Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things . . . Psalm 119:18 (ESV)
The topic of the last days is a constant subject among Christians today. We see so much change morally and intellectually. We have touched on the end times discussions numerous times over the last three years. The role of the church, the rapture, and traits of men in the last days as described in 2 Timothy chapter three. Recently I was asked about the witnesses sealed in the book of Revelation. Consider the thoughts of a favorite writer from Dallas Theological Seminary, Roy Gingrich. 2. The two visions connected with this interlude a. The first vision—The vision of the sealing of the 144,000 (7:1–8) (1) The four angels of judgment (7:1) These four angels hold back God’s judgments (the “four winds” from the “four corners of the earth”) until God’s cup of wrath is full. Then they execute God’s wrath (which hurts the earth and the sea). (2) The angel of restraint (7:2, 3) He restrains the four angels from releasing the four winds of judgment until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. (3) The sealed one hundred and forty four thousand (a) Who are they? 1). Negative—This group is not the church, as some theologians teach, neither is it a cult group, or a group of sinless overcomers, as some cult leaders teach. 2). Positive—This group are saved Israelites, 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel (they are called Christ’s “brethren” in Matt. 25:40). Note that the tribes of Ephraim and Dan are replaced by the tribes of Joseph and Levi. Probably this is because Ephraim and Dan were the first of the 12 tribes to turn aside to idolatry in the Old Testament era. Note that they are again listed as two of the 12 tribes during the Millennium, Ezek. 48:1–5. Also, note that God knows the location of the so-called “ten lost tribes” and that He knows the tribal identity of every living Israelite. (b) Is the number 144,000 literal? Yes. There is no good reason for believing otherwise. (c) When were they saved? They were saved during the first half of “the Seventieth Week of Daniel.” If they were saved before the beginning of the Seventieth Week, they would have been in the Rapture. If they were saved after the midpoint of the Seventieth Week, they would not be called “the servants of God” at the mid-point of the Seventieth Week. (d) How were they saved? They were saved by the Holy Spirit through the word, the way all sinners are saved. The Holy Spirit will no longer be resident on the earth after the Rapture but in His omnipresence He will yet be present on the earth. During the whole period of the mediatorial Kingdom of Christ, the Holy Spirit has been, is, and will be, present to convict sinners and to regenerate them. (e) How did they hear the gospel? Through one or more of three ways: (1) through the testimony of church-age saints (before these saints were raptured); (2) through reading their Bibles (Bibles won’t be raptured); or through a personal revelation from Jesus Christ, Jn. 1:43. (f) When are they sealed? They are sealed “after” the opening of the first six seals, 7:1, but before the opening of the seventh seal, 8:1, which begins “the Great Tribulation.” (g) Why are they sealed? They are sealed that they may be made immune from death that they may be God’s witnesses throughout the period of “the Great Tribulation.” Many other saved Israelites, Zech. 13:8, 9; Ezek. 34:11–16, and many saved Gentiles, Matt. 25:31–46, will also come through the Tribulation without dying but the 144,000 are a special group chosen to carry out a special assignment, to conduct a worldwide revival before Christ comes in His Second Advent. (h) What is the connection between this group and the 144,000 spoken of in chapter 14? The 144,000 of chapter 7 and the 144,000 of chapter 14 are the same group. In chapter 7, this group is seen before the Great Tribulation; in chapter 14, this same group is seen after the Great Tribulation, in the Millennial Kingdom. In chapter 7, we see them ready to enter the fiery furnace (the Great Tribulation); in chapter 14, we see them emerged from the fiery furnace, unhurt. We gain confidence in our present day situation from the Bible. God is in control! He knows what is coming and how it will be handled. We can be thankful for his promises. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ Gingrich, R. E. (2001). The Book of Revelation (pp. 45–46). Memphis, TN: Riverside Printing. v Dan. 8:17, 18; 10:9, 10, 15; [Luke 24:37; John 21:12] v Dan. 8:17, 18; 10:9, 10, 15; [Luke 24:37; John 21:12] w Matt. 17:7 x ch. 2:8; 22:13; Isa. 41:4; 44:6; 48:12 y Rom. 6:9; 14:9 z [ch. 9:1; 20:1] a ver. 2, 11 b ver. 12–16 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Re 1:17–19). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.
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Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things . . . (ESV)
2 Timothy 3:3 (NIV84)3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, The description of people in the end times comes from Paul's book to Timothy. There are nineteen traits listed between verse 2-4. Today is focused on the word for brutal. Most importantly Paul says, Mark this! People will be like this in the end times. Following is the Greek word and the meanings behind it. ἀνήμερος, 2 anēmeros wild, untamed* In 2 Tim 3:3 with διάβολοι, ἀκρατεῖς, ἀφιλάγαθοι, and other words referring to human behavior in the “last days.” Balz, H. R., & Schneider, G. (1990–). In Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament (Vol. 1, p. 98). Eerdmans. 20.5 ἀνήμερος, ον: pertaining to fierceness, in the sense of being wild and untamed—‘fierce, vicious, untamed.’ ἔσονται γὰρ οἱ ἄνθρωποι … ἀκρατεῖς, ἀνήμεροι, ἀφιλάγαθοι ‘for people will be … lacking in self-control, they will be fierce and hate the good’ 2 Tm 3:2–3. Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). In Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 228). United Bible Societies. Each of us has seen examples of this on the news. People killing people. Riots, destruction of property and attacks on others who do not use the correct words. The positive side of this reality is that Christ is coming soon. Maranatha . . . Come Lord Jesus! Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions@gmail.com _______________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (2 Ti 3:3). (1984). Zondervan. Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions. ![]() A Kingdom leader works hard to motivate himself and others. You will find the essence of motivation by remembering your stated goals, providing effective encouragement, supporting your team in tangible ways and reflecting on your attitude. You will see activation, persistence, and intensity. You will see goals accomplished that you set together. What is the essence of motivation in your leadership? The elephant in the room is often a misplaced motive. Do you spur others to good works? Do you give them a good reason to do something? Do you give them the stimulus they need? Do you have clear goals that others can understand and adopt? I find it interesting that the Lord weighs a person's motives. As a leader we can miss the mark of motivation by trusting in our position and not getting permission to lead. We can miss the hearts of our team by not listening to them. Proverbs 16:2 (NIV84) 2 All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Pr 16:2). (1984). Zondervan. Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa. Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world. Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this email in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions. ![]() Rare Photo of a Bushbuck A bushbuck standing in a thicket is virtually invisible as long as it remains motionless! On the Sabie river we came around a corner and surprised a bushbuck who was away from the thicket. He froze which is his standard reaction to a predator being near. At night time its disruptive white markings help to conceal it from lions and hyenas who might be passing nearby. Once he is spotted a bushbuck races for the nearest cover. Then he becomes virtually invisible. Calves dropped in dense cover, do not accompany their mothers into the open. They remain in the thicket for up to four months. The mother attends the baby regularly until it matures. The creative design of our heavenly father is amazing. It is something to watch a bushbuck return to the thicket and disappear. John 1:18 (NIV84) No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, e f who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions@gmail.com _______________________________ e Or the Only Begotten f Some manuscripts but the only (or only begotten) Son The Holy Bible: New International Version (Jn 1:18). (1984). Zondervan. Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Spiritual Safaris are written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and its goal of missionary retention. Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions. ![]() A Kingdom Leader has to focus on today. The moment can compete with the past and the future! You can't be diverted from the present situation and find yourself anticipating past failures or future disappointments. Do you find yourself looking back at the past? Do you feel anxious of what might go wrong? Are you able to focus on the situation you face at this moment? What takes your focus away? Paul understood the competing mistakes, failures and sins of the past. He had lived with heartaches and discouragement. His hopes and plans were to stop the church! Philippians 3:13 (NIV84) Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Do you completely forget the past? That is the full meaning of the word forget in the Greek. Set the past behind you and strain toward the goal Christ has put in front of each of us. Look around you and find those who need encouragement to focus on the moment. You can lift a burden from their shoulder and help them run the race set before us. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions@gmail.com _______________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Php 3:13). (1984). Zondervan. Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa. Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world. Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions. ![]() Imagine . . . the last sunset! In honor of a good friend We sat on the shore of the Zambezi River Watching the sun slowly set above Victoria Falls. The rumble and smoke of the massive falls set the atmosphere of the moment. The Victoria Falls stretch for over a mile across the mighty Zambezi. If you focus on the sun you see a slight movement of the red ball as it sets over the horizon. It is a time of reflection and calm. The day is winding slowly down. The truth is that we are moving at over 1,000 miles an hour. We sit still and perceive no movement. But the earth is spinning and not the sun. The eyes shut for a good friend Randy Giltner. He is now standing in the presence of Jesus. The beautiful song was sung at his funeral. I can only imagine what it will be like. Standing in his glory! Just like a sunset people die everyday. I am reminded that eternity comes into focus as we take our last breath. It is a somber moment. It is a flood of emotions as you say goodbye . . . for now. I am thankful that God gave me such a great friend. I will miss him but I know we will cross over the river one day and he will be waiting. The promises of God are a great comfort. I will miss his encouragement. He believed in me when I questioned myself. He poured out his soul and firmly stood behind Cathy and I. Deeper Still Missions has benefited from his involvement. Thanks for the memories. I still hear your laugh. Enjoy the Son and the beauty of heaven. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved. Life Nuggets are written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and its goal of missionary retention. Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions. ![]() A Kingdom Leader walks a path with the lion of Judah. Jesus is clearly that lion! But each of us has had moments of failure when we left the side of the savior. Peter does so as he denies his relationship with the Lord during his trial. How have you recovered from your mistakes? Who came along side you and restored your heart, mind and soul? Who have you lifted from the battle field of life and made them useful again? Do you want to understand their weaknesses? Do you just want to glue them together and fill the cracks with wax? Proverbs 18:2 (NIV84) A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. Sincere leaders know they are jars of clay. Their behavior is guided by humility and love that we seldom see. Seek to understand the failures of others and gently and humbly restore them to usefulness. Peter was different after Jesus asked him to feed his sheep. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Pr 18:2). (1984). Zondervan. Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa. Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world. Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions. ![]() A Kingdom Leader has a tender heart for other people. He remembers his past and the great gift of Jesus. Titus 3:3–5 (NIV84) 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Give the gift of mercy to someone today. Lift their spirits with encouragement. Remember the fresh feel of mercy and give that cleansing soft rain that makes everything feel fresh. It can change someones day including yours. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions@gmail.com _______________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Tt 3:3–5). (1984). Zondervan. Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa. Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world. Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions. A Kingdom Leader is a humble servant of all those whom they lead. Jesus presented himself as an example of kind servant-hood. His selfless washing of the disciples feet presented the complete picture of servant leadership.
![]() A Kingdom Leader is always sensitive to the needs of others. Cathy always reminds me that we must be flexible as we serve others. But a healthy leader is also aware of his needs while giving attention, love, and availability to others. Do you change your schedule to make yourself available to serve? Are you frustrated when you are forced to change your approach? Are you alert and constantly watching for needy people who can be served? Are you looking for new ways to connect with others? You see us pictured as we walk through the woods with a cheetah. He never stopped turning his head from side to side. He was constantly alert for another meal. But he also knows his limitations. He has a small window of 300 meters to catch another animal and then he must stop to recover his breath for thirty minutes! Ministry requires a flexible mind and continual self awareness. Do you need to change? Consider how God changes things. Revelation 21:5 (NIV84) 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” God is not content to restore the world to its former glory. He wants to make everything new! Are you reaching others with the love of Christ or the judgement of the law? Do you participate in shooting the wounded or coming alongside and healing those who struggle? Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Re 21:5). (1984). Zondervan. Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa.Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world. Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions. |
Danny SartinFour decade veteran of youth ministry in churches, Youth For Christ and now is the Founder and Executive Director of Deeper Still Missions. Danny and his wife Cathy spend most of their time mentoring missionaries in Africa, Europe, Central America and North America. Future opportunities include South America and the Asia Pacific area. Archives
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