[Lesson 6] The Promised Pastors of the Old Testament and the New Testament / Mt 1, Rv 1:1-3, Rv 2-3

Lesson Six: Promised Pastors of the Old and New Testament

In today's lecture, we will explore the concept of the promised pastors in the Bible, focusing on how Old Testament prophecies point to figures in the New Testament. Our main references will be drawn from various passages, including Matthew 1, Revelation 1:1-3, Revelation 2 and 3, Revelation 10, and Revelation 22:16.

Understanding the Promised Pastor

The term "promised pastor" refers to a divinely chosen leader foretold in the scriptures to guide God's people. This concept is critical to understanding the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.

Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in the New Testament

Jesus as the Promised Pastor

  1. Prophecies and Fulfillment:

    • Birth of Jesus:
      • Isaiah 7:14: A virgin will conceive and bear a son.
      • Micah 5:2: The ruler of Israel will come from Bethlehem.
      • Fulfillment: Jesus' birth in Bethlehem as narrated in Matthew 2.
    • Flight to Egypt:
      • Hosea 11:1: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
      • Fulfillment: Jesus' escape to Egypt and return, as mentioned in Matthew 2:15.
    • Ministry and Mission:
      • Isaiah 61:1-2: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to proclaim good news.
      • Fulfillment: Jesus' ministry, as he himself declares in Luke 4:18-19.
    • Suffering and Crucifixion:
      • Psalm 22: Detailed description of suffering.
      • Fulfillment: Jesus' crucifixion and suffering as depicted in the Gospels.
  2. Jesus and Old Testament References:

    • John 5:39: Jesus confirms that the scriptures testify about him. This indicates that the Old Testament, while not mentioning Jesus by name, contains numerous prophecies about him.

Conclusion

  • Importance of the Promised Pastor:
    • Understanding the role of the promised pastor helps in recognizing the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.
    • It affirms the continuity of God’s plan from the Old Testament through the New Testament.
    • This understanding strengthens our faith in Jesus as the Savior and in the divine guidance provided to the church through various pastors across history.

Reflection

As we reflect on today's lecture, consider how the prophecies of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament reveal God's consistent plan for humanity. Recognize the role of the promised pastors, from the prophets to Jesus and the early church leaders, and how they have shaped our faith today.

The Fulfillment of the New Testament Prophecies

Introduction

Today's lecture focuses on understanding the promised pastor as foretold in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation. While the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies by Jesus at his first coming is crucial, our main interest lies in the fulfillment of the New Testament prophecies, which point to the events and figures at the time of the second coming.

The Promised Pastor in the New Testament

Jesus and the Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies

  • Jesus' Role:
    • Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
    • His birth, life, death, and resurrection completed the prophecies detailed in the Old Testament, as mentioned in passages like Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, and Psalm 22.

The Promised Pastor in the New Testament Prophecies

  • Revelation 1:1-3:

    • The "revelation of Jesus Christ" given to John, meant to show what must soon take place.
    • This revelation is crucial as it unveils the events and figures that will play a role in the fulfillment of the New Testament prophecies.
  • The Role of the Promised Pastor:

    • In Revelation, the promised pastor is a central figure who receives and conveys the revelation from Jesus.
    • This pastor is not the apostle John from 2000 years ago, but a figure in the end times who will reveal and testify to the events of Revelation.

The Sealed Scroll and Its Revelation

  • Revelation 5-6:

    • The sealed scroll in God's right hand, which only Jesus could open.
    • Jesus opens the scroll, revealing its contents, which are the prophecies and events that will take place in the end times.
  • John's Role:

    • John receives this revelation through an angel, symbolizing the transfer of divine knowledge.
    • John then becomes a pastor who delivers the message of what must soon take place.

Key Points from the Book of Revelation

  • Revelation 10:

    • John eats the little scroll given by the angel, signifying the internalization and understanding of the prophecy.
    • John is commanded to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, indicating the global scope of the revelation.
  • Revelation 22:16:

    • Jesus identifies himself as the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star, emphasizing his fulfillment of both Old and New Testament prophecies.

The Importance of the Promised Pastor

  • Testifying to the Fulfillment:

    • The promised pastor's role is to testify to the fulfillment of the prophecies in Revelation.
    • This pastor is tasked with conveying the revealed word without adding or subtracting from it, ensuring the purity and accuracy of the message.
  • Guidance for Believers:

    • Believers are urged to listen to the testimony of the promised pastor, as it contains the details of the prophecies' fulfillment and God's plan for the end times.

Conclusion

  • Focus on the Second Coming:
    • While the first coming of Jesus and the fulfillment of the Old Testament are foundational, the events of the second coming and the fulfillment of the New Testament prophecies are of paramount importance today.
    • Understanding the role of the promised pastor helps believers prepare for the fulfillment of the prophecies and align themselves with God's plan.

Reflection

As we conclude this lecture, reflect on the significance of the promised pastor in the New Testament. Recognize the continuity of God's plan from the Old to the New Testament and the importance of the revelations given in the Book of Revelation. Stay attentive to the teachings and testimony of the promised pastor, as they guide us towards the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan.

The Promised Pastor of the New Testament

Introduction

In today's lecture, we will delve deeper into understanding the role of the promised pastor in the New Testament, especially focusing on the Book of Revelation. This concept is crucial for comprehending the fulfillment of prophecies at the time of the second coming of Jesus. As we explore these prophecies, we will see how the promised pastor plays a vital role in guiding believers towards the fulfillment of God's plan.

The Role of the Promised Pastor

Understanding the Prophecies and Their Fulfillment

  • Jesus' Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies:
    • Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies during his first coming.
    • Key examples include his virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and his suffering and crucifixion (Psalm 22).

The Promised Pastor in the Book of Revelation

  • Revelation 1:1-3:

    • The "revelation of Jesus Christ" given to John, intended to show what must soon take place.
    • This revelation is crucial for understanding the events and figures of the end times.
  • Role of the Promised Pastor:

    • The promised pastor is a central figure in the Book of Revelation, who receives and conveys the revealed word from Jesus.
    • This pastor is responsible for testifying to the fulfillment of the prophecies in Revelation.

The Importance of the Promised Pastor

The Seal Scroll and Its Revelation

  • Revelation 5-6:

    • The sealed scroll in God's right hand, which only Jesus could open.
    • Jesus opens the scroll, revealing its contents, which are the prophecies and events that will take place in the end times.
  • John's Role:

    • John receives the revelation through an angel and becomes a pastor who delivers the message of what must soon take place.
  • Revelation 10:

    • John eats the little scroll given by the angel, signifying his understanding and internalization of the prophecy.
    • John is commanded to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, indicating the global scope of the revelation.

The Promised Pastor's Testimony

  • Revelation 22:16:
    • Jesus identifies himself as the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star, emphasizing his fulfillment of both Old and New Testament prophecies.
    • Jesus promises to send his messenger to testify to the churches about these things.

The Role of the Promised Pastor in the New Testament

  • Testifying to the Fulfillment:

    • The promised pastor's role is to testify to the fulfillment of the prophecies in Revelation.
    • This pastor conveys the revealed word without adding or subtracting from it, ensuring the purity and accuracy of the message.
  • Guidance for Believers:

    • Believers are urged to listen to the testimony of the promised pastor, as it contains the details of the prophecies' fulfillment and God's plan for the end times.

Key Points from the Book of Revelation

The Seven Messengers

  • Revelation 2-3:

    • The letters to the seven churches address the state of each church and their need for repentance and faithfulness.
    • The promised pastor is depicted as overcoming the Nicolaitans and other forces of evil, becoming victorious.
  • Revelation 12:

    • The one who overcomes the dragon (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony is the promised pastor.

Conclusion

  • Focus on the Second Coming:
    • While the first coming of Jesus and the fulfillment of the Old Testament are foundational, the events of the second coming and the fulfillment of the New Testament prophecies are of paramount importance today.
    • Understanding the role of the promised pastor helps believers prepare for the fulfillment of the prophecies and align themselves with God's plan.

Reflection

As we conclude this lecture, reflect on the significance of the promised pastor in the New Testament. Recognize the continuity of God's plan from the Old to the New Testament and the importance of the revelations given in the Book of Revelation. Stay attentive to the teachings and testimony of the promised pastor, as they guide us towards the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan.

Closing Prayer

Let us pray for an open heart and mind to receive the teachings of the promised pastor. May we be guided by the Holy Spirit to understand and fulfill God's will, as revealed in the scriptures. Amen.

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