Life in the New Covenant, Part 15 - By Rick Joyner
When Jesus prophesied in Matthew 24 about the signs that would mark the end of this age, He spoke about His presence coming on the earth. That time is unfolding now, and is the most important event of the age yet: the Lord’s presence, which is to be distinguished from His second coming.
The word Jesus used for “presence” is the Greek word parousia, which is sometimes inaccurately translated in English as “coming.” A different Greek word, erchómenon, is translated “coming,” and is used in Matthew 24 when speaking of the Lord’s physical second coming. There is an obvious difference between someone being present, and someone coming. Jesus is coming back physically to rule over the earth, but His “presence” and His “coming” are different events. This distinction is obvious in this text (and others) when translated properly. His presence, not His coming, is what the apostles asked Him about in Matthew 24. His coming will need no sign, since it will be seen by the whole world.
What will His presence be like? The Lord is present with us now, but the presence spoken of here is something much more. ... continue >>>
