrine
Daily worship and communion
Longing to see Him face to face

Faithful endurance:
Standing firm despite mockery and opposition
Not being ashamed of prophetic truth
Persevering when others fall away

Separation from compromise:
Rejecting false teaching decisively
Not tolerating worldliness in the Church
Standing on Scripture alone

Spiritual awakening:

Shaking off sleep and lethargy
Urgent prayer and Bible study
Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit

Perseverance in God's Word:

Daily reading and meditation
Studying prophecy regularly
Believing what Scripture says

Zealous repentance:

Turning from lukewarmness to burning passion
Confessing and forsaking sin
Living in holiness as those expecting Christ soon

Step 7: Encourage One Another with This Hope

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

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

Hebrews 10:24-25: "and let's consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

How to encourage:

Share prophetic truth with fellow believers

Build each other up as we see the Day approaching

Don't let discouragement or mockery silence us

Remind each other of our blessed hope

Study prophecy together

Pray together for readiness

Don't Be Discouraged by Mockery

Remember:

Even Peter warned that scoffers would come (2 Peter 3:3-4)

Jesus warned we'd be mocked for watching (Matthew 24:48-51)

The world mocked Noah too - until the flood came

The prophets were persecuted for speaking truth

The apostles were ridiculed for preaching Christ's return

You're in good company

2 Peter 3:3-4: "Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue just as they were from the beginning of creation.'"

The mockers are actually a SIGN that we're in the last days. Their mockery confirms what we're watching for.

Stay faithful regardless of opposition.

The Heart Posture: Humility, Surrender, Obedience OF Jesus Christ

This Is Not About Arrogance

We're not claiming:

Special revelation beyond Scripture
Secret knowledge others don't have
Superior spirituality
The right to set specific dates

We're simply claiming:

Scripture teaches what it teaches
We believe what Scripture says
We're willing to be mocked for it
We choose to watch despite opposition

Humility - Recognizing We Know Nothing Apart from God's Revelation

Philippians 2:5-8: "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross."

Our posture:

We know nothing apart from God's revelation
We deserve nothing but wrath
Any understanding we have is pure grace
We approach Scripture with childlike dependence

Surrender - Yielding Our Preconceptions to Scripture's Authority

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

We surrender:
Our previous teaching
Our denominational tradition
Our fear of man's opinion
Our desire for comfort
Our intellectual pride

We yield to:
Scripture's plain meaning
The Holy Spirit's illumination
Biblical commands to watch
Prophetic truth regardless of cost

Obedience OF Jesus Christ - His Obedience Lived Through Us

Not obedience TO Christ (which can be legalistic) But obedience OF Christ - His obedience lived through us by the Spirit

Romans 5:19: "For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous."

It is Christ's obedience that:

Saves us
Sanctifies us
Keeps us ready
Lives through us
Enables us to watch faithfully

We're not trying to earn readiness through our own efforts. We're responding in faith to what Christ has already accomplished, allowing His obedience to flow through us.

Jesus Commands Us to Be WISE

The Consistent Theme Throughout Jesus' Teaching

Matthew 7:24-27 - Build on the rock: "Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock... And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand."

Matthew 24:45-47 - The faithful and wise servant: "Who then is the faithful and wise slave whom his master put in charge of his household slaves, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions."

Matthew 25:1-13 - The wise and foolish virgins: Five wise virgins kept their lamps filled and were ready. Five foolish virgins ran out of oil and missed the wedding.

The Wisdom Required

Wisdom about Christ's return means:

Discernment of the times and seasons
Preparation for His coming
Vigilance in watching
Endurance in faith
Understanding of God's prophetic Word

WISE = FULL KNOWING

Wisdom in Scripture is not abstract philosophy - it's practical knowledge applied rightly.

Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

To be wise about Christ's return means:

Knowing the signs He gave
Recognizing when they're being fulfilled
Understanding the season we're in
Living in constant readiness
Warning others while there's still time

The false teaching has made "wise" into "foolish" and "foolish" into "wise":
They call it "wise" to ignore prophecy
They call it "foolish" to watch for Christ's return
They mock the wise virgins as "date-setters"
They praise the foolish virgins for being "balanced"

But Jesus says the opposite:

The wise watch and are ready
The foolish sleep and are surprised
The wise enter the wedding feast
The foolish are locked out

How Can Jesus Be GOOD If He Doesn't Tell Us?

The Crucial Question That Exposes the False Teaching

If Jesus is truly good, would He:

Command us to watch but keep us ignorant of what to watch for?

Tell us to be ready but not show us how to recognize the season?

Give us 27% of Scripture as prophecy but expect us to ignore it?

Promise that the Holy Spirit will show us "things to come" (John 16:13) but withhold the timing of His own return?

Say He does nothing without informing His prophets (Amos 3:7) but break that pattern for the Second Coming?

The answer is clear: NO.

Jesus is absolutely GOOD, and His goodness demands that He fulfill every promise.

The Promises He's Made

John 14:26: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you."

John 16:13: "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come."

Matthew 7:7-11: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or what person is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

If we ask for understanding about His return, will the Father give us deception or ignorance?

NO - He will give us truth.

God's Goodness Guarantees He'll Tell Us

Romans 8:32: "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?"

The logic is irrefutable:

If God gave us His Son

Will He withhold knowledge about His return?

If God declared the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10)

Will He keep the end secret from His Bride?

If God does nothing without informing His prophets (Amos 3:7)

Will He make an exception for the Second Coming?

The answer is obvious: NO.

God's goodness demands that He fulfill every promise, including the promise to show us things to come through the Holy Spirit.

Telling This Story to the World

The Urgency of Our Message

We are not just correcting a theological error - we are warning the world about the most significant event in human history.

Our message must include:

The Gospel - Jesus died for sins, rose from the dead, offers salvation by grace through faith

The Times - we are in the season of Christ's return, as evidenced by Israel's restoration and increasing signs

The Choice - believe now while grace is still available, or face the terrible choice after the Rapture

The Hope - for believers, this is the blessed hope, our glorification and reunion with Christ

The Warning - for unbelievers, time is running out before the most terrible period in history begins

Not Fear-Mongering, But Love-Warning

2 Corinthians 5:11: "Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences."

2 Corinthians 5:14: "For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died."

We warn because:

We love people and don't want them to face the Tribulation
We know the fear of the Lord and understand His coming judgment
We've been given this understanding as a stewardship
We're commanded to make disciples and teach all that Jesus commanded

This is not about:
Creating fear for fear's sake
Manipulating people with apocalyptic scenarios
Claiming special revelation beyond Scripture
Setting specific dates
Promoting ourselves or our ministries

This is about:

Faithfully declaring what Scripture clearly teaches
Helping people see what the signs indicate
Urging readiness and watchfulness
Offering hope to believers and warning to unbelievers

The Facts AND the Story

Our presentation must include both:

THE FACTS:

Scriptural evidence from Ephesians and Paul's letters
Jesus' commands to watch throughout the Gospels
The Jewish context of Matthew 24:36
The promises in Revelation 2-3
The timeline markers (1948, generation length, increasing signs)
The historical development of the false teaching

THE STORY:
God's eternal plan of redemption
Humanity's fall and depravity
Christ's perfect sacrifice and victory
The Church age as mystery revealed
Israel's restoration as prophetic fulfillment
The approaching Day of the Lord
The choice every person faces
The blessed hope for believers
The terrible consequences for rejecters
The invitation still open: "Come!"

People Need to Understand WHY They've Been Taught Incorrectly

This is crucial because people need to:

Forgive those who taught them wrongly (they were often sincere but deceived)
Recognize the pattern of institutional resistance to truth
See how easily one misapplied verse can poison an entire doctrine
Understand the spiritual warfare behind the deception
Be motivated to study for themselves
Be freed from fear of man's opinion
Embrace the truth regardless of cost

The historical narrative helps people understand:
This isn't a new teaching - it's recovering what the early Church believed
The false teaching has a traceable history
There are understandable reasons why the Church went off course
But 1948 changed everything - the excuse is gone
Now we're without excuse if we don't watch

The Bottom Line

The False Teaching Has Kept the Church Asleep

But Jesus commands: WAKE UP.

Revelation 3:3 to Sardis: "Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you."

Ephesians 5:14: "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Those Who Wake Up and Watch WILL Know the Season

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5: "But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness."

Hebrews 10:25: "not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

Those Who Stay Asleep Will Be Surprised - But They Don't Have to Be

The choice is before every believer:

Will we believe human tradition or God's Word?
Will we fear man's mockery or God's judgment?
Will we stay comfortable or become zealous?
Will we sleep or wake up?
Will we be ready or surprised?

God's Grace Has Given Us Everything We Need to Know

2 Peter 1:3: "seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."

The Scroll is written.

IT IS WRITTEN.

Now we must respond in faith, repentance, and readiness.

Conclusion: The Grace Awakening

Christ Will Shine on Those Awake From Slumber

Ephesians 5:14: "For this reason it says, 'Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'"

This is the promise: When we wake up from spiritual slumber, Christ shines on us with revelation knowledge.

This includes:

Understanding His prophetic Word
Recognizing the season of His return
Seeing the signs He gave us
Knowing we're living in the last days
Being ready when He appears

Those Who Understand the Will of God Declare It

In full humility - recognizing we know nothing apart from God's revelation

In complete surrender - yielding our understanding to Scripture's authority

In absolute obedience OF Jesus Christ - His obedience lived through us

We declare:

Jesus is coming soon

The signs are all around us

The fig tree has budded (Israel reborn in 1948)

This generation will not pass away before all is fulfilled

The Church will be removed before God's wrath falls

Time is short - repent and believe the gospel

Watch and be ready

Because Jesus is Coming Soon - Perhaps Even Today

Revelation 22:20: "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming quickly.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

The Day of the Lord and knowing everything about it is THE Grace Awakening.

Not because we're special, but because God is gracious. Not because we've earned it, but because it's His gift. Not because we're worthy, but because He's made us worthy in Christ.

Colossians 1:12-14: "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

The Easiest Way to Read Scripture: Childlike Faith

Matthew 18:3: "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."

Believe what it says.

When Jesus says "watch" - watch
When Jesus says "recognize the signs" - recognize them
When Paul says "you know the times and seasons" - know them
When Revelation says "blessed are those who read and keep these words" - read and keep them

Don't let sophisticated theology rob you of simple faith.

Don't let seminary tradition override Scripture's plain meaning.

Don't let fear of man's mockery silence God's truth.

Everyone Will Know When the Day of the Lord Has Come

2 Thessalonians 2:3: "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction."

When the Church is suddenly removed:

Millions of believers will vanish
All children will be gone
Chaos will erupt worldwide
The entire world will know something supernatural occurred
Those left will have no doubt the Day of the Lord has begun

For believers: We won't be surprised - we've been expecting this For unbelievers: They'll be shocked, dismayed, and terrified

Our Part: Repent and Believe Every Word

Repent of:
Apathy
Compromise
Fear of man
Love of world
Unbelief

Believe:
Every promise
Every command
Every warning
Every sign
Every word

All by grace - God's unmerited favor giving us understanding we don't deserve, so that we can be ready when He appears and warn others while there's still time.

The Final Exhortation

Let's tell this story to the world.

Not just the facts and Scriptures - though those are crucial.

But the TRUE STORY:

God's eternal love and goodness
Humanity's fall and God's redemption plan
Christ's perfect sacrifice and victory
The Church age as mystery revealed
Israel's miraculous restoration
The signs all around us
The imminent return of Christ
The blessed hope for believers
The terrible choice for rejecters
The invitation still open: "Come!"

Revelation 22:17: "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."

EVEN SO, COME, LORD JESUS

God's grace has given us everything we need to know.

The Scroll is written.

IT IS WRITTEN.

Now we must respond in faith, repentance, and readiness.

Because Jesus is coming soon - perhaps even today.

Closing: The Promise and the Prayer

The promise to those who overcome:

From Ephesus: The tree of life in Paradise From Smyrna: No hurt from the second death From Pergamum: Hidden manna and a new name From Thyatira: Authority over nations and the morning star (Jesus Himself) From Sardis: White garments and name in the Book of Life From Philadelphia: A pillar in God's temple and the New Jerusalem From Laodicea: To sit with Christ on His throne

The ultimate promise: JESUS HIMSELF

Our prayer:

Father, we thank You for Your grace. We are completely unworthy, yet You have revealed Your mysteries to us. We thank You for Your Word, for the Holy Spirit who teaches us, for eyes to see and ears to hear.

Forgive us for sleeping when You commanded us to watch. Forgive us for believing tradition over Scripture. Forgive us for fearing man more than You.

Wake us up. Give us zealous hearts. Make us like Philadelphia - faithful, persevering, keeping Your Word. Keep us from the hour of testing that is coming upon the whole world.

Help us to warn others while there is still time. Give us boldness to speak truth despite mockery. Use us to awaken Your sleeping Church.

We lift up our heads, for our redemption draws near. We see the fig tree blossoming. We recognize the signs. We are watching. We are ready.

Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly.

All glory to You. All credit to Your grace. All power to Your Word.

By grace alone, through faith alone, according to Scripture alone, in Christ alone, for Your glory alone.

Amen.

This document serves as the foundation for understanding Matthew 24:36, the Day of the Lord, and the Church's readiness for Christ's return. May it be used to awaken the sleeping Church and warn the unbelieving world while there is still time.

All glory to God. All credit to His grace. All power to His Word.

By grace alone, through faith alone, according to Scripture alone, in Christ alone, for God's glory alone.

EVEN SO, COME, LORD JESUS.

THE Grace Awakening

THE Grace Awakening Study Guide

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THE GRACE AWAKENING for Those Left Behind

The American Remnant - Left Behind Plan