Helpful Hints About Hell

Helpful Hints About Hell

Hint # 1 Does Hell really exist? 

Answer / Yes, hell really exists! In fact, Hell is mentioned 167 times in the Bible. Although Hell is sometimes called Gehenna, Hades, the pit, the Abyss, or everlasting punishment, the Bible clearly and explicitly teaches that hell is a real place to which the wicked/unbelieving are sent after death.

Hint # 2 Is Hell really as terrible a place as the stories that we hear about it?

Answer / According to Jesus, it is far worse than anybody dares to think. Jesus spent more time warning people about the danger and horror of hell than he spent on any other subject. In fact, Jesus said it was much easier to suffer physical trauma in this world than to risk suffering the atrocities of Hell.

Hint # 3 Why does Hell exist? 

Answer / Jesus said that hell was “prepared” for Satan and the demons; who initiated a War in Heaven. Hell was not created for mankind! Thus the intense tortures of Hell were designed for the punishment of celestial beings, or fallen angels. (Matthew 25:41)

Hint # 4 Who created Hell? 

Answer / Everything that has ever existed in the past or presently exists or will ever exist was all created by God, including Hell itself. Colossians 1:16 and John 1:3 each indicate “All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” So, God created Hell.

Hint # 5 Can actual human beings go to Hell, even though Hell was created by God for the Devil and his rebellious angels? 

Answer / Yes! Although Hell was not created or designed for the punishment of human beings, people can still be condemned to Hell along with Satan. 

Hint # 6 Why are human beings condemned to Hell?

Answer / The whole human race fell into the spiritual classification of “condemnation” since Satan enticed the first created man into joining his cosmic rebellion against God! Therefore, man is subject to the same punishment as Satan! 

Hint # 7 How can human beings be freed from this “spiritual condemnation” and punishment in Hell? 

Answer / Almighty God, the creator of all that exists, and pre-determined to win back that which was lost to him (mankind) sent his own Son to effect a “plan of restitution” through the sacrifice of himself. Thus Jesus came to earth, not to condemn humans to Hell; but to offer all human beings a pardon, or the special loving status of becoming “uncondemned” by accepting Jesus as their benefactor of freedom from Hell.

Hint # 8 Are Satan and his demons already in Hell? 

Answer / Satan is not presently in Hell. In fact, Satan is intensely active right here in our world! But he knows his allotted time to wage his war is winding down to its conclusion. Some of his fallen comrades are incarcerated in chains in a dark holding place; but most are still active in harassing mankind for the sake of defeating God and avoiding their consignment in Hell. (I Peter 5:8; Jude 1:6; II Peter 2:4; Matthew 8:29)

Hint # 9 Will there be more people that go to Hell than the number of those who accept Jesus and thereby make it into Heaven?

Answer / In Luke 13:23; Someone asked Jesus, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” He replied, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” Again in Matthew chapter seven, Jesus seems to indicate unfortunately that the way to enter into Heaven is made difficult in people’s minds because the Devil makes sin so appealing! These responses of Jesus seem to indicate that Hell is enlarging itself because so many people are ignoring God’s unique offer of a way to escape Hell! 

Hint # 10 Is Satan the master of Hell? Do Satan’s demons torture people in Hell?  

Answer / Satan is not in charge of Hell! Far from it. And he, nor any of his demons will ever be in charge of Hell, or be the tormentors in Hell. Hell is Torment! 

Hint # 11 If Satan is not in charge of Hell, then who is? 

Answer / Almighty God is in charge of Hell! In fact, Jesus Christ possesses the actual keys to Hell. (Revelation 1:18) 

Hint # 12 Who makes the final decision as to who goes to Hell? 

Answer / There are only three decision makers involved in deciding a persons destiny! These three are God, Satan; and YOU! God has fixed a plan for you to miss Hell. Satan is plotting to cause you to be condemned to Hell. In the final analysis; YOU choose for yourself whether you will choose the narrow way to Heaven, or choose to follow the appealing broad way to Hell! In the final review; God will judge everyone’s choices in life; and consign them to Heaven or Hell! (II Peter 2:9; 3;7; Matthew 12:36; Revelation 20; John 3:18-21)

Focus on the Bible

by: Darrell G. Young

A Trip to Heaven

A Trip to Heaven

Heaven - It’s a place we all dream about and aspire to go to. I think we all have preconceived notions about what Heaven must be like. After all, the Bible in many places refers to Heaven as Paradise!

I once heard a funny story about an old time preacher preaching about Heaven. He implored his audience to raise their hands if they wanted to go to Heaven. Everyone eagerly raised their hands; except one old drunk who had staggered in at the end of the preachers sermon. 

The old preacher, amazed that the drunk didn’t raise his hand, walked down the aisle and asked the old drunk; “you mean to tell me that you don’t want to go to Heaven?” The old drunk responded, “ well yes, but I thought you were recruiting a bus load to go tonight!”

And so it is, everybody wants to go to Heaven, but not many want to go right now, since it requires death! But, in fact, there have been a few folks that have gone to Heaven without ever dying. 

Those fortunate few taking “A Trip to Heaven” include Enoch, Elijah, John and Paul; although John and Paul would fatefully return to earth and die later on. 

According to the Bible, Enoch and Elijah are the only two people that God took to heaven without them ever dying. Apparently, God has purposed those two men for future revelations. 

But both John and Paul each were “caught up” into Heaven on a temporary visit, and then were returned to earth. The only other person to have been in Heaven and visited the Earth, was Jesus Christ himself. The only information we have about what Heaven is really like, comes from these three sources!

Ironically, Jesus talked much more about Hell than he ever did about Heaven! The reason for that fact is very important. Jesus came; not so much to advertise the glory of Heaven, but to warn us specifically about the horrors of Hell. 

This brings us to John’s trip to Heaven. In the fourth chapter of The Revelation, John was granted a trip to Heaven. He is the only person ever accorded an opportunity to try to describe what he saw there. 

But even John’s “trip to Heaven” doesn’t reveal very much detail about Heaven itself. Most of what John heard and saw revolved around scenes about God’s throne and visions he was allowed to review concerning earths latter days. Only late in chapter twenty-one and twenty-two does John offer us a descriptive visual glimpse of Heaven; and even that data concerns only one city, the New Jerusalem.

Still, I find myself personally at a loss to be able to gain an understanding of just how wonderful Heaven must be. Sometimes, in my mind, I try to imagine “Taking a Trip to Heaven” myself. But every imagination of my mind ends up trying to describe something that is simply indescribable for human beings! 

Then, there is one other mystical instance of a “trip to Heaven.” It was taken by Paul, who was perhaps the greatest minister of the Gospel ever. 

II Corinthians 12:1-4 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

In these verses, we discover that Mr. Paul, speaking of himself in a third-person analogy actually took a “Trip into Heaven.” 

Paul’s trip is the only instance in the Scriptures of anyone who was taken to heaven, either in reality or in a vision, and who returned again to the earth and was then qualified to communicate important truths about the heavenly world from a personal observation. But he does not do that! Why not?

Enoch and Elijah were taken on trips to heaven; and Elijah returned to earth to in a transfiguration meeting with Jesus for his coming hour, but he, nor Moses were not permitted to converse with anyone on Earth about Heaven. Why not?

Of all the millions of people who have taken the trip to heaven, albeit via death, not one has ever been permitted to return to Earth to bear a personal account of Heaven’s glories; or to be a witness for God that he is faithful to his many promises; or to encourage the rest of us to persevere; or to glamorize to impenitent sinners the majestic wonders of Heaven! Why not?

Paul states in his discourse about his private “trip into Heaven;” that his privilege to take that trip was not arranged so that he could magnify himself in the eyes of others; but rather only to point men to the Lord and the “Way to Heaven!”

Obviously, the most important thing about taking any trip, is the Way that you get there; for if you don’t know the Way; you aren’t likely to arrive in the place you wish to go, 

But Paul, in verse four adds some startling words about his “trip to Heaven.” Paul says: “it is not lawful for a man to repeat what he heard or to try to describe the places that he saw in Heaven!” Again, why not? Why has God, seemingly made it unlawful for Heaven to be described to others by eye-witness accounts? 

Apparently, God in his omniscience, built the “Way of our salvation” on our faith, and not on the place (Heaven) that might appeal to our senses of sight and imaginations more than what should be the simple appeal of “his great love.”

In verses five and six, Paul affirms that the only thing that should be accorded glory is God! In fact, Paul previously expounded upon this fact in II Corinthians 5:6-7. Therein he affirms that to leave this earthly body is to “Take Our Own Trip to Heaven.” In the meantime, while we anxiously await taking our “trip to Heaven;” we must walk by faith and not by Sight!”

God providential designs, therefore, are to try our faith, and to furnish an abundant evidence that his people are disposed to obey his commands and worship him only and to put their trust in his faithfulness. 

Besides, if all the glories of God’s heaven were revealed; if all were told of it that might be; and if heaven were made as attractive to mortal view as much as possible, then it might appear that his professed people were influenced solely by the hope of the reward of the place; and not the Lord himself; who by himself; makes “A Trip to Heaven” possible for us in the first place!

II Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 

Focus on the Bible

by: Darrell G. Young

October 30, 2021

What is the Mark of the Beast?

What is the Mark of the Beast?

The subject of the  “mark of the Beast” seems to be on a lot of people’s minds these days due to the anxiety and uncertainty about the Covid-19 vaccines; and the prospect of them becoming governmentally mandated.

The references to the “mark of the Beast” are documented in chapter thirteen of the apocalyptic book of The Revelation.

Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

Revelation 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Of course, these three verses concerning the Beast have long been a source of much eschatological discussion. Insights into any solutions regarding this “mark” involve at least three differing theological views of the entire Tribulation scenario. 

In Revelation 13:16-18, the Apostle John speaks of an apocalyptic pair of beasts who will rule the earth with vengeance, cruelty and animosity. Their severe manner and harsh rule will inflict pain and grief on all those on the earth at the time. Their sovereign reach will require that all those who desire to transact commerce or business, buying or selling anything, to bear the mark of the beast.

Let it be noted that this prophetic chapter centers around, not just one, but two beasts, an image of the first Beast, a number, and a name and finally a “Mark” that is specifically related to the Beast.

These three identification mechanisms all deal with commerce and worship! The word “mark” as utilized in these verses originated from the Greek word “charagma.” Charagma refers to a graven stamp or etching on the body. 

This “charagma” is etched or imprinted either in a persons right hand or in their forehead. This is the best definition of the “mark of the Beast.” 

Revelation chapter fourteen further states that all those who (no exceptions) take the mark of the Beast will be forever spiritually doomed. 

So then, the question of unnerving relevance in today’s chaotic world with its pandemic and health fears follows: Is the COVID vaccine the “mark of the beast”? 

The simple short answer is a definite NO! The vaccines, and their subsequent booster shots are not the Mark of the Beast! 

Of course, holy Scripture says absolutely nothing about vaccinations since they were not available when the Bible was written. 

A vaccine supposedly stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, exactly as it would if you were exposed to the disease. After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity to that disease, without having to get the disease first.

At least, that is the ideal in the designs of most vaccines. Albeit, in today’s world, it seems that the manufacturers of these vaccines may have either rushed their products; or have as yet been able to produce a truly effective vaccine. 

So then why all the concern about the vaccines and the impending governmental mandates for universal vaccinations? These type of concerns are of principle concern to most Christians and to the many protectors of civil liberties. 

Whereas our culture has abandoned God, there has also been a growing lack of trust in the government and now in the medical field, and this fact is a driving force behind the "mark of the beast" anxiety. 

Another concern many Christians have about these vaccines is the way that they have been developed by pharmaceutical companies using cells derived from aborted fetuses.

Christians, rightly, oppose abortion, and so are concerned that using these vaccines (and perhaps other vaccines and therapies as well) make us complicit in abortion or approving of abortion. It is a serious concern.

Now, back to our original theme and the question that it posed. What is the Mark of the Beast? Is the Mark in anyway connected to the vaccines? Also, are these the Last Days in which we should expect the Mark of the Beast to be enforced upon the worlds population? 

• 1-The “Mark of the Beast” cannot ever be enforced upon the world until after the Antichrist has first arisen to World Power!
• 2-Ten Kings will arise to reset the world into a New World Order leading to the rise of the Antichrist, who will be empowered by the Beast.
• 3-The “Mark of the Beast” is primarily implemented for the sake of universal worship of the Image of the Beast; not as a vaccine for health emergencies! 
• 4-The vaccines could possibly be a means by which the Globalist powers seeking to erect the “empire of the future Beast” can by using a “step-by- step” method gradually assume more and more control of the whole world!
• 5-We are definitely in the “Last Days,” but we have not yet entered into the climactic era of the Tribulation, wherein the two Beasts and the Antichrist will finally emerge!
• 6-Church Age Christians will not be present on the earth during the time when the Beast and the Antichrist emerge. So they would have no experience with the Mark of the Beast. However, Tribulation Saints will be subjected to and need to avoid Satan’s entrapment! 
• 7-These points are all logical deductions of the pre-tribulation rapture perspective! (The other 3 other theories about the timing of the rapture would necessarily negate all my assumptions about the vaccines and the timing of the prospective implementation of the Mark of the Beast.)

Finally, in summation; the mark of the Beast will be a pledge of absolute loyalty to the Antichrist, and an absolute rejection of Jesus Christ! 

Therefore no one would be subjected to taking the “mark of the Beast” unknowingly. 

Revelation 14:9-12 If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall 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 ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

The “Mark of the Beast,” whatever it is, and whenever it is sprung upon the world will be a “testing means” by which people will be forced to make a “witting and willful” choice about whom they prefer for their Souls full allegiance!

Conclusion: The time for the Mark of the Beast is not here yet! Any vaccines, shots or other medical needs of humanity will not be the mark of the Beast. The “Mark” although used for power over the economic system of the world is ultimately about enforcing Worship of the Beast! It will be a willful and “knowing” choice! 

Furthermore; "God would  not doom people to Hell for taking something unwittingly; and God has already planned ahead for his people by providing a “Seal” to reserve them from the “Beast’s Mark” of condemnation! (Revelation 7:3)

Focus on Jerusalem

by; Darrell G. Young

October 28, 2021

Feeling Forsaken?

Feeling Forsaken?

It is a discouraging state of mind and emotion for any person to experience times when you feel like you have been personally rejected, or even worse, forsaken. 

To be rejected is hurtful enough; but to be Forsaken is to be sensitive to abandonment by someone you must have surely trusted! 

Forsaken means basically to be abandoned or flat out deserted. Perhaps the most hurtful emotion a human being can experience; aside from the death of a loved one is the deep feeling of being Forsaken!

Feeling Forsaken causes a sense of despair and hopelessness. 

Have you ever felt Forsaken? Whenever a person feels forsaken; they can react in differing ways. Some people might lose all sense of self worth, while others might seek a type of revenge. 

How one handles the emotion of forsakenness is a serious thing; especially for a Christian. Let’s examine the feeling of Forsakenness in the Bible.

• First of all; let’s point out a spiritual fact about “Forsakenness.” Satan, the enemy of all mankind wants everyone to “feel a sense of Forsakenness,” because he desires for even believers to feel abandoned by God. 

You might be surprised to hear that God himself knows a lot about feeling forsaken. For instance, the whole human race in effect forsook God and took up with Satan. 

Secondly, Israel, whom God miraculously freed from bondage, cleared out a homeland for their posterity and blessed with his presence; forsook him and his law; and followed after false gods!

The Apostle Paul dealt with the feelings of being Forsaken. In II Timothy chapter four, Paul, at the end of his life, talks about and laments the fact that many friends had forsaken him. In verse 16 & 17 he adds that “all men forsook him; but this fact notwithstanding, the Lord was yet with him.

On another occasion, when writing to his fellow Christians in the church at Corinth, Paul recounts the following:

II Corinthian 4:8-9 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken;

But without question, the most striking example of dealing with the emotion of Feeling Forsaken, is Jesus Christ himself! 

When Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane on that fateful night of his impending crucifixion to pray, he encouraged his disciples to pray. But when the soldiers came and arrested Jesus; they all Forsook him and fled! (Mark 14:50)

But Jesus was prepared for their abandonment! In fact, earlier that very same night he envisioned the circumstances of his own disciples Forsaking him and leaving him all alone!

John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

If these two significant instances of desertion weren’t enough to cause Jesus to feel completely forsaken, they pale in comparison to the event of the next morning and afternoon as he hung on that ole rugged Cross.

Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

As Jesus hung on that Cross, about to breathe his last breaths of his earthly life; he, all alone, in a moment of time took upon himself all the sins of the human race. The awful conflagration of sin heaped upon Jesus in this instance even caused the sun to refuse to shine, as God the Almighty Father turned his face away from his Son; as the Son paid the full price for Sins penalty! 

The last words Jesus uttered as he died were, “it is finished.” Victory was snatched out of the jaws of defeat and any sense of Forsakenness! Satan was dumbfounded!

But think about Jesus words just previously; “My God, my God, why hast thou Forsaken me? Jesus  had a moment of Feeling Forsaken! 

Jesus sense of Forsakenness at this moment had to be many times over the worst emotional trauma ever felt by anyone! Thinking God has Forsaken us is the worst possible calamity for the mind! And it’s exactly just what Satan desires. 

But God never Forsook his Son! And he will never Forsake those who receive the offer of the grace that is in his Son!

Psalms 9:9-10 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and becontent with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Focus on the Bible

by: Darrell G. Young

October 27, 2021

The Tribulation: A Time of Wrath

The Tribulation: A Time of Wrath

The very word “tribulation” causes a lot of anxiety and consternation within the hearts and minds of almost everyone. The mere mention of the word causes people to freeze up and become unwilling to talk or even think about what it is really all about. 

The word “tribulation” appears 22 times in the Bible; with five of those times being in the book of The Revelation. 

But perhaps the most famous usage of the word “tribulation” was used by Jesus himself; when he was elaborating on the coming days of “Jacobs Trouble.” He called it the “Great Tribulation.”

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be “great tribulation,” such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

The definition of the word tribulation alludes to a season of distress, trouble, suffering and sorrows. It can often simply refer to a person or nations period of troubles. 

In fact, out of the 22 times in the Bible that the word tribulation is used, fifteen of them are describing trials of a personal season of trouble. 

However, seven usages of this dark word are specifically describing a very intense time of Great Trouble for Israel and indeed for the whole world!

Throughout Scripture, the tribulation is referred to by other names such as the “Day of the Lord,” “the time of Jacobs Trouble” and the more common term “Great Tribulation.” 

So then; what exactly is the “Great Tribulation?” Why is it depicted in the Bible? And who is the source of all this terrible wrath? Finally, upon whom is all this “time of great wrath” going to be unleashed?

1. The “Great Tribulation” is a future seven-year period of time when God will conclude His disciplining of Israel and finalize His Divine and righteous judgment of the unbelieving world.
2. It is depicted throughout the Bible as a warning from God, that he being righteous and just as the Sovereign Creator cannot and will not tolerate unrepentant sin and unrighteousness forever. He has “set a day”when he will judge all the world.  

Now then, having defined the first two items of importance to this “Day of Wrath,” let’s analyze where all this terrible Wrath emanates from. 

Revelation 12:12 identifies one of the sources of the Great Tribulation era wrath. “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath,”

Yes, Satan, the great red dragon is one of the forces that causes the tremendous chaos and evil in the world during the Tribulation. 

Satan, having been cast out of Heaven, and having lost the ancient Rebel “War in Heaven;” then in full anticipation of the commencement of the “Lord’s Day;” plots to bring the full force of his Hellish powers to bear against the Lords anointed, namely the remnant of Israel and the tribulation era Saints.

Secondly, the principal source of Wrath as the “Day of the Lord” and God’s judgment reaches its full scope; is none other than Jesus Christ himself! 

Revelation chapter six offers for our review the unveiling of the epic “Four Horses of the Apocalypse.” As it progresses to the opening of the sixth seal of Gods judgment; we find a vivid portrayal of our world; united as one under the authority of Satan’s Antichrist! 

Then in verse fourteen, we are shown the glorious vision of the sky rolling back upon itself, as Jesus Christ comes to earth to take vengeance on Satan, his Antichrist, and the whole world system that has rejected Gods gracious pardon of his sacrificed Son!

Revelation 6:16 And they said to the mountains and rocks, fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne; and from the WRATH of the LAMB!

The Lamb depicted here at the climax of the Tribulation is none other than Jesus Christ! He is returning to earth at this point in time, not as a humble sacrificial little lamb; but in his role as the Lion of the tribe of Judah; and he will bring the armies of Heaven with him!

Upon whom is the Lords Wrath unleashed? 

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. 

Thus; we see from scripture that the terrible time of trouble that is slated to envelope our world someday is really a time of Testing. It will test all mankind to make them choose between Satan’s Antichrist and Jesus Christ. 

Satan will unleash his horrible Wrath on the the worlds population; by enforcing a system of universal worship via his name, number or image! By accepting Satan’s loyalty sign of allegiance, mankind of that day will consign themselves to Satan’s ultimate fate.

But by simply accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior; anyone, even during the Tribulation, can overcome the Wrath of Satan!

But what about overcoming the Wrath of the Lamb? How can one withstand the Lamb’s Wrath? Well, Revelation chapter six, verse seventeen, as well as several other scriptures poses for us that very serious question!

Revelation 6:17 For the great day of his Wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? 

Nahum 1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger?

Malachi 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire

Joel 2:11 And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Jeremiah 10:10 But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

The answer as to who can possibly be able to withstand the Day of the Lamb’s Wrath is unequivocally; NOBODY! Not Satan, not his Antichrist, not all the powers of the nations of this world; and most definitely……not YOU!

Yes, there is definitely coming a Time of Great Tribulation for our world. It will be a literal firestorm of supernatural Wrath! Whose side will you be on? Whose Wrath will you endure? 

But, for the Saints of God, we have a pledge of Gods divine protection against any Wrath!

Revelation 3:20 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, (the Great Tribulation) which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Focus on Jerusalem 

by: Darrell G. Young

October 25, 2021

An Inquiring Mind

An Inquiring Mind

Do you possess an inquiring mind? No, I’m not talking about being a nosy busy body; but rather I’m referring to being a person who has a desire for gaining more and more real knowledge. 

To have an enquiring mind means to be someone who wants to know real facts and to personally gather information about history, science, people, places, events, and so forth. 

People with an inquiring mind are usually by nature curious; often probing with inquisitive questions; seeking facts; much as an inquiring reporter scrutinizing and questioning things as they dig for the truth.

Possessing an inquiring mind helps make us to become aware or observant of new information. When you are curious about something, your mind expects and anticipates new ideas related to the subject that you are exploring.

Some years ago, a popular phrase went as follows: “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” I don’t know everything, but I do possess an insatiable desire to learn; and more importantly to learn the things of God.

In short, inquiring minds are very active instead of being passive, and much more apt to discover the truth. 

This is precisely the type of mind Jesus Disciples demonstrated. They were continually learning things from Jesus! And more importantly, they “inquired” of the perfect person for knowledge!

Such is the case with regards to the Lord’s Olivet Discourse that is recorded in Matthew 24:1-3; Mark 13:1-4; and in Luke 21:5-7.

Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

After Jesus overturned the tables of the money-changers on the Temple Mount plaza, he issued severe charges against the Pharisees. 

Jesus further declared prophetically that the glorious Temple building, that the Jews were so proud of would be destroyed, and even identified himself as the real Temple! 

In the ensuing chaos of the Temple event; the Disciples scattered, and then privately approached Jesus as he sat on the peak of the Mount of Olives; just mere yards across the valley from the magnificent Temple structure. 

Then the Disciples pummeled Jesus with questions! They rapidly fired “three distinct questions” at Jesus pertaining to things that they just heard him pronounce in front of the Temple priests. 

Question #1 When shall these things be?

Question #2 What shall be the Sign of thy Coming?

Question #3 When shall the End of the World come?

These three questions were paramount in the minds of the Disciples! Their minds had exploded with curiosity! They wanted to know more; and especially so since they now recognized the fact that Jesus knew things well in advance of their occurrence!

Their three questions, unbeknownst to them, revolved around three different and distinct time periods. 

Point #1 Jesus must have loved the fact that they possessed “An Inquiring Mind;” for he honored their queries and immediately launches into a detailed response to each question.

Point  #2 Had Jesus thought perhaps that the specific answers to their questions were beyond their ability to comprehend; he probably would have told them bluntly; “you can’t bear to know anything more about what you are asking.”

Point #3 Question number one dealt with the prophetic subject material that Jesus just pronounced against the Temple building and the city of Jerusalem.

Point #4 Question number two specifically involved the Disciples curiosity about the Second Coming of Jesus; and it’s implications for the nation of Israel.

Point #5 Question number three from the Disciples dealt with their interest about when the “End of the World” might happen. 

Suffice it to say; most all the information that Jesus expounded upon in this narrative is centrally focused around the nation of Israel.

Some of these things happened to Israel in the first century; while much more remains to take place in the Last Days, after Israel is regathered into the Promised Land. 

To be able to distinguish between these “timing events” and the Lord’s commentary requires, “An Inquiring Mind” for further study and research into the contents of the totality of Bible prophecy. 

John 16:13 conveys to us that the Holy Spirit can guide us into a knowledge of “All Truth,” but that guidance still requires for us to have An “Inquiring” Mind.

Do you have An Inquiring Mind? The Lord loves an inquiring mind; and his Spirit can guide you to all truth!

Focus on the Bible

by: Darrell G. Young

October 24, 2021

Satan: “His Time is Short”

Satan: “His Time is Short”

Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Ever since God the day that called Abraham to separate himself from the ancient kingdoms of the Chaldeans, and journey to a Land of Promise, Satan has plotted to destroy the chosen nation of promises! 

Satan’s long epic struggle to destroy the nation of Israel will finally reach its dramatic climax during the Tribulation era, otherwise known as the “time of Jacobs Trouble.”

This final campaign of Satan is reviewed here in Revelation chapter twelve; as well as the historical background that compelled Satan to target Israel for destruction in the first place.

Verses ten and eleven depict that Satan was unable to thwart the mission of Christ to effect the purpose of his first visitation to Israel, namely the bringing the gift of salvation to fallen man. 

Secondly, these verses reflect the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ; within the scope of its 2,000 year calling has indeed prevailed against the gates of Hell! 

Verse twelve in this chapter, pauses to emphasize the fact that Satan is undeniably a defeated foe! Everyone that has ever lived and is now present in Heaven are rejoicing in that fact. 

But, Satan, along with his rebels in their  “lost war” that they instigated in Heaven still are nervously awaiting their final execution.

In the meantime, while the process of time plays itself out; the inhabiters of the earth in the “Latter Days” are more and more becoming the central focus of Satan’s Last Stand!

Satan knows full well that if he is to ever have any hope to defeat God he must destroy Israel. For this reason, his wrath upon the “Woman” (Israel) can no doubt be expected to intensify as Christians depart from the world stage.  

Israel is unquestionably the “Woman” depicted throughout chapter twelve. To mis-identify this “Woman” as anything other than Israel is to miss the whole perspective of Bible prophecy. 

Only the “lineage of the National  body of Israel” produced the “man child,” destined by God to 

rule all nations with a rod of iron. (Rev. 2:27)

The ages old “War in Heaven” will be concluded in the near term; as that is one of the principle reasons that God has providentially overseen a “return of a remnant” of Israel to the Promised Land in recent decades! 

This mere geopolitical fact belies the fact that even Satan knows that “his time” (to run loose as the god of this age) is quickly drawing down to his end. 

The modern existence of Israel, coupled with the diminishing influence of the Christian spirit in our world is symptomatic of the rising tide of “Satan’s intense Wrath”toward each of these two God-ordained institutions! 

The present world system, which is under Satan’s Dominion-ship is feverishly working to erect a “New World Order,” or Global Government, a central authoritarian system that is wholly anti-Christian and will work to exalt the Antichrist. 

Revelation chapter seventeen, verse ten; just like Revelation 12:12; likewise asserts that the reign of this superstar of Satan will only thrive for a “Short Space.”

So, in conclusion; while we as Christians are today witnessing the rise of an anti-Christian spirit in our world, and we can be alert to the many inroads that Satan is making in the worlds political, religious, economic, war-making and even health care dynamics; we can be scripturally assured that things are simply signaling that the “the days of Satan are numbered!”

Yes, Satan is preparing for his Last Stand! He will wreak havoc in this world for a brief time; and he will utilize the powers of the nations to assist him in prioritizing his campaign for the destruction of Israel. But again, He will fail, as God is uniquely using Satan’s schemes to judge this whole world. But Satan’s allotted space of time to attempt to devour us is running out! 

Soon, and very soon, Jesus will return to this world, conquer all of his enemies; establish his rightful dominion in this world and Satan will be hastily incarcerated into the bottomless pit!

So, Finally; we as Christians have no real need to fear Satan. Jesus is Coming! Israel, on the other hand must endure to the End. But the fact of the matter for Satan is firmly set: “His Time is Short.”

Focus on the Bible

by: Darrell G. Young

October 23, 2021