REVELATION SERIES –Week 4 The Day of The Lord Wednesday October 1st 2014 Pastor Tom Elkins

Week One: We looked at 10 principles for interpreting the scriptures and some general keys to interpreting and understanding the . (Introduction part 1)

Week Two: We examined the meaning and the importance of signs and symbols in the book of Revelation and overviewed the Biblical and historical significance of the Hebrew calendar and the Tetrad (Blood Moons and Solar Eclipses) and how they may prove to be significant in the Jewish Sabbatical year or “SHEMITAH” which began last week, September 25th 2014. (Introduction part 2)

Week Three: Last week we examined a key word found in Revelation more than 41 times, “Throne”. The Book of Revelation makes it clear that it is the throne of God that rules the universe, not the thrones of men. rules and sovereignly reigns seated upon the throne as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We focused on the essential need for every believer to personally experience peace in these trying days. There were many practical takeaways from last week but most important is the truth that Peace is only realized and experienced as the Believer surrenders to the Lordship of Jesus Christ who is seated upon His throne. Paul exhorts us in Colossians 3:15, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” (NKJV). If we want to experience true peace in these last days of chaos and crisis we must willingly surrender to the Prince of Peace allowing Him to “RULE” as Lord over our lives and our homes. (Introduction part 3)

It’s not enough to kneel at the foot of the cross you must come through the cross and you must carry the cross of Jesus Christ if you are truly Born Again. Many sitting in North American churches on Sunday have walked an isle and knelt before the cross and they have even prayed a sinner’s prayer for forgiveness but there has been no change in their lives. Dear friends that is not the True Gospel of Jesus Christ. The disciple and true follower of Christ surrenders daily, moment by moment as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:2). Everything changes when you surrender your life to Jesus - you will never be the same. Allow me to ask you a very personal question; does your life give evidence of the cross? Is it unmistakably obvious that you bear the marks of a crucified life with Christ, totally surrendered and living in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit? If you have never fully surrendered your life to Jesus, confessed your sin and personally asked Jesus to save you, I invite you to do so today. I encourage you to make Jesus Christ your personal Savior and Lord. Please call me or email me as I would count it an honor to meet with you and personally introduce you to Jesus.

You can download both my notes and the teaching sessions from the Germantown Baptist Church website.

INTRODUCTION: The Book of Revelation is all about JESUS! I love the words of the Scholar H.H Snell in his notes on Revelation “In the Revelation, THE LAMB is the center around which all else is clustered, the foundation on which all hangs, the object to which all points, and the spring from which all blessing proceeds. THE LAMB is the light, the glory, the life, the Lord of Heaven and earth, from whose face all defilement must flee away, and in whose presence fullness of joy is known. Hence, we cannot go far in the study of revelation, without seeing THE LAMB, like direction-posts along the road, to remind us that He who did by Himself purge our sins is now highly exalted, and that to Him every knee must bow, and every tongue confess.” (H.H Snell, Notes on Revelation Pg16)

Beginning with verse 10 we enter into John’s revelation experience. Theologians differ on the meaning of verse ten in relationship to the phrase “the Lord’s Day”. The scholarly debate as to whether “the Lord’s DAY” here in chapter one is referring to Sunday connecting it to Christ’s resurrection and the first day of the week or to “The Day of the Lord” Beginning with verse 10 we enter into John’s revelation experience. Theologians differ on the meaning of verse ten in relationship to the phrase “the Lord’s Day”. The scholarly debate as to whether “the Lord’s DAY” here in chapter one is referring to Sunday connecting it to Christ’s resurrection and the first day of the week or to “The Day of the Lord” may not appear to be that big a deal. I would not normally stop to spend such a targeted amount of time in the introduction of a book but I feel it is important for you to understand the meaning of “The Day of the LORD”. There is generally some misunderstanding regarding the meaning of this phrase although it is found in both the Old and . We are introduced by John and first connected to this Biblical truth in the first chapter book of Revelation..

Why is “The Day of the Lord” significant?

1. It defines the promise of my FUTURE.

Plain and simple, the great HOPE for every believer is the of Jesus Christ. Paul explains to Titus that we who are saved should live with an ever present expectancy, “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:13 NKJV)

2. It defines the priority of my PRESENT life.

2 Peter 3:12 “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (NLKV)

1 Thess. 5:1-6 “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (NKJV) 3. It defines the passion of my HEART.

Remember in week 2 we examined the purpose and the importance of signs and symbols in the book of Revelation. John opens the book in verse one, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John” (Rev.1:1 NKJV) Just as the star in the east announced the first coming of Christ, as The Lamb of God (Matt.2:9-10). The stars, sun and moon will announce His second coming as the Lion who rules and reigns. (Matt. 24:29-30; Rev. 6:12-17)

Revelation 1:7-11 “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” 9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” (NKJV)

Not that it really matters but someone will surely be thinking , How does Pastor Tom interpret “the Lord’s Day” in Revelation chapter one, verse ten? I would agree with Joseph A. Seiss and others believing that John was carried in the Spirit forward through the centuries until he sees the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord. There are a couple of reasons that I lean toward this interpretation. 1. The syntax and structure of the original Greek. 2. I find nowhere in scripture where the day following the Sabbath or the first day of the week is called “The Lord’s day”. The earliest dated writings connecting and using this terminology and definition is 100 years after John’s death. 3. Most convincing for me is John’s statement in verse 7 which directly connects to “The Day of the Lord.“ With great conviction John is declaring a sure prophetic reality “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” (NKJV) In verse ten, I believe that the Holy Spirit through John is explaining how he sees and experiences the coming Day of the Lord. Again, the Day of the Lord is not the . I do not believe there is Biblical evidence that every eye will see Jesus at the rapture. The scripture is very clear that every eye will see Him at the second coming of Christ.

GK- Vs 10 “I was in the Spirit in the Lords day” Dr. Marshal and other Greek scholars translate the original Greek word “I came to be in the spirit on the imperial day” (Interlinear Greek-English New Testament, The Nestle Greek Text with a Literal English Translation by Dr. Alfred Marshal)

I believe John gives a clear statement of personal testimony that he “came to be in the Spirit on the imperial day” which is “The Day of The Lord”. Verse 7 makes it clear that Jesus Himself is giving John specific instruction regarding what he is being shown. ““I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches “

Still not convinced regarding the importance of the “Day of The Lord” Let’s look a little closer…

I would encourage you to study the . The major theme and focus of Joel is “The Day of The Lord”. I believe that there are strategic keys to understanding the Book of Revelation found in the Book of Joel. Joel is called a minor prophet and his prophetic message of judgment to Judah should again ring loud in our ears as the signs of prophecy and the return of Christ are everywhere.

The “Day of The Lord” is a day of JUDGEMENT.

Joel 1:15 “Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty.” (NKJV)

Joel 2:1-2 “Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the 2 inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the LORD is coming, For it is at hand: A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains.” (NKJV)

Joel 3:13-16 “Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow—For their wickedness is great.” 14 ​Multitudes, multitudes in the 15 valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon Joel 3:13-16 “Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow—For their wickedness is great.” 14 ​Multitudes, multitudes in the 15 valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon 16 will grow dark, And the stars will diminish their brightness. The LORD also will roar from Zion, And utter His voice from ; The heavens and earth will shake; But the LORD will be a shelter for His people, And the strength of the children of Israel. (NKJV)

Isaiah opens another prophetic window and shows us that during the Day of the Lord, Jesus alone will be exalted during His Day!

Isaiah 2:17-19 “The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, And the haughtiness of men shall 18 be brought low; The LORD alone will be exalted in that day, But the idols He shall utterly abolish. 19 They shall go into the holes of the rocks, And into the caves of the earth, From the terror of the LORD And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth mightily.” (NKJV)

Zephaniah speaks to the Day of the Lord.

Zephaniah1:14 “The great day of the LORD is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The 5 noise of the day of the LORD is bitter; There the mighty men shall cry out. That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, 16 A day of trumpet and alarm Against the fortified cities And against the high towers. 17 “I will bring distress upon men, And they shall walk like blind men, Because they have sinned against the LORD; Their blood shall be poured out like dust, And their flesh like refuse” 18 Neither their silver nor their gold Shall be able to deliver them In the day of the LORD’s wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured By the fire of His jealousy, For He will make speedy riddance Of all those who dwell in the land. (NKJV)

As we make our journey through the book of Revelation I will attempt to make references of additional Old Testament and New Testament passages that speak prophetically to the Day of the Lord. It is also important to note that when Jesus uses the term ‘the end of the age” or “the end” He is referencing “The Day of the Lord” . For example in the Matthew chapter 13 where Jesus is explaining to His disciples the meaning of the parable of the wheat and tares He tells them “the harvest is the end of the age”.

Matthew 13:37 “ He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (NKJV)

The Day of The Lord is Also a Day of BLESSING and JOY for the Righteous. The tribulation period of God’s judgment will culminate in Christ’s coming in great glory and the establishment of His Millennial Kingdom.

I believe that John opens this book of end time prophecy unveiling the glory and majesty of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, The Lion of the Tribe of Judah. It is no mistake that John closes out his Salutation in verse seven referencing the Day of The Lord. As Barnhouse notes, “Though the message of the whole Apocalypse is one of judgment, nevertheless, on the opening page of the Book, there is the benediction of grace and peace…Before the seals of judgment are broken, before the trumpets are blown, before the vials of God’s wrath are closes out his Salutation in verse seven referencing the Day of The Lord. As Barnhouse notes, “Though the message of the whole Apocalypse is one of judgment, nevertheless, on the opening page of the Book, there is the benediction of grace and peace…Before the seals of judgment are broken, before the trumpets are blown, before the vials of God’s wrath are poured out, God Himself comforts the hearts of those who are in Christ: Grace to you and peace…These gifts of blessing are ours and cannot be disturbed -by the terrible judgments which are about to be announced” (Revelation, Donald Grey Barnhouse, pgs. 19, 20)

Beloved we are living in perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Daily we are experiencing unprecedented growing global crisis and unrest. While much of the church sleeps we are speeding toward The Day of the Lord! Prophetic events defined in scripture reveal that this age is coming to an end and the Tribulation is near.

Since the prophetic Word of the Lord is true and the return of Christ is near what is the Christian to do?

1. Confirm your salvation and position “in Christ”. (Are you truly saved? Is there evidence?) 2. Diligently watch and faithfully wait for Christ return. (Titus 2:13, 2 Peter 3:12, 1 Thess. 5) 3. Faithfully Occupy until Jesus comes. (Luke 19:11-27) 4. Be a faithful Steward. (1Cor. 4:2) 5. Walk in Holiness and Purity. (2 Peter 3) “ Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:14-18)

There Will Be SIGNS announcing the Day of The Lord.

Matthew 24:29-30 “29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (NKJV) also see Luke 21:25-28.

Revelation 6:12-17 “12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (NKJV)

INVITATION/ PRAYER

INVITATION/ PRAYER

ADDITIONAL NOTES 4