The Prophetic Peaks of Advent

The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 INTRODUCTION Today my sermon is on the Joy of Advent. Yes, the Joy of Advent. No, I’m not talking about the Joy of Christmas. Advent and Christmas are two different seasons. Advent is another term for “coming” or “appearance.” The term refers to the “Coming of Christ.” While Advent is inclusive of Christmas, it points beyond Christmas to the coming King of Kings. Advent points beyond Christmas to the coming Reign of God, to the New Heaven and New Earth, and to the New Jerusalem. Christmas has one type of Joy, but Advent points to a future and even greater joy. To compare the joy of Christmas with the joy of Advent is like comparing canned or dried fruit to fruit pick ripe and fresh from a tree. To compare the joy of Christmas with the joy of Advent is like comparing a toddler’s embrace of a teddy bear to that same grown man’s embrace of his soul mate on his wedding night. To compare the joy of Christmas with the joy of Advent is like comparing the love that a child feels when seeing his father and mother with the love that a man or woman feels the first time they hold their new born child in their arms. Page 1 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 Yes, there is joy in the birth of Jesus, but OOOOOOOOOO when Christ comes again, when the sky is filled with his glory, when Christ sits on his throne: there will be no more death and no more dying, no more sickness and no more crying, OOOOOOOOO when Jesus comes back, that day will be a day of Joy and of Rejoicing. OOOOOOOOO when Jesus comes back, there will be Joy unspeakable and Joy beyond our wildest imaginings. Scriptures tell us Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 -17 NLT “Praise our God, all his servants, all who fear him, from the least to the greatest.” “. . . Praise the LORD! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself.” Revelations 19:5-7 NLT Praise him saints! Let’s rejoice in the Lord! Come on Choir! Page 2 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 SERMON OPENING In the church’s liturgical calendar, the Advent Season and Christmas are two different events. Both Advent and Christmas were originally minor elements in the celebration of the Epiphany of Christ, that is, the celebration of God’s manifestation starting with Jesus’ baptism. Consequently, Epiphany is considered more significant than Christmas because Epiphany points the start of Jesus’ public ministry on our behalf. In a similar fashion, Christmas also pales in comparison to Advent when one considers what Advent is and what it proclaims. We must realize that Advent is more than simply a celebration of Christ’s Birthday; Advent points to the culmination of God’s purpose and the longing of all of creation. Paul says in Romans 8:18-25: I am sure that what we are suffering now cannot compare with the glory that will be shown to us. . . ... We know that all creation is still groaning and is in pain, like a woman about to give birth. The Spirit is our assurance (1 Cor. 1:22, Eph. 1:14) of what we will become and be in the future. But now we groan silently, while we wait Page 3 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 for God to show that we are his children. This means that our bodies will also be set free. And this hope is what saves us. [CEV Romans 8:18-25] My purpose today is to help you see Advent for what it is. My purpose today is to help you see the hope that Advent brings. My purpose today is to help you see the joy that Advent reveals. My purpose today is to help you see the Prophetic Peaks of Advent. Let us pray: SERMONIC PRAYER PULPIT COURTESIES Page 4 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 BODY OF SERMON The dilemma that we face today is not found in the Advent texts themselves. Our problem is our perspectives on those texts. Look at the following slides. In this slide “A”, the most prominent The Prophetic Peaks of Advent Slide A feature is the lake at the top left-hand corner (Blue Arrow). The Prophetic Peaks of Advent Slide B In the slide “B”, the lake that was once so prominent becomes insignificant when compared to the larger lake seen in the upper The Prophetic Peaks of Advent Slide C right-hand corner (red arrow). In slide “C”, the larger lake is dwarfed by the mountain that looms behind it (Green Arrow). The Prophet Peaks of Advent Slide D And in the final slide, it is the mountain peaks that draw our attention (Purple Arrow). Page 5 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 A similar thing happens when we look at the Advent prophecies. What the saints of the Old Testament and Christ Disciples expected before Advent Expectations of the Apostles Acts 1:6-11 NLT Christ ascended into heaven was different from what those same disciples learned after Pentecost. We must remember that the Jews were expecting the Messiah to come and to re-establish a Davidic Kingdom. They were expecting a Warrior King, not a man of sorrow acquainted with grief and a lamb destined for slaughter. It is recorded that the Disciples of Jesus were still hoping for him to establish earthly rule on the very day that Jesus ascended into heaven. Acts 1:6-11: [Use the SONGSHOW PLUS Program.] 6 When the apostles were all together, they asked Jesus, "Lord, are you now going to give the kingdom back to Israel?" 7 Jesus said to them, "The Father is the only One who has the authority to decide dates and times. These things are not for you to know.” 9 After he said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud hid him from their sight.10 As he was going, they were looking into the Page 6 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 sky. Suddenly, two men wearing white clothes stood beside them. 11They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus, whom you saw taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go." (Acts 1:6-11 NLT) Advent Presuppositions The Jewish expectation was that the Anointed, the Messiah, the Christ, would re-establish an earthly kingdom where justice would prevail over evil. They expected the Kingdom of Israel would be restored to it ancient boundaries under David and Solomon. I h ia sa :8 61 Oth er 1 -1 iah Isa :1 61 Prop hec ies 4 Luk e 1: 46 55 hn Jo 6 1: 8 – d an 19 8 -2 Pre-Ascension Perspective The Prophetic Peaks of Advent – PrePreAscension Perspective 2 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent Pro ph Te sta me nt Old n tio cta xpe ry E ntu Ce expectation. t prophecies, they read them with this t igh fS o e Lin 1s So, when they heard these Advent eci es One Mountain With One Peak Advent Mountain Pre-Ascension Perspective They did not know that there would be an interval of over 2000 years between the birth of the Messiah and his future reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Like someone viewing a mountain from the valley floor, they remain ignorant of the mountain peaks beyond their line of sight. Page 7 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 When you and I read the Advent Scriptures and think they refer only to the Christmas story, we make the same mistake in reverse. While a Jewish person will see only the warrior King; we often see only the babe in the manger. Our lines of sights have hindered us from seeing what lies beyond the first mountain peak. The bold texts represent those parts of the Advent prophecies that have yet come to fruition. Isaiah 61:1-4 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released, and prisoners will be freed. 2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. 3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. Isaiah 61:8-11 8 “For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9Their descendants will be Page 8 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 recognized and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the Lord has blessed.” 10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. 11 The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere. I don’t know about you, but I see no ancient ruins repaired. I have not seen God’s anger being unleashed upon his enemies. I have not seen his justice prevailing in the world. Even Mary’s own song has promises and prophecies that have not yet found its fulfillment. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. Luke 1:51-55 NLT Either the Spirit of God has uttered a lie, or these are promises that will be fulfilled in the future. Page 9 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Prophetic Peaks of4:15-18 Advent – PrePreSermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1TheThessalonians Ascension Perspective 2 The Old Testament saints and the The Prophetic Peaks of Advent Te sta me nt Old one mountain; one peak; one coming. n tio cta xpe ry E ntu Ce perspective of Advent. They expected t t igh fS o e Lin 1s early disciples had a pre-ascension Pro ph eci es One Mountain With One Peak Advent Mountain Pre-Ascension Perspective The Prophetic Peaks of Advent – PrePre-Ascension Perspective 3 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent They were unaware that the One Mountain Range with Three Peaks Advent consisted of several comings; there spiritual line of sight prevented ht Sig f eo Lin Advent Mountain them from seeing the whole of Advent Pre-Ascension Perspective prophecy. Now after Jesus’ ascension, the Holy Spirit made it clear to them that the Advent or Coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God’s kingdom would take place in three preordained movements. Page 10 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 The second peak or phase of Advent would involve Christ visible The Prophetic Peaks of Advent -- 2nd Coming Texts Verses 1 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent Christ’s 2nd Coming Revelation return when all of humanity will see him. There will be the sound of a great Matthew 24:26-31 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 Revelations 19:11-16; 19-21 Revelations 20:1-6 Christ’s Second Coming 1. The 1st Resurrection of the Saints 2. Rebuilding of Jerusalem 3. One Thousand Years Reign trumpet blast and the saints of God will 1000 Year arise from their grave and reign upon Post-Ascension Perspective earth for 1,000 years. Matthews 24:26-31 NLT reads: [Use the SONGSHOW PLUS Program.] 26 “So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it! 27 For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. . .. . . . . And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Page 11 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 NLT reads: [Use the SONGSHOW PLUS Program.] We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven . . . and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. Revelations 19 and 20 NLT read: [Use the SONGSHOW PLUS Program.] 11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. . .. 15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God. . .. 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelations 19:11-16 NLT Page 12 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 19Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army. 20 . . . Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse. . .. Revelations 19:19-21 NLT 1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven . . .. 2 He seized the dragon—that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan—and bound him in chains for a thousand years. . .. 4 Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. . .. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 This is the first resurrection. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.) 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them, the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years. Revelations 20:1-6 NLT We see that the second peak of Advent involves Christ visible earthly return through the Clouds as stated in Acts 1, with the sound of a great trumpet as stated in Page 13 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 1st Thessalonians. And the dead in Christ shall rise from the grave and together with those who are still alive they Then Christ will slaughter the armies of his enemies and we shall shall meet Christ in midair. The Prophetic Peaks of Advent -- 2nd The Prophetic Peaks of AdventComingTexts TextsSummary Summary 2nd Coming The Prophetic Peaks of Advent Christ’s 2nd Coming Revelation Matthew 24:26-31 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 return to earth to rule over the nations. Revelations 19:11-16; 19-21 Revelations 20:1-6 Jerusalem shall be rebuilt and become the new world capital as it is recorded in Christ’s Second Coming 1. The 1st Resurrection (of the Saints) 2. Rebuilding of Jerusalem 3. One Thousand Years Reign 1000 Year Post-Ascension Perspective Revelation. But there is a third phase or Advent peak. After a thousand years have past, Satan will be let loose from the abyss to deceive once again the peoples of the The Prophetic Peaks of Advent -- New The Prophetic Peaks of Adventand New Earth NewHeaven Heaven and New Earth 1 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent New Heaven and New Earth Revelation Zephaniah 1:18 2 Peter 3:9-11 Zephaniah 3:8 Revelations 20:6-21:4 Malachi 4:1-3 Revelations 21: 22-26 ❖2nd Resurrection and Great Judgment ❖Destruction of the Heavens and Earth by Fire ❖ Creation of the New Heaven and New Earth world. And they will stage a revolt and ❖The Descending of New Jerusalem Post-Ascension Perspective will march on the heavenly city. Page 14 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 We are told in Scripture that: Malachi 4:1-2 NLT [Use the SONGSHOW PLUS Program.] 1 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day, the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all. 2 Peter 3:9-10 NLT [Use the SONGSHOW PLUS Program.] But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. Revelations 20:7-21:4 [Use the SONGSHOW PLUS Program.] 7 When the thousand years come to an end, Satan will be let out of his prison. 8 He will go out to deceive the nations. . . in every corner of the earth. He will gather them together for battle. . .. 9 And I saw them as they went up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded God’s people and the beloved city. But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them. Page 15 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 10 Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. . .. 11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Page 16 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 As the Scriptures reveal, the third The Prophetic Peaks of Advent -- New Heaven and New Earth peak or period that will come at the end The Prophetic Peaks of Advent of the 1000-year period will involve Zephaniah 1:18 2 Peter 3:9-11 Zephaniah 3:8 Revelations 20:6-21:4 Malachi 4:1-3 Revelations 21: 22-26 New Heaven and New Earth Revelation rebellion of the nations who will surround and attack the Holy City. However, God will send down fire from ❖2nd Resurrection and Great Judgment ❖Destruction of the Heavens and Earth by Fire ❖ Creation of the New Heaven and New Earth ❖The Descending of New Jerusalem Post-Ascension Perspective heaven and consume all the rebels. Afterward, the Devil will be cast into the Lake of Fire. Then all the dead . . . will be raised from the dead. And they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire. Finally, the old heaven and the old earth will be burned and melt away and a New Heaven and a New Earth will appear, and a New Jerusalem will descend. Page 17 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent -- PostPostAscension Perspective 1 So, we see that the prophetic texts of Advent have three peaks or phases. The Prophetic Peaks of Advent 1. Resurrection of the Saints 2. Rebuilding of Jerusalem 3. One Thousand Years Reign The first peak or phase involved the First Coming of Christ’s coming of Christ as a babe in a manager, his ministry, death, resurrection, and New Heaven & New Earth & a New Jerusalem Christ’s Second Coming: ht Sig of e Lin Tribulation 2nd Resurrection & Great Judgment Last Rebellion 1000 Years 2000 Years Post-Ascension Perspective ascension. The second peak or phase involves his return, the resurrection of the Saints, the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of the Davidic Kingdom, and our 1,000-year reign. The third peak or phase involves Satan, death and the grave being thrown into the Lake of Fire, the resurrection and judgment of the rest of humanity and their second death into the Lake of Fire, the destruction of the current earth and heaven by fire, and the creation of a new heaven, new earth, and a new Jerusalem. With this third peak or phase, we finally experience the great hope and expectation of creation. Christmas has one type of Joy, but Advent has another. Christmas points to the past while Advent points to future. As sunlight eclipses the rays of the moon, so Page 18 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 too does the joy of Advent eclipse the joy of Christmas. Advent is joy without sorrow, life without death, and love without heart break. Advent is life with Christ forever and ever. Advent is our greatest hope realized Isn’t that Good News; isn’t that real Joy. Joy, unspeakable Joy! Joy, Joy, Joy! Invitation Set Up I would be remised if I did not The Prophetic Peaks of Advent -- PostPostAscension Perspective 1 The Great Throne Judgment The Prophetic Peaks of Advent pause for a moment to return to the third phase of the Advent as it relates to those who have not accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. In Revelation 22:11-12 we read: Page 19 of 28 New Heaven & New Earth & a New Jerusalem Christ’s Second Coming: 1. Resurrection of the Saints 2. Rebuilding of Jerusalem 3. One Thousand Years Reign First Coming of Christ’s t igh fS eo n i L Tribulation 2nd Resurrection & Great Judgment Last Rebellion 1000 Years 2000 Years Post-Ascension Perspective The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 21:11 I saw the dead, both great and The PropheticThrone Peaks of Advent – The Great The Great Judgment 1 small, standing before God’s throne. The Great Throne Judgment And the books were opened, including And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and Throne Judgment 1 Rev. 22:1122:11-12 Revelations 22:11-12 the Book of Life. And the dead were small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And PropheticThrone Peaks of Advent – The Great TheThe Great Judgment 2 Throne Judgment 2 Rev. 22:1322:13-15 The Great Throne Judgment all were judged according to their Revelations 22:13-15 NLT 13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave deeds. Then death and the grave were And all were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then death and gave up their dead. thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. fire is the second death. fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into The PropheticThrone Peaks of AdventJudgment – The Great The Great 3 the lake of fire. Throne Judgment 3 Just so you don’t miss it let us read verse 15 again. And name anyone was not whose found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. Page 20 of 28 The Great Throne Judgment Revelations 22:--13 And all were judged according to their deeds. . . . 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 Notice that there are two sets of books. One set recorded the deeds of every individual. The other set, the Book of Life, also called the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev. 13:8, 21:7), listed the names of those who shall not be thrown into the Lake of Fire. Notice also that those who are here being judged here in Revelations 22 did not participate in the First Resurrection. The Prophetic Peaks of Advent – The Coming Judgment 4 Book of Deeds = Lake of Fire The Book of Deeds The Books of Deeds = Lake of Fire Notice that everyone who was judged by his deeds or her deeds as Bad Deeds Good Deeds recorded in the books of deeds was eventually thrown into the Lake of Fire. The Holy Spirit is showing us that all who trust that their good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds will find themselves thrown into the Lake of Fire. Consequently, Scriptures make it clear that our deeds can never save us. We should never trust in our own goodness to make us right with God. The only escape from Page 21 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 the Lake of Fire is to have one’s name recorded in the Book of Life. This is the only way to be Fireproof. The Prophetic Peaks of Advent – The Coming Judgment 5 Wages of Sin The Coming Judgment Some may argue that this is unfair Each Sin/Transgression = Lake of Fire and unjust. But the Bible is clear. We read in Scriptures that each sin and each transgression is enough to warrant the second death, the Lake of Fire. Romans 6:19-20 NIV--Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. Romans 6:23a -- For the wages of sin is death. NIV Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. Romans 6:19-20 NIV For the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23 NIV Some will object to this absolute rating scale for Salvation. “The Bible is a throw back to a primitive era of morality and judgment,” they would say. It was an era of “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Because we live in a scientific world and in an age of reason, we should use relative scales of judgment. Page 22 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 Consequently, it is argued, that to use an absolute scale for morality and spiritual judgment is to think like a Neanderthal. I would beg to differ. Even enlightened and scientific people use absolute scales for some things. Bottles of Water Object Lesson We use absolute scales for a variety of situations. Note the bottle of The Prophetic Peaks of Advent – The Coming Judgment 6 Relative or Absolute Scales Absolute Rating Scales ▪ Food/Beverages water. When it comes to food safety and food handling, 99% pure won’t do for most of us. However, we also reserve 99% Pure/1% Poison ▪ Marriages/Relationships 365/364 = 99.73% ▪ Finances/Credit Union $200,000 X 3% = $206,000 $203,000 = 98.5% ▪ SALVATION absolute scales for two other important 100% Obedience & Purity categories: Marriages and Relationships and Finances. Marriage Object Lesson (Spouses who are faithful except on their birthday.) Page 23 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 Finance Object Lesson (Credit Union who promise a 3% savings returns, but only gives you half the interests earned) God adds another category for the use of an absolute scale: Salvation. To God sin is like a spiritual cancer, a spiritual poison or impurity. Just as you would not drink from a bottle or eat something that was 99% poison-free or pollution free. In the new heaven and new earth God does not want sin to enter his new creation. The new creation is to be 100% diseased, death, and sin free. Furthermore, whenever we commit sin against God and God’s law, we must see this as God sees this. To God, we are committing spiritual adultery and rebellion. And just like us, God wants 100% faithfulness in his relationships. As the song goes 99 ½ won’t do. The Prophetic Peaks of Advent – Becoming Fireproof 1: Romans 6:23 and John 3:16 Becoming Fireproof 1 Accepting Christ’s Gift of Himself But God has made “a way out of no way” for all who will ask and receive his free gift of salvation. Romans 6:23 NLT--but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:16 NLT--For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Page 24 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 God’s Word tells us that our “Get Out of Jail or Out of the Lake of Fire” card is to trust in the work of Jesus and in the words of Jesus. “For God So Loved the World that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believed in him would not perish but have everlasting life.” In the same way, “Abraham The Prophetic Peaks of Advent – Becoming Fireproof 2: Galatians 3:63:6-8 believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. What is more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be Becoming Fireproof 2 Galatians 3:6-8 NLT—In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” Galatians 3:6-8 NLT Romans 6:9 reads, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” We Page 25 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 are declared righteous because of our faith and confession in Jesus. Our primitive and uneducated ancestors who lived under Jim Crow America knew and sang of this gift. Chorus Sign me up, for the Christian jubilee. Write my name on the roll. I’ve been changed since the Good Lord lifted me. O I’m gonna be – ready when Jesus comes Verse 1 When Jesus comes, O the trumpet gonna sound. When Jesus comes, all the saints in Christ shall rise. I'm so glad that my Savior rescued me. O I want to be – ready when Jesus comes. The Prophetic Peaks of Advent – Becoming Fireproof 3: Sign me Up Salvation = Signing One’s Name Sign me up, for the Christian jubilee. Write my name on the roll. I’ve been changed since the Good Lord lifted me. O, I’m gonna be – ready when Jesus comes Verses When Jesus comes, O the trumpet gonna sound. When Jesus comes, all the saints in Christ shall rise. I'm so glad that my Savior rescued me. O, I want to be – ready when Jesus comes. When Jesus comes, there’re no sorrow and no pain. When Jesus comes, Old man death will end his reign. I'm so glad that my Jesus made me free. O, I want to be -- ready when Jesus comes. Verse 2 When Jesus comes, there’re no sorrow and no pain. When Jesus comes, Old man death will end his reign. I'm so glad that my Jesus made me free. O I want to be -- ready when Jesus comes. Page 26 of 28 The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP If you want to be Fireproof, if you want to escape the judgment of the Lake of Fire, now is the time to make a decision. Invitation to Discipleship If you want release from the shame, and from the guilt, and from the condemnation from within and from without, now is the time to tell God, Yes. There is no sin too small or too large for God to wash clean to present you faultless at his coming. The doors of the church are now open for all who desires cleansing and new life. Page 27 of 28 The Doors of Our Church Are Open! The Prophetic Peaks of Advent: Toward the Whole and Complete Fulfillment Sermon by Floyd Knight 3rd Sunday in Advent Year B, December 14, 2008 Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 61:8-11; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8; John 1:19-28 Sermon Texts: Matthew 24:26-31; Acts 1:6-11; and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 Now is the time to choose whom you will follow. Will you follow God or your own heart and moral scales? Will you trust what God has done? Will you do what God requires you to do to have ““Choose Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household household,, we will serve the LORD." Joshua Joshua 24:15 24:15 your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? As the Choir sings, “Yes, Lord Yes” why not say yes to eternal life. Make it your Yes to Love unspeakable, Joy unthinkable, and Hope unbeatable. Say Yes to God’s will and Yes to God’s way. Say, “Yes, Lord Yes, I will trust you and obey. As your Spirit speaks to me with my whole heart I’ll agree, and my answer will be Yes, Lord Yes!” Will the congregation rise and sing along with the choir, “Yes, Lord Yes.” Page 28 of 28