Jesus will return to the Earth www.seachord.org

 Jesus will return to the Earth                        May 16, 2020

1^st Thessalonians 4:13-18   The Coming of the Lord, Jesus

Paul clearly explains that Jesus will return to the earth, set up His Kingdom on the Earth with the changed resurrected Saints to be Kings and Priests during the Millennial Kingdom for 1000 years rule.

Let’s take a review of this subject and see what we will go through to be like Jesus.

·      Before the millennial kingdom (1000 years rule),

·      Jesus would leave the earth and go back to heaven

·      to wait until it is time for Him to return (6000 year Satan rule);

·      When Jesus returns,

·      He will gather up His Saints for the wedding supper,

·      Change us to Spirit Beings to be Kings and Priests and then set up His Kingdom on the earth. 

·      The early Christians were looking for some to be taken home and changed without dying.

·      The Thessalonians were not concerned about their salvation,

·      but their question was “when?” 

·      This is what the Apostle Paul was explaining to them. 

The Coming of the Lord, Jesus

1 Thessalonians 4:13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed {or ignorant} about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

Paul is telling us, he want us to know what happens to a Christian when he dies so that when it happens, we will not be full of sorrow, as those who have no hope in the resurrection.  

We:  Paul, Silas and Timothy,

·      Paul introduces a new and important topic, Christian Hope.

·      Uninformed about what: the doctrine of the {1} resurrection of the dead, {2} the second coming of Christ, and {3} the future happiness of the saints

·      The Hope of the Christian in regard to the saints at the second coming of glorified Jesus.  This hope that the unbelievers did not have.

·      The Church expected Jesus to return quickly, mourned over some who had died, counting it a great loss that they did not live to meet Jesus.

·      Paul is writing about the Christians who have already died. 

·      He urges them not to sorrow the loss of loved ones in the manner of those who have no hope.  We know that they shall wake up again.

·      Most pagans believed in a shadowy afterlife in the underworld

·      Paul will explain that those who have already dies in Christ will not miss out Should it happen that Jesus returns in the lifetime of those believers who were then still living.

We know the resurrection of unbelievers cannot be described as a hope.

John 5:28-29 "Don't be amazed at this, because the time is approaching when everyone in their graves will hear the Son of Man's voice (29) and will come out--those who have done what is good to the resurrection that leads to life, and those who have practiced what is evil to the resurrection that ends in judgment.

·      The leading topic of Paul preaching having been the coming Kingdom,

·      Some perverted this teaching to a cause a fear in respect to church friends who died,

·      As if these would be excluded from the glory which those found alive alone should share.

·      This error teaching Paul corrects here. Acts 17:1-10

·      How certain is our hope in Jesus?

·      It depends upon our belief concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus.

·      Jesus resurrection is God’s seal and evidence for us.

·      Many churches do not declare His death and resurrection can hardly expect to preach His Return.

·      Question is:  Do we really love the Lord’s appearing and do we really expect it?

1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe {1}  that Jesus died and {2} rose again, even so through Jesus God {3} will bring those who have {4} died with him.

·      If we believe in the death and resurrection of Christ,

·      We must believe also that all who sleep in him will be raised with him.

·      This message is to and for those who truly believe that Jesus died and rose again.

·      It is for true believers who accept the Bible teaching of the bodily resurrection from the dead. 

·      Since spirits cannot die, only bodies die, only bodies can be raised from the dead

Genesis 2:7 So the LORD God formed the man from the {1} dust of the ground, {2} breathed {spirit} life into his lungs, and {3} the man became a living being.            

Job 32:8 But it is the spirit in a person, the breath {spirit} of the Almighty, that gives them understanding {insight or intelligent}

Ecclesiastes 12:7 then {1} man's dust will go back to the earth, returning to what it was, and the {2} spirit will return to the God who gave it.

Zechariah 12:1 A declaration: a message from the LORD to Israel. The LORD, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who frames the spirit of man within himself, declares,

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in the Messiah, he is a new creation. Old things have disappeared, and--look!--all things have become new!

1 Thessalonians 4:15 For we declare to you what the Lord has told us to say: We who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have died.

·      Paul said his instruction was taken directly from Jesus teaching.

·      We who are on the earth when the Lord comes, will not precede those who died in the Lord to meet him

·      Some scholars have suggested that many those who died, died as martyrs.

·      They either died a natural death, or were removed by violence, through the rage and fury of their persecutors, for whom their surviving friends were pressed with sorrow.  When a friend dies.

The Coming of the Son of Man

Matthew 24:30-31 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all 'the tribes of the land will mourn' when they see 'the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven' with power and great glory. (31) He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to another."

The dead in Christ will be raised before we are changed when Jesus returns. Paul is explaining what is going to happen to our loved ones who have preceded us in death?

1 John 3:2 Dear friends, we are now God's children, but what we will be like has not been revealed yet. We know that when the Messiah is revealed, we will be like him, because we will see him as he is.

What is Jesus like?

·      Jesus’ Resurrection Body

·      Could appear and disappear at will (Lk 24:31; Jn 20:19).

·      Could move through solid walls (Jn 20:19, 26).

·      Could be seen and felt; touch or handle (Mt 28:9; Lk 24:36-42).

·      He could eat food, although it wasn’t necessary (Lk 24:41- 43).

·      Though glorified, He could be recognized (Lk 24:30-31).

·      No more experience of death, aging, crying, mourning, sorrow, or pain (Rev 21:4). 

·      All believers will be given new bodies like the glorious body of the Lord (Phil 3:21; 1 John 3:2).

·      Resurrection implies death. (Job 14:14).

Job 19:25-27 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.  (26)  And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;  (27)  I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

1 Thessalonians 4:16 With a shout of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of God's trumpet, the Lord himself will come down from heaven, and the dead who belong to the Messiah will rise first.

·      The church seemed to have thought that the living saints would first to meet the Lord,

·      That the dead would be powerless to follow

·      The trumpet blast as a signal to the church and a summons to come forward from the grave

·      When Jesus returns to the earth, the first act is the gathering of the saints who has died;

·      The next, the gathering of the living saints. 

Luke tells us Jesus will return just as He was seen to leave, will come down

Acts 1:11 They asked, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go up into heaven."

There are three specific places mention as Heaven.

1.   “First Heaven” – sky, clouds, our immediate atmosphere

2.   “Second Heaven” – stars, galaxies, is outer space as far as it stretches

3.   “Third Heaven”  - is the place where God himself dwells 

The archangel’s voice will be one of triumph because of the great victory at the coming of Christ, ending 6000 years of Satan spiritual conflict with God. 

The final signal will be the trumpet of God. 

The elements consisting of verse 16:

1.   Shout of the Lord Himself, - like a General war shout, excitement

2.   the voice of an archangel, and - Michael

3.   the trumpet of God – the last trump

4.   Dead in Christ will rise first

The order of this glorious day, separate events occurring in rapid succession

1.   Descend from heaven, somewhere within the earth’s atmosphere

2.   Shout or order, shall be given for the dead to arise

3.   Archangel shall repeat the order, Arise, Saints who died

4.   When all dead in Christ are raised, then the trumpet shall sound

5.   The dead in Christ bodies are made like Jesus glorious body

6.   Those who are alive shall be changed and made immortal (body died)

7.   We shall be caught up together with them to meet Jesus in the air

8.   Marriage supper, rewards, become Kings and Priest, Rule under Jesus those who are left on the earth for 1000 years. 

1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

·      The saints of past ages, and the saints of the current age, shall ascend together to meet the Lord and the wicked will remain beneath

·      We will always be with Jesus, which shall never end.

·      Jesus in the Bible is often accompanied by clouds, signifying His glory

Psalms 68:4 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the LORD.

Psalms 97:2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

Clouds: at Sinai (Ex 19:16; 24:15-18); and the Tabernacle (Ex 40:34); at Solomon’s Temple (1 Kg 8:10,11);  at the Transfiguration (Mt 17, Mk 9:7); and the Ascension (Acts 1:9-11).

As a side, The English word rapture comes from the Latin verb meaning “caught up.  The Greek word is harpazō, har-pad'-zo, G726 means: to seize  catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).  Occurrences: 13 times

The church will be removed as suddenly and as mysteriously as it began.

This is the “mystery,” a truth once hidden, now revealed by Jesus, which Paul shows

John 14:1-3  "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. (2) There are many rooms in my Father's house. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going away to prepare a place for you? (3) And if I am going away to prepare a place for you, I will come back again and welcome you into my presence, so that you may be where I am.

1 Corinthians 15:51-55 Let me tell you a secret {or mystery}. Not all of us will die, but all of us will be changed-- (52) in a moment, faster than an eye can blink, at the sound of the last trumpet. Indeed, that trumpet will sound, and then the dead will be raised never to decay, and we will be changed. 

(53) For what is decaying must be clothed with what cannot decay, and what is dying must be clothed with what cannot die. (54) Now, when what is decaying is clothed with what cannot decay, and what is dying is clothed with what cannot die, then the written word will be fulfilled: "Death has been swallowed up by victory!" (55) "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"

Paul taught us we are to expect our Savior, the Lord Jesus

Philippians 3:20 Our citizenship, however, is in heaven, and it is from there that we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus, the Messiah.

Titus 2:13 as we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah.

Paul seemed to include himself among those who looked for Christ’s return 

2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we ask you, brothers, regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, and our gathering together to him,

Some Christians believe very strongly that Jesus was going to be back in their lifetime, they started to set dates and stopped work and had to be pushed to return to their jobs. 

Many had this strong view and had stopped work and had to be told to return to their jobs

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 While we were with you, we gave this order: "If anyone doesn't want to work, he shouldn't eat." (11) We hear that some of you are living in idleness. You are not busy working--you are busy interfering in other people's lives! (12) We order and encourage such people by the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

And have Patience

James 5:8 You, too, must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the coming of the Lord is near.

Matthew tells us:

Matthew 24:36 "No one knows when that day or hour will come--not the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father,

Matthew 24:42 "So keep on watching, because you don't know on what day your Lord is coming.

Matthew 24:44  So you, too, must be ready, because at an hour you are not expecting him the Son of Man will come."

1 Thessalonians 4:18 So then, encourage {or comfort} one another with these words.

Basically, Encourage, comfort, cheer one another with these assurances, even in the face of suffering and death.

·      First, that those who had died in the faith would not always lie in the grave;

·      Second, that when they rose they would not occupy an inferior condition because they were cut off before the coming of the Lord;

·      Third, that all Christians, living and dead, would be changed and dwell forever with the Lord Jesus.

Finally, we should remind one another of this truth as a source of comfort and encouragement in the face of death and to mediate each day on this, When Jesus will return and we are changed at the twinkling of the eye. 

Inspiring words.

Our Beloved Mothers www.seachord.org

Our Beloved Mothers                            May 09, 2020

I would like for us to look at Mother’s Day and what do the Scriptures say about Mothers, and the Mother of our children/grandchildren.  History of Mother’s Day.

·      1868 (Ann Jarvis created a committee to establish 'Mother's Friendship Day')

·      1870 Julia Howe wrote the first Mother's Day proclamation asking women everywhere to join for world peace

·      1908 modern holiday of Mother's Day was celebrated when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at St Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia.

·      1914 a proclamation to recognized Mother’s Day was signed by Woodrow Wilson

·      1920s, Hallmark Cards and other companies had started selling Mother's Day cards.

·      1925. By this time, carnations had become associated with Mother's Day

Some form of Mother Days is celebrated throughout the world on different days.

What is the one important thing you remember about your mother.

We find the word mother is used in 298 verses in the Scriptures

We know being a mom is not easy.  It is very appropriate and right to pause and say ''Thank You'' to our mothers, or individuals who were like mothers to us, and to honor them, and thank God for them.  We realize what they had to do and how to put up with us, as we grew up.

I know that Mother's Day can be a very difficult day for some of us. For lots of different reasons. Charlene mother and my mother are no longer alive, and we still miss them.  Many times I wish I could talk with her and do things for her that I was supposed to do.  And others who were like a mother to me, my Aunts.

What is the most used verses about mothers?

Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.   {niv left off the last part}

Exodus 21:15 "Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death.

Exodus 21:17 "Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.

Deuteronomy 5:16 "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

If we do honor our mothers, we may live long life.

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  (5)  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  (6)  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  (7)  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Deuteronomy 27:16  "Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!"

Remember, a woman may not have physical children, but she may be like a mother to many individuals around her and maybe to her niece and nephew.  The prophet and judge Deborah was a mother in Israel and a mother to Israel.  

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah happened in this way. When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they lived together she was discovered to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.

Luke 2:51 Then he went back with them, returning to Nazareth and remaining in submission to them. His mother continued to treasure all these things in her heart.

Do you know who Jochebed is, mention in the Faith Chapter.

Numbers 26:59 Amram's wife was Levi's daughter Jochebed, who was born to Levi in Egypt. She gave birth to Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam.

Hebrews 11:23  By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.  We know what she did with Moses.

She provides a beautiful portrait of a mother with faith

Judges 5:7 Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel.

Romans 16:13  Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.  {Paul had someone who like a mother to him}

Titus 2:3-4 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  (4)  Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children   {teach the younger women}

Apostle Paul adds

Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  (2)  "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise,  (3)  "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."  {commandment with promise}

2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.  {Timothy was raise and taught by his grandmother and mother}

First mother and others mentioned in the Bible 

We learn when we went through the Sacrifices, mothers were very important in the birth of their children.  The offerings following childbirth as described in Leviticus { Leviticus 12:4-8}, and about Jesus {Luke 2:21-24}

Genesis 3:20 Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.

Genesis 17:16 I will bless her {Sarah} and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her."

Genesis 24:53 Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother.  {brother Laban}

Genesis 24:55 But her brother and her mother replied, "Let the young woman remain with us ten days or so; then you may go."

Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, "Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies."

Genesis 25:21 Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.

Genesis 25:26 After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them. {Rebekah waited 20 years}

God places children in families and by grace, give an barren woman a child.  Rebekah was a good example.

Psalms 113:9 He makes the barren woman among her household a happy mother of joyful children. Hallelujah!

When a child is born, they are happy and joyful.  Depends on their upbringing and environment how they turn out,  

What are our mothers all about?

Isaiah 66:13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

Proverbs 1:8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

What can we do as children to our mothers, good or bad

Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.

Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

Proverbs 20:20  If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 23:22  Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Leviticus 18:7 "'Do not dishonor your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; do not have relations with her.

Leviticus 19:3 "'Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.  {Interesting}

Leviticus 20:9  "'Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death. Because they have cursed their father or mother, their blood will be on their own head.

Christian mother’s responsibility is difficult to balance the natural instinct to protect her children from harm and in equipping and training her children for life as an adult.  Mother is to train her children to live godly lives

Psalms 78:5-6 He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children,  (6)  so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.

Being a mother is not an easy task

Even if the child rejects everything to do with God. It's comforting to know that Jesus also struggled with rebellious children {Israel rebellion}.

Mothers need to remember that the purpose of mothering is to develop a strong, independent adult


Genesis 2:24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Even if that adult child resides close by, the mother must allow her children the freedom to live as an adult, taking his mother's wisdom into account but still making their own decisions, even decisions she doesn't understand or agree.  This is so hard.  Just be there if they want to talk.   Jesus even had this problem.

John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son,"  (27)  and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

The Woman Who Fears the Lord

Proverbs 31:10-31 

(10)  A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

(11)  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

(12)  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She is trustworthy and devoted. She has her husband’s confidence, and she enhances his reputation.

Verses 13 – 19. She’s not afraid to work, she’s a wise shopper, and she plans ahead.

(13)  She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

(14)  She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

(15)  She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

(16)  She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

(17)  She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

(18)  She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

(19)  In her hand she holds the distaff {women’s concerns} and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

(20)  She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

She is a giving person and extends her hand to the poor and has planned ahead well enough to be able to not only take care of the family’s needs, but also the needs of the poor in her society.

(21)  When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.    She is dependable

(22)  She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

(23)  Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.  {looks like the woman does all the work}

(24)  She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

(25)  She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

(26)  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

(27)  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

(28)  Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

(29)  "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

(30)  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.  {Most important}

(31)  Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

All I can say, life is too short and I wish I could contact my mother, just not on Mother Day, but on every day of the year. 

Yes, I know, I will see my mother and father and family in the future after we are changed.  

It will be a great celebration, just like we had as I was growing up. 

Have a good and enjoyable Mother’s Day with your children

God is good, all the time.

Are We Being Warned: www.seachord.org

Are We Being Warned                                                  May 02, 2020


Are we being warned by God today to change the way we, as a society live and do things with this virus concern.  Are we being warned again about impending judgment and is calling the world to repent. 

This can be hard thing to understand and discuss in our society today as we will be called by the world, many different and negative things. They want to destroy the family and Christians.  Massive Earthquakes, Volcanoes not Erupting Worldwide, Christians are now looking to the rapture.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some people understand slowness, but is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to perish, but wants everyone to repent.

Last I heard, around 40% believe God is important in their lives, 40% do not believe in God and not important in their lives. Other 20%, who knows.

God never pours out His wrath without warning. 

Ezekiel 3:17 "Son of Man," he said, "I've appointed you to be a watchman over the house of Israel. Therefore when you hear a message that comes from me, you are to warn them for me.

I really do not know the true answer, but let’s look at some facts we know from the Scriptures are true.

We know God is in control of all things.  Nothing is done without God’s approval.

Ezekiel 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. "Therefore turn and live!"

There are 2 main ways God Looks at mankind.  God has a law for all individuals in the world, we call it the 10 commandments (Exodus 20: 3-17).

The 2^nd is with the body of Jesus, the Church, Jesus gives detail instructions to us with the training of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:2 thru 7:29.  This is why the people were astonished at Jesus teaching.

First, we know Satan is the ruler of this world and can do whatever he wants to, up to a point.  

2 Corinthians 4:4 In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe to keep them from seeing the light of the glorious gospel of the Messiah, who is the image of God.

Jesus confirm that Satan rules this world, saying to Jesus, all these nations I can give you, 

Matthew 4:8-9 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. (9) And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me."

Jesus did not dispute what Satan said, Jesus has authority over Satan and told him to leave.  He left.  We know Satan has only the authority God has given him.

Satan Allowed to Test Job

Job 1:12 Then the LORD told Satan, "Very well then, everything he {Job} owns is under your control, only you may not extend your hand against him." So Satan left the LORD's presence.

Job 2:6 Then the LORD told Satan, "Very well then, he is under your control. Just preserve his life."

We know Satan can do whatever he wants to the individuals on the earth with God’s permission.

The other group, the Body of Christ, the Church.

We know, God protects the Church from Satan.

Luke 22:31-32  "Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has asked permission to sift all of you like wheat, (32) but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail. When you have come back, you must strengthen your brothers."

Satan cannot touch any believer without God’s permission.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (9) Resist him and be firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

1 John 5:4-5 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.  (5)  Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

When we receive the Holy Spirit, we become the sons of God and have the protection.  Only by God’s permission can we affected.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (13) No temptation has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings. But God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (3) But the Lord is faithful and will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

These are just a few verses how God will protect us.

Now What about the individuals in the world.  What make God unhappy with the world.

There are prophets from the Scriptures who identify the sins of the people and issue a call for them to repent.  If they dismiss the prophets message, and refused to repent, then curses will come upon them, until they repent.

The God gave individuals a choice, Blessings for Obedience and Cursing for Disobedience.  Deuteronomy 28:1-14 are the Blessings for Obedience, for all individuals just like the Beatitudes in Matthew are a blessings for the Believers today.   

What are the Curses for Disobedience in Deuteronomy 28:15-68.  Quite a number.  

Let’s look at a few of them.

Pestilence for Disobedience

Deuteronomy 28:21-22 (21) The LORD will cause you to be ill with long-lasting diseases until you are wiped out from the land that you are entering to possess. (22) The LORD will afflict you with tuberculosis, fever, inflammation, high fever, drought, blight, and mildew. These will attack you until you are completely destroyed.

Diseases for Disobedience

Deuteronomy 28:27  "The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt, with tumors, skin disease, and festering rashes, and none of them will be curable.

Deuteronomy 28:35 "The LORD will inflict you with incurable boils on your knees and legs, and from the sole of your foot to the top of your head.

Deuteronomy 28:61 Moreover, the LORD will inflict you with illnesses and plagues that were not written in this Book of the Law, until you are exterminated.

To me, this is scary, read this chapter in relationship of our Nation.

What does God think about child sacrifice.

Leviticus 18:21  "'Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

They would literally heat a bronze image of Molech red hot, and placed the bodies of children in its arms

2 Kings 21:6  He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing {or provoke} his anger.

Hosea 4:1-2 "Hear this message from the LORD, people of Israel. Indeed, the LORD brings a charge against the people who live in the land--for there is no truth and no gracious love or knowledge of God in the land. (2) Swearing, lying, murder, theft, and adultery are rampant, and blood mingles with blood.

This is God’s indictment on the Nation of Israel, could even be said on the United States today.

I think of the statement from Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities:  “It was the best of times and it was the worst of times.” 

Order to kill all male babies by the Pharaoh.

Exodus 1:15-16  Later, the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah. (16) "When you help the Hebrew women give birth," he said, "watch them as they deliver. If it's a son, kill him; but if it's a daughter, let her live."

Exodus 1:22 So Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, "Every son who is born you shall cast into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive."

Exodus 4:22-23 You are to say to Pharaoh, 'This is what the LORD says: "Israel is my firstborn son. (23) And I say to you, 'Let my son go so he may serve me.' If you refuse to let him go, then I will kill your firstborn son."'" 

·      God gave justice to Egypt, all the first born died on Passover night

·      When Pharaoh ordered male babies drowned in the Nile; His male army drowned in the Red Sea 

Remember 

Hebrews 10:30-31 For we know the one who said, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will pay them back," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." (31) It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!   

Leviticus 26:21  “And if even then you will not obey me and listen to me, I will send you seven times more plagues because of your sins.

God sent a plague upon Israel because of David’s sin and 70,000 people were killed:

1 Chronicles 21:14  So the LORD sent a plague on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead.

What can we do.  This is happening around the world right now.

2 Chronicles 7:13-14  "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people,  (14)  if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

God is in absolute control of the plagues.

Amos 4:10 "I sent plagues among you as I did with Egypt. I killed your choicest young men with the sword. I took your horses away from you. I filled your noses with the stench of your encampments, but you have not returned to me," declares the LORD.

Herod kills all the male children in Bethlehem area in his attempt to kill Jesus.

Matthew 2:16 Herod flew into a rage when he learned that he had been tricked by the wise men, so he ordered the execution of all the male children in Bethlehem and all its neighboring regions, who were two years old and younger, according to the time that he had determined from the wise men.

Time does run out, very sad verses

2 Chronicles 36:15-16 (15) The LORD God of their ancestors pleaded with them time and again through his messengers, because he had compassion on his people and on the place of his residence, (16) but they mocked God's messengers, despised his words, and scoffed at his prophets, until there was no remedy for the wrath of the LORD that arose to punish his people.

What about abortion clinics.  According to abortionist, they committed over 350,000 abortions in one year.  Almost 1000 per day, every day.  What do they do with the remains, but take parts of the body and sell and/or burn the body with fire.

We know our body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, so what do we do today, we kill the babies in their “Holy of Holies”: their mother’s womb. 

Nothing really changes over the years.  This verse comes to mind.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For there is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear.  (4)  They will refuse to listen to the truth and will turn to myths. 

So, the question is, what have this to do with the worldwide pandemic {184 nations} that is going on, this virus.  Are these judgments against various nations on the earth.  For example, the wildfires in Australia, the locust invasion in Africa right now, the epidemic of earthquakes along the Pacific "ring of fire," major hurricanes, tornados, wars, famines, religious persecution, false prophets and now the virus problem.  {Matthew 24}


Matthew 24:6-7 You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See to it that you are not alarmed. These things must take place, but the end hasn't come yet, (7) because nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Jeremiah 7:9-10 Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear by false gods, burn incense to Baal, follow other gods that you don't know, (10) and then come to stand before me in this house that is called by my name and say, 'We're delivered' so we can continue to do all these things that are repugnant to God?

Jesus will cut it short before His Body is destroyed.

Matthew 24:21-27 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (22) And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. (23) "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. (24) For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (25) See, I have told you beforehand. (26) "Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. (27) For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Matthew 24:22  “In fact, unless those days are shortened, all mankind will perish. But they will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen people.

Have we been warned in the past, 9-11, and on other virus attacks.

Even God’s people may be touched by this virus. A person who gets a positive test result of the virus, will strike the righteous and unrighteous.  The main thing is God is involved in the righteous lives.

But the fact that the virus is a worldwide pandemic shows God is striking the world with His anger and wrath.  God wants the world to wake up and to repent and turn to Him.

Those things, like this virus, are warnings to all of us, they are wake-up calls to draw us close to God, and we should take them seriously.  

If we have faith and trust in God, let’s not fear become a greater problem than the virus.  We need to ask God to give us, His peace. When we have his peace, we have him, as He is our protector. 

Finally, this is based on the hope and faith of God’s mercy.  My mind goes back to:

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves {fasting}, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (15) Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.