The Coming Of The Light

Peace Apostolic Ministries

The Coming Of The Light

John Alley

Historically, in the Church there has been 3 ways of interpreting Scripture regarding last days events, says John Alley as he commences this message. Describing the different attributes of the Pre-millennium, Post millennium and Amillennium opinions, John states that since the future is still in the future, no one knows how events will unfold. It is fine, says John, to lean towards one theory or another, but we must not become so rigid in our opinions that we deny truth. John goes on the explain a fourth view that held popular sway in America for some time, Dispensationalism. This teaches, amongst other things, that Israel will be reestablished, the Temple rebuilt and the Levitical priesthood restored. This is an affront to the blood of Christ and an offence to the cross, says John. Jesus did a complete work on the cross, and to suggest that the old system of sacrifices that His death and resurrection did away with must be restored is foolishness. John explores Matthew 24 in part, promising to return to the subject on future Sundays.

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.