Calvary Chapel Cottage Grove
Jan 25 2026
Psalm 17:title–15NKJV
Psalm 17NKJV
- Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
- I Love You, Lord
- We Exalt Thee
- Perfect peace but not perfect earthNormally, we teach through the bible but each New Year I like to focus on topics we don’t hear much about from scripture such as “the Millennial Kingdom”.Imagine living a life that is always peaceful and normal. No demonic influence - It’s something we all long for. But when life gets stressful for us, the only thing we can do is persevere by faith.In review, we’ve discovered upon our Lord’s return and we, the church with Him His feet will touch the Mt of Olives. causing a massive earthquake in Jerusalem as foretold in Zech 14 - this drawing shows a gate underneath the Golden Gate.There’s already a fault line that runs right down the middle of the Mt. of Olives.Zechariah’s prophecy speaks of a massive tectonic rupture that will reshape the entire region. It is believed that when this happens, the golden gate will topple and the Shushan gate underneath will rise up to fulfill -
Ezekiel 43:2–4 LSB ...and behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the way of the east. And His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory. And it was like the appearance of the vision which I saw... And the glory of Yahweh came into the house by the way of the gate facing toward the east.In the meantime, all the nations will be gathered at Megiddo with the antichrist and false prophet to battle Yeshua which is why He comes on a white horse judging and waging war! I believe the church are the armies in white because linen speaks of righteousness. This week it dawned on me, this massive earthquake will not be a regional tremor but a planet‑reshaping event.I always pictured Jesus as King of Kings slashing away to defeat His enemies but Get this. When the Mount of Olives splits, the entire Levantine fault system will rupture and the armies at Megiddo (60 miles north) will be right in the kill zone.Revelation 19:15 LSB And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the wrath of the rage of God, the Almighty.The sword of the Spirit is the word of God!! As its being fulfilled these nations will be struck down.Keep in mind, the Antichrist and false prophet will be very aware of the prophecy of Daniel to the day! 1260th day. But it appears the earthquake will be lethal to these armies - And I’m sure Michael the great prince or principality assigned over Israel will be there to deal with Satan and demons in the spirit realm. As he was in the six-day war in 67’ & 73’ Yom KippurWe’re told in Revelation 12 that when the abomination of desolation happens “The woman” (Israel) will flee into the wilderness and be nourished by God for 1,260 days! But it’s actually going to protect Israel!!And you remember Jesus warned His disciples when this abomination happens to flee to the mountains of Judea - And interestingly, on the eastern edge of these mountains is the Rift Valley toward Jordan’s highlands. It’s the natural “escape route” eastward.Petra’s geography matches the prophetic escape. It’s 100 miles southeast and enclosed- Not to mention, far enough away from the quake!! And when Yeshua finds them, and reveals Who He is, like a Shepherd for His sheep, they will accept Him as their King and I was realizing when they come back to Israel with their Messiah, as they walk over the mountains they will witness the Dead Sea filling with living water flowing from Jerusalem!! But as Daniel states -Daniel 12:11 LSB “But from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.A 75-day interval period commences as the temple is cleansed, renovated, and dedicated. ANTICHRIST and THE FALSE PROPHET are the first to be cast alive into the lake of fire. The Gentile survivors are judged on the how they treated the Jews! The sheep on His right are the saved believers who come into the Millennial to live their lives in peace. But the goats who didn’t help the Jews in the tribulation got a different message.Matthew 25:41 LSB “Then He will also say to those on His left, [the goats ] ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.It’s ironic that the goats were on the “left”.Then SATAN is thrown into the abyss by a single angel for 1000 years a special place for extremely wicked angels where all motion stops except downward.We talked last week about how the bible doesn’t center on the church but Israel.All 40 authors of the bible were Jewish except Luke. Yet this one Gentile author wrote the largest portion of the New Testament by volume (The gospel of Luke–Book of Acts). Which beautifully foreshadows the Abrahamic promise: “In you all nations shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3) But make no mistake, salvation is from the Jews. John 4.22Yet the gospel is meant for all nations. [goyim] or us!Matthew 28:19 LSB “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit...It’s always been about God commanding the Jews to reach out to the Gentiles. But the church was a hidden truth revealed to the Apostle Paul. So we are a specific group and Jesus is: “the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:29)And because of this “There is no difference between Jew and Greek who call on Christ.” (Romans 10:12) we are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26) Jew, Gentile, Male, Female, slave and free! This is Christianity, not Islam, Mormonism, Judaism but a completely different entity. We’re all sons of God.But ladies, you might say “what about daughters of God?While it’s true, there are “no daughters of God” in the inheritance passages, God gives women full legal status as firstborn sons and heirs according to the promise—so women who are born-again receive every blessing, promise, and right in Christ. Something they could never have naturally!However when scripture refers to “tenderness” the term daughter is used such “Daughter of Zion” “Daughters of Jerusalem” and in2 Corinthians 6:18 LSB “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty.Let’s not forget we are the bride of the bridegroom Jesus Christ and will partake of the marriage supper of the lamb.Now I took this time because it’s good to go over it again and again to help get a grasp of this.Now let’s look and see if we can get any clues to our future assignment.Matthew 25:13–40 LSB 13 “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour.When we see the word “therefore” we have to ask what its there for. It’s all based upon what Jesus just taught previously. The Ten virgins. So too, in Matthew 24-25 as he’s answering his disciples as to when 1] the massive stones of the temple in Jerusalem will be thrown down 2] the sign of His coming and 3] the end of the age.In Matthew 24 Jesus answers the first two questions, but by chapter 25 he comes to “the end of the age” question.Ironically the first parable in Matt 25 is about ten bridesmaids [five wise and five foolish] waiting for the bridegroom to arrive for the wedding feast. UC, in Jewish weddings, the groom could come at any moment—day or night—so the bridesmaids needed lamps ready and be alert when the friend of the bridegroom shouts “Behold, the bridegroom comes”. This is why I believe the pre-trib makes the most sense! It’s unexpected, we keep our lamps burning, we watch and wait!!But the next parable speaks of accountability in this life to prepare us for the next!Matthew 25:14–15 LSB “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and handed over his possessions to them. “And to one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.Jesus Himself has called the church and given gifts to His body each according to their ability. [Eph 4:11-13] Now before we continue - the talent isn’t our ability but 20 years of wages or one million dollars! So the man entrusted to these men a lot of money to trade and work for Him. He expected results. This is understandable.Matthew 25:16–17 LSB “Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. “In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more.So the first guy was given 5 million dollars! And the second two million! but the key to this story is they were given according to their own ability.So the first two doubled their investment!! As we all know, with every investment, there’s always risk! Commerce was abundant back then as well!Every city had a central marketplace where farmers sold produce, craftsmen sold their goods.. merchants traded imported grain from Egypt, olive oil, wine, dried fish, dates and figs, spices for cooking.Today there are local market places. Also auctions, or guys who buy cars or homes to fix up and resell, or Luthiers looking for rare guitars to buy, freshen up and resell sometimes double their money.The stock market is a place to invest money buying shares of a company in hopes of seeing your money grow....which leads us toMatthew 25:18 LSB “But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.So this guy got one million dollars! But why did he bury it? We will find out.Matthew 25:19 LSB “Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.We are told many times that when our LORD returns we too will give an account.2 Corinthians 5:10 LSB For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.Romans 14:11–12 LSB For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, to Me every knee shall bow, And every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.So now its time to do just that - verse 20Matthew 25:20–21 LSB “And the one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed five talents over to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’Matthew 25:22–23 LSB “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you handed two talents over to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’So the reward is hearing the master say “well done, good and faithful servant, enter in to the joy of the master or Lord. But there’s always those who have an excuse! Verse 24Matthew 25:24–25 LSB “And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. ‘And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’I can see the angry eyes of the masterMatthew 25:26–27 LSB “But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. ‘Therefore, you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest.Note, this man isn’t confessing his sin but justifies his failure by blaming the master of being a harsh man who expects too much and has other people making money for him! It’s a classic defense: “I didn’t act because you made it too hard.” —But the master traps him with his own words, then you should have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest.Why was this man considered lazy? - He took no risk. He made no effort. He bore no fruit. He simply refused to use what he was given “according to his ability”. Some suggest he buried the money hoping the master would die and then he could keep it for himself!And what’s the punishment?Matthew 25:28 LSB ‘Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’The servant who gained two additional talents received the same words of praise as the servant who gained five. The five-talent servant didn’t outperform the two-talent servant he simply managed more resources with the same faithfulness. Which explains the final verses. Verse 29 is the point to the story.Matthew 25:29 LSB “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.Have what? we have to answer that for ourselves. What are you investing in all that God has given you?Right now, we’re under common grace. God rains on the just and the unjust! Both Saint and sinner have been given opportunity in life to live, to share, have families, help others, work hard, and choose to serve and take risks of faith. It’s important to see this man was not interested in serving the master. Jesus taught faith always produces fruit, and the absence of fruit reveals the absence of faith. And what is their reward?Matthew 25:30 LSB “And throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.“Worthless” doesn’t mean “not valuable as a person.” but refusing the purpose for which they were entrusted in life, even though they had ability. They buried their responsibility, rejected His authority and refused to be faithful with the potential they were given. No relationship, no Millennium, no Millennium, no Heaven.[Worship team]I am fully convinced God expects us to invest His ways according to the abilities we have. It’s not about how much but how faithful we are with whatever we’ve been given. We will get the same reward. We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works He has prepared for us. There isn’t much detail about our role in the Millennial kingdom - only that we will reign with Him. That means authority to lead, rule or governing.Those who reject the gospel will blame God as being harsh and bury the value He gave them to invest in this life! This is why Jesus poses a fundamental question: “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?”You see, our soul possesses greater value than all the world’s wealth, honor, and pleasures combined. He’s not will that any perish but come to repentance. Let’s be excited about our future assignment. It will be abundantly above all we could ask or think! - Zech 14:16-20; Ezek 38:10-12; Rom 8:18-39Next week we will meet a new missionary who serves in Africa; Jordan Cross. He’s coming from Calvary Bangor in Maine - he attends Ken Graves church.We come to the final teaching of this coming era called the Millennium. I know it’s a lot to absorb but we need to know about our future home. And I will try to hit it each year as we do the feasts of the Lord. These are things we as Christians can’t ignore. First off let’s pray.....It’s important to understand that the Millennial Kingdom isn’t the “new heavens and new earth” from Rev 21-22. But the final era where God fulfills His promises to Israel and gives the Gentile nations a world without war and no demonic or Satanic influence.Almost as if to take away any excuse sinners may have to accuse God as unfair. While the church and OT Saints will be glorified to serve the King of Kings and the first generation of believers will be saved but still in physical bodies with a sin nature. As the following generations are born, they will still be born in sin as Psalm 51:5 states
Psalm 51:5 LSB 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.So I believe as each generation, about 30-40 generations will be born with long lives, but each generation will gradually take their peaceful life for granted, and slowly, year after year, through neglect, distraction, or compromise, this will lead many into spiritual dullness and sadly rebellion by the end as foretold in Rev 20.7-9But how will the Earth be different in the Millennium (According to Scripture)Jot these down.1. Earth’s Geography will be altered. [Beginning in Jerusalem]Look at Zech 14:4 - as I overview to verse 16 and then we’ll readwhich describes the Mount of Olives splitting in two, forming a vast east-west valley. This is not a localized tremor—it’s part of a planet-wide judgment tied to the Second Coming of Christ.This earthquake will be the biggest ever on record, splitting Jerusalem into three parts, all the cities of the nations will collapse and every island vanishes—likely submerged or destroyed by massive tectonic shifts or tsunamis. Mountains will crumble or flatten—either by seismic collapse. How far this earthquake goes is unknown but big enough affect the city of Jerusalem and surrounding regions.Ezekiel 47 also says a supernatural river will flow east and west, healing the Dead Sea into a fresh water, where fishermen will spread their nets on its shores and whole region will blossom.According to Zechariah 14:4–10 Jerusalem will be elevated and a river will flows from the Millennial Temple. Ok verse 16Zechariah 14:16–20 LSB Then it will be that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, Yahweh of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths.That is, those goat nations, who represented those who chanted “from the river to the sea”. Will be commanded to come celebrate Tabernacles every year. If they disobey, God will hold back the much needed rain for farming. But there’s a reason. These nations will have a past that lived to hate and kill Israel. This will be a healthy indoctrination of truth about His chosen people. - verse 17-18Zechariah 14:17–18 LSB And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, Yahweh of hosts, there will be no rain on them. And if the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which Yahweh plagues the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths.Zechariah 14:16–20 LSB 19 This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations [Gentiles] who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths.This will be non‑negotiable. Why not Passover or Pentecost? Why feast of booths?We have to remember for centuries, these nations raised up generations to hate Israel through false doctrines.But also this is a fun feast - a week of joy, outdoor meals, and symbolic rituals that remember God’s provision in the wilderness and celebrating the fall harvest. It’s one of the happiest festivals in that is filled with community, hospitality, and worship.Spiritually, the nations will be reminded their prophet is not Muhammad, not their god Allah or any other gods they used to worship. Each year they will learn the truth of God’s plan for Israel! In a spiritual sense:It will celebrate God dwelling with His people [to dispel any doubts of who the [chosen people] are.It will celebrate King Yehoshua reigning on earth [to dispel any doubts of who the true Messiah is.And lastly celebrate the final harvest of the year. [this will prove YHWH is the true provider of the earth. YHWH Yireh.Will Israel continue with the other feasts? It seems logical as Ezekiel speaks of giving burnt and drink offerings. Yet there may be different reasons.I believe some of these sacrifices will act as a vivid reminder to these nations that they are enjoying the fruits of their labor because Yeshua gave His life a sacrifice for the world.But I’m sure Passover and Pentecost will be observed perhaps for Israel to remember their history or why the body of Christ ushered in the New Covenant to supersede Torah.Then there’s the Temple that many will build. It’s going to be massive.In Ezekiel 40-48 the millennial temple is described as one square mile or 640 acres! The number of Levites needed to operate this facility will be astounding. But it says Levities will minister to YHWH and offer sacrifices. God’s glory returns to the temple. Feasts and offerings resume (as a memorial, not for atoning).Each tribe of Israel will get their promised alloted land.It’s going to be a very exciting and peaceful time.And honestly, it’s really what most people want today minus the political fraud and corruption. Thinks of the songs of our world...All you need is love, love, love is all you need! “I'd like to see the world for once - all standing hand in hand. And hear them echo through the hills for peace throughout the land”. ”Imagine all the people, living life in peace” “We are the world, We are the children” - so humanity has a desire to be at peaceAs we are witnessing right now, our president founded the board of peace, currently with 35 nations and counting.He also signed an executive order to end Hamas and rebuild Gaza hoping for peace, so Israel can have peace. All this could be setting the stage for Ezek 38:10-12 that saysEzekiel 38:10–12 LSB ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh, “It will be in that day, that thoughts will come into your heart, and you will devise an evil plan, and you will say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will go against those who dwell quietly, that live securely, all of them living without walls and having no bars or gates, to capture spoil and to seize plunder, to turn your hand against the waste places, which are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered from the nations, who have acquired cattle and property, who live at the center of the world.’Is the stage being set for a time of peace to fulfill this?the golden dome in Greenland is for international peace. But not everybody is on board.The prior administration's vision for open borders, and to push a green initiative or “the great reset” where we own nothing and are happy about it. 2030 was the goal but this has been halted.My point isn’t be political here but to reveal that humanity’s ideas of peace differ and none of them are going to work. Why? We are incapable to govern the earth without God.This is why after a 1000 years, Satan is let loose one more time that in that short time he will easily deceive the nations to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They will surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city. [Jerusalem] And fire will come down from God out of heaven and devour them.But the Millennial Kingdom will be one world governed system ruled by a just and righteous Messiah Who will maintain world peace with a rod of iron or perfect judgment – His government will have two branches. The Jewish Branch and the Gentile Branch. And this may further hint the church’s involvement.2. The Natural World Will Be Transformed [Review]The curse on creation is lifted: All living creatures live in harmony and as discussed, “The wolf and the lamb will graze together.”Agricultural abundanceAmos 9:13–14 —The prophet Amos tells us that the plowman will overtake the reapers because harvest cycles will overlap from so much fruit.An interesting passage in IsaiahIsaiah 30:26 LSB And the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, on the day Yahweh binds up the fracture of His people and heals the bruise He has inflicted.So there will be no need for sunscreen!2ndly, Healing waters and restored ecosystems will flow as humans find healing and vigor in the water.Ezekiel 47:12 states an interesting healing effect on the world’s produce and people on earth.Ezekiel 47:12 LSB “And by the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows out from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.”This is not to be confused with the new heavens and new earth [Rev 22:2] which will act as a memorial of life in the Eternal state as the Feast of booth did in the Millennial Kingdom. A reminder of God’s grace and giver of life!!3. Peace Will Dominate the Earth [ review]No war anywhere - Nations will beat swords into plowshares and pruning hooks. Everyone sits under their own vine and fig tree, unafraid.Global justice and righteousness will be finally here - The Messiah will judge with perfect fairness.Isaiah 11:3–5 LSB And He [Messiah] will delight in the fear of Yahweh, and He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor render a decision by what His ears hear; but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with uprightness for the afflicted of the earth; and He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, [The word] and with the breath of His lips He will put the wicked to death. Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, and faithfulness the belt about His waist.We, the Resurrected saints will rule with Him Revelation 20:4–6 and our study on talents last week. What we will do will be determined.Human life will be radically extended, Long lifespans restored, The blind see, the deaf hear, the lame leap.Isaiah 11:9 — “The earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”In closing let’s turn to Rom 8.16-39 to consider how we should live now. But I want to read a familiar verse.2 Corinthians 5:17 LSB Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.So before the Millennial kingdom is restored, we are restored. Because we are new creations in Christ.Well, the earth itself will be restored in the same way but not glorified.During the Millennium “old things will pass away and all things restored on earth but it will still have places on that are inhabitable. Not enough time but suffice to say there are many regions such as Edom, Babylon, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the city of Rome who were enemies of Israel that may filled with demon possessed desert creatures and incarcerated. [More next year] Is 34.9-10 [Time for this?] It’sIsaiah 34:9–10 LSB And its streams will be turned into pitch, and its dust into brimstone, and its land will become burning pitch. It will not be quenched night or day; its smoke will go up forever. From generation to generation it will be laid waste; none will pass through it forever and ever.Concerning BabylonIsaiah 13:20 LSB It will never be inhabited or dwelt in from generation to generation; nor will the Arab pitch his tent there, nor will shepherds make their flocks lie down there.Jeremiah 50:39 LSB “Therefore the desert creatures will live there along with the jackals; the ostriches also will live in it, and it will never again be lived in or dwelt in from generation to generation.Be that as it may, all of these evil beings will be detained and prevented somehow from influencing people and world affairs during the thousand-year Messianic Kingdom until Satan is loosed for a final confrontation with God.But sinful humans who will need to accept Yeshua as their Savior in the Millennial kingdom. And just as we will be resurrected to serve the Lord in glorified bodies, Rev 21-22 speak of Heaven and earth being born-again after the Millennial kingdom. Rev 21:1-4Revelation 21:1–4 LSB Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain. The first things passed away.”Rom 8:18-39- just read [WORSHIP TEAM]In the Millennium, we will be glorified but the earth won’t be until the White Throne Judgment and Death and Hades is thrown into the lake of fire. It’s known as the second death because sinners will be resurrected to be judged according to their works. No one will be found in the Book of Life by their works. Scripture is clear: salvation is not earned by human effort, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Until that day, we need to maintain a proper attitude lest we deconstruct as the final generation is deceived by Satan to surround Jerusalem and destroy her.Shall we give thanks! Psalm 51:5NKJV
Zechariah 14:16NKJV
Zechariah 14:17–18NKJV
Zechariah 14:19NKJV
Ezekiel 38:10–12NKJV
Isaiah 30:26NKJV
Ezekiel 47:12NKJV
Isaiah 11:3–5NKJV
2 Corinthians 5:17NKJV
Isaiah 34:9–10NKJV
Isaiah 13:20NKJV
Jeremiah 50:39NKJV
Revelation 21:1–4NKJV
- There Is A Fountain (There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood)
- The Blessing
Calvary Chapel Cottage Grove
3 members