Prophetic Witnesses: Faithfulness Amidst Tribulation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the prophetic events surrounding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem during the tribulation period, a time that will follow the rapture of the church. We discussed the current preparations for this temple and the future peace agreement that the Antichrist will broker with Israel. This period will see the reinstatement of Old Testament sacrificial practices, which will be a significant repudiation of Christ's sacrifice. However, amidst this turmoil, God will send two powerful witnesses to Jerusalem, as described in Revelation 11. These witnesses, believed to be Elijah and Moses, will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth, symbolizing mourning over the impending judgment.
These witnesses will possess extraordinary powers, such as calling down fire, causing droughts, and turning water into blood. Despite the Antichrist's efforts to silence them, they will continue their ministry until their divinely appointed time is complete. Their deaths will be celebrated by the world, but after three and a half days, God will resurrect them, causing great fear among their enemies. This resurrection will be a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and the promise of resurrection for all believers.
The narrative of these two witnesses serves as a profound reminder of our own call to be witnesses for Christ, regardless of the challenges we face. It underscores the importance of faithfulness, the assurance of God's protection, and the hope of resurrection and eternal life. As believers, we are called to share the gospel and live out our faith boldly, knowing that God is in control and that His ultimate triumph is assured.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sovereignty in Prophetic Events: The rebuilding of the temple and the peace agreement orchestrated by the Antichrist highlight God's control over future events. These occurrences are not random but are part of God's divine plan, fulfilling biblical prophecy and setting the stage for His ultimate victory. [01:36]
2. The Role of the Two Witnesses: The two witnesses, believed to be Elijah and Moses, will prophesy during the tribulation, demonstrating God's power through miraculous signs. Their ministry will be a beacon of hope and a call to repentance, even in the face of severe persecution. [05:51]
3. The Power of the Holy Spirit: The witnesses' ability to perform miracles and withstand the Antichrist's attacks underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. As believers, we are called to be effective witnesses, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. [07:56]
4. Resurrection and Eternal Life: The resurrection of the two witnesses after three and a half days serves as a powerful reminder of the promise of resurrection and eternal life for all believers. This event reinforces our hope in God's ultimate triumph over death and His promise of eternal life. [19:44]
5. Call to Faithfulness and Witnessing: The story of the two witnesses challenges us to remain faithful and courageous in sharing our faith, regardless of the opposition we may face. It reminds us that our lives are divinely appointed, and we are called to be witnesses for Christ until our testimony is complete. [22:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:36] - Prophetic Events and the Rebuilding of the Temple
[03:14] - Introduction of the Two Witnesses
[05:51] - The Ministry and Power of the Witnesses
[07:56] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[10:24] - Identifying the Two Witnesses
[14:10] - The Witnesses' Testimony and Death
[19:44] - Resurrection and Ascension of the Witnesses
[22:42] - Call to Faithfulness and Witnessing
[27:04] - Invitation to Salvation
[30:07] - Gospel Invitation and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Revelation 11:3-12
- Matthew 24:14
- Zechariah 4:1-6
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Revelation 11:3, how long will the two witnesses prophesy, and what will they be wearing?
2. What miraculous powers are the two witnesses described as having in Revelation 11:5-6?
3. How does the world react to the death of the two witnesses, and what happens three and a half days later? (Revelation 11:9-11)
4. What does Matthew 24:14 say about the preaching of the gospel and the end times?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What is the significance of the two witnesses being clothed in sackcloth, and how does this relate to their message? [05:51]
2. How does the resurrection of the two witnesses after three and a half days serve as a testament to God's sovereignty and power? [19:44]
3. In what ways do the powers of the two witnesses (calling down fire, causing droughts, turning water into blood) reflect the ministries of Elijah and Moses? [11:30]
4. How does the narrative of the two witnesses challenge believers to remain faithful and courageous in their own witness for Christ? [22:42]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the importance of being witnesses for Christ despite opposition. Can you think of a recent situation where you felt challenged to share your faith? How did you respond? [22:42]
2. Reflecting on the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the two witnesses, how can you rely more on the Holy Spirit in your daily life and ministry? [07:56]
3. The resurrection of the two witnesses is a powerful reminder of the promise of eternal life. How does this promise influence your perspective on life and death? [19:44]
4. The two witnesses were faithful to their mission despite severe persecution. What steps can you take to remain faithful in your own calling, even when facing difficulties? [14:10]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of sharing the gospel boldly. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What specific action can you take this week to share your faith with them? [22:42]
6. Considering the current preparations for the rebuilding of the temple and the prophetic events discussed, how does this knowledge impact your understanding of God's sovereignty and control over future events? [01:36]
7. The sermon highlighted the celebration of the world over the death of the two witnesses. How can you prepare yourself to stand firm in your faith when the world celebrates what is contrary to God's truth? [17:16]
Devotional
### Day 1: God's Sovereignty in Prophetic Events
Description: The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and the peace agreement orchestrated by the Antichrist are not random occurrences but are part of God's divine plan. These events highlight God's control over future events, fulfilling biblical prophecy and setting the stage for His ultimate victory. Understanding that these prophetic events are under God's sovereignty can bring comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that nothing happens outside of His will. This knowledge encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when the world seems chaotic and uncertain. [01:36]
Bible Passage: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing that God is in control of future events change the way you view current world events and personal challenges? Can you identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust God's sovereignty more fully?
### Day 2: The Role of the Two Witnesses
Description: The two witnesses, believed to be Elijah and Moses, will prophesy during the tribulation, demonstrating God's power through miraculous signs. Their ministry will be a beacon of hope and a call to repentance, even in the face of severe persecution. These witnesses will possess extraordinary powers, such as calling down fire, causing droughts, and turning water into blood. Despite the Antichrist's efforts to silence them, they will continue their ministry until their divinely appointed time is complete. Their steadfastness and miraculous works serve as a powerful reminder of God's presence and power during times of great trial. [05:51]
Bible Passage: "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." (Revelation 11:3, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you be a witness for Christ in your daily life, even when facing opposition or challenges? How can you rely on God's power to sustain you in your ministry?
### Day 3: The Power of the Holy Spirit
Description: The witnesses' ability to perform miracles and withstand the Antichrist's attacks underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. As believers, we are called to be effective witnesses, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. The Holy Spirit equips us with the strength and wisdom needed to fulfill our calling, even in the face of adversity. This reliance on the Holy Spirit is crucial for living out our faith boldly and effectively, as it is through His power that we can overcome obstacles and bear witness to the truth of the gospel. [07:56]
Bible Passage: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to seek His guidance and empowerment in your witness for Christ?
### Day 4: Resurrection and Eternal Life
Description: The resurrection of the two witnesses after three and a half days serves as a powerful reminder of the promise of resurrection and eternal life for all believers. This event reinforces our hope in God's ultimate triumph over death and His promise of eternal life. The resurrection of the witnesses will cause great fear among their enemies and serve as a testament to God's sovereignty and power. For believers, this promise of resurrection provides hope and assurance that, despite the trials and tribulations we may face, we have the certainty of eternal life with God. [19:44]
Bible Passage: "For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his." (Romans 6:5, ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of resurrection and eternal life influence your perspective on current struggles and challenges? In what ways can you live with a greater sense of hope and assurance in God's ultimate victory?
### Day 5: Call to Faithfulness and Witnessing
Description: The story of the two witnesses challenges us to remain faithful and courageous in sharing our faith, regardless of the opposition we may face. It reminds us that our lives are divinely appointed, and we are called to be witnesses for Christ until our testimony is complete. This call to faithfulness involves living out our faith boldly, sharing the gospel, and trusting in God's protection and guidance. As we witness for Christ, we can be assured that God is in control and that His ultimate triumph is assured. [22:42]
Bible Passage: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to be a more faithful and courageous witness for Christ in your daily life? How can you trust in God's protection and guidance as you share your faith with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If we're to be effective witnesses in our world, folks, we must have a continual abundant supply of the Holy Spirit as we project the Holy Spirit into our lives. We must project the light of the gospel to those around us. And that's why when we got saved, the Holy Spirit came to live within us. And He never leaves us. He'll never forsake us. We always have that power of the Holy Spirit living in our lives." [07:56] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "As believers, we die to sin and we're raised to walk in a new kind of life. That's what we talk about in the in the baptistry. But that is really the truth, literally the truth, when someone comes to know Christ. As believers, we die to that sin and John writes in verse 11, now after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered them and they stood on their feet and the great fear fell on those who saw them." [19:44] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Folks, listen. Thank God. Neither can we be taken off of this earth until we finish our testimony. The devil doesn't. The devil doesn't have power over our lives. We're witnesses of the Lord, and he will protect us until our testimony is finished. This passage illustrates the difference between being a witness also and giving testimony. I mean, witness is not something that we do. Being a witness is something that we are. That's who we are. Giving testimony, then, is what a witness does." [14:10] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The resurrection of these witnesses after three and a half days serves as a powerful reminder to us of resurrection and eternal life that has been promised to those who faithfully follow Christ. And folks, this is not just a good story. This is going to take place. Just as we read in the scripture. And doesn't that reinforce the hope of victory over death in your own life and the assurance of God's ultimate triumph as He raises you from the dead?" [25:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The way that we receive eternal life is not by trying to reach out to God, but the fact that He reached down to us. He provided for us a Savior, Christ Jesus, who died on the cross, giving His life so that you would not have to. The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death. And because of our sin nature, because of the sins that we commit even, we deserve to die. That's the penalty. But Jesus paid that penalty for us on the cross." [31:28] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But those events and others miraculously occurred, clearing the way for the gospel to be preached throughout all of the world as a fulfillment of scripture. That we... That we find in Matthew chapter 24, verse 14, that tells us that those things are going to happen, that the gospel will be preached all around the world, and then the end will come." [01:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The wicked and furious persecution that's leveled against these witnesses will demonstrate again the sovereignty of God before the eyes of the world. And this time, the Antichrist will wreak havoc on the world and cause the death of any and all who refuse his mark. And the face of these two witnesses, however, will rest completely in the hands of God. He holds their fate in his hands." [13:21] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The account of the two witnesses that we read here in chapter 11, it's full of symbolism and rich with theological significance. But because you know the Lord Jesus as your savior, you need to be reminded of your personal faithfulness, of your personal witness. The two witnesses here symbolize the Lord Jesus. They symbolize steadfastness in faith and the importance of bearing witness to God's truth, even in the face of persecution and opposition." [21:47] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "As your pastor, I've sat in hospital rooms and I've held the hands of people who are dying and prayed with them as they slipped out into eternity. And I've had a time or two with some of our older folks as they've gotten sick and they've gone into assisted living or in rest home facilities or maybe they were at home but very ill, couldn't get out and come to church anymore. I might go by and see them. And more than on one occasion, several different occasions, people would ask me, Pastor, why is God leaving me here? Why am I still here? You know, I don't understand all of the reasons why God might leave someone in a situation like this." [24:20] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The events surrounding the two witnesses, including their miraculous resurrection, that serves as a wake-up call to us. To those who are lost, those who don't know Christ, it's time to receive Jesus. This is an invitation to recognize the power of God, the fact that He is at work in your life, and He's calling you to Himself. He's saying, come to me now. It's the truth of God's message. He's saying, repent before it is too late." [27:04] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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