West Oaks Fellowship - Fusion Articles

"Nations Gathered For Worship - Sharing The Truth In Love"

Fusion Articles

2010

A couple of weeks ago, a dear friend (from 1979), Steve Tatum (author of the song we sing - “I Thank God For You”) and I, along with his son, Jeremy, went to see the movie 2012 (Brenda wouldn’t go). My intention was to preach a series of sermons exposing the typically ridiculous and bias errors normally found in scripts written from pagan “ancient manuscripts” that inevitably deny GOD’s Word. My assumption of it being similar to Dan Brown’s, “The DaVinci Code” was totally erroneous and I left somewhat empty-handed. We know that the world can’t end on December 21 (23rd according to some), 2012. One Mayan calendar ends on this day, while others don’t. There could be some unique astronomical alignment of the sun, earth, and planets on this date, although NASA doesn’t agree, which could lead to an archaeoastronomical happenstance on earth. Certainly, we as believers, know absolutely that the world will not/can not end in 2010, 2011 or even 2012! However, I did leave the theater being entertained by some cool special effects, and a great proposition for the massively devastating effects of a “world wide flood” along with the use of a human built ark as a means and method of deliverance/salvation!

Now, you may ask, “Why can’t/won’t the world end in 2010, 11, or 12?” Below you’ll find a few of many insurmountable reasons:

JESUS must reign/rule, literally/physically on the earth for 1000 years. So the 2012 date is at least off by 1000 years. After 1000 years (millennium/millennial reign) a new heaven and new earth are formed. (See Rev 20:1-6 & all of 21)

Before CHRIST returns (second ADVENT) to reign/rule for a 1000 years, there must be a period of tribulation/judgment on the earth and even a “great tribulation” (Matt 24:15-31) as well. The 2012 date is off by at least 3.5-7 years.

Before the “end” the gospel must be preached throughout the world! (Matt 24:14)

Just because the world can’t end in 2010, 11, or 12, it doesn’t mean we can lollygag around with all the days of our lives. The Bible absolutely reveals that our days are numbered and that CHRIST holds all life in HIS hands. For true believers this is not a scary proposition but a tremendous blessing! Just think, at the appointed time (according to HIS purpose), we will meet HIM face to face! This will either occur through physical death, as our soul/spirit is swept into CHRIST’s presence, or we will be “snatched away,” as HIS Bride in context with the “Rapture” of HIS Church. While the actual word “rapture” does not appear in the biblical text and comes from the Latin raptus/rapio, the concept of the “rapture,” is unquestionably stated in the “catching-up / snatching away / gathering together” of CHRIST’s Church/Bride within the text of New Testament scriptures (I Thess 4:15-17, II Thess 2:1-2, and I Cor 15:51-52). In addition, the writings/practices of the New Testament Church clearly demonstrate this belief, along with the foundational and fundamental Bible teachings of the evangelical Christian church during the past 150+ years. Despite modern day heretical teachings, coupled with a general avoidance of this subject by many biblical teachers and scholars, the significance and importance of the “rapture” (as an essential doctrine) cannot and should not be disregarded or denied!

Now to 2010 - It is absolutely, 100% possible, as well as probable, that we could be called to meet JESUS CHRIST our Lord this year! While everything’s not in place for HIS second advent (coming), there is unprecedented evidence from world-wide events pointing in this direction. Therefore, at any moment this significant preceding event to our world’s end, the “rapture” (which requires nothing to be fulfilled biblically/historically), might occur. While we wait, may we never grow weary in doing good (Gal 6:9, II Thess 3:13); let us be alert in everything (I Cor 16:13, Eph 6:18, Col 4:2, I Thess 5:6, I Pet 5:8); living in a manner worthy of our calling (I Thess 2:10); not wasting the time we have left (I Pet 4:1-11); being diligent (II Tim 2:15, II Pet 1:10 & 3:14); taking every thought captive (II Cor 10:5); living unselfishly (Phil 2:3, James 3:14-16); sharing the Gospel (good news) of CHRIST (I Pet 3:15-17); strengthening and encouraging one another (which comes through relationship) (Heb 3:13 & 12:12, II Thess 5:11); worshipping JESUS CHRIST in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23-24)!

Something very interesting about 2010 is the combination of the numbers and the somewhat obscure biblical meaning of those numbers. The number 20 is double 10, which biblically speaking means it has a concentrated meaning and implies expectancy of a great magnitude. 20 years… Jacob waited for His wives/property (Gen. 31:38, 41); Israel waited for deliverance from Jabin’s oppression (Judges 4:3); The Hebrews waited for deliverance during Samson’s rule (Judges 15:20, 16:31); The “Ark Of The Covenant” waited at Kirjath-jearim (I Samuel 7:2). Various other biblical references to the number 20 exist, along with 20 recorded dreams. I’d encourage everyone to search the scriptures on your own, but ultimately the number 20 has to do with waiting on something of great magnitude, with an expectancy of fulfillment and/or redemption!

Biblically speaking the number 10 is much easier, symbolizing divine perfection and testimony. GOD gave 10 commandments to regulate the behavior of Hebrew civilization (Exodus 20), challenging them to live differently than all other people! 10 plagues were sent by the LORD against Egypt (Exodus 9:14-12:32); 10 pillars and 10 silver sockets formed the foundation of the Tabernacle (Exodus 38:12, 27); 10 curtains of linen were made for the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1); 10 “I AM’s” were spoken by CHRIST (John 6:35, 6:41, 6:51, 8:12, 8:18, 10:7-9, 10:14, 14:6, 11:25, 15:1-5) along with a plethora of other biblical references. All these point to our LORD’s divine, perfect work and testimony of Who HE truly is by nature/character.

Now, combine 20 and 10. WOW, no telling what GOD has in store for those that love HIM and are called according to HIS purpose (Rom 8:28)! I’m praying that 2010 will be a year of redemption – things of great magnitude coming to pass in your life and at WOF, along with the going forth of a mighty and powerful testimony concerning the LORD’s perfect work in each of our lives and in HIS church. Perhaps this is even the year we will be gathered together and meet HIM in the air!

No more to think about -- get ready, for our redemption draweth nigh (KJV Luke 21:28). -- Pastor Frank