A Gospel Witness

AUGUST 30, 2020 STUDY NOTES MATTHEW 24:14 BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES A GOSPEL WITNESS INTRODUCTION In Matthew 24:14 we have a gospel witness, in Matthew 24:15 we have a wicked witness We will find that people have a choice concerning which one they will accept Matthew 24:14 & 15 have various interpretations among Bible scholars We must be careful and not allow speculation to interpret the Bible for us We must not allow personal opinions to interpret the Bible for us Which is making the Bible say what we want it to say and what we want to hear And then agreeing with those who teach it the way we want to hear it We must allow the Bible to speak for itself by comparing scripture with scripture In this passage, Jesus says that there is something that we can understand by reading the Bible It is the “Abomination of Desolation,” when it occurs, we will understand something (vs. 15) But there is something else that we must understand concerning the end which will come The gospel of the kingdom must be preached to the world before the end will come (vs. 14) Which is a very important verse for us to understand today in-order to prepare for the future Several questions must be answered, beginning with, who is going to preach the gospel? How is the gospel going to be preached throughout the world and who is going to do it? Some believe that the church has already been removed from the earth before Mt. 24 begins They have a problem with the question of “who” is going to preach the gospel to the world Their most common answer is the 144,000 Jewish evangelists will be the ones preaching In another study we will consider the ministry of the 144,000 Jews (Read Rev 7:1-8; 14:1-5) But as for now I don’t believe they are the answer to our question Some teach that the message of the gospel will go into all the world through the 2 witnesses We come up with another question when we study their ministry Is their ministry primarily to the world or to the Jews? (Revelation 11:1-14) Some teach that verse 14 has already been fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, Act 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Act 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. Some teach that the gospel has been presented throughout the world through the printed scripture The Bible has now been translated into all known languages of today’s world But is that what verse 14 is teaching us? It does teach that before the end comes, the gospel of the kingdom will be preached to the world For now, let us stay with the context of Matthew 24 to answer our question A GOSPEL WITNESS Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. First-of all, what is “this gospel of the kingdom?” We must allow scripture to tell us The word “gospel” means, “good news,” it is the good news that has come from God When we hear the word “gospel” we turn our attention to the good news of salvation The “good news” is that God has provided salvation for us through His Son, Jesus Christ We naturally relate the word “gospel” to the “Good News” of our salvation Paul defined that gospel for us, 1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 1 Paul had made known the gospel of salvation to the Corinthians through preaching The word translated “preached” means to proclaim the good news, the good news of salvation, 1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. The original is written in the present tense meaning you “are being saved” Salvation not only takes care of the past, “when you were saved” Salvation is also a “present experience” and a “future hope” Christians are “being saved” more and more each day, salvation is working in us all-of the time 1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; “First of all,” identifies the importance of this gospel, its priority, it must be above all else Of utmost importance is the fact that “Christ died for our sins” (Fact #1) Telling us of the sacrificial, substitutionary death of Jesus on the Cross “According to the scriptures” means that it was written beforehand, God’s pre-determined plan 1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: The proof of fact #1, “He was buried,” He was buried because He had died on the cross Fact #2, “He rose again,” He was no longer dead, He is no longer in the tomb, He was raised up The Gospel of salvation is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ The “gospel” is the power of God unto salvation, Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Gentiles, all who were not Jews) The gospel of salvation must be believed and received before its power works in our life Notice that the gospel was first-of all presented to the Jews, we will see other references to that We must realize that there is only “one” salvation gospel, Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Jew or Gentile) God’s “grace” has provided only “one” salvation gospel, Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: And there is no other gospel that can save, Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. The curse of God be upon those who preach any other salvation gospel, Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. A truth that is so important that it must be repeated, Gal 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. So, there is only one gospel of salvation to be preached, there is no other way to be saved In scripture, we find that one gospel of salvation has many truths related to it So, scripture presents the one salvation gospel with its many different points emphasized It is the gospel of God (Rom 1:1) the gospel of God’s grace (Acts 20:24) It is the gospel of “His Son” (Rom 1:9) the gospel of Christ (Rom 15:19) Paul called it “my gospel” (Rom. 2:16; 16:25) The “Good News” throughout the Bible is that God has a plan of salvation The good news is that through the gospel you can receive a new spiritual life, an eternal life Your sins can be forgiven, you will be delivered from an eternal damnation in hell You will spend an eternity with God which is known as Heaven That is why the gospel of salvation is not only worth living for, it is worth dying for Now let us look at what Jesus said in Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom What does Jesus mean by “this gospel of the kingdom?” What is “this gospel?” Again, the word “gospel” means a good word from God, a good message from God 2 The good news that must be preached to the world during the 70th week of Daniel is, “The gospel of the Kingdom” The “Kingdom of God” is what the Jews were looking for when Jesus came to the earth Israel longed for the kingdom the prophets spoke of, that is what their mind was set upon That is why the message of John the Baptist was, Mat 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. That is why the message of Jesus was, Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Jesus called His twelve Apostles and sent them forth with the message of the kingdom, Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. The Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God are not two different Kingdoms The two terms are the same and are interchangeable, Jesus used both terms, Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. Mat 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. There is an important point found in Matthew 16:13-23, you must read it Jesus had a question for His disciples, Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? Then He had a specific question for His disciples, But whom say ye that I am? (vs. 15) Peter had the right answer, Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Then Jesus announced that upon that truth He would build His Church (vs. 18) At that time in the ministry of Jesus, Peter’s answer would not be understood by the Jews So, Jesus gave His disciples a strict order, Mat 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. (Meaning that Jesus was the Messiah) Wow, shocking words, why did Jesus tell them that? Don’t tell them that I am “the Christ” The Jews had their minds made up, if Jesus was the Messiah, the Kingdom would be now The Jews expected the Kingdom to be established by the Messiah and they wanted it “now” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, their cry was, Mar 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Their cry was not for spiritual deliverance, but for political deliverance from their enemies, Mar 11:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. They expected “King Jesus” to establish the “Kingdom of God” at that time In Matthew 16:21 we are told why Jesus said what He did in Matthew 16:20, Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. “From that time,” the time of the previous verses, Jesus had something to show His disciples He would now show them by words, by teaching them that He “must go to Jerusalem” He must go to Jerusalem to suffer and die, He must pay the penalty for their sins He assured them of His resurrection from the dead They did not expect their Messiah to be crucified on a cross between two thieves Peter even rebuked Jesus for making such a statement, Mat 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. There is no record in the gospel accounts of any of the disciples rebuking the gospel of the kingdom They were still expecting Jesus to establish the kingdom after his resurrection They ask Jesus at the time of his ascension, Act 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? A good question because Jesus had been speaking to them about the “Kingdom of God,” Act 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 3 In the beginning of the Church Age, people were saved through the preaching of the kingdom, Act 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Throughout the book of Acts and all the way to the end we read of the preaching of the kingdom, Act 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. (This is the last verse in Acts) Just before Jesus returns to the earth the message will still be the “Gospel of the Kingdom” The Good News will be that Jesus is about to come and establish the Kingdom of God on earth But who is going to preach the “gospel of the kingdom” during the 70th week of Daniel? The same ones who have preached it since the ascension of Jesus and the coming of the Spirit Before the ascension of Jesus, He spoke to His disciples, Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Christians are to teach the world the truth of the salvation gospel, the only way of salvation These are the same disciples that He is speaking to in Matthew 24, in the “Olivet Discourse” The same disciples that were with Jesus when He instituted the Lord’s Supper (Mt. 26) The same disciples which met with Jesus in the “Upper Room Discourse (John 14) He speaks the same message to them and the message they are to speak is the same The gospel is to be preached to the world, to all nations, through all “followers of Christ” Christians have received the power to preach the Gospel to the world, Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And we have the promise that Jesus will be with us as we go, Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. We are to preach the salvation gospel until the end of the age and Jesus will be with us as we do We must also preach the “gospel of the Kingdom” until the time of the return of Christ shall be preached The Gospel “shall be preached,” the emphasis is that it will be proclaimed throughout the world It will come forth as strong as a “herald” crying out the message of the coming kingdom These words were spoken in the context of the return of Christ and the end of the age The preaching of the gospel of the kingdom will be a testimony to the world, the King is Coming Mark places this preaching of the gospel between two verses referring to a time of persecution Those living for Christ will be persecuted, Mar 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. As faithful servants of Christ, they realize they “must” spread the gospel, Mar 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. “Be published” is the same in the original as “shall be preached” in Matthew 24:14 Persecution will not prevent it from happening, the preaching of the Gospel will not be defeated The world will witness the faithfulness of those described in, Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. The time-period that Jesus speaks of will be during the 70th week of Daniel The whole world is going to witness God’s faithful people, those who will endure The world will see Christians who are strong in the Lord, Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. The world will see Christians who have put on the whole armor of God, Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The world will see Christians stand against Satan and the Antichrist, Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Satan’s most evil day will be the “Abomination of Desolation” (Matthew 24:15) 4 Christians will be persecuted but they will speak with the power of the Holy Spirit, Mar 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. The context of Mark 13 is the same as found in Matthew 24 The next verse, Matthew 24:15, is certain to take place in the middle of the 70th week The events that Jesus describes helps us to identify the meaning of “the end” Jesus said, the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached--in all the world for a witness unto all nations; Exactly what Jesus commissioned the church to do, and promised that they could do it The Great Commission actually reads, followers of Christ, go make followers of Christ” Which must continue until “the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20) During the 70th week of Daniel there will be a worldwide proclamation of the gospel The church will preach the gospel in the time of persecution through supernatural power According-to Mark’s account it will be through the power of the Holy Spirit The word “witness” identifies a testimony of truth, filled with the evidence of proof The witness to the world will be the truth about Jesus The world will be told, “Who Jesus is,” His Person and work will be declared That witness will never cease before He returns, the world will continue to hear about Jesus The world will have full warning that God’s judgment, the Day of the Lord is coming How important is that message, Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, God sends forth an angel flying through the atmosphere to proclaim the “everlasting gospel” The angel will be as visible to those living on earth as the sun and moon are The eternal gospel is the long-standing gospel, the message which has long been preached How long has it been preached? Jud 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, Enoch preached of the return of Jesus even before Jesus came to earth the first time Good news for the saints of God, but not for those who are ungodly, Jud 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. All that are “ungodly” are going to see and understand their judgment They will fully understand that their judgment is a righteous thing They will fully understand the meaning of “ungodly” and know that they lived an ungodly life “Ungodly” is used four times in this verse to describe the true character of those without God “Ungodly” refers to those who have no respect for God, no reverence for God Which results in an unrighteous, lawless, and sinful way of life The “Gospel of the Kingdom” is not the salvation gospel of Christ The emphasis is not the good news of His death, burial, and resurrection The “Gospel of the Kingdom” is the message that must be preached to all earth-dwellers Earth dwellers are those who live on the earth as if there will be no other life The reference is to their nature, they are earthly people and not Godly people Those who need to repent, turn from their worldly ways, and turn to God Listen to the message of the angel, Rev 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. The message of the angel will immediately precede the end of the age 5 and then shall the end come. The word “come” refers to something that will happen in the future The context indicates that it will soon happen following the events being presented The end will not be a single climatic event, it will be a chain of events The end will be when the many things that are now working come-to a conclusion The events that Jesus has already presented are moving toward the end and will be concluded The second coming is not a single event, it includes several events that cover a period-of time The Day of the Lord, when God will judge Satan and the lost, will precede the end of the age When the events of the Day of the Lord are complete, then shall the end come CONCLUSION The end is going to come, the end could be near, but whether it is or not The salvation gospel of Christ is a message of the grace of God and must be preached today It is the good news for all who believe it and receive Christ as Savior The gospel of the kingdom is a message of the wrath of God, it must be preached today Which is good news for the Christian, the time that we have waited for will finally come It is not good news for those who are lost, they had heard it but rejected the truth of it The “Gospel of the Kingdom” is going to be preached to the world in the 70th week of Daniel The preaching of the Kingdom points to the Person of Jesus Christ, He will reign as King The Kingdom of God refers to the reign of Jesus, which is both now and yet in the future “Now” Christ reigns in the heart of His people, in the future He will physically reign on earth The “Good News” of the Kingdom is that Jesus must return in-order to reign When He returns, He will deliver Christians from the earth before He judges Satan and sin He must judge Satan and sin before He reigns upon the earth The world is going to hear that the same Jesus who can forgive your sins and give you eternal life Is the same Jesus who is going to return to the earth, Act 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. And when He returns, He will reign as King of Kings, Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. The whole world is going to hear the message, “Jesus is going to reign” It is time for Christians to get excited and go tell everybody that Jesus is coming Listen to the song 6