October | 2023 | Peter's Bible Study Notes

Why I don’t believe in a pre-tribulation rapture

Revelation 1:7

Matthew 24:27

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Matthew 24:13

Our posture is to be one of endurance with hope and spiritual alertness

See Matthew 24:36-51

Resisting Temptations – FOLD

Mike Bickle (of International House of Prayer) uses the acronym FOLD to summarize the temptations that God’s people will need to overcome to endure until the end.

F – Fear. We will be tempted to give in to fear. Matthew 24:6, John 14:1.
O – Offense, We will be tempted to take offense with each other and with God. Matthew 11:16-17, 18-19, Proverbs 19:11.
L – Lust. We will be tempted to escape into all manner of distractions and addictions (not just sexual ones) as an escape from the increasing pressures. Matthew 24:48-49 (just one example). There are other less flagrant examples of distraction through various forms of escapism.
D – Deception. Jesus specifically warns us not to let anyone deceive us. Matthew 24:4.

This war does not signal the Great Tribulation or the End of the Age

Matthew 24:14. The gospel of the Kingdom has not yet been preached to every nation
Matthew 24:15-16, 2 Thessalonians 2:3. This event has not yet occurred.
Jesus predicted that wars and other troubles would increase. Matthew 24:6-7
This war is part of the beginnings of birth pangs. Matthew 24:8.

Does this war prefigure any end time events?

Possibly. We do know from Jeremiah 30:7 that there will be great rage against Israel in the Last Days.

Ezekiel 38 describes a time when Gog will attack Israel during a time of great peace with Israel in her land. Gog is probably a reference to the Antichrist, according to this talk by Joel Richardson Six Reasons Gog is the Antichrist .

Currently, although Israel is in her land, she is not dwelling securely. Based on what is described in Ezekiel 38:8,11 (see also 1 Thessalonians 5:3 ), peace and security are the conditions required for the time of Jacob’s Trouble to begin.

Ezekiel 39 goes on to describe a great deliverance for Israel, following the horrific attack by Gog and Magog. The language seems to indicate that it is describing the Last Battle.

Some observers who are familiar with the Middle East believe that the October 7 attack by Hamas was triggered by Iran (which bankrolls Hamas) due to Iran’s unhappiness with the prospect of Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing its relationship with Israel. This development would have the potential to usher in a period of peace, safety and prosperity in the Middle East and could eventually set the stage for the events of Ezekiel 38-39. Most of Israel’s leaders have a secular mindset and do not really take Biblical prophecy seriously, so they did not realize that this could set the stage for a coming war.

For a longer presentation (given in 2022, well before the outbreak of the current war, which gives it extra weight) see this talk by Dalton Thomas How Israel’s Coming War with Iran Sets the Stage for the Great Tribulation.

How shall we pray?

Protection for Israel
Guidance for her leaders
Overthrow of evil, Satan’s plans to be frustrated
Demonic jihadi rage to be restrained
Release of the hostages
Protection for the innocent
Comfort for the suffering
Many will turn to Jesus
Coming of God’s Kingdom
That God’s people would see the beauty of Messiah and find rest in His presence even in the midst of trouble. Psalm 9:9.

1. Who are we trying to impress?

Matthew 6:16-18

See Matthew 23:1-12 , especially verse 5 (They do all their deeds to be seen by others) and verse 12 (whoever exalts himself will be humbled, whoever humbles himself will be exalted).
When we fast, or do any other deed that might be considered a good work in Christian circles (give to the poor, pray, testify, share the gospel) we need to be clear about our motivation.
Does it matter who sees us? Whose approval are we seeking?
One of the core issue of our lives is who we are seeking to please.

[17-18] But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you..

What Jesus is really saying here, translated into our context, is “when you fast, look normal. Don’t make it obvious”.
See Psalm 35:13. The purpose of fasting is to humble ourselves before God, to clear away obstacles so we can focus on hearing His voice, seeking His favour, doing His will.
Whether we are fasting or not, as believers this should be our focus.
If we are seeking attention for our good deeds, what motivation lies behind this attitude?

2. Treasure in heaven

Matthew 6:19-21

See Luke 16:14-15. The Pharisees loved money just as they loved the praise of men.
See Psalm 49:18-20. One of the main reasons people love wealth is so they can impress others. But God is not impressed.
The issue is ultimately the same as with fasting. Where is your heart – on God, or on what brings approval in this age. See 1 Timothy 6:9-10.
Having money is not a problem in itself. Wealth can be used to bless people. The issue is where the affection of our hearts is set – on money, or on God.
If you have wealth, but love God more, you are free to do good by spending some of your money on the needs of others – thus laying up treasure in heaven. See 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

3. Avoiding double vision

Matthew 6:22-23

If your eye is healthy : the Greek literally reads If your eye is single.
It can also be translated simple, clear or perfect.
How does spiritual confusion or error lead to darkness in our thoughts and actions?
What does it mean to have clear spiritual vision?
See Ephesians 1:17-21

Matthew 6:24

The way to avoid double vision is to have only one Master.
The Aramaic word mammon refers not just to wealth but to a spiritual stronghold, a spiritual power that demands to be worshipped.
Satan, the god of this world, wants to control our lives. The love of wealth is one of his main tools.
How can we avoid this trap?

Peter's Bible Study Notes