“PUTTING CHRIST BACK IN PROPHECY”

JAMES MERRILLS, MDiv

Merrills is the author of “Victory in Christ: A Christ-Centered Approach to the Four Horsemen of Revelation,” which examines these cosmic messages (Rev. 6:1-8) in the context of Revelation’s “opening story” (chapters 1-7).

PRESENTATION TOPICS

“PUTTING CHRIST BACK IN PROPHECY” In recent decades, the Christian church has undergone subtle, albeit critical, reversals in its prophetic teachings. As a result, the antichrist has replaced Jesus Christ in a number of end-time prophecies (e.g., Dan. 9:27; Rev. 6:1-2). In this brief, but pointed series we reconsider key passages in Bible prophecy that are focused especially on our day.

Christ Our Conqueror (Rev. 6:1-2) 1a — Antichrist or Jesus Christ? The debate over the identity of the first rider on the white horse continues to this day, but it’s no small matter. The identity of this rider largely determines how we interpret the remainder of Revelation. This study will demonstrate that our “conqueror” is none other than Jesus Christ (6:2), just as the church had long taught.

The Four Horsemen–the Path to Victory (Rev. 6:1-8) 1b — At the beginning of Revelation’s ‘opening story,’ Jesus enjoins every Christian to “overcome,” as He has (3:21; 5:5). At the conclusion, a multitude of victors are standing with the Lamb before God’s throne (7:9). Situated between these two scenes, four divine messages and activities sift the wicked from the righteous, before to Jesus’ return. It’s imperative that all know what these messages mean to us individually. (This presentation can be combined with the one above.)

Death–Our Rest in Christ (Rev. 6:7-8) 2a – O.T. focus — Most have given little attention to the meaning of the words “became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). And yet, what God did in the creation of man impacts our understanding of the soul throughout the rest of the Scriptures. Likewise, there has been scant attention given to the influence of Greek philosophy upon the church, even before Jesus’ day. In this presentation, we review key Bible texts about the soul and gain revealing insights from a host of contemporary Christian scholars.

Death–Our Rest in Christ (Rev. 6:7-8) 2b – N.T. focus — The Bible teaches that Satan will use spiritualism in the last days to deceive many, even those in the Church. Now is the time to separate biblical truth from popular myths. (This presentation can be combined with the one above.)

The Israel of God (Rev. 7:9) 3a — The Israel of God is a central topic in the Bible. Key to understanding the Israel of God is its name, character and heritage. This study reviews key texts and insights from the Old and New Testaments, giving us a clearer understanding of spiritual victory.

The State of Israel (Rev. 7:4) 3b — For most Christians, the establishment of the State of Israel and the subsequent regathering of Jews in the Holy Land is the most convincing sign that we are living in the end-times. For this reason, most Christians today are expecting to be ‘raptured,’ which will be followed by the rise of the Antichrist and the great Tribulation. We’ll take a close look at this interpretation of prophecy and how it relates to events in the news today. (This presentation can be combined with the one above.)

Daniel 9 – The Messiah (Dan. 9:24-27) — The NEWEST presentation in the prophecy series examines the greatest Messianic prediction in the O.T., which pointed with great specificity to Jesus’ ministry, sacrificial death and role in God’s plan of salvation. In addition, we consider the supporting passages in Daniel and address some of the erroneous teachings that distract us from the benefits of Christ’s atonement and priestly ministry in heaven.

(This series can be offered in 3 to 6 presentations.)

THOUGHTS FROM CHURCH LEADERS:
“Jim Merrills’ Christ-centered presentations are well-researched and engaging. As soon as he was finished my congregation asked me when we could invite him back.”
Matthew J. Lucio, pastor (IL)

“James Merrills brings a beautiful picture of Christ and deepens the understanding of the meaning of the four horsemen of Revelation 6. Through his presentations he demonstrates the love of God for us and how that message is communicated to believers, to give them hope and victory through the challenges of life.”
Keith Rusk, pastor (AR)

“With meticulous scholarship, Jim tackles the subject, not only from biblical and historical perspectives, but also in ways that are understandable, relevant, and practical. I highly recommend it.”
Abraham Swamidass, pastor (WI)

“What is prophecy about? Jim Merrills reminds us that prophecy is about Jesus. His well-researched teaching will galvanize you and your audience to read prophecy and Scripture through the lens of the gospel. You’ll be inspired by his teachings about Jesus!”
Nestor Soriano, pastor (IL)

“I appreciate your desire to lift up Jesus, making Him the focal point. Another thing that stands out is your historicist approach to the Seals. Many authors don’t allow the Bible to interpret itself.”
Terry Nelson, pastor/evangelist (MI)

“A compelling and convicting approach. Utterly revealing and uplifting Jesus, he kindled in the audience a personal revival and a thirst for soul-winning.”
Ruddy Vivanco, pastor (CO)

“Thank you for bringing such powerful, Christ-centered messages! You’ll be happy to know that we have a decision for baptism and others who want to start Bible studies. This was truly evangelistic!”
John Rengifo, pastor (PA)

“Jim Merrills takes to heart the words of John: ‘The Revelation of Jesus Christ…’ (Rev. 1:1). Jesus Christ is seen as the central focus of the four horsemen’s messages.”
Jonathon Peinado, pastor (FL)