Uh When God unexpectedly opens doors for you to share His Word or other divinely arranged opportunities to serve Him, bless others, or receive blessings yourself, do you recognize these precious opportunities given from above, or do they pass by you unnoticed?
Well, my friend, stay with us, listen, and learn. You're listening to Until He Comes, a blend of prophetic and practical biblical studies with Dr. Greg Hinnant, author of The Second Coming of Christ, His Appearing, His Return, Our Preparation. And now, author and teacher, Greg Hinnant. Welcome to the broadcast, my friend.
Today, we're going to talk about opportunities. open doors and closed doors. This message is taken from one of the chapters in my devotional book, Sweeter Than Honey. Friend, do you see your opportunities When God gave Peter an opportunity to speak, He immediately recognized it and without hesitation made the most of it. It happened in Jerusalem near the beautiful gate in Herod's temple.
After Peter and John's prayer miraculously raised a lame beggar. A huge crowd of thousands quickly gathered in the temple courts. Gripped by the amazing sign miracle they had just witnessed, A forty year old man. lame from birth, suddenly able to stand, Log. and even leap in one miraculous moment.
Friend. They were hushed. Thoughtful and And prayerful under the power of the mighty awe of God. perfectly prepared to hear and receive God's mighty word. Realizing this, Peter, quote, saw his opportunity, end quote, Acts 3, verse 12, and he promptly evangelized them.
As a result, Thousands more were converted to Christ and added to the growing church in Jerusalem. The Bible describes others who used well, as the Apostle Paul put it in Colossians 4, verse 3, their doors of utterance. Or their spontaneous opportunities to minister God's saving grace to the lost, or his strengthening word to the saved. For instance, Acts 8, verse 30 tells us that when Philip saw an Ethiopian official, Traveling in the Gaza desert, he quickly saw his opportunity and he ran to share Jesus with him. As a result, The official was both saved and baptized that very day.
In John four, twenty-eight through forty three, we discover that. When the men of the Samaritan village of Sykar heard the report of a woman Jesus converted at their city well, they They came out And they asked Jesus to remain in their city. Seeing his opportunity, Jesus spontaneously cancelled his plans, To travel on to Galilee and minister to the Jewish people there, and instead spent two full days ministering the message of God's salvation and kingdom among these spiritually hungry Samaritans, who, by the way, at the time were violently bitter religious enemies of the Jews. Acts sixteen, thirty two through thirty four tells us that when the Philippian jailer fell down and asked Paul, What must I do to be saved? Paul and Silas immediately recognized he was under the powerful conviction of the Holy Spirit, and his heart was wide open toward God.
So they acted quickly. When they could have easily escaped their own unjust incarceration for their own. Relief. Instead, They agreed on the spur of the moment to the mainstream. To follow the jailer to his home.
there Paul spoke unto him the word of the Lord and to all that were in his house and consequently all were saved and baptized that very night. When in Ephesus, the fourth largest city in the Roman Empire, Paul heard that Tyrannus' lecture hall was available. He saw an opportunity. Moving quickly, he rented the facility and subsequently used it daily to teach God's Word in Ephesus. And in Acts 19, verses 9 and 10, Luke adds that All they who dwelt in Asia Minor heard the word of the Lord because.
Paul recognized his opportunity. Doors of utterance or opportunities to speak for God like those I've just described to you are not the only kind of doors or opportunities God opens. For example, He may do the following. He may give you an opportunity to work out a biblical truth in your daily living that you've never worked out before. Or he may give you a chance to show kindness to a needy person and grow in mercy.
or an opportunity to overcome evil with good. and grow in God's love. Or a chance to accept and pursue a hidden work God has given you and grow in the grace of His. Humility. Oh, that's a rare grace today.
Or a chance to have more time for fellowship with Jesus. In Bible study, Worship and prayer. and come to know him better. Wow, that's a wonderful opportunity. Or a chance to sit under an excellent anointed Bible teacher.
Or An opportunity to be discipled by a spirit-taught man or woman of God. Or a chance to join a Christ-centered, word-rich, spirit-led, kingdom-minded. Church. or an opportunity to find a good job in the field of your gifting and training. Or a chance to see a way of escape, as 1 Corinthians 10:13 speaks of.
from distressing hindrance. oppression or persecution. Or a chance to receive wise counsel from a caring pastor. or elder. An opportunity to go on a mission.
to help Christ's people abroad. An opportunity to give financial support to a worthy ministry, church, or missionary so they can respond. to their open doors. Or an opportunity to forge edifying friendships with other faithful. spiritually minded, committed Christians.
Or a chance to share quiet times or joyful activities with a hurting, troubled child. From a broken home. Or an opportunity to listen to and pray for a distressed. fellow Christian in your church. By His Holy Spirit, Jesus opens up for us these prospects for spiritual growth, or mercy Or ministry or blessing, just as surely as He opens chances for our Pauls and Peters to share the gospel or teach His Word.
You know, Jesus may be saying to you right now, my friend, while you're listening to me today, What he said to the Philadelphia church in Revelation three verse eight. He said, Behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man. can shut it. Stop and think about that for just a moment. it could be that the Holy Spirit is speaking that very word Again, To you.
But it's important that we also realize this. Christ sometimes closes doors. And when he does, it's just as important that we quickly recognize it. and respond obediently without hesitation. Jesus, who described himself as the divine door opener in Revelation three seven.
in the same verse added that he is also the divine door closer. These things, says he who shuts And no man. opens. When Jesus shuts doors that we wish were open to us, Our response is Crucial. You know, we've all been there.
I know I have, and I'm sure you have too. Where there was something you wanted the Lord to open up, and boy, you were all excited about it. And then. Suddenly the door was shut. What do you do?
Well We've got to learn to first of all tell the Lord the truth. Lord, I wish you had opened this door. And then we must learn to quickly yield to his will. But, Lord, I recognize my will was not yours.
So I surrender my will to yours, not my will. But thine be done.
Now And five. Folly. Then we can pray and watch for the next opportunity. That is, the door Jesus wants us To open and Pass through. and do his will.
Soon we learn Every time Christ shuts one door, It's only because he has another door waiting for us. one that's perfect. that brings him more honor? and us and others more joy. If we believe this, Why would we be so foolish and stubborn as to continue hoping and praying that He will open our door Instead of his.
When Paul first prayed for the Lord to open the door in Asia Minor, the most prosperous region in the Roman Empire and the ripest for the gospel, also Paul thought. Jesus did just the opposite. He closed the door. Tight. And he gave no hint That it would remain anything but tightly shut.
Well, What did Paul do? wisely and submissively He accepted it. And he went forward in close fellowship with the Lord. This is a perfect example of why Paul was an apostle, because he was so totally yielded to God's will.
Well, what did Jesus do then? Acts 16, verse 9 tells us that within days The Lord gave Paul a vision in the night. that called him and his ministry team to, quote, come over into Macedonia and help us, end quote.
So Two things seem apparent. First, Asia Minor was not ready for Paul's message and ministry at the time. And second, Macedonia was. But Christ wasn't finished with this issue. He just wasn't finished.
Later, he released Paul to go to Ephesus. Asia Minor's most influential city. And why? By then, the whole region was ripe for the gospel, and surprisingly, in the city where earlier Christ had emphatically shut the door, He now Opened it. And it was in Ephesus, my friend, that Paul had his most extraordinarily fruitful season of ministry.
for the better part of three years. Of this period, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 16, verse 9: There is a wide door for a great work here.
So we see that when Christ shuts doors, he may, if he pleases, later open those very doors. Friend Let me ask you some questions. When Jesus closes doors, you want him to open. Do you fully accept it? Do you realize He may open them later.
Or someone else may be better suited for that door and that work than you? Or, for the moment, he has another meaningful work for you in some spiritually ripe. Macedonia. If so, You will help forward Christ's plan and build his kingdom. If not, you will hinder his kingdom work, You will stunt your spiritual development And you will quench the Holy Spirit's ability to bless others For you.
Don't do that, my friend. When Jesus opened Peter a door in the temple courts, Peter wisely saw his opportunity. and he maximized it. Can you see your opportunities today, right now, while we're having this chat? Do you see doors for speaking?
If not public speaking, private speaking, sharing Christ in conversations with people who are ready to hear. Do you see your opportunities For charity, windows of charity, opportunities for you to give and share to others that you have not had before. Do you recognize his ways to lift the oppressed? Do you recognize the chances he's setting before you to render hidden, humble? service, which he sees though others do not.
Can you see the openings for broader, more fruitful ministry? that he has for you You know, it's one thing to pray for open doors, It's another thing to see our opportunities and still another thing to maximize our God given opportunities.
So that by abiding close to Jesus. And praying often and preparing diligently for our opportunities, we take full advantage of them for Christ. and his kingdom Methods 2 Kings 6 verse 17. tells us that in Dothan, Elisha prayed for his very troubled servant. Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see.
You know, may God answer this prayer in your life. by helping you see and maximize your opportunities From this time forward. in your walk with Christ. This will make life so exciting. You'll get up in the morning instead of fretting or worrying about what you think you have to do that day.
Ye'll say This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it. You remember in everything you think this is the will of God. You'll remember we know God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love him and those who are called according to his Will And you'll remember Peter and John in the temple courts. how when they saw their opportunity They quickly moved. And sowed the word of God, and thousands were affected.
You'll remember that Jesus is not only the door opener, but he's the door closer. And you will remember that if he shuts one door, He may open it later. But always If he shuts one door, He has another door, a better door. One that honors him more. one that will be a bigger blessing to other people and one that will also bless you Awaiting you.
So instead of fretting about the door He is closed, you won't do that. You'll be praising God and singing praises and giving thanks. Because you know There's a door that's coming. That's far better. Than the one.
He closed. You don't know what it is. But you know him. And you know his ways. And consequently, You are a man or woman of God ready to see your opportunity and take full advantage of it.
You're the kind of servant that Christ can use and will use In these last days, because he's building his kingdom. Oh, he's coming soon. And he can't work with people. If they try to barge through doors he has shut, He can't work with people if they don't respond quickly. And positively, and with a good attitude.
to the doors he opens. Because these people are not working with him, they're working against him. Instead of creating more harvest in his field, they're creating more havoc. Instead of being pleased with them, He is grieved with them, and friend, you don't want to be that kind of servant. Shown Today can be a turning point for you, and I pray that it is.
that as you pointed these truths that we've just gone over, You will from this point forward in your life Be watching for opportunities. All the time. Every day will be filled with excitement. The excitement of the unknown that Jesus is about to make known to you. and you don't know how it will come or which direction it will come from, and you don't know what it will lead you to, but you know it is good.
Because you know, he's working everything together for his goodwill. and your good, and the good of his people, as you just stay Tuned in to him. Watching For his opportunities. Friend, may God bless you until we meet again next week. In Jesus' name, bless you.
This month, for a gift of any amount, we are offering one of Dr. Hinnant's three devotionals: Water from the Rock, which offers 122 spiritually rich biblical messages designed to refresh your heart, strengthen you in your daily trials, and help satisfy and increase your thirst. For more of Jesus. For a gift of $60 or more, we'll send you the complete four-volume. In an End Times Prophecy Collection, the Second Coming of Christ, The Tribulation Story, Revelation Notes, a verse-by-verse commentary on Revelation.
And The Day of the Lord commentary, which interprets all Old Testament prophecies and foreshadowings of the end times. You may give your gift today by visiting the donation page at greghinnantministries.org or sending your checks to Greg Hinnant Ministries, P.O. Box 788-128. High Point, North Carolina, 27260, or by calling 336-882-1645. And if you are a Logos Bible Software user, you may purchase The Second Coming of Christ, The Day of the Lord Commentary, and Revelation Notes from the Logos Online Bookstore.
Now, again, Dr. Hinnant. And now it's time for some QA. Caesar from London, England asks, My question is about the rapture, which is said to be the next event in the biblical prophecy. When will it take place?
How will it take place? who will qualify to be raptured. Who will be left out? what will happen to those who are raptured. and what will happen to those that remain below after the rapture.
Well, Contrary to what you've heard, one major prophesied event will precede the rapture. the midnight hour awakening of the church. In Matthew twenty five, one through thirteen, Jesus himself prophesied just before the bridegroom appears, In the midnight hour of this age, all the bridesmaids, wise and foolish, who represent Christians will wake up. realize his appearing is very near and began earnestly preparing for it. Then, at some point during this massive worldwide awakening, He, Jesus the Bridegroom, will suddenly appear.
And this Jesus' own personal prediction is Yeah. When will the rapture take place? No one knows. In Matthew 24, 36, Jesus said, But of that day and hour knoweth no man No, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
So, don't believe anyone predicting the year, month, or day Jesus will appear. Datesetters, when proven wrong, have provoked millions to totally reject the church's blessed hope, and that is foolish. but it is wise to note fulfillments of biblical prophecy. And my friend, all the biblical signs of the end times are now in place.
So we know Christ's return is near, and we should be preparing for it. Earnestly every day. How will the rapture take place? By Christ's work, the through the Holy Spirit's unlimited energy. Resurrecting dead Christians and catching up living Christians all over the world.
all in the blink of an eye. This will be the most stupendous sign miracle In the church age, bar none. Philippians 3.21 says, By his power He will change our humble bodies and make them like his own glorious body. Who will qualify to be raptured? Not every professing Christian but those who heed the readiness warnings Jesus himself spoke when prophesying of his return.
Resurrection, an immortal body, and eternal life, these are covenant benefits. They belong to all Christians. By translation, being taken alive from heaven to earth without experiencing death, Is not a covenant benefit. It is a great privilege only two human beings have ever experienced: Enoch and Elijah.
Now, to qualify, Jesus taught we should live wisely, watching. Worthily, and that means prayerful in that context of Luke twenty-one thirty-six. faithfully Ready? and ever seeking to know Jesus more intimately. Christians who take his warning seriously live close to him and submissively trust, obey and endure in their daily tests of faith.
In Revelation 3:10, Jesus promised the Philadelphian church. Because you have kept the word of my patience or my command to persevere. or patiently endure in your tests, I will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Now, my friend, note carefully: Jesus did not say he would keep us from the tribulation merely because we are a Christian. or we are born again. or we are saved. Who will be left behind? all unbelievers and unprepared Christians.
And surprisingly, even this is God's kindness. He is mercifully giving unbelievers one more chance To receive Jesus, and Christians one more chance to go through testing. faithfully. What will happen to those who are raptured?
Well, they will be taken to heaven, officially presented by the Holy Spirit as the bride of Christ. receive rewards for their good works at the judgment seat of Christ. worship in God's presence with the elders and the cherubim and the angels, and attend the marriage supper of the Lamb, probably visit New Jerusalem as well. Return to this earth with Jesus at the Battle of Armageddon and prepare for their roles in His millennial kingdom. What will happen to those left behind?
They will not all die or be lost as some teach. Not one scripture states this. While millions will die during the seven-year tribulation, millions more, both Jews and Gentiles, will repent. Receive Christ. And endure severe testing successfully during this period of great salvation.
In the midst of great wrath. To learn more about this important and timely subject, I recommend you purchase my book, The Second Coming of Christ, His Appearing, His Return. Our preparation. Email us your biblical questions today online at info at greghennettministries.org or call us at 336-882-1645 or send your letters to Greg Hennett Ministries, P.O. Box 788, High Point, North Carolina, 27260.
We are so glad you tuned into the broadcast today, my friend. In 1 Peter 5, 6, Peter charges all Christians, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. but he doesn't tell us how. In our next episode, we will examine in detail multiple proven biblical ways to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand. You do not want to miss it.
If this message has blessed you, tell your friends and please consider helping us stay on the air by sending your tax-deductible donation to Greg Hannett Ministries. Also, remember, you may download the Until He Comes podcast from your preferred podcast app. May you walk closely with Christ and trust and obey Him in your daily tests of faith and patience until He Comes. This is the Truth Network. Uh
