Theme: According to the Bible, Jesus Christ will return to Earth one day to take his followers to heaven. Before his return, there will be a time of great tribulation, when evil will be rampant and many people will be deceived by false prophets. However, God will protect His people and refine them through the fire of trials, preparing them for eternal glory. Will you be one of God's faithful followers?

What Makes Gold So Valuable? What do you like most about it?

Warning! - Here Is The Issue
1. False Prophets Who Predict The Future (Deuteronomy 13:1-5)
2. False Prophets Who Spoke In God’s Name But Did Not Speak God’s Message (Deuteronomy 18:20 )

A. The Fountain of Cleansing (Zechariah 13:1-6)

1. God’s Cleansing Requires The Removal of Sin (Impurities)
2. God Will Remove False Prophets
3. God will Remove “Spirit of Impurity” Evil Forces

False Prophets Will Be Bold Until They Face God’s Judgment!

B. Jesus Must Be Struck Down For Our Freedom From Sin (Zechariah 13:7)

A Gauntlet Is Coming

Tony Evans Study Bible Commentary:
The Jews did indeed reject the shepherd when he came to them. In fact, on the night he was betrayed, during his final meal with his disciples, Jesus quoted from this passage and told them, “Tonight all of you will fall away because of me” (Matt 26:31).

><> Matthew 26:31 New Living Translation (NLT)
31 On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”

What thoughts come to your mind as you reflect on Jesus' willingness to die on the cross for your sake? What does freedom in Christ mean to you?

C. The Refiner’s Fire (Zechariah 13:8-9)

The Refining Process

Will You Place Yourself In God’s Refining Process?

Key Doctrine: Sanctification
Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God, and is enabled to progress toward moral and PPA spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.