The Here and Now
A. The Messiah (Christ) will proclaim the year of the LORD’s ________ and the day of ____________ of our God
Isaiah 61:1–2a…. – The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God…
1. Christ at His 1st Advent brings in the year of the LORD’s __________
Luke 4:18-21 – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” See also Zechariah 9:9
2. Christ at His 2nd Advent brings in the day of __________ of our God
Revelation 19:11&15 – Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. – See also Zechariah 14:1-9 and Revelation 6:16-17
B. The Messiah (Christ) fulfills all the _____________ of the Law and ushers in the time of grace
1. The __________ of the kingdom is now being preached – Luke 16:16–17 – “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void. – See also Hebrews 8:13
2. Jesus Christ is the agency through which this time of ________ comes
– John 1:16–17 – For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. See also Ephesians 3:2-4
C. The period from the days of Jesus until Jesus returns to the earth is called the “last or latter days”
1. The last days began at the time of ___________ – Hebrews 1:1–2 – Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. – See also 1 Peter 1:20
2. The last days are characterized by many ____________ – 1 John 2:18 – Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
3. The last days are characterized by ___________ – 2 Timothy 3:1 – But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty….
4. The last days are characterized as the time of God’s __________ being poured out – Acts 2:17 – “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;
5. The last days are characterized by __________ – 2 Peter 3:3–4 – Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
Where are we at – We are in the period where God’s favor, His grace, is being proclaimed. We are in the age grace. The next time frame is that of God’s wrath. Now is the time to bring others to Christ – 2 Cor. 6:1-2
D. How are we to live in the Here and Now
1. ____________________ from the Lord – Jude 17-19
Jude 17-19 – But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
2. _____________________ through the Lord – Jude 20-21
Jude 20-21 – But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life
3. _____________________ for the Lord – Jude 22-23
Jude 22-23 – And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
4. ____________________ in the Lord – Jude 24-25
Jude 24-25 – Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.
Amen.