Larkin's Charts

This morning I am reviewing the images of Clarence Larkin.

Perhaps you have never heard of him. He was born in 1850 in Pennsylvania. He became a Pastor and wrote a few books. He is best known for His Dispensational orientation (a literal view of scripture that breaks history down into time periods and makes the claim that God showcases different aspects of His character in unique ways for periods of time) and his charts that illustrate visually what the scripture says about history and prophetic events.

This past Sunday (yesterday) the Church in Baltimore spoke much about the judgement seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10 and related verses 1 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 11:2f, Revelation 5:9-10, 2 John 1:8).

It is such an edifying study because when we see How gracious God Is it removes any fear we might have.

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." - Hebrews 11:6 ESV

This reward stretches beyond what we will see in this lifetime in this age. It can seem like people are punished for their spiritual success on Earth if you look at the difficulties they face but God is not punishing people. Sin has been paid for and a provision has been made.

We can store treasure in Heaven for this great day...

"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.' " - Luke 18:22 ESV

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21 ESV

"For, 'Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.' But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." - Hebrews 10:37-39 ESV

Yes. It is good to look at Larkin's charts and think about all that God has in store for the world. Some of it is scary and intense because God deals with everyone and not just those who have been brought into His family through faith in Jesus Christ.

Inside God's house there is warmth and generosity. I think we will be overwhelmed by it and shocked at how kind He Is.

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:11 ESV

Yes. This theme is very motivating. If we walk by faith we can look forward to a good Bema seat judgement.

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