Tag Archives: Jesus

The Coming Kingdom of God—When? How?

Posted on 27/04/2026 | Leave a comment
Golden text reading The Kingdom of God with a radiant crown symbol on a purple starry background

In this article we discuss how Jesus dealt with an important question about the Kingdom of God. He was on his way toward Jerusalem with his students, teaching about discipleship, forgiveness, and God’s kingdom.

“… Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, “Look, here it is,” or “There it is,” because the kingdom of God is in your midst.’”   Luke 17:20-21.

Let’s have a close look at this passage focusing on historical context, literary structure, themes and practical significance.

The audience were Pharisees and Jesus’ students (his disciples). Pharisees were Jewish leaders who were focused on ritual purity and expectations and the coming of Messiah. Their question reflected current Jewish apocalyptic hopes for a visible, political kingdom to overthrow Roman oppression. They expected dramatic signs (e.g., cosmic upheaval).

Jesus’ response was a correction to their thinking. The coming kingdom is “Not something that can be observed” (Greek: ou parakolouthetai). The kingdom’s arrival isn’t detectable through human calculation or spectacular events. It subverts expectations of a military revolt or public spectacle.

Thus it is a gross mistake for us today to expect the kingdom or its coming king Jesus to be something you can optically observe. What you can observe is its wonderful effects. Its results.

In this encounter Jesus redirects the listeners focus from “when?” to “how” the kingdom manifests. It’s about God’s authority, not human timelines.

“The Kingdom of God is in your midst” (Greek: entos hymōn): this is famously tricky. Older translations like the King James Version’s “within you” has sparked debates among scholars. There are two possible meanings:

Among you (relational): The kingdom is present where Jesus is, His ministry, miracles and presence.

Within you (internal): The kingdom transforms hearts e.g., repentance, faith. Luke 11:20 says:

If I am casting out demons by the power of God then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. 

Scholarly consensus leans toward among you but it is both—Jesus embodies the kingdom’s arrival. The coming kingdom is already active but it is hidden in humility in Jesus. It is seen in Jesus’ healing, teaching, and sacrificial mission. The kingdom is both present “in your midst” and future. Jesus initiates it already in his earthly ministry. But its fullness awaits his return a second time—see more below.

In the kingdom of God, Jesus’ divine sovereignty transcends political and geographic boundaries. Jesus answered Pilate saying, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36).  

True power lies in servant-hood, not conquest. “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’  But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. (Luke 22:25–27)

We can explore how this connects to other kingdom passages.

Matthew 13 has many parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. The disciples asked Jesus why he always spoke in parables. Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. Mat 13:11.

‘Mysteries’ refers to divine truths that were previously hidden but are now revealed through Jesus Christ, particularly to his disciples. This term (Greek: mysterion) does not mean things inherently puzzling. These are truths that were kept secret from the foundation of the world and are now disclosed to those who are receptive. These mysteries pertain to the nature, present form, and future fulfilment of God’s sovereign rule, the Kingdom of God which Jesus began to unveil after his rejection by the religious leaders of Israel.

In Matthew 13:37-43 Jesus explained the parable of weeds to the disciples “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the weeds are the sons of the evil one; and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.  So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age.  The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks and those who commit lawlessness, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The one who has ears, let him hear”.

Mark 1:14-15 says  Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” The phrase ‘at hand’ (Greek engizō) strongly emphasizes closeness, soon, about to happen. It is urgent that his hearers repent and believe!

In John 3:3,5 we read Jesus said to the great teacher Nicodemus ‘unless you are born of the spirit you cannot see the Kingdom of God.’ The kingdom is within and unseen but its dramatic power is seen.

God’s reign, the Kingdom of God, is found where Christ is proclaimed, the Spirit transforms lives, and justice and mercy are practiced by his followers. Paul wrote for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17).

Jesus redefines the kingdom of God as a present reality centred on His person and work. It is not a future event. It operates subtly today through faith, repentance, and divine authority—already “among” those who receive Him. This invites us to participate in God’s reign through humility, service, and attentive faith, especially since He has already come in the first century and the Kingdom of God has now fully come!

I have shown in my many articles on this blog that Jesus has already come a second time as He promised (Mat 10:23, 16:27-28, 24:32-34). He came at ‘the end of the age’ (Mat 13:37-43)i.e., the end of the Mosaic age when the Jerusalem temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD—in ‘the wrath to come’.

That wrath surely came in 70 AD fulfilling the baptiser’s words when Jesus came again in 70 AD just as He promised!

7 But when he [John] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? . . . . . . .   The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 . . . . . . He who is coming after me is mightier than I . . . . . His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Mat 3:7-12)

Come on Prove me wrong!

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How do we know that Jesus returned?

Posted on 18/03/2026 | 2 comments

Firstly. The Olivet Discourse—Matthew 24

Preface: The previous Chapter 23 of is critical for it is the lead-up to the Olivet Discourse. For example, Jesus’ prophecy that their leaders will persecute those he will send and the terrifying prediction that “upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth . . . . . . Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation” (vs.34-36). As you know, there are no chapter divisions in the original texts. It is a continuous narrative. Matthew 23:13-36

The Olivet Discourse was addressed to four of the twelve apostles at a particular point in time and place. It was not addressed to disciples beyond that generation, let alone to today’s readers.

We must resist the all too common habit of applying Jesus’ words to us, as if he was speaking to 21st-century readers about our future. We are edified by discerning how the truth of the gospel applies to us today. There are many words recorded as spoken by Jesus to his disciples which cannot apply to us today. God gave us scriptures for us but they were not written to us!

It is very important to realise, as scholar N. T. Wright wrote, “Jerusalem remained the focal point of everything that the Jews were and did. Jewish identity was bound up with, and focused upon, a single city, and within that city a single shrine.” Jerusalem Past & Present in the Purposes of God.1994.

Turning now to the text of Matthew 24 – please read the text and read it again.

The discourse must be seen as Jesus answering the disciples’ two questions—when these things will happen and what will be the sign of His presence. This text flows continuously without any breaks The central issue is Jesus’ coming in judgment on Israel and its Temple which no longer was fit for his presence and his coming presence (Parousia) among a new ‘nation’ of the elect people of God.   

Jesus gives many prophecies: see vs 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15-23, 29, 30, 31, 33-34.

The numerous time stamps show that the narrative is a unity. See vs 8, 10,29, 30.

Several verses show that the scene is local, Judean, not worldwide. See vs 1-3, 16-22, 30.

Several verses talk about ‘The End’—see vs 3, 6, 13, 14

The visible destruction of Jerusalem and its temple will be the sign that the Son of Man reigns in heaven having ascended to the Father. Jesus prophesied that natural, fleshly Israel, with its temple worship, sacrificial system, priesthood, all will disappear.

The great judgment Jesus has described would come upon Jerusalem, its leaders, and its temple within that generation, and vindicate Jesus and his followers as the true Israel.

Secondly. The reports from early historians

Jesus’ coming would be marked not by his visibility, but by much visible phenomenon, e.g. storm clouds hiding his glory, Psalm 18:6-16.  Remarkably, Josephus, Eusebius, Tacitus and the Talmud variously recorded that trumpets and angelic voices were heard and supernatural activity observed around the time of the end of Jerusalem and its temple—this is ancient history.

Tacitus

The Roman historian reported, “sudden lightning from the clouds lit up the Temple.  Histories ch. 5 sect. 13 AD 109 and “In the sky appeared a vision of armies in conflict, of glittering armour.”

Josephus

Josephus, who had probably never heard of Jesus’ prophecies and who would have done nothing to show its fulfilment, records the signs which He says preceded the destruction of the city.

A star, says he, resembling a sword, stood over the city, and a comet that continued a whole year.

At the feast of unleavened bread, during the night, a bright light shone round the altar and the temple, so that it seemed to be bright day, for half an hour.

The eastern gate of the temple, of solid brass, fastened with strong bolts and bars, and which had been shut with difficulty by twenty men, opened in the night of its own accord.

A few days after that feast, He says, “Before sun-setting, chariots and troops of soldiers in their armour were seen running about among the clouds, and surrounding of cities.”

A great noise, as of the sound of a multitude, was heard in the temple, saying, “Let us remove hence.”

Four years before the war began, Jesus, the son of Ananus, a plebeian and a husbandman, came to the feast of the tabernacles when the city was in peace and prosperity, and began to cry aloud, “A voice from the east, a voice from the west, a voice from the four winds, a voice against Jerusalem and the holy house, a voice against the bridegroom and the brides, and a voice against this whole people!” He was scourged, and at every stroke of the whip He cried, “Woe, woe to Jerusalem!” This cry was continued every day for more than seven years, until He was killed in the siege of the city, exclaiming, “Woe, woe to myself also!” – Jewish Wars, b. 6 chapter 9, section 3.

Eusebius

Eusebius recorded that Hegesippus wrote that James (Jesus’ brother) proclaimed Jesus to the Pharisees saying: “He himself sits in heaven at the right hand of the great Power, and is about to come upon the clouds of heaven.” The Pharisees took him threw him from a pinnacle of the temple and he survived and then they then killed him.

Thirdly. 2000 years of Christian truth has survived

Let’s suppose for a moment that Jesus failed to show up? Christianity would have been falsified! discredited, abandoned. Jesus then was a false prophet.

The demand for him to be seen optically is a grave mistake. It discredits Jesus. These teachers fail to look at the rest of the New Testament. The evidence is there. The disciples believed him. He had to come on time. If not, Christianity would be falsified. Yet we know it is true.

Jesus intended the disciples to believe in His imminent return. He often urged His followers to whom he spoke face to face to “be ready”. See Mark 13:33, Luke 12:40, Luke 21:36. 

Paul hoped to see the resurrection before he passed away, see: Phil 3:11, I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

Forthly. Jesus had to return to complete our salvation—quickly, not in 2000 years

See See also Hebrews 9:27-28. And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,  so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. 

Your salvation is not fully effective until Jesus comes a second time.

See also Luke 21: 27-28:   But when these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. The word redemption here refers not just to salvation from sin (the cross) but our completed redemption.  See also Rom 8. 18-33 For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared  to the coming glory that will be revealed to us. . . . . .  as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

Conclusion

More could be said but what I have written here is plenty to show that we can be certain that Jesus has without any shadow of doubt come back.

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The Day of the Lord

Posted on 01/03/2026 | Leave a comment

In a very recent post I dealt with the term ‘the last days’. In this post I deal with another end-time term “The Day of the Lord” which covers similar ground.

In the scriptures we can find the shortened term “Day” or “that Day” referring to the same period. 

“The Day of the Lord” or “The Day”  refers to a divinely appointed time or times when God intervenes in human history with decisive judgment and salvation.  

It is described as a day of both fear and hope, depending on one’s relationship with God. 

For the unrepentant and wicked, it is a day of terrible judgment and divine justice.

But for the faithful and redeemed, it is a day of hope, deliverance and fulfilment.

The Old Testament prophets described it as a day of darkness, war, and divine reckoning. They marked it by cosmic upheaval language, wrath, and destruction.  It has been used historically to describe events like the fall of Babylon (Isaiah 13:6–9 :21).

Joel portrayed it as a day of cosmic signs (darkened sun, blood moon) preceding divine intervention. Joel 2:1–11, 31.

Amos warned that the Day will bring darkness, not light, for those who are unrepentant. Amos 5:18–20.

In the New Testament these phrases point to a climactic day marking the end of the Old Covenant and the end of the Jewish nation. On this Day, God judges Israel, avenging Jesus’ rejection and death and establishing a new creation.  This includes:

The return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10).

The Great Tribulation (Mat 24:21, Revelation 6:17).

The resurrection and judgment (1 Corinthians 15:51-55). 

The inauguration of the New Covenant (Hebrews 8-10, Jeremiah 36)

So let’s examine the following passages.

1 Corinthians 1:8. . . . . you are not lacking in any gift, as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:13-14.  . . . . . . . and I hope you will understand until the end;  just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours, on the day of our Lord Jesus.

Philippians 1:6. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 1:10. . . . . .  when He comes to be glorified among His saints on that day, 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2.  Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit, or a message, or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

In each of these texts it is clear that Paul expected the day of the Lord coming in his lifetime. It was imminent.

My friends, those texts must mean that Christ has already returned sometime in the first century! Isn’t that clear?

Or like C S Lewis do you believe Jesus was mistaken? Here is C. S. Lewis in his own words:

“It is clear from the New Testament that they all expected the Second Coming in their own lifetime. And, worse still, they had a reason, and one which you will find very embarrassing. Their Master had told them so. He shared, and indeed created, their delusion. He said in so many words, ‘this generation shall not pass till all these things be done.’ And he was wrong. He clearly knew no more about the end of the world than anyone else”.

Don’t make the same mistake as Lewis. That mistake was to assume that His coming meant the end of the world. It is to assume you know more than Jesus and the plain words of scripture. Such arrogance! It is to assume Jesus would be visible to human eyes at His coming, something that is impossible.

All futurist views of eschatology say that Christ comes at the end of the current Christian age. However, the Bible is clear that the Christian age has no end! (Daniel 2:44-45, Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 2:32-33).

Furthermore, the Bible, in spite of popular views of the end, identifies “the Day of the Lord” or “that Day” as the last generation of the Old Covenant Age of Israel. That age came to its cataclysmic end in AD 70!

Realising this changed the lives of countless believers, dispelling the fear that the Day of the Lord is near. No end of the earth! No great tribulation! No rapture!

As I have said, I write as one who joyously and thankfully realised this truth only several years ago. I have joined an ever increasing number of believers around the world.

There’s much to be done in the power of the Holy Spirit in us.

Or prove me wrong!

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Israel or Christ?

Posted on 14/12/2025 | 5 comments

Recently I read an article by Dr Tim Orr who rather than exult the Lord Jesus focuses on a relationship with Israel and the nation, modern Israel. He believes Israel is still God’s chosen people. See his article here: https://dailydeclaration.org.au/2025/11/21/reclaiming-israel/

This author is not true to the New Testament. I sent the following comments to this publication.

God’s promise to Abraham came true for us Christians down to this very day. For we who follow Jesus are the true people of God. We are Abraham’s descendants. Not fleshly Israel. Not earthly Jerusalem.


This author has cherry-picked the scriptures to claim that Israel is the chosen people of God. He has ignored much evidence in the NT for example:


Galatians 6:16. We are the Israel of God. The ὅσοι [‘as many as’] refers to the individual Christians, Jewish and Gentile; and ‘Israel of God’ to the same Christians, seen collectively and forming the true messianic community.” (Word Studies in the New Testament vol. 4, p. 180).

Paul cannot be pronouncing a benediction upon persons who are not included in the phrase “as many as shall walk by this rule” (i.e., the rule of boasting only in the cross). The entire argument of the epistle prevents any idea that here he would give a blessing to those who are not included in this group. And Paul also wrote: “if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise”. (Galatians 3:29). See also Galatians 3:6-9, 12.


Galatians 3:26-29: For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you (Gentiles).


1 Peter 2:4-10: . . . . . . for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

These terms, chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession, reflect Deuteronomy 7:6, 10:15, 14:2.

Under the New Covenant the same applies to all believers in Christ both Jew and gentile.


Matthew 8:11-12. Jesus said to unbelieving Jews: “I tell you this that many Gentiles will come from all over the world –from east and west–and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites–those for whom the Kingdom was prepared–will be thrown into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”


Replacement theology’?  Nonsense.

Israel has not been replaced. Israel was transformed at Pentecost, with the remnant, Jews from all nations of the Dispersion. From then on these Jewish believers were persecuted by the Jews who rejected their Messiah, as Jesus said would happen in the Olivet Discourse.


And see 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16. And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.


1 Thessalonians 1:3-4. We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.


Romans 11:30–36 does not teach about a kingdom with both Jews and Gentiles as distinct populations within the people of God. That would be a totally abhorrent idea for Paul (Galatians 3-6, Ephesians 2-3).

Many commentators have adopted Israel as their focus. It’s idolatry.

No matter how much New Testament scripture is quoted they don’t want the truth. So brainwashed. 

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The Kingdom of Heaven

Posted on 03/12/2025 | Leave a comment

What is the Kingdom of Heaven?

It is God’s wonderful rule. It is so good that it is called the good news (gospel) of the kingdom–a desirable state.

It is a lifestyle into which Jesus called his disciples to enter and to live under. It is so precious, so important, that people are urged to enter it, no matter what it may cost (Mat 13:44-45).

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.  Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:3-4

Let’s look closely at this passage:

Context:

This passage is part of a larger discourse in Matthew 18, often called the “Discourse on the Church”.”

The immediate context is that the disciples asked Jesus, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1). Jesus responds by calling a little child to stand among them (Matthew 18:2) and then speaks the words in verses 3-4.

Key Words and Phrases:

“Truly I tell you” (Amen lego humin): This term Jesus often used as for a solemn affirmation that what follows is important and true.

“unless you turn and become like little children”: Turning, the first step, is critical. The Greek word for “change” (strepho) can also mean “turn” or “convert.” It implies a fundamental transformation. The requirement is to become like a child.

“you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”: This is a strong statement about the necessity of this transformation for entering the kingdom of h  eaven and the salvation it brings.

“whoever humbles himself like this little child”: The Greek word for “humbling oneself ” (tapeinose) refers to humility, lowliness, or a state of being humble.

“is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven“: Jesus contrasted the world’s view of greatness (power, status) with the kingdom’s view — humility and childlike dependence.

What is it about a little child that Jesus should ask people to become in order to enter this kingdom?

It is humility. Lack of pride. Absence of self-reliance. Total trust in our heavenly Father.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take.

Interpretation

The child is used as an example of humility, trust, and dependence. In the ancient world, children had low social status; they were dependent and without pretension.

Jesus is not saying that adults should be childish (immature) but childlike in their faith — trusting, humble, and without arrogance.

To “become like little children” means to abandon self-sufficiency and pride and to rely completely on God.

The transformation (“turn”) is a necessary condition for entering the kingdom — it is a call to conversion.

The reversal of values: the greatest in the kingdom is the one who is humble like a child.

Theological Themes:

Humility: Essential for discipleship and kingdom citizenship.

Kingdom access: Entry into the kingdom requires a change of heart and attitude.

Greatness in the kingdom: Defined by service and humility, not by power or status.

Application:

As followers of Jesus we must embrace humility and dependence on God.

Christian communities should value and practice humility, service, and care for and honour the weak.  

In the ancient world, children were considered weak and vulnerable. They are still vulnerable today.

Conclusion


Jesus uses a child as an object lesson to teach that humility and childlike trust are essential for entering and being great in the kingdom of heaven.

Today, this teaching still challenges worldly notions of control, power and status and calls for a transformation of the heart.

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The Apostles See Jesus No More

Posted on 19/11/2025 | Leave a comment

In the opening verses of the NT Book of Acts, Luke gives us the account of Jesus’ ascension. This is not the only account we have of the ascension in the Bible. In Luke 24:50-52 there is a brief account.

But this passage contains some valuable information which the casual reader may easily miss.

Let’s look at the passage.

6.  So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”  

6. they kept asking him. Their question shows they thought just as the Jews thought –in terms of a Davidic messiah and an earthly kingdom of Israel free of Roman rule. They were still focused on Israel and its future. It was not about the kingdom of Israel. It was about the Kingdom of Heaven. This would all soon change with the inauguration of the new covenant in Jesus’ blood.

7. He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.

 The Father alone sets dates, times. Jesus had already told the disciples that the timing of His coming was unknown (Mat 24:36). Only the Father determines the times and seasons.

8. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

But: Grk, G235 alla, contrariwise, emphatic—the disciples will have to think differently—to radically change their mind.

My witnesses: Very soon they will see him no longer because he is going to the Father, where they cannot come (see John 14:28-29). Instead, they are to receive power with the coming of the Holy Spirit and be his witnesses everywhere.  This would be a huge refocus. 

9. After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 

  • taken up into a cloud. Jesus was hidden from their eyes by a cloud as he went into Heaven. Clouds denote God’s glory. These ‘clouds’ appear to shut heaven, or the sky, from human view. He was hidden from their eyes by cloud. Just as He was hidden from their eyes as He went into Heaven, so when he comes He will be hidden to human eyes by the clouds of glory (Mat 24:30).

10. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 

they strained to see him. The cloud made it very difficult to see him, then impossible to see him.

two white-robed men. One of the many references to angels in the NT suddenly appearing (cf Luke 24:4 at the empty tomb). 

11. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

Jesus has been taken. Note the past tense ‘has been taken’

taken from you. They will see him no longer.

Men of Galilee. Here is aninteresting detail: they were addressed as ‘men of Galilee’. It is they who were addressed and not us today. Context is critically important for correct interpretation.

Jesus will someday return. The two ‘men’ declared Jesus will ‘someday’ return from heaven. The disciples already knew he would soon return (Matthew 10:23, 16:27-28, 24:30), but the hour or the day was unknown (Mat 24:36). This was a confirmation for them.

In the same way. The disciples could not see him because he was hidden by the cloud of glory. In the same way when he returns he will come in clouds of glory again hidden from human eyes in his then ascended form.  

This story shows us today that the coming return of Jesus was to occur within the lifespan of those present, these “men of Galilee”. So it rationally follows that return has already occurred!

This passage and the Matthew 24:30-34 passage, teach us the same thing: Jesus returned within the lifespan of the disciples!  

The coming of Jesus that we read in both Acts 1:6-11 and in the gospels (Matthew 10:23, 16:27-28, 24:30-34) cannot possibly be a “coming” that will occur in our future, for indeed, it has already occurred in the generation of the disciples.

Go figure!

Please prove me wrong.

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Rapture? Three Greek Words

Posted on 10/11/2025 | 4 comments

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Jesus Is Already Here

Posted on 29/10/2025 | 2 comments

Countless Christians have been falsely taught to believe that one day Christ will suddenly appear on the clouds to fix everything. They have been so brainwashed about it is very difficult for them to face the truth in the scriptures. The rapture doctrine is grossly false as I explain elsewhere–https://ianthomsonian.org/?s=rapture.

This is a massive, worldwide psyopt (psychological operation). Brainwashing. Cognitive dissonance.  

Jesus plainly taught his disciples that he would return within a generation. (Mat 10:23, 16:27-28, 24:30-34). Millions have ignored Jesus’ plain promise. He came invisible to human eyes, hidden in clouds of glory.

No one has ever seen him since he ascended on high and dwells in unapproachable light and glory.

He said this surprising thing to his disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit “where you can see me no longer”. (John 16:7-10).

The New Testament teaches us that we are meant to be in the world but not of the world! We are to be in the world, to make disciples everywhere, to be salt and light! “You are the light of the world– A city on a hill cannot be hidden”. (Mat 5:14)

Jesus’ disciples heard him praying this to the Father . . . .

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. . . . . . Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.  . . . . . . . “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.   I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”

He also said very clearly that his words remain in us!

. . . if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!  When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. .” John 15:7-8.

He told them (and as a result us) that he has made his home with them (and us)

“All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” (John 14:23)

Here on earth we are meant to bear much fruit . . . .

 “Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. (John 15.5)

Paul wrote about believers being active here on planet Earth and not longing to escape  . . . .

I thank my God through Jesus Christ because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world (Rom 1:8)

You are a temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you (1 Cor 3:16)

. . . .  So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Cor 15:58)

. . .   for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Phil 1:5-6) 

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.  I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.  But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. (Phil 1:21-24)

As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it,  for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.  And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. (1 Thes 1:8-10)

As David Sorensen puts it so well . . . . 

“Christ is not there, somewhere, far, far away. He is here, as close as can be—in the hearts and lives of all who welcome Him, who see Him, who accept His love for humanity. He has made His dwelling with all those who love Him. We are not waiting for Christ to “return. . . . . 

How can you be waiting for Him who is inside of you, who never leaves you, who walks where you walk, who speaks when you speak, who touches when you reach out, who is your all in all? . . . .   

Christ is our strongest Ally, our powerful Guide, our heroic Deliverer. He is always here with us, inside of us, and He wants to work through us—shine His light, bring His deliverance, release His voice, establish His reign of restoration.

So let’s cease waiting for Christ to “return,” but learn how Jesus is here with us—Emmanuel. Get busy in the work of the Good News! He is always with us, everywhere, all the time. 

We are Christ containers!

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No One Can See God

Posted on 17/10/2025 | Leave a comment

Jesus said: “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. . . . . .  because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer . . . “. (John 16:7-10).  

He said this surprising thing “where you can see me no longer”. He said that he would send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was better for them than his physical presence!

Can you grasp how incredible that is?

The truth that many people miss is that no one can see Christ in bodily form and live.

But instead, Jesus told them he would send what could not be seen: the Holy Spirit. That gift enables the multiplication of the works of Christ by his followers in the world. Those works will be seen.

Many people are obsessed with the idea that Jesus will come and they will physically see Jesus. They will be disappointed. We already have what is for our good that he went away!

He will not come back to rule physically from an earthly Jerusalem. If you believe that you have believed a lie.

The New Testament tells us that when the Son of Man comes he comes hidden in the clouds of God’s splendour and glory! (e.g., Mat 24:30, 26:64) 

His coming is often called a ‘Parousia’ (1 Thes 2:19,3:13, 4:15). In Jesus’ day parousia meant ‘visit’, typically of the visit of a king who leaves his palace and visits a city but then returns to his home.

His coming will not be physically ‘seen’ but understood. He could never be seen by human, physical eyes in His exalted, glorious, state, “whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Tim 6:16).

The NT says when he comes it will be in judgment and the fulfilment of all that is written (Luke 21:22), not to be gazed at. See also judgment passages in 1 Thes 1:10, 2:15-16.

The Holy Spirit is with them from the Day of Pentecost until He comes again and beyond to this our day—the experience we have now!

See Acts 1:9. “And after He had said these things, he was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received him out of their sight.” He was hidden from their eyes by a cloud (Grk. nephelē). Just as he was hidden from their eyes as he went into heaven, so when he comes He will be hidden to human eyes by the clouds of glory (Mat 24:30).

Since then, Jesus has never been physically seen by human eyes. nor will he ever.

Do you see? Do you understand? Many stumble over this, thinking that because he would not be seen by human eyes, then he has not yet come.

Paul wrote: we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour. (Titus 2:11f.) The blessed hope of Paul was the appearing of his glory, not his physical presence.

That appearance of his glory has already come and been seen by the first generation of believers according to Mathew 10:23, 16:27-28, 24:30-34, as I have written in my many posts on my blog.

Let’s rejoice that he has come to dwell by his Spirit among his people, His ekklesia, and to empower us to be his witnesses as he did with the first apostles!

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Please explain to me

Posted on 06/10/2025 | 2 comments

Please explain to me why Jesus several times promised his disciples that he would return within the lifetime of some of them.

First. Please explain to me why Jesus said this to his disciples before sending them on their mission to Israel:  “When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.” (Mat 10:23)

My comments:  There was an urgency for them to complete their task! Time was limited so they were to go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel; not to carry money or extra clothing or waste time in places where their message was not received. URGENT! Jesus will return before they have reached all the towns of Israel.” Not centuries in the future!

Second. Please explain to me why Jesus told his disciples: “For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.  And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.” (Mat 16:27-28)

My comments:  In this context, Jesus challenged these disciples to follow him. He warned them to be committed to the Kingdom of God and to be ready for his return before some of them had died.

His coming and the Kingdom of God was not centuries in the future, but a mere generation!

Third. Please explain to me why Jesus told his disciples: “And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world (Greek oikoumenē) so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. (Mat 24:14) 

My comments: In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus once again emphasied the shortness of time to the listening disciples. The Greek oikoumenē (Strongs G3625) translates the phrase ‘the whole world’. This word, oikoumenē  meant the civilised world, the Roman empire which Paul tells us happened– see Rom 10:18, 16:26; Col 1:6, 23.   The End, his coming, he promised during the time of the apostles, in the Roman Empire. Not centuries in the future!

Fourth. Please explain to me why Jesus told his disciples to learn the lesson of fig tree. “When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.  In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door” (Mat 24:32-33)

My comments: Jesus knew their question about when The End comes. He responded by comparing the seasonal changes in the fig tree to the time of his return. They can see when summer is near,–only a short time away. Similarly, when they see things like the Abomination of Desolation and the great tribulation they can see how close is his return. It is very near. In fact it was right at the door!

Fifthly. Please explain to me why Jesus told his disciples I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. (Mat 24:34)

My comments: Remarkably, once more in that discourse, Jesus emphasied the shortness of time to the listening disciples. The current generation of those disciples and others in Israel would not have vanished until events including the great tribulation and his coming have taken place. Within about 40 years. Not centuries in the future!

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