Pastor JD speaks about Jerusalem, Iran and coming confrontation forming by the coalition of Islamic nations who hate Israel. Daniel 12:9, Ezekiel 38:12, Zechariah 12:2 He also mentions the recent wedding in England and how so many of us love weddings. He points out that as beautiful as Prince Harry & Meghan's wedding was, it's nothing compared to the wondrous wedding feast of the Lamb, when the Church will go to Jesus. Revelation 19:7-9 

Joel was inspired of God to say, "And it shall come to pass afterward..." In Acts 2:17, the Apostle Peter said: "And it shall come to pass in the last days..." 
 
After what shall be fulfilled or after when?**
 
"The last days" could be used as a synonym for the Dispensation of Grace. So the "afterward" in Joel 2:28-29 literally means that the entire nation and people of Israel will experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit after this present dispensation is over when the Church is removed from this earth in what’s called the ‘rapture.’ I believe we are living in "the last days" right now!
 
This year, according to or current calendars, on May 20, 2018, is the anniversary of ‘Pentecost’ [50 days after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus]. [1] I do not dogmatically claim that the Lord Jesus is going to return this Pentecost; as the Lord Jesus may come on some other day, but the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit tells me that He is coming SOON. 
 
When the Lord Jesus does come, will He find you saved and ready, or will you be one of those left behind? If it's the latter, repent and turn to Him today.

*Excerpted and adapted from email message from Francis Riley
[1] Pentecost: 50th Day After Jesus' Resurrection
**[See 2 Timothy 3:1-7, Hebrews 1:1-2, James 5:1-8 and 2 Peter 3:3-4
More from Bob Deffinbaugh here

1 Peter 1:6-8

5-2-18, * -- Many people arrange their entire lives around trying to be happy. Society tells us that if we’re happy, we’ll be healthier and may even live longer. Sounds great! Happiness by itself is certainly not a bad thing. However, relying on it to make ourselves - day after day - feel better isn't only missing the mark, it’s dangerous for our souls. Why? Happiness is only triggered by the external forces of people, places, things, possessions or events; it’s temporary. It cannot be relied on to get us through our most difficult days.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

Consider King David, one of the greatest leaders of ancient Israel, although he was a man of significant transgression; he sang praises to the Lord (Psalm 65:4).  He had joy knowing he had repented and was forgiven. No matter what we've done, God welcomes us into His presence; He changes us as we are born again (John 3:3,7). He makes us more aware of the plans (Jeremiah 29:11) He has for us and brings abundant joy.

The essence of God's character resides deep with our spirit; it's true joy and the result of God’s endless mercy and grace. When we, through faith, fully comprehend our eternal destination and that the problems of this earthly life are only temporary ... it's joyful! When we pursue God and spend quality time with Him, we experience joy in His presence. And no matter what the circumstances, this pure joy is freely available to anyone.

Have you mistaken happiness for joy?

*Excerpted and adapted full original message here

Numbers 15:37-40

5-16-18, * -- In ancient days, tassels adorned the garments of nobles and people of high cultural standing. Those who were wealthy flaunted their abundance. However, this was not to be so with God’s people. They were to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6), a peculiar people set apart. In dress, diet and in conduct, they were called to a posture of worship - not pride. In their clothing they were provided a different adornment, a blue corded tassel. This was to be a constant reminder of the righteous commandments of the Lord and to obey them.

Like God’s people before us, we're reminded not to follow after our own hearts and eyes. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25)

Might we not consider our own appearance, but remember when Jesus’ garments were – in faith only - touched by an ill woman. When – on a crowded street - she touched His garments - He knew it! (Matthew 9:21).

As God brings His commands to our remembrance, we must joyfully realize that - if we obey - they are ultimately for our well being.
 
*Excerpted and adapted full original message here

Exodus 28:2-4

Nation in Ezekiel 38:15, 39:2 coming against Israel from 'north parts' ... TURKEY! Revelation 13:2-3; Daniel 7:3-7
​***

Turkey Calls for Islamic Nations to Unite Against Israel!
5-16-18, Turkish Prime Minster Binali Yildirim this week called on Islamic nationst o unite as one against Israel during a speech to his ruling party in parliament. Turkey had already this week recalled its ambassadors in the U.S. and Israel in wake of the Embassy inauguration and subsequent protests, and it also expelled Israel’s ambassador from Turkey. Now Turkey seeks an even greater response with a collaborative effort from Islamic nations.In a speech in London on May 13, 2018 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also condemned the U.S before his announcement regarding the recall of Turkey's ambassadors. He stated that the U.S. had lost its role as mediator in the Middle East because of the Embassy move. In a speech broadcast on Turkish state television Erdogan also had fierce words for Israel; claiming being a “terrorist” entity that carried out a “genocide” in killing Palestinians during the May border protest clash. He said: “What Israel has done is genocide. I condemn this humanitarian drama, the genocide, from whichever side it comes, Israel or America.”

2 Timothy 2:2

5-12-18, Henry Morris III -- Although 2 Timothy 2:2 has been claimed by many as a model for their ministry, the Bible warns, “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6).

Faithful men must be alert and aware of God’s master plan (Matthew 28:19-20), understand the reason for God’s “longsuffering” (2 Peter 3:8-10) and expect and work toward Christ’s return (Matthew 24:42-26).

Such men must be industrious and committed, conscious of the ultimate spiritual evaluation (Matthew 25:14-23), and concerned with even the “least” of the biblical instructions (Matthew 5:19). They must also be faithful stewards (managers) of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:2) and of the manifold grace (gifts) that the Holy Spirit distributed among His churches (1 Peter 4:10).

Those who desire leadership among the churches must also be exemplary family men. “One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:4-5). Moses is renowned in this way (Hebrews 3:5), as is Abraham (Genesis 18:19).

Finally, faithful men must be able to teach others. Such capability is an obvious requirement of those who would take leadership roles in the churches (Titus 1:7-9), but the gift of teaching is noted among all of the biblical listings, implying that the need for such “faithful men” is widespread. However, the capacity to teach others, while a wonderful ability, must be exercised with gravity and carefulness (James 3:1). Source ​

1 Timothy 1:17

Hebrews 13:8

1-9-2008, Henry Morris PhD -- When the Lord Jesus rose from the dead, then later ascended into heaven, His body was immortal, no longer subject to death—yet it was a physical body, capable of being seen and heard and touched, even capable of eating with His disciples. He was clearly recognizable, yet could quickly ascend from Earth to heaven and could pass through a solid wall. As He ascended, two angelic messengers said, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). He was immeasurably different after His resurrection, yet Peter could also proclaim “that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

Furthermore, even when He returns and assumes the eternal throne of the universe, He will still be the same. “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: . . . they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Hebrews 1:8, 12).

This was the same Jesus whom John the Baptist identified at the beginning of His earthly ministry. “He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost” (John 1:33).

In fact, before His baptism, and even before His incarnation, He was the same. “In the beginning was the Word . . . The same was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1-2). This same Jesus who lived among men, identified by John the Baptist as the Son of God, and who died on the cross, is the eternal Word by whom all things were made, as well as the resurrected Savior and coming King. Jesus Christ is truly “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Source

Revelation 19:11

Matthew 24:36, 42
 
5-14-18, Francis Riley* -- The Lord Jesus instructed His followers to watch the "signs” for His return. [1] In the past there have been times when the "signs" appeared to me indicating the Lord's coming at any minute; so I have made mistakes. I freely admit and confess this [Me too - Ed.] Unfortunately many have used Matthew 24:36 to condemn me. Examining this scripture we see the Lord was speaking in the present tense. At the time He spoke these words, no man knew the day nor the hour of His return. However, He did not say that the day of His coming again could never be known. The Lord described it "as in the days of Noah & Lot," (Luke 17:26-28) and the timing would be like a repetition of those days and currently we are.
 
The Lord Jesus also made a very important and revealing statement, "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come," [1]. What happened to the day in this Scripture, which was mentioned in Matthew 24:36? Is it possible that with the passing of time, "the day" will have been revealed, [Dan 12:7-9 vs Rev 10:6; 22:10] but not "the hour" of the day? Is that possible?
 
Then in Matthew 24:43 the Lord said, "But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up."

The Savior of all mankind, the Lord Jesus Christ, was crucified, died, buried and arose from death. Fifty [Pentecost] days after His resurrection (Acts 2:1), the authority to serve as God's "witness" upon the earth was transferred from apostate Israel, to the Lord's born again Christian Church and people.

As I write today, May 14, 2018 it is the 70th anniversary of the existence of the restored Jewish nation of Israel and we see all of the "signs" that this may be the 'generation' to see His return [2]. He has graciously given us signs to ‘watch’ [1] that are pointing to His very imminent return.
 
As recorded in Leviticus 23:14-16, this year the Day of Pentecost should occur on May 20, 2018 or, because of calendar errors, May 27, 2018. Either day indicates that the resurrection and rapture may occur this month. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

​*Excerpted and adapted from email from Pastor F.M. Riley
​
[1] [Matthew 24:42, 25:13, Mark 13:32-33,37; Luke 12:37, 21:36; 1 Thess 5:1-6
[2] The generation will not pass away that sees Israel become a nation before we would see the Second Coming of Christ (Matthew 24:4-34).  More here

Acts 2:18-20

​5-13-18, In 2016 Steve Cioccolanti did an excellent report on five eclipses of sun and moon. Following the fifth eclipse he described that there were many more; the events following are very interesting.
​[Joel 2:10; Ezekiel 32:7; Mark 13:24; Acts 2:20]

Hawaii Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption: May 3, 2018 5-13-18, WesternJournalism -- There are more than 13 volcanoes along an 800-mile stretch from Mount Baker in Washington State to Lassen Peak in California; 450 volcanoes that make up the “Ring of Fire,” with Kilauea situated in the middle. The belt follows the coasts of South America, North America, eastern Asia, Australia and New Zealand. There are larger eruptions that could still be coming to Hawaii therefore, there is growing concern on the West Coast that Hawaii may trigger other eruptions in the U.S. ​More here and here

Many historical and amazing events are now taking place in 2018 just a few follow:
​

1. USA proclaiming Jerusalem the Jewish nation of Israel's official capitol. And
2. On Israel's 70th rebirth anniversary, the US opening it's embassy in Jerusalem.
3. Iran attacking Israel from Syria with Russia's  green light.

Jesus spoke of the 'sign of Jonas' (Matthew 13:38-42); clearly the 'signs' of the blood moons must be a factor; what am I missing?

The one hour video here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDTsjEEmOlM

Jeremiah 23:7-8

​Amos 5:4,6

4-12-18, * --  Annually a siren sounds throughout the land of Israel reminding citizens to remember the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust committed by Nazi Germany during WWII. The Holocaust Remembrance Day was first observed in 1949; it's a legacy, so "no one will forget" the brutal attempt by Adolf Hitler to annihilate the Jewish people.
 
Although suffering much persecution and attacks of it's Arab/Muslim neighbors, the nation has been blessed. Currently Israel is home to six million Jews and, in 2017, the travel destination of a record 3.6 million tourists. The tiny Jewish nation is among the most technologically advanced economies in the world.
 
However, worldwide many people know nothing of WW2 and the slaughter of the Jewish people. Currently antisemitism is increasing especially in France and Germany. Also on several American campuses where it's been seen at San Francisco State University, University of Minnesota, Portland Community College, University of Wisconsin, and several others.
 
Yet, the Jewish people live on and the nation thrives.

Zephaniah 2:9; 1 Samuel 14:39; Deuteronomy 33:27-29

[1] Edom, Moab and Ammon
Amman is a modern city in Jordan [Edom & Moab also Jordan]
​More here and here

Romans 1:18-24

5-11-18, There is a controversy in the Christian Church about whether or not there will be a seven year tribulation when those non-believing people will be given a second chance after all born again Christians have been removed from the earth in what we call the 'rapture.' Is it a fact - or just speculation - as the scripture may be incorrectly manipulated?

Considering that so many verses of God's word speaks of His wrath - like Sodom and Gomorrah [Gen 19:5, 24; Jude 1:7] - no second chance. The angels didn't tell the people beating on Lot's door to repent and be saved - fire and brimstone came down after Lot's family was evacuated. And with Noah - for 120 years the wicked were warned, but only 8 people were saved. When the rains came, God shut the door to the ark - no second chance. [Genesis 7:16] 

The end times is described 'as it was in the days of Lot and Noah' [Luke 17:26- 28]. After years of hearing of the Lord Jesus - people still refuse to repent; refusing salvation turning to the Savior Jesus Christ ... they blaspheme His holy name, mock and scorn the Gospel. Consequently when there is no repentance or change ... even God has a limit on forgiveness.

In Romans 1:18-32, the apostle Paul warned us what happens when we continue to spurn God's patience and reject His call to repentance. Three different times, the phrase "God turned them over" appears. When we insist on running our lives the way we want rather than the way God wants ... He lets us.

Zechariah 7:12; Matthew 13:4

1 Corinthians 10:13
 
5-9-18, * -- We all suffer from temptation; born again believers as well as non-believers. My particular sinful temptation is gluttony; yes for chocolate chip cookies. I suffer from it. Overeating is a common temptation, and one that is so easy to overlook. Deuteronomy 21:20; Phil 3:19
 
Whether it’s a box of cookies, shopping/debt, gambling, cursing, gossiping, fornication, adultery or homosexuality. Temptation is an issue that all of God’s children must deal with.
 
Although born again believers in Christ do struggle with certain sinful temptations; it’s comforting to know that whenever we are tempted, God will give us a way of escape. 1 Cor 10:13 He provides help [Psalm 46:1] and strength if we will just trust Him to do so. Ask God to show you the way out. Psalm 121:1-2
 
*Excerpted and adapted full original message from Amy Lauren here: https://shortdailydevotions.com/1-corinthians-1013-escaping-temptation/#more-6917

5-9-18, T. W. Tramm, Facebook* -- 2018 marks two key anniversaries related to the Jewish state of Israel:
 
• It has been 1,948 years since the Jews’ expulsion from the Land in 70AD.
• It has been 70 years since the Jews’ homecoming to the Land in 1948.
 
Expressed as an equation:

• 70 AD + 1,948 years = 2018
• 1948 AD + 70 years = 2018

 
The above equations (date + timespan = 2018) are noteworthy not only because of the mirror symmetry, but also the connotation of the numbers 70 and 1948 in Scripture.
 
The number SEVENTY is an important number in God’s Word it denotes redemption, judgment or an endpoint for Israel:
 
• The Jews were redeemed from captivity in Babylon in the 70th year (Jer. 29:10).
• God’s plan of redemption for Israel is comprised of 70 weeks (Dan. 9:24-27).
• There are 70 jubilees from the establishment of the Nation of Israel to the calculated 6,000th year from Creation.
• A typical human lifespan is 70 years (Ps. 90:10). Correspondingly, Israel’s greatest ruler, King David, died at the age of 70 (2 Sam. 5:4).
• Babylon was judged in the 70th year (Jer. 25:12).
Also, the number 70 denotes judgment for those who do not know the Lord.

The number 1948 is linked to the birth and rebirth of Israel:

• Abraham, the father of the Nation of Israel, was born 1,948 years from Creation.
• The 19th book and 48th chapter in the Bible (Psalm 48) describe the re-birth of Israel.*
• The numbers 19 and 48 add up to 67, which happens to be the year Israel’s capital, Jerusalem, was restored.
• Bible scholars note that Israel’s 1948 return to the Land is numerically/mathematically predicted in the Old Testament.**
 
One of the most fascinating links between the number 1948 and Israel is the precious metal 'gold's' refining process requires the temperature to be exactly 1948 degrees F. to melt [1].

Gold melting at 1,948 degrees is relevant to Israel because Scripture compares their deliverance during the Tribulation, i.e. Jacob’s trouble, to the refining and purification process of precious metal.
  
Israel’s longest period of trial began when they were expelled from the Land of Israel in 70 AD. The Lord miraculously restored them to the Land in 1948—70 years ago, May 14.
 
If the generation who witnessed the “leafing of the fig tree” is a typical one, spanning 70 years, Israel is about to enter into her final and most terrible period of purification.

Springtime Biblical Events Typology of the Timing of the Rapture:
ONE especially important is that Jesus arose from death in the spring
Matt 26:2; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:1-30; John 20:6-8
​***

[1] Gold melts at 1948 degrees F: 
http://www.goldrushtradingpost.com/gold_melting_point
 
Excerpted and adapted full original message from T. W. Tramm here:
https://www.facebook.com/twtramm/posts/1802414829796770

For a PDF of this article here:
http://www.theseasonofreturn.com/THE_MELTING_POINT_OF_GOLD
 
** 1948 rebirth of Israel mathematically predicted in Scripture: 
​http://www.wnd.com/…/author-bible-predicted-date-of-israel…/

Genesis 1:27

9-30-1995, Henry M. Morris, PhD -- The first chapter of Genesis is the foundational chapter of the Bible and, therefore, of all true science. It is the great creation chapter, outlining the events of that first week of time when “the heavens and the earth were finished, and. . . . God ended His work which He had made” (Genesis 2:1-2).

Despite the evolutionists, God is not creating or making anything in the world today (except for special miracles as recorded in Scripture), because all His work was finished in that primeval week. He is now engaged in the work of conserving, or saving, what He first created.

Romans 5:12

Zechariah 12:2-3
 
5-7-18, * --  The stage is being set for God’s grand finale and Jerusalem is center stage. From Jerusalem came the Lord Jesus and His gospel of salvation to the whole world. Fast moving events in the Mideast point almost daily toward the glorious return of Christ with His army of saints from heaven to rescue Israel and reign over the world from David’s throne in Jerusalem as King of Kings and Lord of Lords – (Rev.19:11-21). Precisely as Zechariah 12:2-3 foretold, today’s world of six billion people has its eyes on Jerusalem in “fear of trembling.” 
 
“Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain: let all inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand. The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.” Joel 2:1,10
 
 The main reason Jerusalem is a cup of trembling to the world is because it’s the city of God and chosen by Him to play a special role in human destiny – (Ps. 48:1-2,8). The devil knows that the Lord Jesus is prophesied to come back and His feet shall touch down on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, the same place He ascended to heaven from 2000 years ago – (Zech 14:4;  Acts 1:11,12). Satan thinks IF Israel and the Jews are destroyed … it’ll prevent Jesus Christ’s return. Big mistake.  (Zech 3:2)

Based on the above map, the Apostle John from Patmos, could have seen flying lava rocks calling it hail. Wikipedia lists ten volcanoes in Greece.

​5-4-18, Scripture speaks of signs in the heavens (Luke 21:25-26) and Revelation 16:21 tells of 100 pound hail ... volcanoes hurl chunks of lava that cools and turns into rocks flying through the air. Many people think this 'hail' is like the icey chunks we see in a winter storm. But what if this pumice, debris, magma rocks and ash that travels miles from the sky actually originates from volcanoes ... and isn't ice? [The size and weight of the rocks from volcanoes: 1 cu ft of lava rocks weighs 50 lbs: measuring 1 ft by 1 ft by 1 ft by 1 ft.]

Joel 2:2-5, 30-31 fire and smoke sun darkened moon turned to blood. Sure sounds like the affects from an erupting volcano; also the smoke and ash block the sun [1a] (Isaiah 13:10).

​

1500 Active Volcanoes on Earth - USGS.gov
Many of these volcanoes are located along the Pacific Rim in what is known as the 'Ring of Fire.' There are 169 potentially active volcanoes in the United States.​

Isaiah 64:1-3
"Oh that you would rend the heavens, that you would come down, that the mountains might flow down at your presence,"
 
Micah 1:4
"And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place."

Acts 2:20
"The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:"

Revelation 6:14
"And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places."

[1] Distance rocks flies from volcano: Highlights from the 1883 Krakatau eruption ash and rocks traveled as follows: Singapore 521 miles to the north, Cocos (Keeling) Island 717 miles to the SW and ships as far as 3775 miles west-northwest.

[1a]Darkness covered the Sunda Straits from 11 a.m. on the 27th until dawn the next day.http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/how-high-can-explosive-eruptions-go-and-how-far-can-debris-and-ash-be-spread

Active volcanoes of the earth: https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/volcano-map.html
​ More here

1. Romans 3:10 As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one
2. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
3. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
4. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
5. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us
6. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. [Jesus did it all!]
7. Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Salvation is a free gift not by our own works. Ephesians 2:8-10

If you have prayed for forgiveness, asking Jesus to be your Lord, you are born again! John 3:3,7

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

Romans 10:3

Dec 18, 2007, Henry Morris, PhD --  There are several important doctrinal truths about which unbelievers—and sometimes even Christians—seem tragically ignorant, with an ignorance affecting their very lives and destinies. Perhaps the most tragic is that mentioned in Romans 10:3.  People who seek to earn salvation [Eph 2:8-9] by their own religious and moral works rather than through faith in the imputed righteousness of Christ, who died for their sins. And further tragedy those who love their sin and are under the strong delusion. 2 Thess 2:10-12

Paul says: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant” (1 Corinthians 12:1). Yet, most Christians neglect to develop or use their gifts, mainly because of ignorance concerning their proper function as described in 1 Corinthians 12, 14; Romans 12:3-21; Ephesians 4:7-16.

We urgently need to be instructed concerning the deceptions of the wicked one: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). For all who seek instruction rather than ignorance, let them study God’s Word, for “all scripture . . . is profitable for . . . instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Source

Genesis 14:18-19; Psalms 76:2; Hebrews 7:1-2
​***

Next eclipse will be on April 8, 2024.  The town where the two cross eclipses cross? Ans: Salem Kentucky.  Interesting that the "X" marks the spot of the New Madrid Seismic Earthquake Zone. ​More here from USGS

Puzzle pieces: 1 Thes 5:3; Isaiah 17:1-2; Daniel 9:27

Matthew 25:14
 
4-28-18, * -- The Parable of the Talents [Matt 25:14-30] and The Parable of the Pounds [Luke 19:11-27] both teach the same basic truth. The Lord did indeed call "His own servants, and deliver unto them His goods." The Lord's "goods" are His Word, especially the knowledge of His plan of salvation: death, burial and resurrection, by which every true repentant believer has been saved. 
 
God’s disciples have been given Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) which is the responsibility for carrying the "Good News" that men and women, boys and girls, might be forgiven and have eternal life with Christ; and that it's a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).
 
The Lord knows each of His children intimately giving to each according to their ability (Matt 25:15) asking no more of any believer than He knows that believer is capable of carrying out. There will come a time when each of us will have to give account for our service for the Lord Jesus. Whether we served Him faithfully, or whether we hardly served Him at all (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).
 
The first two servants in the parables had been faithful, gaining more as they served the Lord (Matt 25:20; 25:29). Their reward was to "rule" or be made "ruler over many things, and to enter.....into the joy of thy Lord" [Matt 25:21; 25:23]. We also learn of the consequences of the unfaithful servants. They used their blessings serving the world and seeking uncertain riches rather than serving the Lord. They disobeyed and totally ignored the Lord's commands [Matthew 6:33].
 
Therefore, the Lord took away the opportunity to rule and reign with Christ, which as a child of God, he once had giving it to those servants who had been faithful.  The inspired Apostle Paul clearly warned God's people, that if we are not faithful in serving the Lord, we "shall suffer loss" (1 Corinthians 3:15; Rev 5:8-10). [What that ‘loss’ will be is controversial. – Ed.]
 
Before the Lord Jesus left, He promised His disciples that He would come again (John 14:3); and the Lord always keeps His promises (Hebrews 10:23). In this Laodicean church age (Revelation 3:14-22), true believers are encouraged to live faithfully for our Lord Jesus Christ; praying and watching! The Lord is standing at the door, His arrival could be any minute! Revelation 3:20
 
*Excerpted and adapted with permission from F.M.Riley