“But the court shall be seated, and they will take away
his dominion, to consume and destroy forever. Then the
kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms
under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the
saints of the Most High.”
Daniel 7:26

The verse above, taken from the Hebrew Prophet Daniel, partially records the events surrounding the “first” Hanukkah. Antiochus Epiphanes, the evil Seleucid regional king, attacked Jerusalem in 168 BCE, invaded the restored Temple and committed the Abomination of Desolation. He actually put a statue of Zeus in the Holy of Holies. Thankfully, he and his dark hordes were overcome by Judas Hasmoneas; nicknamed Maccabee because he, together with his people, fought like a “hammer” and finally restored the sanctity of the Temple.

At the root of this assault against the Jewish people, so many years ago, was the curse of anti-Semitism. Sadly, this curse has manifested down through the centuries and today it is rising again everywhere. In the light of this; how can we celebrate Hanukkah? Is it possible to light our Hanukkah Candles, knowing full well that throughout Europe and America ant-Semitism is at levels approaching the pre-war era and Israel herself is under threat of annihilation from her enemies? This is not speculation, it has become a hard reality for Israel as evidenced from the brutal attack by Hamas on October 7th. The truth is; yes we can and should because:

1. 1. The “heavenly court” is seated. In other words G-d is watching and His heavenly Sanhedrin is seated. This designates sovereignty and quiet resolve. The resolve that watches over Israel day and night.
2. The “dominion” of the anti-Semites will be taken away; just as that of Antiochus Epiphanes was taken away and that of all the evil doers of history.
3. The people of Israel, in Daniel’s oracle called the “holy people”, will in the end be triumphant and at rest and, the light of G-d’s knowledge imparted to them, and through them, given to the whole earth will finally bring real peace to a broken and dark world. The miracle of Hanukkah will be for everyone….and,
4. Ant-Semitism will finally be a thing of the past. G-d’s blessings will rain down on Israel forever and forever and the glory of the Lord will cover the whole earth. This is His sure promise.

So, just as the first Hanukkah was characterized by a miracle of light so now, we must, should and will believe that new miracles of light will preserve and sustain the nation of Israel and the Jewish people everywhere. Hanukkah is about deliverance and restoration and thus, with Daniel’s words giving us encouragement, it is my joy to wish you all a blessed and very special celebration of Hanukkah. May your days be filled with much joy, love and light.

Hanukkah Sameach,

Malcolm Hedding.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual
hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12

“And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words
that I speak to you, stand upright, for I have been sent to you.” While he
was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. Then he said to me, “Do
do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to under-
stand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard;
and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of
Persia withstood me twenty-one days, and behold Michael, one of the chief
princes came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of
Persia.”
Daniel 10:11-13

“And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought with the
dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail,
or was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great
dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who
deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were
cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now
salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of
His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them
before God day and night has been cast down. And they overcame him by
the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did
not love their lives to death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who
dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the
Devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that
he has a short time.”
Revelation 12:7-12

“……but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not
only the earth, but also heaven.”
Hebrews 12:26

A Dream in the Night

On the 2nd of September 2022 Cheryl and I celebrated our golden wedding anniversary. By unusual circumstances Jesus brought us together in marriage 50 years ago and commissioned us to go into the world to serve Him. This by His grace alone we have done and so our ministry has taken us to the towns and cities of South Africa, Israel, the world and to the USA where we now live. It has been quite a journey and through it all we have experienced the amazing grace, provision and faithfulness of God. After a wonderful day of celebrating God’s goodness to us we went to bed and then in the middle of the night I had a remarkable dream. This dream focused on Revelation 12 and the war in heaven and the awful consequences that it will have on the earth. A satanic entity, finally dislodged from its place in the heavens, will come down to the earth with great wrath and this will lead to a time of trouble such as the world has never seen before. This is what I saw in the dream, and I was consequently commissioned to give warning to the Church about this coming time of great darkness and trouble that is shortly to befall Israel, the Church and the world.

A Biblical understanding of wicked entities

In the 6th chapter of Ephesians Paul reminds us that our spiritual conflict is not with flesh and blood but with dark demonic entities in the heavenly places. That is, behind wicked people are unseen demonic powers that have seduced them by their own agreement and will. These evil people are not victims and should not be considered as such, but in dealing with them we have to know that unseen dark powers are working through them. Hitler was a clear example of this; he was not innocent but in fact, by occultic rituals, he had knowingly and willingly surrendered himself to the Devil. This is in fact on record. He, with demonic assistance brought the world to ruin but something more sinister is on the horizon.

Daniel, when praying for his people in exile in Babylon, received an answer from the God of Israel but the way this answer to his prayers came was revealing to say the least. That is, the Archangel Gabriel, always a bringer of good news, eventually came to him but confessed that he had been held up by evil principalities that in fact ruled over the visible kingdoms and empires of the world in unseen places; in this case the Media-Persian empire. To ensure that Gabriel completed his mission the Archangel Michael, that great Prince who watches over Israel and angel of war, came to Gabriel’s aid and subdued the demonic powers resisting his mission. It is to be noted that in the context Daniel was praying about the restoration of Israel to the land of her forefathers after 70 years of exile. This deeply troubled demonic powers and at all costs had to be resisted by them. We will have more to say about this shortly.

It is thus important to note that up until now all demonic power, and even that of the Devil himself, has operated from a heavenly sphere. These evil entities are named by Paul in his Ephesian letter as:

• Principalities
These are regional demonic powers that rule over specific regions of the world.
• Rulers of the darkness of this age
These are demonic spirits that inject evil practices into the world such as abortion and a fascination with things dark and destructive such as sexual perversion, Ouija Boards, Halloween and TV programs for children that glorify dragons, demons and witches etc.
• Hosts of wickedness
These are a vast army, demonic foot soldiers if you will, who carry out all sorts of strategies to ensnare, possess and destroy the lives of people and, if possible, that
of Christians.

According to Paul this is what believers in Jesus are up against and thus have to be constantly vigilant in their walk with Christ. The Apostle Peter also draws our attention to this reality and writes this in his first epistle:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a
roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.”
1 Peter 5:8

It must then be noted then that all these wicked and devilish entities have hitherto operated out of the heavenly sphere. In fact, since the throne of God is in the third heaven according to scripture (2 Corinthians 12:1-2) it is safely assumed that the Devil and his evil powers operate from the second heaven, the sky above us being the first. Because of their “aerial view of the world” they have subjugated it and injected it with darkness and evil. It is for this reason that John, the Beloved Apostle, writes that “the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19) and Jesus affirmed that he is the ruler of this world (John 14:30).

A revelation concerning Israel

There are two passages in the Bible that describe the coming great war in heaven. The one is found in Daniel 12 and the other in Revelation 12. In both cases this cataclysmic upheaval that dislodges the Devil and all his hordes from the heavenlies and brings them down to the earth for a short time, is in the context of a final restoration process that takes place in Israel. This fact brings into focus the strategic importance of Israel to God’s plan of world redemption in that she is the source or fountain from which this heavenly initiative in Christ has been mediated to the world for four thousand years. Consequently, the modern-day restoration of Israel is not a political accident but evidence of the faithfulness of God to His everlasting covenant made with Abraham 4000 years ago.

The coming great conflict of the ages is therefore aimed at liquidating or exterminating the Jewish people. This has been the situation from the very beginning of God’s engagement with her through Abraham. God designated him, and the people that came from him, to be the vehicle of world of redemption and therefore the means by which He would bring His saving purpose in Jesus to the nations (Genesis 12:1-3) (John 4:22). This placed Israel in the gunsights of the Devil and initiated a conflict of huge proportions because the Devil knew that all he had to do in order to frustrate the purpose of God in the world would be to liquidate the Jewish people. This he has set out to do time and time again and God warned Abraham of this when he entered into a solemn Covenant with him. God alone passed through the blood covenant symbols but in doing so allowed Abraham to see a burning torch and a burning oven (Genesis 15:17). The torch symbolizing that through Israel God would bring the revelation of His light, character, word and messiah to the world (Romans 9:1-5). The burning oven a warning that this mission for the redemption of the world from sin and demonic power would plunge the nation into unimaginable horrors, all engineered by the Devil. This has certainly been the testimony of history, and sadly, very literally seen in the ovens of Hitler’s extermination camps.

The message is clear; Israel constitutes the biggest threat to demonic survival as she carries a champion who by His death, burial and resurrection has defeated the Devil and all his hordes. In chapter twelve of John’s Revelation this is exactly what he sees for he is given a vision of a pregnant woman clothed with the Sun, Moon and Twelve Stars. This is a reference to Joseph, his mother, father and eleven brothers (Genesis 37:9-10). The woman then is certainly, and without doubt, Israel but crouching before her is a great fiery Red Dragon who seeks to devour her male-child (Jesus) upon His birth and then to exterminate her (Revelation 12:1-5). Unable to do so, because of the faithfulness of God, he then goes after her “offspring who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17). The “offspring” of Israel is the Church of the living God. Israel is pregnant with Jesus, she brings Him into the world, He is caught up into heaven and then He gives birth to the Church. However, it is important to note that the final great conflict in this regard takes place at a time when there will be war in heaven and the Devil is consequently defeated and thrust down to the earth (Revelation 12:7). That is, he will lose His grip on the world from his aerial position and having come down to the earth, infiltrate humanity, and initiate a final assault on Israel, the Church and the world of horrifying proportions. It is this coming conflict that Jesus has called me to warn you of!

A warning from Jesus

So, as we have seen, for much of church history our conflict has been with demonic entities in heavenly places, but a time is coming when all this will change and these mighty demonic entities, including the Devil, will be forced out of their aerial position in the second heaven and down to the earth. They will then initiate a time of trouble such as has never been seen before. It will be their last attempt to frustrate the plan of God and their target will be Israel and the Church. By way of example, this is much like the battle that raged over Britain in the Second World War, in that the Nazi Luftwaffe, which had enjoyed aerial superiority up until that point, was destroyed by the brave fighter pilots of the RAF. Consequently, in a way, the war was won at that point because thereafter the evil Nazi war machine was forced to pursue the battle only on the land without aerial protection. This they did with great ferocity, wrath and destruction as it was only a matter of time before they were completely overcome and wiped out. But the question we have to ask is, when will this final great demonic struggle take place on the earth? In this regard Jesus gives us insight in His Olivet Discourse when He spoke to His Disciples about the signs of the times.

This discourse is in fact an exposition of Daniel 11 and 12. We don’t have to speculate in this regard because Jesus said it Himself:

“Therefore, when you see the ‘abomination of desolation’, spoken of by
Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),
………………………for then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since
the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
Matthew 24:15-21

This end time discourse has many signs that we have to look for but before the end comes the great sign, according to Jesus, validating that we have moved into this period, will be the return of the Jews to Jerusalem after having been dispersed to the four corners of the earth. (Luke 21:24). This sign has taken place; meaning that we are definitely in the end time, and this will conclude with the second coming of Jesus. As with all things, the redemptive work of Christ is linked to the historical journey of the Jewish people. This was true of His first coming and it will be true of His second coming and He said so!

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those
who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together,
as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See!
Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no
more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Matthew 23:37-19

Jesus here speaks to Jerusalem, as if the people and city are one, and thereby states that He will return when they are restored to the city and ready to welcome Him. By His second coming Jesus asserts His victory over all that is dark and evil in the world. Daniel then writes, as Jesus stated or, more correctly Jesus quotes Daniel who wrote:

“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch
over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such
as never was since there was a nation, even to that time.”
Daniel 12:1

My friends, Daniel, Jesus and John have warned us of a coming conflict that will begin with war in heaven. We are that generation that has witnessed the return of the Jewish people to Zion! Psalm 102 speaks of this remarkable latter-day regathering of the Jewish people to Zion (Psalm 102:12-18). This is a sign without precedent, and I have to warn you that we are on the cusp of a great conflict in the world, but few speak of it because they routinely ignore the prophet Daniel, the book of Revelation and the words of Jesus in this regard. Instead, they preach a “positive all is well message” that fails to prepare the Church for what’s coming.

It is important to note that scripture teaches that a great shaking is coming, and probably, by virtue of the COVID-19 global pandemic, is in the beginning stages (Hebrews 12:26). This shaking will include things in the heavens and on earth (See also Haggai 2:21-22). What would God be shaking in the heavens do you think? The answer is simple, all demonic power will be shaken out, dislodged and cast down to the earth. It will be a day of triumph since this shaking will assert the victory that Jesus won on the cross and He said that it would ultimately happen (John 12:31). Therefore, heaven rejoices and should (Revelation 12:10). However, the descent of the Devil, and his principalities and powers to the earth, will ignite a huge conflict, such as the world has never seen, and consequently the only way to be victorious in this struggle will be to embrace three things:

1. The salvation won for us by the shedding of Jesus’ blood.
2. The maintaining of a good testimony to the life of Christ in us….and,
3. A willingness to give up one’s life for Christ.
Revelation 12:11

This famous verse is always quoted by people but hardly ever in context. The context, as we have noted, is of a day of great trial coming to the earth that is without precedent that may lead many Christians to martyrdom. In fact, the passage declares, “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath…” I believe that the deep concern of the heart of God is that His children everywhere are unprepared for what is shortly coming. The book of Revelation is about the person of Jesus, His triumph over sin and the Devil and the welfare of His people. Revelation 12 therefore constitutes a warning from Him so that we can overcome and stand firm. Sadly, too many Christians prefer to have “their ears tickled” (2 Timothy 4:3) and thus will consider this to be negative and too scary and will not heed the warnings contained in these amazing chapters of the Bible. Still others have written these passages off by asserting that we will not be here to witness the things spoke of in them. I think not.

An action plan

“And these words that I command you today shall be in your heart.
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of
them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when
you lie down, and when you rise up.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk
as children (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness,
and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose
them.”
Ephesians 5:8-11

In the light of what is approaching I especially urge fathers, mothers and grandparents to make it their priority to strengthen their children in Christ. Now is the time to act since, as Paul wrote, “The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). When Jesus is everything to us then we are indestructible, filled with joy and triumphant, even in a world infested with demons and the Devil himself. With Christ in our hearts, we are free from all fear and can face the future with joy.

I have written to you in the knowledge that God, by Jesus Christ, has called me to do so. I believe that the time is near and that we must now run the race with endurance that is set before us and therefore we must lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us (Hebrews 12:1-2). Please note from this verse that sin easily ensnares us, and this is more reason to be sober and vigilant and to draw close to Jesus. Do not become routine and lukewarm in your walk with Christ. Please encourage one another and let us excel in love, hospitality, devotion and prayer.

Malcolm Hedding

Watch Malcolm’s teaching here:

Paul’s First Letter to the Church at Thessaloniki Study 6

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:1-5

In the verses now before us Paul turns his attention to the reality of spiritual conflict. This constitutes a clear reminder that we are up against dark spiritual powers of wickedness that are seeking to gain a foothold in our lives and thereby destroy our Christian testimony and impede our impact in the world. In his Ephesian letter Paul underlines this more dramatically when he writes:

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.”

And of course, in his first epistle, Peter reminds us that the Devil is constantly on the prowl seeking who he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Here then Paul reminds us that:

1.The Devil resists local church ministry designed to encourage God’ children. V17-18

“Therefore we wanted to come to you- even I, Paul, time and time again-but Satan hindered us.”

This passage brings into focus the importance of local church life and thus reminds us that we cannot “do Christianity” alone. We still have strong strains of carnality within us and, if we attempt to live out our Christian life in isolation, we will more than likely fall into deception and at some point fail, and many have. We all therefore need the love, encouragement and correction of other Christians and this is precisely why God in Christ has set various gifts and ministries of the ascended Christ within His church (Ephesians 4:11-13). In fact scripture warns that we must not fall into the habit of not gathering regularly with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25).

In short keeping Christians in isolation is the work of the Devil!

2. The Devil resists the final destiny of believers. V 19-20

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”

Paul is concerned that every believer in Jesus, that came to faith under his preaching, should remain true to his commitments to Christ up until the day of His glorious second coming. He therefore knows that the Devil will employ long term strategies to make sure that they fail. Paul’s joy then will be to see that they remain true and faithful up until the very end. This is his hope, joy and crown of rejoicing.

The long term strategies of the Devil are like “little foxes that destroy the vine” (Song of Solomon 2:15). It will be noted from this verse that the Foxes have to be caught! That is, unhealthy habits and routines, that at first seem insignificant and therefore go unchecked, the Devil will water and nurture until they have a controlling influence over our lives and can lead us to make shipwreck of our faith. Ships don’t just happen to flounder upon the rocks. No, the wrong course is set long beforehand and, not being corrected, results in a smash up. The sinking of the Titanic is a clear picture of this as is the life of Judas. A careful study of Gospels reveals that he had a real problem with money which in the end caused him to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Scripture affirms that, at the very end, though given an opportunity to repent and turn from his problem, the Devil entered him and drove him to destruction. Many believers in Jesus have gone this way!

3. The Devil engineers trials, persecutions and troubles as a strategy to discourage believers. 3:1-4

“…..no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.” V 3-4

The Bible teachers that the Devil is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) and that the whole world lies in his power (1 John 5:19). This means that he can manipulate circumstances and events by which to put serious stumbling blocks in the way of God’s people. It is important to note that no w here does scripture teach that he can attack the believer in Christ when and how he likes (1 John 5:18) but he can manipulate the ungodly world in which we live to deliver great troubles to our doorstep. At this point he is merely presenting us with a choice; are we going to press on in faithfulness to Christ or are we going to succumb and deny Him? The decisions we take will be ours entirely and not that of the Devil and this is why Paul, here in this passage, calls him the Tempter; the one who puts us to the proof!!

“For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.” V 5

Living in a fallen world, and having fallen natures ourselves, means that our journey through life is beset with many troubles and difficulties. These are sometimes overwhelming, and we can so easily question God and lose faith and hope in Him. We must always pray that we do not fall into the trap of temptation. For, if we do, the result will be our decision alone and not that of the Devil. James underlined this truth when he wrote:

“let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” James 1:13-14

The bottom line then is that our many troubles in life will unmask the true nature of our commitment to Christ. The Devil just gives us a choice that presents us with an alternative to that of the plan and purpose of God for our lives. The decision we opt for then is entirely our doing. This was the strategy that the Devil used in the Garden of Eden when he presented Adam and Eve with an alternative option. Adam made a bad decision and scripture affirms this when it states, “As in Adam all die” and not, “Because of the Devil all die” (1 Corinthians 15:22). May God in Christ help us to always remain vigilant, faithful and finish well.

Malcolm Hedding

Paul’s First Letter to the Church at Thessaloniki – Study 5

Watch the Video Message Below: 

Paul has thus far applauded the believers at Thessaloniki for their genuine faith in Christ Jesus that brought forth powerful transformation in their lives and that also impacted their region with the glorious Gospel of Jesus. It is also plunged them into persecution as the counter culture of Jesus was being embraced by more and more people and therefore collided with the world around them (Acts 17:6) . He is rightly proud of them and thus reaffirms his love for them and sets forth the true motivations that he has in his heart in terms of his ministry and calling to be a servant God among them. These are wonderful insights into the attitudes and principles that should guide and govern every person called into ministry and we should take note of them.

In the section now before us he gives us a concluding summary to all the things that he has just said. We should note the following:

1. Paul affirms the power of prayer and that of the Word of God

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word from men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 2:13

Prayer should be unceasing and always punctuated with thanksgiving (2 Timothy 1:3). The great sin of the modern day Church is that it is, by and large, prayer-less. According to Jesus, the Church should be a “house of prayer for all nations”, (Matthew 21:13) but this is not true as it has instead become a house of entertainment, good feelings, positive thinking and platform dominated ministry. Lip service is given to the biblical concept of the priesthood of all believers and to the powerful demonstration and manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We have to hear this and rectify it urgently.

The Word of God, Paul tells us, must be:
(A) Carried by faithful preachers
(B) Welcomed as the very word of the God from heaven…….and,
(C) Truly embraced in a manner that it transforms our lives because It effectively works in us. In short, we neglect the Word of God to our peril! Jesus said that it is life giving bread (Matthew 4:4).

All this reminds us that we must have a high view of the Bible as it reflects the nature of God, the glory of Christ and the true state of humankind. We must honor the Bible and seek to understand it properly. Paul, in his pastoral epistles to Timothy, underlines this when he writes:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15

The Apostle Peter does the same when he writes:

“……knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
2 Peter 1:20-21

2. Paul affirms the reality of trial and persecution.

“For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as to always fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.” 2:14-16

This reminds us that the true testimony of Jesus Christ will enrage those in the world and induce them to resist it. It will also enrage so called Christians and people who claim the name of Christ but really have no knowledge of Him. Sometimes this will be the source of the greatest persecution that the Church will have to face and endure. This was the experience of the first century church. Those who should have received the message of Jesus ended up rejecting it, resisting it, and persecuting those who did receive it.

The Jews of Jesus time had a remarkable spiritual history where as, in terms of the actions of God in their national journey as a people, they had witnessed amazing things like the Exodus from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, God coming down on Mt Sinai to talk with them, the cloud of God’s presence by day and that of a pillar of fire by night, and many amazing miracles of deliverance and provision. In addition they were sent great prophets and kings who had left them with a remarkable spiritual heritage and yet, when their Messiah of promise arrived they rejected Him and killed Him. How could this be?

Well, the truth is, their scriptures had warned them of this and, by the time that Jesus came they had fallen into apostasy (Deuteronomy 31:16-18). Their Rabbis of the time affirmed this when they stated that the catastrophe that overtook the Jews in AD 70, when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, was because they had hated God and one another without a cause. Given that all things spiritual run counter to our carnal hearts and have to be spiritually appraised, they, being far from God and blind spiritually, resisted their prophets, rejected their Messiah and crucified Him in concert with the Romans (Romans 8:6-8).

That generation is to be seen as a unique and sinful one (Matthew 11:16-24) that by the judgement of God was consequently carried off into exile by the Romans, their national life and institutions also being destroyed. However, for all of this, scripture nevertheless affirms that they are not Christ killers as, being spiritually darkened, they killed Him in ignorance (Acts 3:17). Their judgment in AD 70, according to scripture, was more related to their rejection of the Gospel message than for their hand in the death of Christ (Acts 13:46). Jesus, while warning of this coming judgement also predicted their future national restoration and redemption(Luke 21:24).

From time to time this spiritual blindness has also settled upon the Church as she, just like the Jews of Jesus’ time, has resisted the will of God and has also stoned and burned at the stake her own prophets that God in His grace had sent her. Indeed, the book of Revelation, in the 17th chapter, pictures a world-wide apostate Church, likened unto a whore, that will arise in the earth and be guilty of spilling the “blood of the saints” (Revelation 17: 1-6). So, here we have two groups both claiming the name of Christ but the one killing the other ! The testimony of history confirms this and therefore the underlying truth is that religion, if unhinged from a personal relationship with God, will in fact become an enemy of His true followers (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus knew this and sadly confirmed that a day would come when people will think that they are doing God a service by killing others (John 16:2).

The believers at Thessaloniki found this to be true as did the first century Jewish believers in Jerusalem and many more brave followers of Jesus down through the centuries. This will continue to be our lot but the grace of God is well able to secure those who love God in times of trouble. Paul knows this and is thankful for it.

Malcolm Hedding.

Watch the Video Message Below: 

Paul’s First Letter to the Church at Thessaloniki / 2:7-12

Study 4

We have noted thus far that Paul’s ministry at Thessaloniki was not in vain as it brought forth the fruit of salvation in the lives of many in the city. He, and his apostolic band were sent out from the Church at Antioch with the blessing of the leaders there and that of the Holy Spirit. His missionary trip was therefore God inspired and therefore in a sense couldn’t fail. The Thessalonians turned from their idols and their sins to serve God by Jesus Christ and to await His second coming. Moreover, their testimony in this regard impacted the whole region. Paul was proud of them and gives them an overview of his commitment; to God, the preaching of the Word of God and to them. He is a genuine servant of Jesus seeking only to glorify Him through his life and ministry and therefore he seeks nothing from them save their growing love for Christ and His people.

Our insight then into Paul’s character and dedication to Christ is therefore a challenge to all those who would follow Christ in ministry and to those who already do. In the verses now before us he continues to express his feelings for them and commitment to them by reminding them of what he did do when he was with them and not of what he didn’t do, as in the previous passage. Here we see the heart of a true shepherd of God’s flock and this should serve as a template for all those who would also follow this calling. Actually every aspiring ministry candidate should be instructed by these passages as they reveal the true nature of our calling and it’s worth noting that this chapter is then a record of Paul’s legacy. This great servant of Jesus is worth following, just as he himself often encouraged us to do.

We should consequently take note of the manner in which he engaged the believers at Thessaloniki:

1. He loved them as a mother would love her own children. 2:7

“But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.”

Paul took a personal interest in everyone and cared about them. I have seen all through the years that Jesus greatly blesses a congregation where the leaders care for God’s flock. Too often leaders only want people to fill seats in the sanctuaries and nothing more. Consequently the people of God are left alienated from their leaders and struggling with many spiritual challenges. Every congregation should have properly ordained and trained shepherds who are always among the sheep and know them by name. By them the flock of God should be taught the “milk of God’s word” by which they can grow strong having well understood the “First Principles” of what it means to be a Christ follower. These are laid out in Hebrews 5:12 and Hebrews 6:1-2.

2. He loved them with a passion that drove him to do anything for them 2:8

“So affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.”

Love will enable one to go to any lengths to help another. When I fell in love with Cheryl, the girl of my dreams, I would cycle 12 miles to see her for 30 minutes and then cycle the same 12 miles home again! What made me do this? Only love for her put my feet to the pedals! We are to love God’s children like this! Paul imparted his life to the Thessalonians. For him Christianity was not all about preaching and teaching but about giving of one’s time and resources to help God’s people grow in Christ. This is true love.

3. He loved them unconditionally 2:9

“For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to you, we preached to you the gospel of God.”

Paul raised his own financial support as a tent maker (Acts 18:3) and in this way was able to love them without any strings attached. This being true, the Thessalonians knew for certain that he genuinely loved them seeking nothing in return. So then, Paul served Jesus his Lord by giving them the message of eternal life without cost and every servant of God, if possible, should do the same. However, if not, then he should be well cared for financially by ruling elders who set his salary within a context of accountability and transparency. His words in 1 Corinthians 9:13-18 affirm this.

4. He loved them by the impartation of his ministry. 2:10-11

“You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe.”

The gifts that Jesus gave Paul he used to help them by way of constant encouragement and example. He patterned Christ before them (Philippians 3:17) and behaved with constant integrity. God could bear witness to this! In recent years many well known preachers have failed and have been made to stand down from their ministries. The harm that this does to the Body of Christ is immeasurable as it brings the Church into disrepute, causes many to stumble and, most of all, dishonors Christ before the world. The leaders set over God’s flock carry a sacred trust and must seek to follow Paul’s example. They must be trained, approved and then properly set before the people of God by prayer and fasting. They must be designated as Ephesian Four Ministries, Elders and Deacons as scripture demands (Philippians 1:1).

5. He loved them with a goal in mind. 2:12

“…..that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

Paul knew that he must constantly lay before them the “end game.” That is, we live with the knowledge that we are destined, upon our deaths, to enter into the glorious and eternal kingdom of God. When we gave our hearts to Christ this is what He called us to. We should have this before us all the time as many who once embraced the faith have turned back to the world with all its ungodly pursuits and have consequently made “shipwreck” of their faith (1 Timothy 1:18-20). Jesus reminded us that “those who endure to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13) and Peter reminds us that imposters and fake Christians will infiltrate our communities and even become Christian leaders (2 Peter 2:1-3; 12-17). We must press on day by day making good the call of God over our lives (2 Peter 1:10).

Malcolm Hedding

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Paul’s First Letter to the Church at Thessaloniki – Study 3

In this passage we have reflected or modeled the type of interaction and relationship that should exist between Christian Ministers and the congregations that they serve. The wider context is that Paul was a part of an Apostolic Band that was initially called forth by the Holy Spirit and sent out into the world to plant churches by the leaders of the Church at Antioch:

“Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up Herod the tetrarch m and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”
Acts13:1-3

Apostles are in fact “Sent Ones” and they emerge out the fivefold gift ministries mentioned by Paul in Ephesians 4:11-12:

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-12

Apostles are then teachers, pastors, evangelists and prophets who once given to local church ministry have been set aside by the Holy Spirit for trans-local or itinerant ministry with an emphasis upon church planting. They therefore, as in Paul’s case, have a home base to which they are accountable. This is why Paul returned to Antioch after his missionary journeys. Note Acts 14:26. True preachers are not “loners” doing their own independent thing without reference to a governing oversight! It was in this light that Paul, Silvanus and Timothy came to Thessaloniki. We should then consider the following:

1. Ministry initiated by the Holy Spirit will not be in vain

“For you yourselves know that our coming to you was not in vain.” (2:1)

This is truly a challenge to those who would go into the world to serve Christ. Men and women who appoint themselves to ministry without the authority and confirmation of a sending group risk engaging in un-commanded or “in vain” ministry. That is, ministry that in the end will not have heavenly endorsement and significance. Many have walked this road!

2.Ministry initiated by the Holy Spirit is not free from troubles, trials and difficulties

Paul states, “We were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict” (2:2).

We must take note of the word “much.” To involve oneself in the work of the ministry is no easy task as one will be constantly in conflict with the devil, the world and the carnal nature of people’s characters. Truly this is not a vocation for sissys! The servant of God must have courage, boldness and perseverance.

3. Ministry initiated by the Holy Spirit is rooted in a genuine desire to please Christ and serve His people

“For our exhortation did not come from error, or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.” (2:3-4)

Preachers of the gospel should never be in it for themselves and God, Paul tells us, will routinely test their hearts in this regard. He does this by allowing trials and difficulties to assault them. The “wolf” or charlatan will quickly abandon or abuse the sheep when these arrive.

Having made these foundational comments Paul then sets out in greater detail the pitfalls into which preachers can step, and which he avoided and thereby demonstrated his true calling and credentials. They are:

1. He and his apostolic associates refrained from using “flattering words”.

“For neither at any time did we use flattering words…” (2:5a)

That is, they were not going to ” butter up” their hearers in order to gain some type of advantage or prestige from them. They were called to preach the plain truth of the Word of God and they would not move away from this holy work.

2. He and his apostolic associates refrained from using their platform for financial gain.

“…….nor a cloak for covetousness . God is witness.” (2.5b)

That is, they did not manipulate scripture in order to exploit the people of God financially. This is a sin that has engulfed many preachers today and certainly some famous tele-evangelists have fallen because of it. It has brought the gospel into disrepute and destroyed the lives of many sincere children of God who trusted and believed in what the man of God before them said. Paul knew the danger that lurked in this area and so he preached the gospel “free of charge!” Jesus he knew would care for him, and He did.

3. He and his apostolic band refrained from seeking special recognition by virtue of the ministry to which they were called as apostles of Christ.

“Nor did we seek glory among men…….” (2:6)

Paul was not into or given to titles that elevated him and those with him. That is, the term Apostle was for them not a title but a designation of function. Paul was quite simply a church planter and nothing more. Today we have preachers giving themselves all sorts of wonderful titles such as Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor, Apostle, Archbishop and even Pastor. The right title according to Paul is Minister meaning, “One who serves!” The authority and power in Paul’s ministry was given to him to edify and build people up and not to laud it over them or give him some kind of special designation. 2 Corinthians 10:7-8

Paul was always aware of the very real dangers that leaders of the flock of God had to grapple with. Many, even in his day, fell into them and so he constantly gave warning about these. His words to the Ephesian Church are significant in this respect:

“From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said, “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews.”……………”Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.”
Acts 20:17-19, 28-29

This passage from the Acts of the Apostles very much reflects Paul’s testimony in the second chapter of 1 Thessalonians and therefore reminds us of the sincere and humble servant of Jesus that Paul was. His life still speaks to us and we thank God for him because he was sold out to God and wished to glorify Christ in all that he did. We need men and women of God like this today.

Malcolm Hedding

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Paul’s first letter to the Church at Thessaloniki – Study 2

Having opened the letter with a greeting and a statement of thanksgiving concerning the sincere commitment to Christ of the believers at Thessaloniki, Paul then turns his attention to the impact that the Word of God has upon people when it is faithfully preached. He therefore writes about:

A. The preaching of the Word of God. 1:5

We have already noted in our introduction to the letter that Paul travelled from Philippi to Thessaloniki. He was thus an itinerant preacher or more correctly an Apostle or Sent One. The bible teaches that the Word of God is carried to the world by preachers. These are raised up by God and without them the will and purpose of God cannot be fulfilled (Romans 10:14-17). However, a preacher has to have certain credentials because he is the custodian of the message of eternal salvation. That is, he must in every way reflect or embody the message that he brings. Paul understood this and therefore he reminds the believers at Thessaloniki of four things:

1. That he made the journey to preach to them.
How blessed are a people to receive a faithful preacher of God’s holy Word. Believe me these are not easily found and even Jesus acknowledged that the “harvest was plentiful but the laborers were few (Matthew 9:37-38).” We should therefore pray that God would raise up true laborers who will care for His flock and faithfully preach His Word.

2. That he preached in power
For the carnal heart to succumb to the call of Christ it must be broken by powerful preaching. Such preaching is effective because it comes from a preacher who knows that the things he is saying are true. That is, he preaches with conviction and zeal. A preacher who doesn’t must be avoided!

3. That he preached in the Holy Spirit
This means that he depended on the Holy Spirit to give him the right words to say and to guide him as to where he would deliver them. The human condition is different from place to place and only the Holy Spirit can guide us in terms of reaching the right people with the right words. So Paul demonstrated this when he heeded the Macedonian Call (Acts 16:6-10) and so did Phillip when he left a revival in Samaria and went down south to preach to an Ethiopian Eunuch as he traveled home (Acts 8:26-40). It was in fact the Macedonian call that came to Paul in a dream that in the end led him to Thessaloniki. True preachers must walk with the Holy Spirit because if not they will find themselves in the wrong place with the wrong words and consequently labor in vain!

4. That he preached with his life
That is, he lived out what he called them to follow. He certainly was not perfect but he did reflect Jesus to the extent that they could see Him in Paul and therefore were determined to follow Christ by following Paul. This is quite astonishing and constitutes a challenge to every person who would desire to be a preacher of God’s holy Word. Paul always called the people of God to follow him as he followed Christ (Philippians 3:17).

B. The hearing of the Word of God 1:6-8

We have already noted how important it is to preach the Word of God but what should be the correct response to it by those who hear it? Well the believers at Thessaloniki demonstrated this because the text affirms it when it states:

1. That they became followers of Paul and of Christ when they heard the Word of God.

2. That they received the Word with affliction. The message of Jesus is most certainly counter culture and consequently, when properly received it attracts resistance and opposition. Sin is so entrenched in the lives of people that when it is challenged by the light and righteousness of Christ it arouses hatred and anger. For this reason Jesus said that the world would hate us, just as it hated Him. The book of Acts well documents this and we should be really concerned about a form of Christianity that finds a warm welcome in the community. The real thing stirs up the carnality of people and brings affliction to those who embrace it. Wesley said to a well known doctor after he repented of his sins and gave his life to Christ, “I hope that by this time tomorrow your name stinketh.”

3. That they received the Word with joy and enthusiasm
The joy of salvation stamped upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit is a wonderful reality. It is supernatural, overflowing, and irrepressible (Romans 14:17). It also drives us to impart it to others so that they too can experience it. A church living in a dynamic relationship with Jesus will always become evangelistic. Actually, this is what revival is all about! Only Christians can be revived and when they are the kingdom of God expands automatically. So, the church at Thessaloniki “became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia and beyond (V7-8)”.

We should carefully meditate upon these truths and make sure that they are reflected in our lives and churches. Paul then concludes the first chapter by underlining the fruits or evidences of a true salvation experience. These are:

1. Turning to God from idols. 1:9
An idol is not only an image of some type but it is anything that is a worthless object of worship, and anything that takes first place in our lives before the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. This could be a hobby, a family member or even a career. The believers at Thessaloniki repented of these and so should we!

2. Expectantly waiting for the second coming of Jesus. 1:10a
A so called believer who has no interest in the subject of the second coming of Jesus is like someone attending a football match but having no interest in the game. We look for the signs of Jesus’ coming because by it we are transformed into immortality and swept up into the eternal kingdom of God. Indeed, as we take Communion we are enjoined by scripture to do this with a clear spiritual eye upon the second coming of Jesus. Paul put it this way, “For as often as you do this you do proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” I Corinthians 11:23-26).

3. Understanding what Jesus did for us on the cross. 1:10b
That is, that He endured the wrath of God on the cross on our behalf so that we, who fully deserve it, can be free from it and reconciled to God (John 3:36).

Malcolm Hedding

Paul’s First Letter to the Church at Thessaloniki
part 1

Watch the video teaching below:

Introduction

As we begin our study of this wonderful Pauline letter we must remember that it is indeed a letter and actually not a book. It is written to the congregation at Thessaloniki and therefore the text must be expounded with this in mind. That is, we should not over complicate our understanding of it but simply endeavor to discover what the letter intended to say to old and young alike. By doing this we will honor Paul, the context and be encouraged by what he had to say to his readers.

Also, as we have noted in our introduction, in our previous podcast, the letter is general in content addressing many themes that are important to understand as we, like the believers at Thessaloniki, set out to follow Christ and end well.

A. The Greeting 1:1
Paul begins with his familiar greeting by affirming the congregations standing and position with God. They are in God the Father and in Christ Jesus and therefore he draws our attention immediately to the nature of the Godhead. Jesus then enjoys equality with God, something that He surrendered for a season in order to redeem the world from sin. Not that He ceased to be fully God but instead laid aside some of the attributes of divinity in order to become fully man. In his letter to the Church at Philippi Paul writes of this glorious truth (Philippians 2:5-7). To some extent this holds mystery, a fact that Paul acknowledges in his first letter to Timothy:

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.”
1 Timothy 3:16

Having asserted the nature of the godhead he then extends God’s grace and peace to the congregation. Our relationship with God, by Jesus Christ, is entirely rooted in His unmerited favor extended toward us which brings us, who were once His enemies, into a place of peace with Him. This is truly wonderful and the goal of our earthly pilgrimage.

It is worth noting that the congregation at Thessaloniki more than likely gathered in homes.

B. Paul’s commitment to the congregation 1:2
Paul is mindful of the healthy spiritual condition of the congregation and reminds them that it is with thanksgiving that he continuously prays for them. This certainly reminds us of our obligations to the local Body of Christ. Prayer is essential to its well being and we must shoulder this calling just as Paul did.

C. Paul’s thankfulness for the congregation 1:3-4
Paul is thankful for their testimony to biblical faith in that:

1. Their faith is active and productive.
That is, it is a work of faith and therefore produces results. We are certainly saved by faith alone in Jesus finished work on the cross on our behalf but we go on to validate this faith by engaging in works of faith in the life of the local congregation and the world (Ephesians 2:10). Another way of putting it is to say that good works are not the grounds of our salvation but they are certainly the evidence of it. James in his epistle reminds us of this ( James 2:17-20).

2. Their love for one another is sacrificial
Real love is not a fuzzy feeling or a hug but rather a labor! Love means learning to sacrifice and go out of our way for one another. This type of love is not often witnessed in many congregations but it was at Thessaloniki. Of course Jesus manifested it when He died for us on the cross and we can and should embrace the same attitude, but not many do! In his letter to the Philippians Paul reminds us of our obligations in this regard (Philippians 2:5-11).

3. Their hope is steadfast and immovable
The believers at Thessaloniki were convinced and fully assured of the hope of eternal life that would be fully ushered in by Jesus’ second coming. What makes hope certain in our lives, and thus enables us to be patient in waiting for the things we believe to materialize, is the fact that we have by the Spirit of God received a down payment or deposit of the things to come (Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 4:6; Hebrews 6:5).

4. Their election is sure
They are, as Paul puts it, the elect of God. We should not water this mystery down as many attempt to do. Without the drawing work of God in our lives none of us can be saved (John 6:44) and consequently God, by foreknowledge (1 Peter 1:1-2), draws some and others He never engages (Romans 9:14-16). Given the fruit of repentance and salvation Paul acknowledges that they are a part of God’s election. This gives him much joy. We too must make our election and calling sure by demonstrating the life of Christ (2 Peter 1:10).

May God by Jesus Christ bless this study to your hearts.

Malcolm Hedding

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Paul’s First Letter to The Church at Thessaloniki

“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.”
Acts 17:6

Introduction

This epistle, considered by church historians to be Paul’s first, is believed to have been written in about 52 AD. It arises out of Paul’s second missionary journey, recorded in Acts 17, when he and Silas arrived in Thessaloniki having journeyed there from Philippi. The journey had thus far been tumultuous as he and Silas had been jailed in Philippi for preaching the Gospel there. This is because their message, though verified by the Jewish scriptures, was bold and radical and called upon men and women to repent, embrace Jesus as Lord and live out a different life style to that of the prevailing culture. This is seen by the statement of their accusers that went as follows:

“These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach
customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.”
Acts 16:20-21

This reminds us that when the Good News of Jesus is properly preached, the carnal nature of those who hear it will be angered and rise up to resist it. Push back, is part and parcel of the mission and we should not forget it, or be surprised by it.

It is thus interesting to note that Paul and Silas’ reputation for stirring up trouble went before them in that when they arrived at Thessaloniki it was declared of them, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too”(Acts 17:6). Yes, the Gospel does turn the world upside down but only for its good because it promises the sure hope of eternal life.

It is also worth noting that Paul and Silas, having planted churches in Philippi and Thessaloniki, then grounded them by writing letters to them. By these they could leave a written legacy by which to guard the believers from theological error and by which they could perpetuate their pastoral relationship with them. We are most thankful for this because these letters, being so remarkable in content and teaching, eventually became the inspired Word of the Living God and  consequently continue to encourage, inspire and correct us today. The lesson is clear, our godly actions today may well be a living legacy by which others can be built up in their faith and love for Jesus for many years to come. How wonderful it is that Paul is still speaking to us today! At a lessor level of course, so is Martin Luther, John Wesley, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Andrew Murray, Campbell Morgan, Dwight Moody, Derek Prince, David Pawson, Lance Lambert, Billy Graham and many more. What legacy will you leave behind?

The contents of 1 Thessalonians is diverse  and rich and introduces us to a number of vital themes that we shall explore together in future podcasts. These are:

1. The evidence of true faith and conversion 1:1-10
2. The relationship between true shepherds and their congregations 2:1-20
3. The reality and role of affliction in a believer’s life 3:1-13
4. The need to live sanctified and holy lives 4:1-8
5. The importance of addressing practical issues 4:9-12
6. The believer’s triumph over death 4:13-18
7. The coming Day of the lord 5:1-11
8. Important exhortations 5:12-22
9. Final greeting exhortation 5:23-28

In the weeks to come we shall closely exam all these issues and thereby seek to embrace all that Paul was seeking to impart to the believers at Thessaloniki. God bless you.

Malcolm Hedding

“Now the Spirit expressly says (underlines the fact) that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1

“The Elder; To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever.” 2 John 1-2

The Testing of The People of God

The concept of Antichrist in the Bible is not just the rise of an evil individual who has to be identified and avoided. While this is partly true, it is a fact that an Antichrist is someone that God allows to emerge on the stage of history, at different points in time, in order to purify His people, prepare them for His purpose and put them to the test. That is, to lay bare the real nature of their commitment to Him. We all declare our loyalty to Christ but can He depend upon us in an urgent time or will we deny Him like Peter did? To put in another way, will our promise of allegiance hold true when we are threatened with false teaching, suffering, deprivation, imprisonment and even death?

At the root of the Antichrist phenomenon is the reality of deception. This is true because the word Antichrist has two meanings. The first is the presentation of that which is against Christ but the second is the presentation of that which is another teaching about Jesus that is close to the truth but actually inherently false. This latter presentation is the most dangerous and it is the one that through the centuries has derailed the people of God. The challenge that Antichrist brings then to the people of God is great, for often it is couched in miraculous signs and wonders and only our love for the truth of God’s word will enable us to withstand it. It is in this context that Antichrist is first mentioned in the Bible:

“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and sign or wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, “Let us go after other gods’-which you have not known – ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 13:1-3

It is to be noted that Antichrist poses a unique challenge to the people of God in that, unlike other false prophets, who are declared as such when their predictions do not come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22), the false signs and wonders of an Antichrist actually do come to pass! The problem is, these contradict the truth of God’s word and herein lies the challenge and test for the people of God; will they love truth more than the sensational couched in signs and wonders? Paul acknowledged this challenge in his second epistle to the Church at Thessaloniki:

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Also, it is important to note that God allows Antichrist to rise so that He might sift the people of God for He is indeed testing them to make evident whether they do in fact love Him with all their hearts and souls. Jesus clearly echoed the words of Moses when He stated that those who commit their lives to God through Him must love God with all their hearts, souls, minds and strength ( Matthew 22:37). Paul, in his second letter to the believers at Thessaloniki reminded them that he had previously warned them of these things and that by the rise of Antichrist God Himself would be sending a “strong delusion” amongst them because He “tests our hearts” (2 Thessalonians 2:5;1 Thessalonians 2:4). Jesus warned that the coming of Antichrist would possibly even deceive the elect:

“For false christs and false prophets will and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” Mark 13:22-23

It is to be noted then that the idea that believers in God, by Jesus Christ, will not be subjected to the testings of God by the instrument of Antichrist is not biblical. It has always been a biblical and spiritual phenomenon and certainly one that has been established by Moses himself and re-asserted by Jesus. This text means that demonic power, under the sovereignty of God, will set out by intrigue and deception to see whether the elect can be overthrown. If this were not possible why then would Jesus warn them? The answer is clear, it is possible and therefore He gives His followers prior warning. Church history affirms that this is true!

The Arrival of Many Antichrists

For reasons given above history affirms that at all times and throughout the generations, Antichrists have arisen to test the people of God in an attempt to deceive them. John, the beloved Apostle, wrote of this in his first epistle:

“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us; they would have continued with us…..” 1 John 2:18-19

John admits that one final and great Antichrist will arrive dominating the world and persecuting the Church. About this he writes extensively in the book of Revelation but he also affirms that from within the Church of the living God these antichrist people and leaders have also arisen. No doubt he was thinking of Diotrephes about whom he writes in 3 John 9-10! These antichrists are observable because they contradict biblical truth and the divine pattern for local churches and love to be wholly in charge or as he puts it, to have “the preeminence.” They are sadly still around. Paul warned the Ephesian Church Elders that after his departure “wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29).

The history of the Church is strewn with the wreckage that such people have visited upon it. In the early Church, as the Antichrists Nero, Diocletian and others rose to power in Rome, many in the Church, when under the pressure of persecution, committed apostasy by denying Christ and worshipping Caesar as lord of all. They later attempted to rejoin the Church causing great schism and controversy. Also, prominent Bishops, having great influence, began to question the deity of Christ and thereby brought deception into the believing community. Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria was called upon by God to challenge Arius, a priest from Libya, about these things. Antichrist was ravaging the Church everywhere as Arius’ false teachings about Jesus’ identity took hold throughout the empire. One historian of the day wrote:

“In every city bishop was contending with bishop, and the people were contending against one another, like swarms of gnats fighting the air.”

It was only at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 that these issues were settled and the Church was saved from Antichrist but many fell, embraced deception and committed apostasy. The confirmation of the Canon of the New Testament also contributed greatly to resolving this matter and again, it was Bishop Athanasius who first set forth the 27 books of the New Testament for canonization. Truth won out against antichrist deception but even today this battle continues to rage in that many deceiving doctrines have penetrated the Church.

Probably the most glaring example of Antichrist of our time is Adolf Hitler and his Nazi regime. Their belief system was dark, demonic and evil and yet the believing Church of all designations in Germany embraced it and made an agreement with it! People like Pastor Martin Niemoller and the Rev Dietrich Bonhoeffer stood up against this wickedness but most were deceived and happily, and might I say, enthusiastically, welcomed it. They abandoned the truth! The video footage of the time of Catholic and Protestant Church leaders giving the Nazi salute is unnerving to say the least. They were overcome by deception but don’t for a moment think that it cannot happen again. The early signs of Church capitulation to false doctrines and government over reach are everywhere evident today. Indeed the spirit of Antichrist is feverishly at work seeking to undermine believers in Jesus with false doctrines and deception. Also they are seeking to build a global political platform upon which the final Antichrist will ascend. Today this is proudly announced as the “Great Reset!” The root of this “reset” is pagan and anti-Christian in character and so another challenging test awaits the people of God.

The Nature of Antichrist

There are some who assert that the final great Antichrist of history will not be an individual but rather a political system. They are wrong and their position is not biblical. In the book of Deuteronomy the God of the Bible clearly tells us that these false teachers will be individuals. Certainly the Antichrist will build a global system, just like a spider builds a web by which to trap his prey, but from a scriptural point of view the Antichrist is always an individual. In fact, the very prototype of Antichrist in scripture is an individual called Antiochus Epiphanes (essentially meaning “God Manifest”) who, in BC 168 committed the Abomination of Desolation in the Temple in Jerusalem by sacrificing a pig on the altar. We are introduced to him in Daniel’s oracle and he serves as a template for the great Antichrists to come (Daniel 7:23-25: 9:27; 11:31-39).

Though he assaulted biblical truth and committed the “abomination of desolation” there were in fact many Jews who supported him as they agreed with his globalist plan to “hellenize the world”. This means that no faith claiming an exclusive revelation to that of others could be tolerated and allowed to exist and so in the days of Antiochus the Jewish faith had to be subdued and its unique teachings debunked. There are many ways to heaven in the Antichrist scheme of things. Of this saga Robert Van Kampen writes: “Many Jews were so eager to please Antiochus and to avoid persecution that they not only forsook the Mosaic Law but even their racial identity and heritage, considering themselves from then on to be Gentiles.” However, under the fire of persecution, many God fearing Jews stood up and opposed Antiochus. Most famous of these is Judas Hasmoneas (Maccabee), who together with his family and many other God fearing Jews, led a revolt against this tyranny.

Today, in every so called Christian country in the West, Christians are under assault for declaring that Jesus is the only way of salvation (John 14:6). Also, if one publicly expresses a biblical world view on an issue like the nature of family or sexuality one could be arrested and put on trial, as we have witnessed in Finland recently. The “hellenizing or antichrist spirit” is evident and growing everywhere. John warned us about this but will we stand or surrender to the coming new Antiochus Epiphanes?

“By this you know the Spirit of God; every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (meaning that He is the only way of salvation) is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of Antichrist, which you heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” 1 John 4:2-3

In His Olivet Discourse, dealing with the signs heralding the consummation of the age, Jesus referred back to Antiochus Epiphanes by quoting Daniel and said that what he had done 200 years before would occur again in just a short while and then again at the end of the age. In AD 70 Titus of Rome also desecrated the Temple, just as Jesus prophesied. Now we are looking at the rise of a New World Order that will pave the way for the final Antichrist of history to take control of the world. Jesus has warned us of this, as have Paul and John, but spirits of deception have risen up within the Church to declare that we need not bother ourselves with such warnings because we will be taken out of the world (raptured) beforehand! But Jesus, speaking to the Church said:

“Therefore when you see the Abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” Matthew 24:15-16

The Apostle Paul used exactly the same language, again quoting from Daniel, when he wrote that at the end of the age the Beast or Antichrist, like Antiochus Epiphanes, would desecrate the Temple and declare Himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). Paul then went on to write that he would be destroyed by Jesus at His second coming. This means that this final setting up of the “Abomination of Desolation” is still ahead of us:

“And then the lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8

The biblical position is therefore clear about the fact that Antichrist will be an all powerful global ruler who, like the ancient Emperors of Rome, will oppose the Church and Israel and seek to destroy both. But, his evil demonic spirit is already working in the world and within the Church in order to deceive many and pave the way for his arrival. Nevertheless, God is looking for those who will stand up, be purified and, holding to truth, do exploits in His name.

“Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” Daniel 11:32

The Actions of Antichrist

It is the book of Revelation that enlightens us more specifically about the plans and actions of Antichrist. This book, written in about AD 92 and thus some twenty years after Titus committed the abomination of desolation in Jerusalem, is exclusively addressed to the believing Church in the world (Revelation 1:1-3;10-11). Sadly, it is routinely neglected by preachers but it is a very important oracle because it speaks at length about the rise of the final Antichrist. John then tells us that he:

1. Will arise out of the abyss and thus be a demonoid. That is, constitutionally half man and half devil (Revelation 11:7; 17:8).

2. Has been here before but died from a mortal head wound (Revelation 13:3) and will thus be recognized with amazement by the world at the time of his reappearing on the world political stage ( Revelation 17:8-9).

3. Will solve the world’s pressing and destructive problems, including the Arab/Israeli conflict, and will be welcomed and admired by everyone just as Hitler was (Revelation 13:4).

4. Will assault biblical truth, stand against Jesus of Nazareth and blaspheme the God of Heaven (Revelation 13:5-6).

5. Will make war against the saints of God (Revelation 13:7a).

6. Will cause all nations to serve and worship him. That is, every tribe, tongue and nation will give their allegiance to him but, if they do, they will be shut out of the Lambs Book of Life (Revelation 23:7b-8).

7. Will target the Christians across the earth and consequently they will have to endure with patience and even death his reign of terror (Revelation 13:10).

8. Will perform great signs and confirming wonders all inspired by raw Satanic power (Revelation 14:11-15).

9. Will inaugurate a water tight global economic and religious system that will make it impossible for believers in Jesus to operate and survive in (Revelation 13:16-18)……and,

10. He will be apprehended and destroyed by Jesus at His second coming (Revelation 19:19-20).

Some Final Thoughts

It is clear from scripture that the rise of Antichrist is a challenge to the Church. Scripture warns that because of this challenge many Christians will fall away and by so doing commit a great apostasy. Please note that one can only fall away from something that one formerly belonged to Jesus and Paul warned of this:

“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:11-12

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the Day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

Much of the Church is sleeping today, especially in the West, but in the Middle East, Africa and beyond literally millions of Christians are suffering and dying under the tyranny of many antichrists. However, we are rapidly moving toward a new world order and the rise of a final great Antichrist who will rule over every nation, tribe and tongue and we must not only warn each other but also strengthen our relationship with Jesus, personally and corporately. This is an urgent matter because it occupies vast passages of scripture. Sadly these have been ignored and even mocked by statements like, ” We are not looking for Antichrist but for Christ.” The early Church faced Antichrist, as did the great Reformers, the German Church under the Third Reich, the underground Church of the Soviet Union and China and many others under the heel of radical Islam. It is time to awaken to the truth of God’s word.

Also, it is clear from scripture that Israel and the Jewish people have always been the target of Antichrist. This is so because they are the vehicle of world redemption. That is, the means by which God has brought His word and Savior into the world (Romans 9:1-5). This is why Jesus said that “salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22). Antiochus Epiphanes set out to destroy them as did Haman in Babylon, Herod at the time of Jesus’ birth, the Caesars of Rome, those naming Jesus in Europe in the Middle Ages, Hitler and radical Islam. You must know that we are moving toward an all out assault against Israel by Antichrist. It is in a restored Temple in Jerusalem, according to scripture, that Antichrist will declare himself to be god and seek to finally overthrow the Jewish people. Antiochus will have arrived again!

Again, in terms of this soon coming deception that will assault the Church and Israel, Robert Van Kampen writes:

“In order to gain the world’s support and to consolidate all political and military power under his personal control, Antichrist will operate incognito prior to and throughout the first half of (Daniel’s) seventieth week. During this time many will throw their lot in with him, only to find it impossible to extricate themselves once his true identity is revealed.”

This is the trap that is coming and even now we see signs of it in terms of the “buying and selling” prohibitions and mandates forced upon communities by tyrannical leaders like Justin Trudeau. These my friends are dangerous days but God is in control of all things. He has given us ample and very detailed warnings about the times in which we live. The question is, are we taking heed? If history teaches us anything it is that we are not! I have written these few words to encourage you, tell you the truth and help you to press in to know and love Jesus as never before. May God be with you.

Maranatha!

Malcolm Hedding