No Longer In The Dark

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.

A Better View Of The World

John Alley

Continuing his series of teaching on eschatology, or the end times, John Alley begins with the statement that there is a great deal of scholarship examining the Scriptures and arriving at satisfying conclusions regarding end times rather than alarmist ones. John goes on to explain how what we believe very much affects our behaviour and the choices we make in life as well as how we plan our lives. While we are free to hold to any of the varying views of how the last days will unfold, says John, we should adopt a position that allows us to plan for the future and to build great works in preparation for the coming of Christ. In other words, we should live as though we will live our entire lives for Christ and sharing Christ. John gives examples from history of people who lived that way and as a result, accomplished great things for the Kingdom. John then begins an examination of Matthew 24:29 – 31, a passage often misinterpreted by readers. John goes on to explain how the original Greek language used indicates that there are figures of speech used, bringing a clearer interpretation of the passage. This is an encouraging message which will bring liberty and hope to the hearer.

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.

Put Your Thinking Cap On

John Alley

We are all used to figures of speech, we use them everyday. You've no doubt heard about it "raining cats and dogs" and you didn't get confused about what that actually meant. God uses figures of speech a great deal in scripture too. However strangely we do get confused by the meanings. There is a lot of figurative language in the Bible that we just take literally, and hence are confused and robbed of power. This great message by John Alley will help you to see and understand how figures of speech are used right through the entire Bible, with many examples and explanations. Once you start to get a hold of this, the scriptures really open up to the seeking heart.

Eat My Dust

John Alley

God was the first person to say "Eat my Dust," and it was spoken to the snake in the Garden of Eden. Christ triumphed mightily over the enemy on the cross and in this message John Alley follows a large trail of references to Christ's triumph and many other references to Satan being in the dust. John discusses the Roman concept of a Triumphal Procession after victory. This involved displaying the captives through the streets of Rome, a procedure that often took days. At various places along the way various enemies were publicly disgraced and killed. The Bible equates Christs victory as "triumph." The devil has been humiliated. However believers often have limited understanding, and the devil is a deceiver and so he still has power in our lives to influence us. This message helps us see a bigger picture of our place. It culminates in a reference to Satan being placed "under our feet." Finally the devil's humiliation is worse than before, because now the children of God has authority over him. This is a powerful message and one that will get you thinking, praying and believing that more is possible.

The Increase of Christ's Government

John Alley

The prophet Isaiah, in speaking of the coming Messiah, said “….Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end…” What, exactly, does that mean? John Alley brings a message of hope and encouragement regarding the things to come in light of the Gospel. John examines the words of the prophets Isaiah and Daniel as well as Chapter 21 of Revelation and draws parallels in the prophetic language and symbolism contained therein. Most popular theories about the end of the world and the second coming of Christ are not based on exegesis, says John, where the Bible would interpret itself. When, however, a comprehensive study is made of the Bible passages relative to this subject, it can be seen that the word of God, the Gospel, will continue to grow and increase and be active in the world. John presents statistics that verify that Christianity is on the increase in the world and that

Fulfilled Prophecy

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.

Peace Apostolic Ministries

An Eschatology Study Series

Jesus Answers Two Questions

John Alley • Matthew 24, Matthew 25

Revelation And The Beast

John Alley

Lights Out For Jerusalem

John Alley

A Better View Of The World

John Alley

The Coming Of The Light

John Alley

Put Your Thinking Cap On

John Alley

Eat My Dust

John Alley

The Increase of Christ's Government

John Alley

Fulfilled Prophecy

John Alley