Greatness In Serving :: By Dr. Donald Whitchard

Published on: by RR7 Category:General Articles

Mark 10:35-45

Summary: The disciples had to learn, often the hard way, that following Jesus does not mean favoritism from Him. They had to learn that service towards God and others is to be done with a loving, gracious attitude and not with an ego.

You have to admit that James and John thought a lot about their ability to serve the Lord Jesus. They wanted places of honor in the Kingdom of God without coming to grips with the hardship that follows everyone who gives their lives to Him. The disciples and all who would surrender their lives to the Lordship and saving grace of Jesus over the centuries would experience not glamor, but grief, and not power, but persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). These two “sons of thunder” were blatant examples of self-exaltation (before they later changed), which was the very poison that Lucifer and the fallen angels possessed (Isaiah 14:13-14) that will end in eternal doom for them (Matthew 25:41) in everlasting hell.

We all think far too highly of ourselves and often get on our respective “high horse,” making the mistake of looking down on everyone else and believing that we are more important to the cause of the Kingdom than others. We think that our words are so eloquent and our actions so noble when the hard truth is that, save for the mercy and grace of God through Jesus Christ, we are all hell-bound sinners absent of any hope, and it is high time that we look at ourselves through that perspective (Romans 3:10-18, 23).

We tend to worship at the altar we have built and dedicated to self-reliance and esteem, believing that we are not as “bad” as the person living next door who has had one too many shots of whiskey that weekend, or other situations that blur reality. We pride ourselves on the collection of morals and ethics we have formed in our own image at the expense of seeking the face of God and learning from Him as to what it means to have a genuine righteous lifestyle (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19-21).

Scripture does not spare feelings nor apologize for its direct hit at the souls and sins of reprobate humanity, pointing out that we are hopeless, helpless, and doomed unless we repent, ask for forgiveness of our sins, and bow before the Lord Jesus, surrendering our lives to His will (Philippians 2:5-11). Scripture and its truth stand firm and unbending when the emotional bellowing of the wicked reaches its peak and then fails. Any desire to exalt our feelings and opinions before the holiness of Almighty GOD is fruitless and a waste of time. The Word of God shows that the worship of self at the expense of service to Him never ends well for us; yet, we never seem to want to learn our lessons.

Moses himself got a case of the “big head” when he claimed to be the source of water for the ever-complaining Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 20:8-12). As a result of this foolish statement, God would not allow him to enter the Promised Land. Moses was receiving the credit and benevolence toward Israel that belonged solely to God.

Today, we are not to think too highly of ourselves in front of notable individuals or important figures, and I can think of no better example from my years of service to the Lord Jesus than my peers in seminary who were considerably younger than I was. Some tended to think that their preaching and character made them a sure heir of men such as the late Dr. Billy Graham and noted pastors and leaders within my respective denomination. Some made the mistake of wanting to “name-drop” in order to appear more dignified. They needed to get back to the Word of God and read what none other than King Solomon said about folks such as them (Proverbs 25:6-7, 27:2).

It is not just individuals who serve themselves a large helping of self-esteem and egotism disguised as noble intentions. Ancient empires such as Babylon, which overran and conquered the kingdom of Judah in fulfillment of the warnings from God’s prophets, had their time in the sun. God, in His decree, allowed them to be used to fulfill His will. Babylon was steeped in paganism and did not regard the LORD, save for Nebuchadnezzar II, who was humbled by Him and had been warned by Daniel. They believed that their kingdom would last for eons, but it later fell to the Persians in 532 B.C. (Daniel 5).

The prophet Isaiah had spoken of Babylon’s rise and fall (Isaiah 47:8-11). This is a stern warning for any nation that dares to rebel against the rule of the LORD. No one gets away with anything. God sees all of it, and He will demand accountability from both people and nations at the last day (Hebrews 9:27).

The Lord Jesus told a parable about a farmer who boasted in his goods and believed that all would be well. He placed his trust in himself and his possessions, certain that this life would be all that concerned him. God had a warning and rebuke for this foolish man, and it was not pleasant in terms of his eternal soul and destiny (Luke 12:13-21). Jesus also told a parable of two men who went to pray in the Temple; one a Pharisee whose prayer was a list of self-achievement and religious pride, and a tax collector who saw himself as a sinner in need of mercy from God (Luke 18:9-14). Which prayer did the LORD hear and honor? Which role best describes you when you go before the LORD to pray? Which role best describes your attitude towards serving the LORD?

The apostle Paul wrote that the gifts of the Spirit that are bestowed upon us are never for self-edification or for boasting as to who is more spiritual, which was a major problem with the Corinthians. But all gifts and talents are to be used to edify, strengthen, and encourage the brethren as well as demonstrate to the unbelieving world that the claims and saving grace given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ is true and the only means by which anyone can have real peace with God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12, 16:31; Romans 5:6-11, 10:9-10, 12:3-8).

Towards the end of his life, the apostle Peter wrote encouraging words to the “under-shepherds” of the church (pastors), telling them to show Christ-like grace to all and be an example to their flocks. Persecution such as what the early church was undergoing made no room for egos or self-centeredness (1 Peter 5:2-4).

As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we need to always keep our eyes on Him and notice that He was never at any time domineering or willing to use His power and authority for His own needs. He received His direction from the Father and did as He said (John 14:7-11). Jesus never had an ego to bruise or nurture, always submissive to the Father’s will.

We need to get off any pedestal that someone or ourselves have placed us on, erase any thoughts of self, pride, and ego, and surrender all to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1-11). He is to run our lives, and since He created us, I would tend to think that He knows how to do a better and more excellent job than we could ever conceive in our own thought and ability. It is He to whom we shall bow in humble adoration on that great and glorious day when He returns to take His bride home (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and later comes back to rule and reign over a new heaven and earth (Revelation 19:11-21, Chapters 21, 22), free of sin and its effects once and for all.

Now, the question I have for you is: Have you surrendered your life to Him? If not, get that taken care of TODAY while there is still time (2 Corinthians 6:2). He saves all who come to Him, and we get the honor of serving Him.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

donaldwhitchard@gmail.com

www.realitycityreverend.com

Join me for “The Reality City Daily Review” weekday mornings at 10:00 CST on YouTube (USA). It will then be posted on Facebook and on my website. My main area of discussion will be on the basics of the Christian faith but will also deal with prophetic issues and other topics as the Lord impresses upon me to handle.

 

The Convergence of Thinking :: By Daymond Duck

Published on: by RR7 Category:Daymond Duck, General Articles

This article is different from what I usually write.

I recently listened to a Prophecy Update by Pastor Tom Hughes that inspired me to get this out. (Thank you, brother; Pastor Hughes can be found at hopeforourtimes.com.)

When the disciples asked Jesus about the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Matt. 24:3), He mentioned several signs and then revealed the parable of the Fig Tree (Israel; Matt. 24:32-35; Luke 21:29-33).

When I first started studying Bible prophecy, most of the prophecy books that I read said Israel is the number one sign, but in recent years, most say the convergence of the signs is the number one sign.

History has now entered a period of unparalleled convergence of the signs, and that is extremely important, but the convergence of globalist thinking is also very important.

The Books of Daniel and Revelation reveal a major part of what is known about the development of world government at the end of the age.

Here is a vision of the coming world government that God gave to Daniel.

  • “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
  • I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things” (Dan. 7:7-8).

The fourth beast that Daniel saw was terrible, exceedingly strong, and it had ten horns. (Note: The Antichrist and False Prophet are called beasts in Rev. 13.)

While Daniel was pondering the meaning of the ten horns, he saw another seemingly insignificant horn (an eleventh horn; a little horn) come up.

  • “I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this” (Dan. 7:16a).

Daniel was surrounded by angels; he approached one of the angels and asked him to explain these things.

  • “So he (the angel) told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
  • These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth” (Dan. 7:16b-17).

The four beasts (kings) were future in Daniel’s day; the first three have appeared and are past to us, but the fourth beast (king) is still future to us.

The fourth beast (king) with ten horns is the coming world government (Rev. 13:1).

Be aware that in Old Testament times, kings and kingdoms were considered one and the same because what the king decreed, the kingdom did (the words king and kingdom are interchangeable; the king is the kingdom).

  • “Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
  • And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows” (Dan. 7:19-20).

Daniel asked the angel to give him more information on three things: 1) The fourth beast (king); 2) The ten horns that came up, and 3) The little horn that came up.

  • “Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
  • And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings” (Dan. 7:23-24).

The fourth beast (king) is an earthly kingdom that will encompass the whole earth and cause great destruction. (It is a coming kingdom on earth that will take over the entire world; it is the coming world government.)

The ten horns are ten kings (leaders) that will have power in this kingdom, but they will appear before the eleventh king (the Antichrist) appears.

Let’s go to the Book of Revelation and what John the Revelator saw about this.

  • “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast” (Rev. 17:12-13).

The ten horns are ten future kings (John’s future) that will hold power in the days of the fourth beast (in the days of the Antichrist; Rev. 13:1; during the last world government).

The ten kings will have one mind, meaning they will think alike (there will be a convergence of thinking).

They will give (or surrender) their authority and militaries to the Antichrist and support him.

  • “For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled” (Rev. 17:17).

The ten kings’ convergence of thinking will be God’s doing because God’s Word must be fulfilled.

God will cause those in power to think alike and surrender their power and authority to the Antichrist.

Every jot and tittle of Bible prophecy must be fulfilled.

Let’s go back to the Book of Daniel.

  • “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy” (Dan. 9:24).

God has determined that Israel and the world (Rev. 3:10) will have to go through the Tribulation Period to get people to give up their sins, to initiate His kingdom of righteousness on earth (Millennial reign), to fulfill all Bible prophecy, and to install Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Concerning the ten kings, the Church will be raptured before the Antichrist confirms the seven-year covenant with many, but the Church could possibly be here when some or all the ten kings appear (II Thess. 2:6-12).

Recall that on Jan. 25-29, 2021, the UN World Economic Forum brought together a group of government leaders, international business leaders, media giants, and others in Davos, Switzerland, for the “Davos Dialogues.”

  • They discussed ways to change or reset government systems, economies, and societies all over the world (including the U.S.).
  • They submitted recommendations to a “Great Reset” meeting that was held in May 2021.
  • Among other things, they want to replace U.S. leadership with leaders from a handful of nations (this writer believes leaders from a “handful” of nations will turn out to be ten leaders).
  • Biden, the “time to change America” president, said he will do more than approve the Great Reset; he will try to make it happen.

Concerning the convergence of thinking, the stage was set for leaders of one mind on Sept. 25, 2015, by the unanimous vote of 193 nations to approve the Transforming of our World: The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Every government is now required to support the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals (they are required to think and act alike).
  • Every government agrees on abortion, gay issues, mandated vaccinations, climate change, immigration, etc. (They are thinking alike.)
  • This convergence of thinking is God’s doing, and it shows that God is setting the stage for the appearance of ten like-minded kings.
  • God is causing leaders all over the world to think alike because He intends to transfer global leadership to ten people that will agree to surrender their power and authority to the Antichrist.

Here is another example:

On Sept. 13, 2021, it was reported that UN Sec. Gen. Guterres released a document titled “Our Common Agenda.”

Notice this: The Bible says God will cause the ten kings to have one mind, and now the UN has a common agenda.

This is not a coincidence.

God reveals the future before it happens.

  • “Our Common Agenda” is called a New Agenda for Peace.
    • The Tribulation Period will begin with a covenant for peace in the Middle East.
  • “Our Common Agenda” calls for a new UN-led world order.
    • The New World Order will be a UN-led world government.
  • “Our Common Agenda” calls for a new financial system.
    • A digital one-world currency that allows the tracking of all buying and selling is on the way.
  • “Our Common Agenda” calls for Global vaccinations.
    • A mandate to force every nation on earth to obey a world government.
  • “Our Common Agenda” calls for a strengthened global government in our “troubled climate-change-suffering world.”
    • A small group of very rich and very powerful people are seeking to gain total domination of the entire planet.
  • “Our Common Agenda” calls for a new, more relevant UN.
    • In his words, “multilateralism with teeth.”
    • Guterres wants leaders from several nations to be given power to force globalism on the whole world under the false teaching that the world is suffering from climate change.
  • “Our Common Agenda” calls for world leaders to hold a “Global Summit of the Future” in 2023 (a little more than a year from now) to study ways to strengthen global governance and make sure global policies are being enforced.
    • This means forcing the U.S. and other nations to follow UN policies (not the Constitution of the U.S., what a nation’s citizens want, etc.).

Those that have heard about the Antichrist might not accept one-man rule, but they will be caught off guard and accept ten-man rule, not knowing that Bible prophecy says the ten will surrender their authority and militaries to one man.

  • We are seeing the opposite of the Tower of Babel where God confounded people’s language and speech to hold back Nimrod’s one-world government and religion.
  • God is now converging the thinking of global leaders to bring in the coming one-world government and religion.

There are skeptics that do not think that we are close to a one-world government and religion, but if God is causing world leaders to think alike to fulfill His Word, He cannot be stopped.

  • God is using the Restrainer (Church and Holy Spirit) to hold it back until His appointed time, but He will remove the Restrainer with the Rapture, the globalists will control everything, and the one-world government and religion will surge forth.

The Antichrist will come out of the EU.

  • He must be alive on earth when the ten kings are here so they can give their power to him.
  • The possibility of a looming Great Reset with a handful of leaders taking control of the world is evidence that the Antichrist is alive now but not yet in a position of great power.

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com