This past Sunday, we began looking at how the dead church of Sardis is going play a part in the tribulation. We must realize that after the rapture of the church age saints, the Bride of Christ, that many church goers will continue to go to church. This is illustrated in the parable of the Tares in Matthew 13. We will walk through this parable this coming Sunday to help shed light on the false Kingdom of Heaven, that is thriving during the absence of the true King — Jesus Christ. Please read Matthew 13 this week in preparation for our study.
Satan, the god of this world, is given limited control (Luke 4:5-7) until we are taken out (1 Thess 4:13-18) to the bema (Reward) judgment (1 Cor 3:11-15, Rom 14:10), receiving our incorruptible, immortal bodies in the process (1 Cor 15:50-57). Only then will Satan have full control, but only for a brief seven years (2 Thess 2:3-10). After the marriage supper of the Lamb, Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and the Bride (the Church age Saints), and the Old Testament Saints (Matthew 8:11) will return to earth to begin the 1,000 year millennial reign (Rev 19:7-16).