1. GOD’S VISION AND WHERE OUR MISSION WILL END
There are two major views of the future of the global church. The negative on says that the Anti-Christ is coming, along with the mark of the beast, 666. He will take over the world and the church will be raptured to heaven. There are various versions of this view, but the key is that they all view this as in the near future. Sadly, this view gives the victory and the earth to Satan. The other view simply says that the church will continue to bust down the doors of hell and grow until it fills most of the world, making disciples of the majority of people in all nations.
The futuristic view comes from a futuristic understanding of the Book of Revelation. The victorious view comes from a historical understanding of the Book of Revelation as an event that happened in 70AD with the fall of Jerusalem to the Roman armies. Which of these two views do you believe in? The view you believe will determine your enthusiasm to go out and reach the lost. If you believe the first view then why bother? If the second view, then you will be keen to get on with the job.
But which one is right? Which is a true understanding of scripture and the future? Which one does God believe in? To find out we must look at the whole of scripture. From the Garden of Eden and all through scripture the Lord has clearly outlined his intention for the future of the earth. It doesn’t just come from the Book of Revelation.
For a very thorough analysis of the Book of Revelation go to setfreeseminars.com and tap into heading that says Revelation. It is a summary of the largest commentary on the Book of Revelation ever written. You can download a free copy of the 750 page book here.
Here are some scriptural examples that demonstrate that God wants the whole world to come back to relationship with him, just as he originally planned for in the Garden of Eden. What was lost back then through Satan’s craftiness is now being unwound as the Father’s will is slowly expanding over the earth, as it is in heaven.
Ask me and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Of the greatness of his (Jesus’) government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendour.
In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands—a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces.
In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem
Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life
For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.
Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Then I saw another angel flying in mid-air, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth, to every nation, tribe, language and people
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendour into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honour of the nations will be brought into it.
2. JESUS’ TEACHINGS ON THE FATHERS HEART
Mark 4: 3-20: The sower and the harvest
Mark 4:26-29: The growing seed
Mark 4:30-32: The mustard seed
Questions to ponder
What does this tell us about Gods vision and plans for the earth?
What does it tell us about our role in that vision and plan?
How does this challenge your thinking?
What can you to do in the next week to align your life with this vision?
Luke 15:1-7: The Lost Sheep
Luke 15:8-10: The Lost Coin
Luke 15:11-31: The Lost Son
What does this tell us about God?
What does this teach you about people?
How does this challenge your thinking?
What can you to do in the next week to align your life with this vision?
3. FINAL THOUGHTS
How do these scriptures line up with your ideas about the end times?
Do you really think these scriptures will happen in the future, or not?
Is scripture suggesting the world will one day come to Jesus through the Gospel spreading?
What does this mean for the future of your country?
What lifestyle changes should you make to line up with the Father’s plan?
Don’t Ask: Lord what do you want me to do?
Ask: Lord what do you want to do through me?
3. ACTION
- Share these scriptures with two people and ask them the questions above.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to give you some ideas as to what you can do to in order to play a small part in the Father’s plan.
- Activate one lifestyle change that will bring you more in line with God’s plan for the world.