Fulfilled Prophecy

Peace Apostolic Ministries

Fulfilled Prophecy

The Ad70 Destruction of Jerusalem

John Alley

Christians have been taught for many years that the prophecies of Jesus regarding "end times" are yet to be fulfilled. Matters such as the great tribulation as described by Jesus are found mentioned in the gospels and are the subject of many parables told by Jesus. However, John explains that a careful examination of the writings of Josephus, a well-respected scholar and historian, when taken alongside the words of Jesus, paint a different picture. Many of the words of prophecy spoken by Jesus have already been fulfilled, says john. The understanding of this brings empowerment and great joy to the believer.

John goes on to explain that in this current age, when God reaches out to his people it is with a whole heart that offers nothing but mercy. A time is coming, however, when a day of reckoning will come upon all people. Rich with scripture verses as well as historical teaching, this message will encourage the listener to be found, when Jesus returns, carrying out the will of our Lord.

Jesus Answers Two Questions

John Alley • Matthew 24, Matthew 25

Once again speaking on the subject of eschatology, John Alley begins this message with a brief outline of the life of Rev Richard Johnson, who arrived on the First Fleet 226 years ago. Rev Johnson achieved remarkable things, says John, as did his contemporaries Wilberforce and Newton. So what did these men have in common that resulted in the great works that they achieved? Clearly, all 3 believed in our wonderful Saviour, but in addition these men did NOT believe that the world was almost at an end, and therefore whole-heartedly poured out their lives in service to Christ. John, examining the Passage from Matthew 24 and 25, outlines 13 differences in the 2 parts of this passage, each of which answers one of the two questions posed to Jesus in Matthew 24:3. This verse is often interpreted as being one question, but a closer examination clearly proves that there were actually 2 questions, and therefore 2 answers. The first question and answer have already been fulfilled, but the second is still in the future. We should not, therefore, become complacent but should work for the Kingdom of God.

Revelation And The Beast

John Alley

Once again John Alley brings a message about “end times”, beginning with an examination of the meaning of the “coming” of Christ and then giving an overview of the book of Revelation. Revelation, John explains, is the most Jewish of all the books of the New Testament, drawing greatly on Jewish symbols, history, concepts and nuances of language. The book was written to the seven churches of Asia, at a time when there was a larger percentage of Jewish Christians in the Asian region, and there was a huge emphasis on Emperor worship. John examines events from history which all point to the book of Revelation being written in about 64 or 65 AD. With this understanding, then, it is very easy to see that most of the prophecy of the book of Revelation has been fulfilled in the great tribulation and suffering inflicted on the Church by the Emperor Nero. Therefore, the Beast referred to in the book would seem to most likely have been Nero himself. John explains many fascinating facts including the source of the number 666 and then goes on to say that as for the future, we have hope, a great calling, a great many promises and a Messiah King ruling in Heaven. We should be encouraged, says John, that although difficult times will come for some people, the Gospel triumphs over them all and we need to pour ourselves out in service to God for the furtherance of the Kingdom.

Lights Out For Jerusalem

John Alley

John Alley once again turns to Matthew Chapter 24 as he begins this message exploring what the Bible says about end times. Verse 29 of this chapter speaks of the sun and the moon being darkened and the stars falling from the skies. This, however, says John is not to be interpreted literally, but rather as a figure of speech relating to events in human history. John further illustrates this by pointing to other references in Scripture which are identical or very close to it and which clearly prophesy judgement on nations but not literal happenings in the heavens. This passage, says John, describe what was to happen to the nation of Israel and to Judaism. And indeed, the "lights did go out" in Jerusalem just as Jesus said, with the destruction of the Temple clearly portraying the words of Jesus. The light might go out for nations and for many but as John points out from Scripture, the light of Christ will never fade or depart for the Christian believer. Even in darkness. Light dawns for the righteous, for those who believe and who have the Christ light. This is a message of hope and will inspire the believer to work for the furtherance of the gospel rather than to be paralyzed by unfounded fear of what the future may hold.