Qualifier.... This talk and these notes in no way support or allude to the 'secret rapture' nor any other futurist concepts. Part 1 of this talk was delivered by Pastor Brad Smith on Sunday 5th March 2023. Please listen to that talk prior to listening to this one.

Qualifier.... This talk and these notes in no way support or allude to the 'secret rapture' nor any other futurist concepts. 1. The first aim of this short study is to distinguish the age ending actions bought about by mankind, as opposed to and in conjunction with, the age ending destruction by the hand of God (accompanying the return of Jesus Christ). 2. The second is to establish what happens to the saints (overcoming Christians), while God's fiery judgement is in process. Many people seem to be confused as to what happens when these two events collide. Some saints feel that God's people are going to be subject to the fiery judgement of God while others while others feel that God is more loving and merciful than to allow that to happen. There are a few different opinions on these things, but the following is a consistent theme.

Starting with creation and moving through further scriptural revelations, we see a consistent and common theme revealing God's purposes behind human life and the ability to sustain it long term. The Biblical family unit (husband, wife, children) defines the basis for lasting cultural stability and longevity. These values give people the best chance for cultural and spiritual survival through specifically defined relationships. The following are simple examples of God's revealed purposes towards physical relationships.

Part 2. The concept of fellowship relates to coming together for Godly service... we cannot have one without the other. Gathering together is a strong bible principle... and had its beginning in the Old Testament as the peace offering. This offering was not only the most common offering, but included a feast, also symbolising fellowship and oneness with God as well as each other.

The kingdom of God doesn't have a flashing neon sign over the entrance gate, nor does it have clearly lit street signs leading to it. The way of God is hidden from all men, because it is not discerned through the natural senses. The natural senses of sight, hearing, touch, etc, reveal nothing. The way of God is a spiritually discerned path and can only be found through the instructions given by God's people. The right instructions bring the right results.

The concept of fellowship relates to coming together for Godly service... we cannot have one without the other. Gathering together is a strong bible principle... and had its beginning in the Old Testament as the peace offering. This offering was not only the most common offering, but included a feast, also symbolising fellowship and oneness with God as well as each other.

Jesus told Pilate that his servants would not fight because his Kingdom is not of this world. Christians are engaged in a spiritual warfare, a spiritual military campaign to hold fast to the teachings of the Word of God. Christians have access to "mighty" power from God to assist them in their battle.

We live in a world where opinion continually outweighs provable facts and reality like no other time in history. Not surprisingly there are numerous times in history where the facts and realities have not suited the rulers of the day and have been denied. It was quite common to jail or murder those who dared reveal unpleasant realities. That is why God offers signs and wonders... it gives the honest heart something to build confidence upon, without having to rely on the opinion of others.

There would be few people in the world who have never heard of the concept of Armageddon or the return of Jesus Christ. These stories have one thing in common. Jesus Christ is returning to save the world from a fiery, self-destructing end. At which time he will rule for a thousand years and judge all peoples both past and present. Many of the Bible prophecies relating to this time are clear, and currently unfolding. Despite this, the vast majority of people are totally unprepared for what is ahead of them; nor do they care... at the moment.

It should not be surprising that the creator of the universe wants to reveal himself to his creation. If we pray for God to open people's eyes, we have a further tool for self development; to build up people in the church and to open the hearts of the unbelievers. However, we need to make sure our eyes are open before we can open the eyes of others.

The apostle Paul was raised in a strict Jewish sect, however he understood that, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, salvation was open to all men, jew and gentile alike. Paul explains that he seeks to be "all things to all men, that he might save some".

In our modern world, there is a destructive trend called 'identity politics': where people are encouraged to bypass rational thought, make unscientific choices about who or what they think they are. This is foolish and has extended into gender, sport, business, law and order, etc. Much of our social order is breaking down, allowing confusion and crime to escalate rapidly. People may feel free to make their choices on the earth... but there are spiritual consequences. Lets have a look at God's view on all these modern points of debate.

In our modern world, there is a destructive trend called 'identity politics': where people are encouraged to bypass rational thought, make unscientific choices about who or what they think they are. This is foolish and has extended into gender, sport, business, law and order, etc. Much of our social order is breaking down, allowing confusion and crime to escalate rapidly. People may feel free to make their choices on the earth... but there are spiritual consequences. Lets have a look at God's view on all these modern points of debate.

The following is a short study on the introduction of mercy and forgiveness outside the Law. You may be surprised at the clarity of understanding that was available well before Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

Part 1 was delivered 4th May 2022. God has prepared a gospel for the weakest of the weak, right through to the strongest of the strong. God cares for us much more than we can imagine. When we are weak we can become strong, because that is when we hand over to God and let him do the work that we cannot. God can cover our sins as easy as Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves. God went one better and covered them more permanently with animal skins. By forgiving us our sins, God gives us room and time to grow and learn from mistakes and weaknesses... to develop spiritually. However, a working faith is required... to believe God by acting upon his directions (to obtain salvation and live in it).

The book of James identifies the prophetic peoples of the latter times. The total economic failure of the latter times and the failure of the western nations which will lead to the fiery judgement of God.

Part 2. The temple was the only place on earth where God and the people could meet safely. Both of these meeting places were made possible by two sons of David, both kings... Solomon and Jesus. Both of these men were mentored and trained by kingmakers, before they were able to go bring about their chosen blessings.

There is a lot of talk these days about the amount of waste that we humans produce. One significant form of waste that has always been around, and that is very hard to get rid of, is worry. In the Lord, we are instructed to have faith, and not to worry (which is a form of fear). This doesn't mean we don't care about anything. The scriptures give us instruction on how to handle our concerns and how to deal with suffering.

The temple was the only place on earth where God and the people could meet safely. Both of these meeting places were made possible by two sons of David, both kings... Solomon and Jesus. Both of these men were mentored and trained by kingmakers, before they were able to go bring about their chosen blessings.

Both the saved and unsaved have a common problem... we both need God's help. The unsaved have their own problems... Firstly, they are spiritually dead. Followed by that they are all normal failings, fear and needs that all spirit filled people face.