End Time Insights

Revelation’s first vision presents Jesus as the Son of Man, the high priest who watches over his people – Revelation 1:9-20. Jesus is the faithful high priest who oversees the churches of Asia (Revelation 1:10-3:22), and he is the Son of Man who will return in great glory to gather and vindicate his saints. In chapters 2 and 3, he sends each of the seven congregations a letter of encouragement, correction, and promises for faithful Christians.

Church leaders often exhort their members to work diligently for the election of politicians of whom they approve, claiming it is God’s will to do so as well as their “Christian duty.” They warn of the dire consequences that will befall the church and the nation if they fail to immerse themselves in partisan politics and promote the moral values and social policies endorsed by them. Moreover, they do this despite what Scripture declares on the matter.

When writing to the Assemblies of Asia, John identified himself as a “ fellow participant ” with them in “ the Tribulation and Kingdom and Endurance in Jesus .” He was banished to the Isle of Patmos because of his “ testimony ” for Jesus. Like those seven congregations, he endured “ Tribulation ” for the sake of the “ Kingdom ” and his witness on behalf of the exalted Sovereign over all things, Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the anointed Son of God whose life and ministry are filled with the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit . The activity of the Spirit dominates the life, words, and deeds of Christ. He is “ Jesus, the one called Christ ,” the long-awaited Messiah of Israel. The angel informed Joseph that Mary carried a child “ conceived of the Holy Spirit ,” indicating that something more than just a miraculous birth was about to unfold.

Our natural tendency is to avoid conflict. Understandably, we prefer our daily lives to be characterized by peace, acceptance, and prosperity, a life devoid of difficulties and afflictions. Moreover, the New Testament does promise believers peace now and everlasting life later. Nevertheless, it also exhorts the Assembly of God to expect afflictions and even persecution in this life on account of its light and testimony in a sin-darkened world.