NUMBER TWELVE, 2020
In this issue 3
My Advice This Christmas
6
Will the Real Antichrist Please Stand Up?
charles r. swindoll
insight for living ministries
8 Apocalyptic
steve johnson
11 Scriptural Support for Christ’s Return
charles r. swindoll
Bumper Sticker Theology 12 Follow Your Heart
steve johnson
Beyond the Broadcast 14 The Backbone of Biblical Prophecy
Puzzle 15 Revelation
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bibleteaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Chuck is the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas. His international radio program Insight for Living has aired for more than 40 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright Š 2020 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Tim Schellenberg. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
MY ADVICE THIS CHRISTMAS by charles r. swindoll
Cover & Article Photo: S.B. Vonlanthen on unsplash.com
I
f I may borrow from Charles Dickens’ faith in Jesus Christ? At no other season famous opening line, Christmas can is the unbeliever’s heart softer toward the be “the best of times, and the worst of message of Jesus. Be aware of that. Stay sensitive to that. Be ready to speak. It’s times.” We have them both, don’t we? Who hasn’t cringed in early October as “the best of times” for it. This is God’s annual reminder to us— stores drag out the artificial Christmas trees and put them on display? Who luring us, pulling us, encouraging us, doesn’t dread the extra traffic and the in effect: “Feel the warmth in that light gaggle of people in the shopping malls bulb? Smell that tree? See those gifts? when you have to go get something that Hear those songs? My Son came and has nothing to do with Christmas? Who died for you. I love you.” All these things hasn’t felt uneasy about the obligatory familiar are reminders of things essential. “I will always be ready to remind you exchange of gifts with individuals you hardly know? Or sending Christmas cards of these things,” the Apostle Peter wrote, to people you haven’t written to since the “even though you already know them” last Christmas card you sent them? And (2 Peter 1:12 NASB). Isn’t that great? how about feeling the pressure to hang Sometimes there are people who will say to me, “Well, you said lights on your house that before, Chuck” or in a neighbourhood My advice this “You may have forgotbecause you’re the only Christmas? Allow ten, but you’re repeathouse that doesn’t have the traditions of the ing yourself.” I’ll think, lights hung? There’s something about those season to stir you up Good! The best way to annual experiences and by way of reminder. learn is by repetition, by saying it again, and obligations that seem Allow the things by reviewing the truth to make them “the familiar to point you over and over and over. worst of times.” In spite of all the chalto things essential. The Apostle Peter continued: “I consider it lenges, I prefer to view Christmas as “the best of times.” There’s right, as long as I am in this earthly dwellno better time of the year to enjoy the ing, to stir you up by way of reminder” (1:13, colour that enhances our streets. At no emphasis added). Peter was determined to other time of the year do the faces of little remind them of what they already knew— children glow with such wonder. And in order to stir them to action. Paul, in there’s nothing like the music of Christ- writing to the Philippian Christians, conmas! They’re playing our songs in grocery fessed: “To write the same things again is stores, elevators, shopping malls, and no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for on every radio station: “Joy to the world! you” (Philippians 3:1). Most of us who attend good, BibleThe Lord is come.” They’re talking about our Saviour. It’s our message on their lips. believing churches know more about Christ than most people will discover in Have you noticed? Don’t miss that! And I must add, what better time of the a lifetime. We are neck-deep in the truth year is there to share with others your of God. Our problem? It isn’t knowing the
truth; it is living it. If we stopped learning new things this very moment and simply drew from the reservoir of knowledge we already have, that would keep us busy for an awfully long time. But we need regular reminders of those truths to stir us up to action. In the Old Testament, the Lord used tangible objects and actions as memory-triggers—phylacteries on the forehead, special food at Passover, stones at a body of water, trumpets for the New Year, and sacrifices in the temple—to prompt His people to remember the essentials. “And it shall serve as a sign...and as a reminder...that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth” (Exodus 13:9). The sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes—these seasonal traditions—reignited the passions of God’s people and reminded them of His love, His commands, and His grace. Christmas can do the same for us this year. You string up the lights. You trim the tree. You buy gifts. You wrap the presents and place them under the tree. You attend a church service—including a Christmas
Eve service. You know the songs by heart. It’s all familiar...it’s all routine. It’s just words, just lights, just a tree, just gifts, just songs—Wait a minute! The holidays needn’t be a rote repetition from last year. Maybe it’s time to use these familiar traditions as reminders of essential truths. Don’t forget that Jesus was born of a virgin—His very conception, a miracle! Remember how the angels lit the shepherds’ field with God’s glory that night, announcing the birth of a Saviour. A Saviour. You and I needed a Saviour—One who would and could die for our sins. My advice this Christmas? Allow the traditions of the season to stir you up by way of reminder. Allow the things familiar to point you to things essential. Don’t miss them. Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, “My Advice This Christmas,” Insights (December 2008): 1–2. Copyright © 2008 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
Honouring God in Our Occupations SINGLE CD MESSAGE
TOO OFTEN WE DIVIDE THE REALM OF THE SACRED FROM THAT OF THE SECULAR. For ordering information visit insightforliving.ca or view enclosed flyer.
WILL THE REAL ANTICHRIST PLEASE STAND UP? by insight for living ministries
T
he exotic—even bizarre—symbols notes, “The number of the beast down used to describe the Beast in Rev- through the centuries has been linked elation 13 are not just frightening features with literally hundreds of different posconjured up to illustrate the monstrous sibilities.”3 In Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, character of the Antichrist. The vision of letters stand for numbers, so anyone with the Beast is drawn from specific images in a calculator and some creativity can paste the book of Daniel in order to communicate the “666” label on a number of prominent personalities. The following men have been the reality of this end-times dictator. In Daniel 7, Daniel had a vision of a series seriously proposed as being the villain of of four beasts rising from the sea—the first the end times: like a lion, the second like a bear, the third • Titus Flavius Vespasian like a four-headed leopard, and the fourth • Nero Caesar “dreadful and terrifying and extremely • Mohammed strong” with ten horns (Daniel 7:3–8 NASB). • Constantine • The popes J. Dwight Pentecost rightly • Martin Luther interprets these four beasts The truth is, we of Daniel for us as the suc- cannot know who the • Napoleon Bonaparte • Abraham Lincoln cessive ancient empires Antichrist will be until • Adolf Hitler who opposed Israel: Babyhe is already in—and • Benito Mussolini lon, Medo-Persia, Greece, • John F. Kennedy and Rome.1 If we add up the out of—control • Ronald Reagan number of heads and horns on the four beasts in Daniel 7, they equal • Mikhail Gorbachev the seven heads and 10 horns of the Beast • Saddam Hussein • Osama bin Laden in Revelation 13. As it turns out, none of these men comJohn Walvoord explains the symbolism of the Beast: “In Revelation 13:2 the beast pletely fulfilled the job description of Revelawas seen to gather in the symbolism of tion 13. The truth is, we cannot know who the the three preceding empires—Greece (a Antichrist will be until he is already in—and leopard, cf. Daniel 7:6), Medo-Persia (a out of—control (2 Thessalonians 2:6–8). bear, cf. Daniel 7:5), and Babylon (a lion, cf. Daniel 7:4).”2 This symbolism suggests Adapted from Insight for Living, Revelation—Unthat the Antichrist of the future tribulation veiling the End, Act 2: The Earthly Drama (Plano, will embody the sum total of all the world Tex.: IFL Publishing House, 2006), 134, 146. 1 J. Dwight Pentecost, “Daniel,” in The Bible empires that oppose God and His people. Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, ed. John He will be directly empowered by Satan F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1985), 1350-55. himself, acting as the ultimate dictator and 2 John F. Walvoord, “Revelation,” in The Bible leading the ultimate evil empire. Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, ed. But who is this beast, the Antichrist? John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck (Wheaton, Ill.: Throughout history people have tried to Victor Books, 1983), 960. identify the man behind the mark: tagging 3 Grant R. Osborne, Revelation, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, ed. Moises an individual as the Beast or False Prophet Silva (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002), 519. of Revelation 13. One commentator aptly
APOCALYPTIC by steve johnson
Article Photo: Priscilla du Preez on unsplash.com
A
pocalyptic, as a category of prophetic literature, is the most dramatic, foreign, and difficult to understand of all the biblical literary forms. It deals with end-of-the-world events using symbolism and figurative language. It is found in parts of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation. Characteristics of apocalyptic There are certain general features, which are characteristic of apocalyptic literature. • The presence of the ongoing battle between good and evil • Often narrated as an eyewitness account with visions and revelations • A contrast between pessimism concerning the present evil age and optimism concerning the coming end of the age and the age to come • Deliverance in a time of persecution • Numerical and animal symbolism • The idea of the unity of history and a goal toward which history is moving • The resurrection of the righteous and the judgment of the wicked • The appearance of a transcendent figure identified as “the Son of Man” Here are a few tips for interpreting apocalyptic literature Since apocalyptic makes frequent use of poetry and figurative language we need
to apply the rules of these other genres when interpreting apocalyptic. Determine the author’s intended meaning to his original audience, starting with the historical context—the occasion, purpose and main themes. For example, Revelation was written to Christians who had been undergoing at least two generations of persecution with no hope for change. John wrote to give his readers encouragement and hope and uses symbolism to describe the attributes of the person, place, or thing being described rather than simply naming it. Interpret apocalyptic texts literally unless the literal interpretation violates common sense, is obviously contrary to the author’s intention, contradicts other teachings of Scripture, or the content indicates that figurative language and symbolism is being used. Compare the analogies in images from other texts such as John’s use of Ezekiel or Daniel in Revelation. When interpreting New Testament apocalyptic cross-check references to Old Testament passages. Do not get bogged down in the details of the visions. Generally, a vision, or even a series of visions should be seen as a whole, with each individual vision contributing to a central meaning, similar to interpreting a parable.
Interpret the symbols. Symbols are the • When numbers are encountered, try to ascertain the symbolism that was used most challenging aspect of apocalyptic. for these numbers in their time The symbolism of apocalyptic is derived For example, seven was the number of primarily from the Old Testament, contemporary life in the Roman province of perfection and six was short of perfection and symbolized sin. When colours Asia, and Jewish apocalyptic literature. are encountered they are • Start with the ones interpreted by the The primary purpose of used to symbolize attriScriptures themapocalyptic writing is to butes, such as white for and red for Jesus’ selves. Many times teach us to trust in God. purity, blood. these will help The message is that He • Note how the symbols us determine the were used in other meaning of others is in control even when literature from the • Note the qualities things are at their worst. same period of the literal object The most important thing about apocadenoted by the symbol lyptic is to read it theologically. The pri• Try to discover from the context the mary purpose of apocalyptic writing is purpose for using a symbol to teach us to trust in God. The message • Use any explanation given in the is that He is in control even when things context to connect the symbol and the are at their worst. We can trust Him and truth it teaches If the symbol is not explained, then use persevere in the faith even when it is difevery clue found in the immediate con- ficult, because we know He will set things text or in any part of the book where the right in the end. If you get that you’re figure occurs. Try to understand why the doing alright. symbol was effective for the first hearers or readers. Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for • Observe how often and where a symbol is Living Canada. found but allow each context to control the meaning. Do not force symbols into preconceived schemes of uniformity
Did you know Insight for Living airs on radio stations across the country every day? To find the program on your local station visit insightforliving.ca/find-station
SCRIPTURAL SUPPORT FOR CHRIST’S RETURN by charles r. swindoll
Article Photo: Aaron Burden on unsplash.com
T
believed, written, and taught that hese facts from biblical prophecy about Christ would someday return to earth Christ’s return may surprise you: The Bible teaches it. The Lord Jesus • One out of every 30 verses in the Bible mentions the subject of Christ’s return stood upon its truths. The apostles declared it and wrote about it. The creeds or the end of time include it and affirm it. • Of the 216 chapters in Quite obviously, His the New Testament, The Bible teaches it. The return has not been there are well over Lord Jesus stood upon considered an insig300 references to the its truths. The apostles nificant issue through return of Christ declared it and wrote the centuries. But the • 23 of the 27 New strange thing is that Testament books menabout it. The creeds tion Christ’s return include it and affirm it. many Christians in this generation either • In the Old Testament, ignore it or are somehow confused by it. such well-known and reliable men Too bad. It is a marvellous truth. of God as Job, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, as well as most of the Minor Prophets mention Christ’s Adapted from Growing Deep in the Christian Life: Essential Truths for Becoming Strong in the Faith return in their writings (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995), 266–267. Used • Christ often spoke specifically about by permission. His own return to earth • Throughout the centuries, Christ’s disciples and followers have adamantly
Bumper Sticker
Theology
by steve johnson
Follow Your Heart When people say, “follow your heart” they usually mean something like “do what you feel,” or “trust yourself,” or even “go with your instincts.” In essence they are saying follow your feelings, desires, and emotions. Would you follow a global positioning system (GPS) if you knew it wasn’t trustworthy? Back in 2012, Apple cut ties with Google Maps and came out with their own GPS and map app. Unfortunately, I (and everyone else who used it) found it to be quite inaccurate. It lacked objective data in the form of true details, which resulted with me ending up in places I didn’t want to be. Because I couldn’t trust it, I quit using it. Here’s my point: for anything to provide proper direction it must be based
on objective truth—truth from outside and not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice. Whatever is consulted for guidance must be based on unbiased, objective truth. What is the heart? The Bible uses the word “heart” to refer to the ruling centre of our being, the wellspring of all desires. It is where emotions and desires begin and which drives the will of man towards action. The problem is that “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” (Jeremiah 17:9 NIV). We were born sinful (Psalm 51:5). The Bible teaches that every aspect of our being is tainted by sin—our heart, our bodies, our minds, and our will. Jesus elaborated on this when He said, “… out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
Another problem with this is it’s a selfgreed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All centred way to approach things. Usually these vile things come from within; they when we are making decisions, there are other factors and responsibilities to conare what defile you” (Mark 7:21–23). It is because the natural heart is this way sider such as bills to pay, mouths to feed, that we need a new heart. That is given and children to clothe. To just follow your heart is irresponsible. when we are born again (Ezekiel 36:26). If we are not to follow our heart what This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The should we do? We should commit our hearts to God old life is gone; a new life has begun! (Proverbs 3:5–6) and follow Jesus—His Word (2 Corinthians 5:17) But even though believers are given a and his Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that new heart and have new desires, we still man is to follow God. He declares, “Blessed have a sinful nature and habits and minds is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose that are affected by sinful ways of think- confidence is in him” (Jeremiah 17:7 NIV). God has perfect knowling. There is still that element within us where our The Bible uses the word edge of everything (1 John 3:20). He is aware of all hearts are inclined toward “heart” to refer to the events that have ever transselfishness, sin, and ruling centre of our pired, are currently occurimmediate gratification. “The sinful nature wants being, the wellspring of ring, and will ever happen (Isaiah 46:9–10) and this to do evil, which is just the all desires. extends to thoughts and opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that intentions (John 2:25; Acts 1:24). It is not are the opposite of what the sinful nature just all this knowledge that makes God a desires. These two forces are constantly fight- perfectly reliable source of guidance. That, ing each other, so you are not free to carry out combined with His love and goodness, your good intentions” (Galatians 5:17). On enables God to give the best possible directop of that we still have to deal with the world tion for people to follow. Whenever we are wondering “What do I around us with all of its temptations. Feelings and emotions arise in response to say? What do I do?” the Holy Spirit within what we think and experience. They are not a us encourages us to follow God’s will over reliable guide for making decisions. Feelings our own desires. He leads our heart accordand emotions, because they are responders, ing to the truth of God’s Word. Even as He’s are constantly changing. A phone call, criti- constantly shaping and moulding our cism, and traffic jam all impact our feelings, hearts through the power of His Spirit and and should they be followed we would be all His Word, we are to follow Him. So instead of following your heart, follow over the map and making decisions with the wrong motives. Blinded by these desires the the Lord and His Word. consequences aren’t weighed, the long-term impact isn’t considered, and short-term pain Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for for long term gain is avoided. Following your Living Canada. heart leads to acting without benefit of logic, analysis, and reason.
The Backbone of Biblical Prophecy
“A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion, to put an end to their sin, to atone for their guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to confirm the prophetic vision, and to anoint the Most Holy Place. Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler—the Anointed One— comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times. After this period of sixty-two sets of seven, the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end. The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.” —Daniel 9:24–27
People often make the mistake of not only judging books by their covers but also by their length—believing that longer is more difficult and shorter is easier. Many times it is the reverse. This is especially true of the last four verses in Daniel 9. They are not difficult to read but pose a challenge to understand. Daniel had Gabriel to help him. We’ll rely on the Holy Spirit and the rest of God’s Word, not only to help us understand this prophecy of the 70 weeks but also to help us apply some principles to our lives. Background and Introduction (Daniel 9:1–23) Daniel was in concentrated prayer (9:1– 19) when Gabriel came to help him understand the vision of the 70 weeks (9:20–23). Vision and Prophecy (Daniel 9:24–27) The prophecy of the 70 weeks is difficult but can be understood if we look at three general facts and then explore four specific facts. Two principles arise out of this study. First, God deals in specifics—He’s a God of detail. Therefore, when we pray we should pray for specifics. Second, God keeps His promises—He’s a God of integrity. Thus, we should claim the promises of God in faith.
“The Backbone of Biblical Prophecy” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series Daniel, Volume 2: God’s Plan for the Future. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
Puzzle — Crossword
Revelation Difficulty ● ● ○ ○ If you find yourself stuck turn to the letter of Revelation to find the answers (NIV suggested).
ACROSS: 1. Held in bowls by heavenly beings
DOWN: 2. Church told to wake up
5. Number of elders seated on thrones
3. Number of completion
7. Church that tolerated Jezebel
4. ______ of Life
8. They sounded the trumpets
6. Church that is lukewarm
11. Church that endured patiently
7. Bore 12 crops of fruit (3)
12. Church that forsook its first love
9. Lake of burning ______
14. Church that is called rich
10. Was able to open the scrolls (2)
17. Church holding to false teachings
13. Last or end
18. Not seen in the City of God
15. First or beginning
19. Wrote down the letter
16. Last word of the letter
