Thanks for the great article! I have so enjoyed and have been sharing with so many this past year just how close we are to the return of Jesus. Your book and sermon series on Tipping Point is absolutely amazing! I have felt that Covid has really been a launching pad to expedite and show us just how close we are to wrapping things up here on earth. However, It is really amazing to me how many young people (say in their 30's) that I talk with don't seem to really see just how close we are to the end. They seem to be conflicted. They love the Lord yet they still want to experience life like raising kids, ect . . . I keep sharing and encouraging them that what lies ahead for us in Heaven is going to be so much more amazing than we could ever imagine. They seem to have a harder time grasping it. Anyway, thanks again for the great articles and updates!
I am so liked minded here. I pray for my adult children as they struggle with letting go of the world. Even if they live to be as old as I, I pray their grip is loosened.
Thank you Pastor Jimmy....This is one of your BEST posts.... taking the strange story of Lot's wife and helping us understand why this was important to Jesus for us to grasp the message. I remember a Sunday school teacher using felt cut-out-pictures (remember those?) and showing us this big lump of salt as the dramatic ending to the Bible story. I guess it's always been confusing for me how that story related to me. Now I understand why God turned her into salt--pure preservation! As shocking as that story is, what a pure reminder for us to never stop looking up, obey His Word, honor God/others and hold everything loosely. What's strange, until I went through the pain of loss, I didn't understand how to hold loosely. God used my pain and taught me the valuable lesson that everything belongs to Him. I wake up everyday so grateful for life and His miracles and gifts all around me. I treasure this God adventure I'm on... reminded that the best is yet to come. I read all the comments too and praying for salvation for lost loved ones that hearts are softened.... and for unique opportunities to share the good news. "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." Num 6:24-26
Good point. I see where you are coming from. Pastor Jimmy called it the “last Righteous family.” Why, because the OT Righteousness extends to the whole family? This is Old Testament and they are not yet saved by the Blood of Jesus. Were they making their choice about Righteousness in that moment, to obey or not to obey, to stay or to go? Was Lot’s wife not Righteous because she disobeyed? She was preserved with evil forever? Why was she turning back? We don’t know. What would keep us from going today, willingly? Our kids? If they are over the age of accountability won’t they still have the opportunity to choose which way they want to go during the Tribulation? Yes. It is a very sad thought, not one I would choose for them, so I will use every opportunity I have until the Rapture occurs, to point out that Heaven would be a much better place to live, or raise a family, or do anything than the world we live in, because sin is gone. We will have fully arrived at Righteous living in Heaven, by His Righteousness. For eternity. Just my thoughts.... Good question.
What I find fascinating is Jesus' statement, "As it was in the days of Noah... Likewise, also as it was in the days of Lot..." Pastor Jimmy and other experienced scholars have conducted excellent studies (such as this one), and drawn numerous parallels to both Noah's and Lots' accounts with Matthew 24, 2Thess2 etc... So I won't repeat those points here. (I'll try to be brief : )
In reading Genesis 18 recently, particularly, Abrahams' intercession for both Lot AND SODOM (incredible! I know, it should give us pause concerning our own intercesory efforts & targets, but I digress...). Anyway, my attention was drawn to a statement Abraham makes, then repeats in this (if you would not think me irreverent) "prequel" to the rescue of Lot and his family, tragically minus his wife. In the past, while reading or hearing this account, my attention was mainly drawn to the glorious "rescue of Lot," but what I had never really SEEN before while re-reading this account was Abrahams question,
"And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous WITH the wicked?" Genesis 18:23
Abraham repeats the question a few verses later,
"Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous WITH the wicked, so that the righteous should be AS the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Genesis 18:25
Sure, I'd read these verses before, but had never SEEN them in the light of end-time prophecy, specifically, the question, “Would You also destroy the righteous WITH the wicked?"
Jesus stated, as it was in the days of Noah... Lot, so will it be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man. In light of the verse from Genesis 18 that we just read, a couple of questions could (and have been) raised such as...
1. When were Abraham and Lot rescued (saved)? Answer: right before judgment fell, in Noah's case after 7 days, in Lots case, on the same day! This leads to the question...
2. When IS the DAY OF THE LORD? (synonymous with DAY of His wrath) Answer: will vary depending on your Rapture view: pre-trib, mid-trib, pre-wrath or post-trib. It's too lengthy of a subject to attempt to cover here, but generally, pre-tribbers largely view the whole of the 70th week of Daniel (7 years) as the DAY of the Lord, with the 2nd half being "the GREAT tribulation"; pre-wrathers disagree withtthe view that he entire 7 year period is the DAY of the Lord, and prefer to simply refer to it as the 70th week of Daniel, instead of the "7 year tribulation." They argue that the first part of this week is "the beginning of sorrows," or the opening of the seals of Rev. 6 (Viz., the beginning of sorrows), and the judgements are contained on the scroll itself! In their view, the "seals" aren't judgements, but a prelude (or opening) to the Judgements (trumpets & bowls), as far as I can understand, much the same way as one opens the mail to remove what's contained inside the envelope. I haven't yet studied the other views (mid-trib, post-trib) in depth, so I can't comment on them. If you'd like an overview of the Pre-trib and pre-wrath views, I recommend this video: https://youtu.be/xwXoMNpOhos
3. So far so good, the final question is: Were there ANY righteous people left on earth when Judgement fell? Both in Noah's case and Lot's, the answer according to the Biblical record would seem to be No! The righteous were "taken out of the way" as it were, and then the wicked, "those who dwell on the earth" (compare, 1 Jn.2:15) were punished (see, Isaiah 13:9-13). In other words (remember Abrahams statement here), the Righteous weren't destroyed WITH the wicked.
"And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?"
"As it was in the days of Noah... Lot..."
"For God did not appoint us to WRATH, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." I Thessalonians 5:9-11
Why is this comforting? Both, 1). "God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation" and, 2. "whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him." Persecuted believers throughout the history of the Church to the present day (think China, Nigeria, Sudan, Middle east etc...), and the future (during the Anti-Christ's reign of terror) have and will find comfort in those words, "...we should live together with Him." The comfort is Christ Himself - "Living, moving, and having our being in Him." May we find comfort in those words, Hallelujah!
Lastly, when we put these Scriptures together, we see a glorious picture emerging in Rev 6 & 7 (I encourage you to read them, also compare Rev 6 to Matt 24 and 2 Thess. 2). Here's a preview...
REV 6:
"...And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great DAY OF HIS WRATH HAS COME, and who is able to stand?” Revelation 6:15-17
REV 7:
"After these things I SAW FOUR ANGELS STANDING AT THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “DO NOT HARM THE EARTH, THE SEA, OR THE TREES TILL WE HAVE SEALED THE SERVANTS OF OUR GOD ON THEIR FOREHEADS...After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude WHICH NO ONE COULD NUMBER, OF ALL NATIONS, TRIBES, PEOPLES, AND TONGUES, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “SALVATION BELONGS TO OUR GOD WHO SITS ON THE THRONE, AND TO THE LAMB!” Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “WHO ARE THESE ARRAYED IN WHITE ROBES, AND WHERE DID THEY COME FROM?” And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to LIVING FOUNTAINS OF WATERS. AND GOD WILL WIPE AWAY EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES.” Revelation 7:9-10, 13-17
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
"When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour..." Revelation 8:1
(Whenever I read that passage I'm almost tempted to say, "Drumroll?")
All these passages are so rich, I wish I had more time & space here to explore them, nevertheless, Don't look back!
Great article, Jimmy, and praise God! FYI, my wife and I just ordered your book “The Four Laws of Love” from the XO Marriage website. We are excited to read it!
Great article! My husband and I have read your book Tipping Point about 5 times each, no joke! (we have a hard copy and we downloaded the audio book) We’ve really gotten a lot out of it and it makes us turn to our Bibles more. We have also purchased this book about 10 times to give to our friends and family and recently to our Thursday night small group leader. So our small group class has heard all about you, it makes for some great discussions, especially since our class is about Bible prophesy! I’m always talking about the rapture and Bible prophesy so my husband has given me the nickname of R.C. ................. rapture coordinator. 😂
Pastor Jimmy, I fear that I would be looking back for my unsaved adult children. Other that praying that the Lord change their hearts of stone to hearts of flesh, what can I do to help them? Thank you
Tipping Point light bulb moment #672: Lot’s wife lost it all because of sentimentality. It makes one wonder what about? Maybe she was caught up in the darkness of that place and was cherishing a sinful lifestyle in a sinful culture. Or maybe she just looked back in memory of something completely and totally benign. I’m leaning towards the former. But whatever it was, she valued that sentiment (and the experiences that created it) over her God, as if whatever it was could compare to Him.
My whole family had shut me out of there life because of my faith. They think that I have mental problems because I believe in the bible and the rapture. My two adult kids 35 and 31 won't come and visit me nor can I see my grandkids. My own 74 year old mom told me just last week that I was negative and needed psychological therapy.
I used to be real sad about it, but the bible says that in the last days that children will turn against parents and parents will turn against children. That is the reason I am able to go on. I have been a single mother most of my adult life and I do still have my 18 year old that is born again and stands by my side. I pray for my family daily. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
The best thing you can do is be kind to family and keep praying for them. They may think we are crazy, but God knows we are faithful believers. God bless you.
You are an example to us all of Courage, Faith and Trust in Jesus. You are Standing on the Rock for all you need. A Mother’s prayers go far in God’s Kingdom. I’m grateful for that one by your side... an answered prayer. We wait on Him for more. Until we see Him face to face.
Hi Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story. My heart breaks for you and so sorry you are going through this pain. The good news, this gives all of us [here] the opportunity to pray with you and pray for your lost family. Thank God for your 18 year old that you have each other to support and encourage during the hard days ahead. You are living out what it means to hold everything loosely and longing for Christ's return. I pray that you are filled with the Lord's strength to keep looking up and grace to forgive and focus on His face. God bless you, sister.
Lately, I've acutely felt the brunt of these dark days, and evil doers (particularly in politics and "high-society"). They're is almost a "righteous anger" that threatens to erupt, and one empathizes with the Psalmist and Habakkuk, "Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds." Habakkuk 1:3
Nevertheless, I'm comforted by the words in Psalms 37, Psalms 73, Habakkuk and 2 Peter 2:9,
"...and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority (for ex. the "resist" movement). They are presumptuous, self-willed..." II Peter 2:7-10
"The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw." Habakkuk 1:1
Planet Earth may look marvelous from a satellite, but for those who live on the dusty globe things tend to look rather grim. Increased turmoil, rising terrorism, mounting tragedies, unprecedented trauma, increasing pollution, deepening trials, and unparalleled tensions cast dark shadows over earthlings. The world looks more and more like some ominous black sphere with a very short fuse, a time bomb sizzling to explode.
It is little wonder that thinking people begin to ask questions. "Why is there so much oppression? Why all the injustice? Why do evil men prosper? Why do the righteous suffer? Why doesn’t God do something? Why doesn’t God make things right? Why? Why? Why?"
These penetrating questions are hardly new. Centuries before Christ came to earth, an ancient prophet looked around at the violence and wickedness of the world and cried out to God, “Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrong...? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Hab. 1:3, 13). The prophet not only asked the mysterious whys that plague mankind; he also received answers to his questions. The answers given by God are carefully recorded in the book called Habakkuk.
Habakkuk wrote in a time of international crisis and national corruption. Babylonia had just emerged on the scene as a world power. This new world empire was stretching across the world. Soon the Babylonians would overtake Judah and carry its inhabitants away into captivity. On the eve of pending destruction, a period of uncertainty and fear, Habakkuk wrote his message.
The crisis internationally was serious. But of even greater concern was the national moral & Spiritual corruption. Great unrest stirred within Judah. Josiah had been a good king. When he died, Josiah’s son Jehoahaz rose to the throne. After only three months, the king of Egypt invaded Judah, deposed king Jehoahaz, and placed his brother Jehoiakim on the throne. Jehoiakim was evil, ungodly, and rebellious (2 Kings 23:36–24:7; 2 Chron. 36:5–8). Shortly after Jehoiakim ascended to power, Habakkuk wrote his lament over the decay, violence, greed, fighting, and perverted justice that surrounded him.
Is it any wonder that Habakkuk looked at all the corruption and asked, “Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrong?… Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Hab. 1:3, 13). Godly men and women continue to ask similar “whys” in a world of increasing international crises and internal corruption.
While the stage is set for a global holocaust, an unsuspecting home audience fiddles a happy tune. The nation’s moral fiber is being eaten away by a lassie fair aire playboy attitude that makes personal pleasure the supreme goal of life. Hedonism catches fire while homes crumble. Crime soars while the church sours. Drugs, divorce, and debauchery prevail and decency dies. Frivolity dances in the streets. Faith is buried. “In God We Trust” has become a meaningless slogan stamped on corroding coins.
In such a world of crisis and chaos, Habakkuk speaks with clarity. Habakkuk is a book that is as contemporary as todays headlines.
The prophet was perplexed. Wickedness and violence seemed to go unchecked. Would there be no end to the rising tide of sin? Habakkuk took his complaint to God. “Why don’t You do something?” God answered, “I am doing something - Judah will be punished by Babylon.” The prophet was even more perplexed... Habakkuk’s distress deepened to a profound dilemma. So he continued his conversation with God. “Why would You use those wretched Babylonian barbarians to judge Judah?” In Chapter two, the prophet’s complaints were then met with the Lord’s command, “Write down the revelation.” God’s declaration included a lengthy dirge, or taunt-song, of five woes on the evil Babylonians. Chapter three climaxes with a magnificent doxology of Praise.
The ever-present “Why?” is best answered by the everlasting “Who!” Though the outlook may elicit terror, the uplook elicits trust. The prophet’s complaints and fears were resolved in confidence and faith. This is the heart of the message of Habakkuk:
“The righteous will live by his faith” (2:4).
Habakkuk’s book begins with an interrogation of God but ends as an intercession to God. Worry is transformed into worship. Fear turns to faith. Terror becomes trust. Hang-ups are resolved with hope. Anguish melts into adoration. What begins with a question mark (?) ends in an exclamation point (!). The answer to Habakkuk’s “Why?” is “Who!” His confusion, “Why all the conflict?” is resolved with his comprehension of Who is in control: God! (Psalms 2; Psalms 46). (An Introduction to the book of Habakkuk by J. Ronald Blue.)
As we walk through the valley of the shadow of death in the coming days, months, and years, may we remember these words, and cling to the Lord's faithful promises - they are sure.
Thank you for the much needed reminder! Pray for me, like Peter, I start focusing on the waves and lose sight of the One helping me walk on the water. As the His return is closer, I find that the spiritual warfare increases and hits closer to home all the time. Praying that we are all found with our lamps full, wicks trimmed, and ready for the Bridegroom's call.
I think about Lot’s wife a lot, especially as I look around and see what this Nation is becoming.... It seems like the older I get in the Lord, the more I hear Him say, “don’t touch that” whatever it might be, as though He is getting me more and more ready in my Heart, for my new Home. That refining process that He does.... He is a good good Father, showing me right from wrong. It has been a year now since I have been in Church. I am going back, in person, this week. I have picked an Amillennial Church. In my flesh I would say, “don’t touch that.” But in this case He is saying, “touch that.” I don’t particularly want too, but I will. It goes both ways. Thank-you Holy Spirit for giving the direction that we can safely follow. You lead, to touch or not to touch, and I follow. P.S. I have joined a ladies Bible Study at the Amillennial Church; they are doing Elijah by Priscilla Shirer where false Prophets really mess things up and Elijah is Raptured in the end.... You lead Lord. I follow. Lead me always according to Your will, that I may not turn back.
In order for God to keep His promises to Israel and His covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:8-16, 23:5; Psalm 89:3-4), there must be a literal, physical kingdom on this earth. To doubt this is to call into question God’s desire and/or ability to keep His promises, and this opens up a host of other theological problems. For example, if God would renege on His promises to Israel after proclaiming those promises to be “everlasting,” how could we be sure of anything He promises, including the promises of salvation to believers in the Lord Jesus? The only solution is to take Him at His word and understand that His promises will be literally fulfilled.
Thanks for the great article! I have so enjoyed and have been sharing with so many this past year just how close we are to the return of Jesus. Your book and sermon series on Tipping Point is absolutely amazing! I have felt that Covid has really been a launching pad to expedite and show us just how close we are to wrapping things up here on earth. However, It is really amazing to me how many young people (say in their 30's) that I talk with don't seem to really see just how close we are to the end. They seem to be conflicted. They love the Lord yet they still want to experience life like raising kids, ect . . . I keep sharing and encouraging them that what lies ahead for us in Heaven is going to be so much more amazing than we could ever imagine. They seem to have a harder time grasping it. Anyway, thanks again for the great articles and updates!
I am so liked minded here. I pray for my adult children as they struggle with letting go of the world. Even if they live to be as old as I, I pray their grip is loosened.
Amen
This brings even more relevance to the phrase, ‘Be a pepper’.
That made me LOL!!!😂😂
Thank you Pastor Jimmy....This is one of your BEST posts.... taking the strange story of Lot's wife and helping us understand why this was important to Jesus for us to grasp the message. I remember a Sunday school teacher using felt cut-out-pictures (remember those?) and showing us this big lump of salt as the dramatic ending to the Bible story. I guess it's always been confusing for me how that story related to me. Now I understand why God turned her into salt--pure preservation! As shocking as that story is, what a pure reminder for us to never stop looking up, obey His Word, honor God/others and hold everything loosely. What's strange, until I went through the pain of loss, I didn't understand how to hold loosely. God used my pain and taught me the valuable lesson that everything belongs to Him. I wake up everyday so grateful for life and His miracles and gifts all around me. I treasure this God adventure I'm on... reminded that the best is yet to come. I read all the comments too and praying for salvation for lost loved ones that hearts are softened.... and for unique opportunities to share the good news. "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." Num 6:24-26
This may be a silly question, but she lost her life, but went to heaven, right?
I'm not sure Abby but let's hope she did!!!
Have you done a video on this topic of Lot’s wife? This post blessed me so much.
We’ll know soon! Thank you!
Good point. I see where you are coming from. Pastor Jimmy called it the “last Righteous family.” Why, because the OT Righteousness extends to the whole family? This is Old Testament and they are not yet saved by the Blood of Jesus. Were they making their choice about Righteousness in that moment, to obey or not to obey, to stay or to go? Was Lot’s wife not Righteous because she disobeyed? She was preserved with evil forever? Why was she turning back? We don’t know. What would keep us from going today, willingly? Our kids? If they are over the age of accountability won’t they still have the opportunity to choose which way they want to go during the Tribulation? Yes. It is a very sad thought, not one I would choose for them, so I will use every opportunity I have until the Rapture occurs, to point out that Heaven would be a much better place to live, or raise a family, or do anything than the world we live in, because sin is gone. We will have fully arrived at Righteous living in Heaven, by His Righteousness. For eternity. Just my thoughts.... Good question.
Thank you, I like your thinking.
What I find fascinating is Jesus' statement, "As it was in the days of Noah... Likewise, also as it was in the days of Lot..." Pastor Jimmy and other experienced scholars have conducted excellent studies (such as this one), and drawn numerous parallels to both Noah's and Lots' accounts with Matthew 24, 2Thess2 etc... So I won't repeat those points here. (I'll try to be brief : )
In reading Genesis 18 recently, particularly, Abrahams' intercession for both Lot AND SODOM (incredible! I know, it should give us pause concerning our own intercesory efforts & targets, but I digress...). Anyway, my attention was drawn to a statement Abraham makes, then repeats in this (if you would not think me irreverent) "prequel" to the rescue of Lot and his family, tragically minus his wife. In the past, while reading or hearing this account, my attention was mainly drawn to the glorious "rescue of Lot," but what I had never really SEEN before while re-reading this account was Abrahams question,
"And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous WITH the wicked?" Genesis 18:23
Abraham repeats the question a few verses later,
"Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous WITH the wicked, so that the righteous should be AS the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Genesis 18:25
Sure, I'd read these verses before, but had never SEEN them in the light of end-time prophecy, specifically, the question, “Would You also destroy the righteous WITH the wicked?"
Jesus stated, as it was in the days of Noah... Lot, so will it be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man. In light of the verse from Genesis 18 that we just read, a couple of questions could (and have been) raised such as...
1. When were Abraham and Lot rescued (saved)? Answer: right before judgment fell, in Noah's case after 7 days, in Lots case, on the same day! This leads to the question...
2. When IS the DAY OF THE LORD? (synonymous with DAY of His wrath) Answer: will vary depending on your Rapture view: pre-trib, mid-trib, pre-wrath or post-trib. It's too lengthy of a subject to attempt to cover here, but generally, pre-tribbers largely view the whole of the 70th week of Daniel (7 years) as the DAY of the Lord, with the 2nd half being "the GREAT tribulation"; pre-wrathers disagree withtthe view that he entire 7 year period is the DAY of the Lord, and prefer to simply refer to it as the 70th week of Daniel, instead of the "7 year tribulation." They argue that the first part of this week is "the beginning of sorrows," or the opening of the seals of Rev. 6 (Viz., the beginning of sorrows), and the judgements are contained on the scroll itself! In their view, the "seals" aren't judgements, but a prelude (or opening) to the Judgements (trumpets & bowls), as far as I can understand, much the same way as one opens the mail to remove what's contained inside the envelope. I haven't yet studied the other views (mid-trib, post-trib) in depth, so I can't comment on them. If you'd like an overview of the Pre-trib and pre-wrath views, I recommend this video: https://youtu.be/xwXoMNpOhos
3. So far so good, the final question is: Were there ANY righteous people left on earth when Judgement fell? Both in Noah's case and Lot's, the answer according to the Biblical record would seem to be No! The righteous were "taken out of the way" as it were, and then the wicked, "those who dwell on the earth" (compare, 1 Jn.2:15) were punished (see, Isaiah 13:9-13). In other words (remember Abrahams statement here), the Righteous weren't destroyed WITH the wicked.
"And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?"
"As it was in the days of Noah... Lot..."
"For God did not appoint us to WRATH, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." I Thessalonians 5:9-11
Why is this comforting? Both, 1). "God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation" and, 2. "whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him." Persecuted believers throughout the history of the Church to the present day (think China, Nigeria, Sudan, Middle east etc...), and the future (during the Anti-Christ's reign of terror) have and will find comfort in those words, "...we should live together with Him." The comfort is Christ Himself - "Living, moving, and having our being in Him." May we find comfort in those words, Hallelujah!
Lastly, when we put these Scriptures together, we see a glorious picture emerging in Rev 6 & 7 (I encourage you to read them, also compare Rev 6 to Matt 24 and 2 Thess. 2). Here's a preview...
REV 6:
"...And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great DAY OF HIS WRATH HAS COME, and who is able to stand?” Revelation 6:15-17
REV 7:
"After these things I SAW FOUR ANGELS STANDING AT THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “DO NOT HARM THE EARTH, THE SEA, OR THE TREES TILL WE HAVE SEALED THE SERVANTS OF OUR GOD ON THEIR FOREHEADS...After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude WHICH NO ONE COULD NUMBER, OF ALL NATIONS, TRIBES, PEOPLES, AND TONGUES, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “SALVATION BELONGS TO OUR GOD WHO SITS ON THE THRONE, AND TO THE LAMB!” Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “WHO ARE THESE ARRAYED IN WHITE ROBES, AND WHERE DID THEY COME FROM?” And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to LIVING FOUNTAINS OF WATERS. AND GOD WILL WIPE AWAY EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES.” Revelation 7:9-10, 13-17
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
"When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour..." Revelation 8:1
(Whenever I read that passage I'm almost tempted to say, "Drumroll?")
All these passages are so rich, I wish I had more time & space here to explore them, nevertheless, Don't look back!
Maranatha Lord Jesus!
Praise God!
Wow !! Just,"Wow".
Maranatha
Wow!
This article was ahhh-mazing!
Thank you for explaining the story of Lot's wife.
Great article, Jimmy, and praise God! FYI, my wife and I just ordered your book “The Four Laws of Love” from the XO Marriage website. We are excited to read it!
Great article! My husband and I have read your book Tipping Point about 5 times each, no joke! (we have a hard copy and we downloaded the audio book) We’ve really gotten a lot out of it and it makes us turn to our Bibles more. We have also purchased this book about 10 times to give to our friends and family and recently to our Thursday night small group leader. So our small group class has heard all about you, it makes for some great discussions, especially since our class is about Bible prophesy! I’m always talking about the rapture and Bible prophesy so my husband has given me the nickname of R.C. ................. rapture coordinator. 😂
Hi Jennifer, now that’s a great nickname!!🙌🏼
I am ready but my family is not. My 24 yr.old daugther that grew up in church is not 🙏
Pastor Jimmy, I fear that I would be looking back for my unsaved adult children. Other that praying that the Lord change their hearts of stone to hearts of flesh, what can I do to help them? Thank you
Tipping Point light bulb moment #672: Lot’s wife lost it all because of sentimentality. It makes one wonder what about? Maybe she was caught up in the darkness of that place and was cherishing a sinful lifestyle in a sinful culture. Or maybe she just looked back in memory of something completely and totally benign. I’m leaning towards the former. But whatever it was, she valued that sentiment (and the experiences that created it) over her God, as if whatever it was could compare to Him.
Thank you Pastor Evans!
My whole family had shut me out of there life because of my faith. They think that I have mental problems because I believe in the bible and the rapture. My two adult kids 35 and 31 won't come and visit me nor can I see my grandkids. My own 74 year old mom told me just last week that I was negative and needed psychological therapy.
I used to be real sad about it, but the bible says that in the last days that children will turn against parents and parents will turn against children. That is the reason I am able to go on. I have been a single mother most of my adult life and I do still have my 18 year old that is born again and stands by my side. I pray for my family daily. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
You are not alone Jennifer. There are a lot of people in the same situation as you are.
It is nice th know I have brothers and sisters in christ that give me comfort in these times. Thank you so much!
The best thing you can do is be kind to family and keep praying for them. They may think we are crazy, but God knows we are faithful believers. God bless you.
You are an example to us all of Courage, Faith and Trust in Jesus. You are Standing on the Rock for all you need. A Mother’s prayers go far in God’s Kingdom. I’m grateful for that one by your side... an answered prayer. We wait on Him for more. Until we see Him face to face.
Thank you so much!
Hi Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story. My heart breaks for you and so sorry you are going through this pain. The good news, this gives all of us [here] the opportunity to pray with you and pray for your lost family. Thank God for your 18 year old that you have each other to support and encourage during the hard days ahead. You are living out what it means to hold everything loosely and longing for Christ's return. I pray that you are filled with the Lord's strength to keep looking up and grace to forgive and focus on His face. God bless you, sister.
Lately, I've acutely felt the brunt of these dark days, and evil doers (particularly in politics and "high-society"). They're is almost a "righteous anger" that threatens to erupt, and one empathizes with the Psalmist and Habakkuk, "Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds." Habakkuk 1:3
Nevertheless, I'm comforted by the words in Psalms 37, Psalms 73, Habakkuk and 2 Peter 2:9,
"...and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority (for ex. the "resist" movement). They are presumptuous, self-willed..." II Peter 2:7-10
"The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw." Habakkuk 1:1
Planet Earth may look marvelous from a satellite, but for those who live on the dusty globe things tend to look rather grim. Increased turmoil, rising terrorism, mounting tragedies, unprecedented trauma, increasing pollution, deepening trials, and unparalleled tensions cast dark shadows over earthlings. The world looks more and more like some ominous black sphere with a very short fuse, a time bomb sizzling to explode.
It is little wonder that thinking people begin to ask questions. "Why is there so much oppression? Why all the injustice? Why do evil men prosper? Why do the righteous suffer? Why doesn’t God do something? Why doesn’t God make things right? Why? Why? Why?"
These penetrating questions are hardly new. Centuries before Christ came to earth, an ancient prophet looked around at the violence and wickedness of the world and cried out to God, “Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrong...? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Hab. 1:3, 13). The prophet not only asked the mysterious whys that plague mankind; he also received answers to his questions. The answers given by God are carefully recorded in the book called Habakkuk.
Habakkuk wrote in a time of international crisis and national corruption. Babylonia had just emerged on the scene as a world power. This new world empire was stretching across the world. Soon the Babylonians would overtake Judah and carry its inhabitants away into captivity. On the eve of pending destruction, a period of uncertainty and fear, Habakkuk wrote his message.
The crisis internationally was serious. But of even greater concern was the national moral & Spiritual corruption. Great unrest stirred within Judah. Josiah had been a good king. When he died, Josiah’s son Jehoahaz rose to the throne. After only three months, the king of Egypt invaded Judah, deposed king Jehoahaz, and placed his brother Jehoiakim on the throne. Jehoiakim was evil, ungodly, and rebellious (2 Kings 23:36–24:7; 2 Chron. 36:5–8). Shortly after Jehoiakim ascended to power, Habakkuk wrote his lament over the decay, violence, greed, fighting, and perverted justice that surrounded him.
Is it any wonder that Habakkuk looked at all the corruption and asked, “Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrong?… Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Hab. 1:3, 13). Godly men and women continue to ask similar “whys” in a world of increasing international crises and internal corruption.
While the stage is set for a global holocaust, an unsuspecting home audience fiddles a happy tune. The nation’s moral fiber is being eaten away by a lassie fair aire playboy attitude that makes personal pleasure the supreme goal of life. Hedonism catches fire while homes crumble. Crime soars while the church sours. Drugs, divorce, and debauchery prevail and decency dies. Frivolity dances in the streets. Faith is buried. “In God We Trust” has become a meaningless slogan stamped on corroding coins.
In such a world of crisis and chaos, Habakkuk speaks with clarity. Habakkuk is a book that is as contemporary as todays headlines.
The prophet was perplexed. Wickedness and violence seemed to go unchecked. Would there be no end to the rising tide of sin? Habakkuk took his complaint to God. “Why don’t You do something?” God answered, “I am doing something - Judah will be punished by Babylon.” The prophet was even more perplexed... Habakkuk’s distress deepened to a profound dilemma. So he continued his conversation with God. “Why would You use those wretched Babylonian barbarians to judge Judah?” In Chapter two, the prophet’s complaints were then met with the Lord’s command, “Write down the revelation.” God’s declaration included a lengthy dirge, or taunt-song, of five woes on the evil Babylonians. Chapter three climaxes with a magnificent doxology of Praise.
The ever-present “Why?” is best answered by the everlasting “Who!” Though the outlook may elicit terror, the uplook elicits trust. The prophet’s complaints and fears were resolved in confidence and faith. This is the heart of the message of Habakkuk:
“The righteous will live by his faith” (2:4).
Habakkuk’s book begins with an interrogation of God but ends as an intercession to God. Worry is transformed into worship. Fear turns to faith. Terror becomes trust. Hang-ups are resolved with hope. Anguish melts into adoration. What begins with a question mark (?) ends in an exclamation point (!). The answer to Habakkuk’s “Why?” is “Who!” His confusion, “Why all the conflict?” is resolved with his comprehension of Who is in control: God! (Psalms 2; Psalms 46). (An Introduction to the book of Habakkuk by J. Ronald Blue.)
As we walk through the valley of the shadow of death in the coming days, months, and years, may we remember these words, and cling to the Lord's faithful promises - they are sure.
Praise God!
Amen 🙏!! Our Lord is coming and Heaven awaits! We be ready for the biggest wedding of all times!! Hallelujah!! Holy is the Lord God Almighty!!
Thank you for the much needed reminder! Pray for me, like Peter, I start focusing on the waves and lose sight of the One helping me walk on the water. As the His return is closer, I find that the spiritual warfare increases and hits closer to home all the time. Praying that we are all found with our lamps full, wicks trimmed, and ready for the Bridegroom's call.
Amen... I love your comment. Praying that we all keep our wicks trimmed and our lamps burning bright until that awesome day. Shalom to you sister!
I think about Lot’s wife a lot, especially as I look around and see what this Nation is becoming.... It seems like the older I get in the Lord, the more I hear Him say, “don’t touch that” whatever it might be, as though He is getting me more and more ready in my Heart, for my new Home. That refining process that He does.... He is a good good Father, showing me right from wrong. It has been a year now since I have been in Church. I am going back, in person, this week. I have picked an Amillennial Church. In my flesh I would say, “don’t touch that.” But in this case He is saying, “touch that.” I don’t particularly want too, but I will. It goes both ways. Thank-you Holy Spirit for giving the direction that we can safely follow. You lead, to touch or not to touch, and I follow. P.S. I have joined a ladies Bible Study at the Amillennial Church; they are doing Elijah by Priscilla Shirer where false Prophets really mess things up and Elijah is Raptured in the end.... You lead Lord. I follow. Lead me always according to Your will, that I may not turn back.
In order for God to keep His promises to Israel and His covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:8-16, 23:5; Psalm 89:3-4), there must be a literal, physical kingdom on this earth. To doubt this is to call into question God’s desire and/or ability to keep His promises, and this opens up a host of other theological problems. For example, if God would renege on His promises to Israel after proclaiming those promises to be “everlasting,” how could we be sure of anything He promises, including the promises of salvation to believers in the Lord Jesus? The only solution is to take Him at His word and understand that His promises will be literally fulfilled.
Taken from GotQuestions.org