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The only safe haven in the day of the LORD’s wrath will be to have faith in God. Zephaniah 2:3 (RSV), “Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his commands; seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the wrath of the LORD.” Remember how the Lord provided for Elijah? Elijah told sinful King Ahab that Israel would not have dew nor rain for three and one half years. There was a severe drought. However, Elijah loved and obeyed God. God told His prophet, “‘Depart from here…and hide yourself by the brook Cherith,…You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” …  (when the brook dried up, God said,) 9 ‘Arise, go to Zar’ephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.’” 1 Kings 17:3-4, 9 (RSV) Jesus exhorted the Jews to “Have faith in God.’” Mark 11:22 If you feel as though you need more faith, ask God to increase your faith. James wrote, “Submit yourselves therefore to God…Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:7-8 (ESV) God’s wrath will demolish all the unjust and corrupt systems on Earth.  But this will prepare mankind for the establishment of Christ’s kingdom on Earth. “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth…” Isaiah 2:17-22 (NIV), 17 “The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, 18 and the idols will totally disappear. 19 People will flee to caves in the rocks and to holes in the ground from the fearful presence of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth. 20 In that day people will throw away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and idols of gold (symbolic of trusting in money) which they made to worship. 21 They will flee to caverns in the rocks and to the overhanging crags from the fearful presence of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth. 22 Stop trusting in mere humans,…” As the psalmist David wrote, “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him;…” Psalm 91:14-15 (ESV).

Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus was very sick. But instead of visiting him right away, he waited until Lazarus had died and been in the tomb for four days (see John 11:17). Why? Because this way the miracle would have the most powerful effect. Lazarus was truly dead. No one could say he was just resting deeply or in a coma. In a seemingly curious conversation, Jesus first told his disciples that Lazarus was “sleeping,” and that he would go and wake him up. The disciples, thinking he was referring to ACTUAL sleep, said that if Lazarus was resting, then he would get better. (see John 11:12) Jesus then told them plainly that Lazarus was dead. (see John 11:14) Here Jesus gave us a clue as to what death is like – sleeping. With God’s power, Jesus will eventually awaken EVERYONE who has ever died out of this “sleep” condition in the future resurrection. (see John 5:28,29) After Jesus said that Lazarus was dead, he added, “…I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe.” (John 11:15, NKJ) He meant that seeing Lazarus raised would help them believe in the resurrection power of God – which would soon become a great comfort to them after Jesus was crucified. This miracle made a lasting impression on many. (see John 12:17,18) Before Jesus performed the miracle, he prayed aloud in front of Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, and other witnesses, thanking God for hearing him. He said this so they would believe that God DID actually send him to be the Savior of the world (see John 11:42). Jesus made it clear that the power to raise Lazarus was coming from God and not himself. In our day, when we learn about this miracle, we not only recognize God’s power through His son, but we see the compassionate character of Jesus. When he arrived and saw all the people crying, he cried too. In the shortest scripture in the Bible, John (11:35, NIV) said, “Jesus wept.” Even though he KNEW Lazarus was going to be raised, he STILL felt sad and sympathized with everyone who was crying. His reaction helps us more easily relate to the human man, Jesus. So, why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead? To give evidence of God’s power over death through Jesus, to encourage and strengthen the faith of his disciples, and to help us all better imagine the joy of what the resurrection will be like in God’s future kingdom!

Use your gift and abilities in God’s service. Romans 12:6-8 (NIV), “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” God expects His consecrated children to use all of our abilities to serve and glorify Him. Even if we think we have very few abilities, God wants us to use them. If God is pleased with our services, He may help us to develop more talents with more opportunities to honor HIm. Consider the Parable of the Pounds. Luke 19:12-13, 16-17, 20-22, 24 (RSV), 12… “A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return. 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, ‘Trade (use) with these till I come.’ … (When the nobleman returned…)16 The first (servant) came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ … 20 Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your pound, which I kept laid away in a napkin; 21 for I was afraid of you,…you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man’ … 24 And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the pound from him, and give it to him who has the ten pounds.’ Remember Luke 16:10 (NKJV), “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much…” Just a note: The miraculous gifts of the spirit are different from a person’s talents. God gave miraculous gifts to the early church in order to establish the church and to spread the Gospel. The miraculous gifts included speaking in foreign languages, healing, and even prophesying. These gifts were first given through the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Afterward, only the twelve apostles could pass on gifts to other believers. However, when the apostles died and those with the miraculous gifts died, those gifts ceased. Once the full New Testament was complete, miraculous gifts were no longer needed. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (RSV), “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

In the twelfth chapter of John, Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for his upcoming death. He explains that the work he was sent to do as the man Christ Jesus was coming to an end, and for that work to be fruitful, he must die (John 12:24). He also tells them that he is a light that was sent into the world and was about to leave the world in darkness. But those who believe in him would not be in the dark but children of light (John 12:35-36). In verse 32 Jesus speaks of being “lifted up.” This signified that he was to be hung on a cross. Remember Jesus’s words in John 3:14-15 (NKJV), “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus was referencing the time when Moses put a copper serpent on a pole and lifted it up so that anyone who had been bitten by a serpent could look upon it and be cured. (Numbers 21:8-9) How could the perfect man Jesus be symbolized by a serpent? 2 Corinthians 5:21 (CSB), “He (God) made the one who did not know sin to be sin (pictured by the serpent) for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Thus, Jesus’s death on the cross would be enough to bring all of humanity unto him and to be a cure from the power of the serpent (Satan).

Israel descended from Abraham. God told Abraham to leave his ancestral homeland and go to “the land which I shall show you”. (Genesis 12:1).  Abraham did as he was told. However, God also told him that he would NOT own anything in that land, but that his descendants would become a nation and inhabit the land. (Genesis 13:14-18, Ezekiel 33:24, Hebrews 11:8, Galatians 3:18). The Israelites were actually instructed by God to destroy their enemies with complete destruction. (Also see Numbers 33:52, Deuteronomy 13:15, Joshua 8:26, 9:24, 10:1, 2 Chronicles 20:23,33:9.) However, in Genesis 15, God relates His principle before He would command the destruction of any peoples. Genesis 15:16 (NLT),  “After four generations your descendants will return here to this land, for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction.” What were the sins of the Amorites and of the other Pagan nations which were destroyed? A few sinful practices include women enslaved as temple prostitutes, babies sacrificed alive by fire, seances, divination, fortune telling, and Satan/demon worship. All of these sins bring sorrow, pain, even death. God ordered the destruction of nations when their practices had reached such a sinful point that it would be better to end those nations’ existences. But remember, none of those people went to a place of eternal torment. Additionally, God’s laws commanded the Israelites to treat prisoners, slaves and those in debt with fairness. See Leviticus 25:23,35,40,47 and Numbers 35:15. God’s ways are higher than man’s ways. Isaiah 55:9 (NASB), “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God’s plans for his human creation are not finished yet.  He has appointed a resurrection time when EVERYONE who has died will be brought back to life and given an opportunity to live in peace on Earth forever.  Jesus refers to God’s destruction of life in ancient times as being for their ultimate good. Matthew 11:24 (NASB), “But I (Jesus) say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee…” (Also see Mark 6:11.) God keeps his promises. John 5:28-29 (NASB), “… a time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice,  and will come out: those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the bad deeds to a resurrection of judgment.” Israel will be God’s channel to bless the world. Isaiah 2:3 (NASB), “…many peoples will say, ‘Come, let’s go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; So that He may teach us about His ways, And that we may walk in His paths.’ For the law will go out from Zion And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Also see Isaiah 45:17, Romans 11:26)

Fellowship means having a friendship with people who share similar interests. Christians share a love for God, Jesus and the Bible, so they have lots in common. Fellowship helps to form a strong relationship with others who want to serve the Lord. Jesus taught in the book of John (15:12, NLT), “…Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” He spent time fellowshipping with those he loved, and who also loved God. When we really get to know someone, like a best friend, we can understand them better. Is there someone at your church you’d like to know better? Sharing your love of the Bible is a great place to start! Begin your fellowship with someone new by asking them what their favorite scripture is and why, or which person in the Bible inspires them the most. A new friend is just a question away – through fellowship! You will likely meet Christians who have been following Jesus longer than you have. This means there is more to learn! In your fellowship time, ask questions about the Bible from those with more knowledge. Pay attention to your teachers in Bible class, learning all you can. God has graciously given us so much to study – and discuss through fellowship – that we can never be bored! In Hebrews, the Apostle Paul says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,…” (Hebrews 10:24, English Standard Version) Fellowship can motivate us to serve the Lord even more by getting involved in activities with others who inspire us. When we see their service, and how much joy it brings others, we want to join in! Finally, life has many hard experiences. Christians we fellowship with can give us special comfort and encouragement through tough times because they are familiar with God’s love and His promises. Is someone you know grieving because a loved one has passed away? Give them a card with a reassuring scripture, such as: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain…” (Revelation 21:4, NLT) Every person who has ever died will be brought back to life in God’s future kingdom, and you can share this Good News through your fellowship. So, why is Christian fellowship important? We can be brought closer to others who share the same Christian values we do. Jesus’ actions and words teach us to spend time with and love each other as he did. We can learn more about God’s plan by fellowshipping with those who have been studying God’s word longer. We can become inspired to serve the Lord when we see the good examples of service by others around us. We can both give and receive comfort and encouragement through tough times. We can do many things together by strengthening the bonds of our Christian fellowship!

Romans 9:11, 14-16, 18 (ESV), 11 “. . . God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— … 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion,… 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.” God elects different people during different periods to be His special tools to further His purposes. But what happens to those not selected? Are they forever unsaved? No. Is it God’s plan or purpose that the world should be converted before Christ’s kingdom on Earth? If your answer is yes, God’s plan is failing miserably. At least 90% of those who have lived have died unsaved. Yet God’s plan cannot fail. Isaiah 55:11 (ESV), “so shall my word be. . . it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Compare the following scriptures: John 12:40 (NASB20), “He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart, so that they will not see with their eyes and understand  with their heart, and be converted, so I will not heal them.” “Who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise … not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Yes, God does want all to be saved. However, God has given us all free will, and some, like the great adversary Satan, will not want to abandon sin. Now God is calling the church class to deny their wills and to follow Jesus through the opposition of sin and Satan. God’s time to convert the world is future. All shall be resurrected (John 5:28-29) and certainly learn God’s truth of salvation. Those who have hardened their hearts now will be given the blessing promised in Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV), “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” BUT this salvation is only for the willing. God does not force any. “whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

Hebrews 2:14 (NIV), “Since the children have flesh and blood, he (Jesus) too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil-’’ How much does Satan have to do with the calamities of the present time (the storms, earthquakes, etc.)?  Aside from his general precipitation of all these things through leading Eve into sin is not clearly shown in the Scriptures. It is intimated that he has much to do with all of man’s calamities, both indirectly and directly. But the lesson provided in Job’s case shows that, in the case of God’s people at least, Satan’s power is limited. He cannot destroy them at his will; he cannot touch them with adversity except as their God permits. And we have the blessed assurance that God will permit only such calamities as will serve to develop us, and to test our trust and obedience. For this reason we cannot give to Hebrews 2:14 the full force implied in our common versions. Had Satan the power of death fully in his control, he would have had the saints of God perish from the earth long ago. However great a power he may exercise over the world, we know that his power does not extend to the Church. (See John 7:30; 13:1.) In the Hebrews verse, it seems evident that the word translated power would have been better translated dominion. Satan’s dominion is the dominion of death – i.e., death is the sure result to all who serve and obey him.

Yes. In fact the entire present evil world (Galatians 1:4) is under God’s judgment. Consider the symbolic picture in Revelation 19:11-12, 14-16 (NKJV), 11 “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 …on His head were many crowns. … 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” God loves mankind and wants to relieve their oppression and suffering. Christ’s rod of iron symbolizes that He will stop all sin. Isaiah 65:25 (NKJV), “‘…They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,’ Says the LORD.” We are living in the end times. Christ is setting up His eternal kingdom, but in order to do this He must first destroy the unjust systems of government, social orders, false religions, etc. Then Christ will establish His righteous rule of justice and love. Daniel 2:44 (NIV), “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” Therefore, God instructs us, “Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.” (Isaiah 26:20) God will shorten the severe time of trouble in order to begin the blessings of God’s kingdom on earth. “For he will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.” (Romans 9:28) After God’s wrath, mankind will rejoice in the resurrection. “Your dead will live, LORD; their bodies will rise—?let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy—?your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.” Isaiah 26:19.

God created the spirit being we know as Satan. The prophet Isaiah indicates he was once known as “Lucifer.” (see Isaiah 14:12 – KJV uses the term “Lucifer”) He calls him “son of the morning,” but other translations (of the Bible) say “star of the morning,” implying he was bright and beautiful, like a light in heaven. Lucifer was given the task of watching over Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. (see Ezekiel 28:14) But tragically, he had a pride problem. Isaiah (14:13,14, NLT) tells us, “For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars…I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’” He wanted to be like God! So instead of being a blessing to our first parents, he took the form of a snake and deceived Eve with a lie, because he wanted power and authority – to rule over God’s creation. Jesus, in his pre-human existence, saw him fall away from God because of his pride. In Luke, he says, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:18, NKJ) After God cast Lucifer out of heaven, he was called by a new name – Satan. (see 1 Chronicles 21:1, Job chapters 1 and 2, Matthew 4:10) In the book of Matthew, where he tried unsuccessfully to tempt Jesus into disobeying God, he is also called “the tempter,” and “the devil.” (see Matthew 4:1,3,5) In Ephesians (see 2:2, NASB translation), Paul called Satan “the prince of the power of the air” because he is permitted – for now – to live invisibly in our atmosphere where he encourages mankind to do evil things. In John, Jesus referred to Satan as the “ruler of this world.” (see John 12:31, NKJ translation) In 2 Corinthians (4:4, NLT), the Apostle Paul called Satan the “god of this world,” and said we are not unaware of his evil schemes. (2:11) Jesus described Satan’s character in John: (John 8:44, Berean Study Bible) “He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” Satan is dangerous, and his goal is to turn people away from God, so we must be careful. Peter says, (1 Peter 5:8, NIV) “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Satan is sneaky and deceitful. Paul says (2 Corinthians 11:14, NLT), “Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” This means that witchcraft can appear to be harmless, or ungodly actions like evil speaking can somehow seem ok. Fortunately, James gives us excellent advice: (James 4:7, NKJ) “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” So, what does the Bible say about Satan? He is a prideful, dangerous spirit being that God cast out of heaven. He now lives invisibly in our atmosphere, doing all he can to disrupt God’s plan. However, he will eventually be destroyed. (see Revelation 20:10) In the meantime, let’s be on our guard from ALL evil influences and do our best to follow God’s righteous principles.