It has begun! Remember what Christmas is all about....JESUS! Have a Merry Christmas and I will start devotions again after the first of the year! God bless!
Tom
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Revelation #66
Today we will finish out chapter 20!
Revelation 20:11-15
Judgment Before the Great White Throne
11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
In verse 11 we see that John sees a great white throne and He sees Jesus sitting on this throne. Something interesting takes place....the earth and the sky flee from Jesus presence and there is no place found for them. What does that mean? Jesus is preparing for the coming of the new heaven and new earth which is described in more detail in Chapter 21. Also look at 2 Peter 3:10-11:
2 Peter 3:10-11
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 11Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
That explains it pretty well don't it?
Then in verse 12 we see the dead standing before Jesus and the throne and the books are open. Just like in a court room. They also open the the book of life and the dead are judged by what they have done. Also in verse 13 the sea gave ups it dead and so do Death which is the grave and Hades which is a holding place until hell. These folks to are judged by what they have done. The first point I want to make here is their deeds are judged first and remember this is the unsaved.
2 Corinthians 5:10
10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:14
14For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
In verse 14 Death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire which is hell and this is the second death. The second death is separation from God forever in hell. Verse 15 brings up the second point I want to make....the unsaved are judged by their deeds but also by their name not being found in the book of life. The only way to have your name removed from this book is by not accepting Jesus as your Savior!!! The blood of Christ must cover our sins! Then we see the awful news to close out this chapter...those not found in the book of life are thrown into the lake of fire....hell
Yet another reminder not to delay in asking Jesus to save our souls today!
Tom
Revelation 20:11-15
Judgment Before the Great White Throne
11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
In verse 11 we see that John sees a great white throne and He sees Jesus sitting on this throne. Something interesting takes place....the earth and the sky flee from Jesus presence and there is no place found for them. What does that mean? Jesus is preparing for the coming of the new heaven and new earth which is described in more detail in Chapter 21. Also look at 2 Peter 3:10-11:
2 Peter 3:10-11
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 11Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
That explains it pretty well don't it?
Then in verse 12 we see the dead standing before Jesus and the throne and the books are open. Just like in a court room. They also open the the book of life and the dead are judged by what they have done. Also in verse 13 the sea gave ups it dead and so do Death which is the grave and Hades which is a holding place until hell. These folks to are judged by what they have done. The first point I want to make here is their deeds are judged first and remember this is the unsaved.
2 Corinthians 5:10
10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:14
14For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
In verse 14 Death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire which is hell and this is the second death. The second death is separation from God forever in hell. Verse 15 brings up the second point I want to make....the unsaved are judged by their deeds but also by their name not being found in the book of life. The only way to have your name removed from this book is by not accepting Jesus as your Savior!!! The blood of Christ must cover our sins! Then we see the awful news to close out this chapter...those not found in the book of life are thrown into the lake of fire....hell
Yet another reminder not to delay in asking Jesus to save our souls today!
Tom
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Revelation #65
Oh the good news of the Word this morning!
Revelation 20:7-10
The Defeat of Satan
7And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, 10and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
In verse 7 John tells us that when the thousand years have ended Satan will be released from the bottomless pit and will come out to deceive the nations that are around the world. Gog and Magog are title given Israels oppressors. John also tells us that it will be a great number. So apparently a great number will be unwilling to follow Christ and will join Satan for one last push against Christ. It is so hard for me to understand how many will not grasp the love of Christ during His thousand year reign but it will happen. Verse 9 says they will march to the camp of the saints and the beloved city which is Jerusalem, but they will come to an abrupt end as God will cause fire to rain down from heaven and consume them!!! Wow won't that be a sight to behold???? Then the great news...the devil will be thrown into the lake of fire where the beast(anti-Christ) and false prophet are already at this point. They all will be tormented day and night for eternity. This is much different then the pictures of the devil roaming around hell we see today!
One day soon my friends the devil will be no more!
Tom
Revelation 20:7-10
The Defeat of Satan
7And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, 10and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
In verse 7 John tells us that when the thousand years have ended Satan will be released from the bottomless pit and will come out to deceive the nations that are around the world. Gog and Magog are title given Israels oppressors. John also tells us that it will be a great number. So apparently a great number will be unwilling to follow Christ and will join Satan for one last push against Christ. It is so hard for me to understand how many will not grasp the love of Christ during His thousand year reign but it will happen. Verse 9 says they will march to the camp of the saints and the beloved city which is Jerusalem, but they will come to an abrupt end as God will cause fire to rain down from heaven and consume them!!! Wow won't that be a sight to behold???? Then the great news...the devil will be thrown into the lake of fire where the beast(anti-Christ) and false prophet are already at this point. They all will be tormented day and night for eternity. This is much different then the pictures of the devil roaming around hell we see today!
One day soon my friends the devil will be no more!
Tom
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Revelation #64
Moving on in Chapter 20 this morning....great news for those who serve Christ!
Revelation 20:4-6
4Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
In verse 4 John says he sees thrones in heaven and seated on them are those who are given authority to judge! On these thrones are the twelve disciples look at Matthew:
Matthew 19:28
28Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
The disciples will have the job of judging Israel! Wow that is a very important job!
John also says he sees the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and the Word of God! AND those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark. This is very important for us to understand that souls will be saved during the tribulation for trusting in Jesus and not doing what the anti-Christ demands....but let me warn you now this will be very very difficult as everything will flow through the anti-Christ to survive like food and water....the basics!The remainder of this verse tells us these souls came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years just like the rest of the saints...praise the Lord! Verse 5 tells us the rest of the dead did not come alive until the thousand years was ended and this is the first resurrection. What does this mean? There are two judgements....one is immediately after the rapture which is for the saved and them alone. The second is for the lost and will occur at the end of the end of the thousand year reign. The first resurrection is referring to of the tribulation period. Verse 6 says blessed and holy are those who are in this first resurrection of the tribulation for the second death which is separation from God for eternity will have no power over them and they will be priests of God and Christ and reign with Him for a thousand years. What a place of honor they will have by serving as priests.
All this living with Christ brings a smile to my face and I praise God even now for those who will come to faith during the tribulation!
Tom
Revelation 20:4-6
4Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
In verse 4 John says he sees thrones in heaven and seated on them are those who are given authority to judge! On these thrones are the twelve disciples look at Matthew:
Matthew 19:28
28Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
The disciples will have the job of judging Israel! Wow that is a very important job!
John also says he sees the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and the Word of God! AND those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark. This is very important for us to understand that souls will be saved during the tribulation for trusting in Jesus and not doing what the anti-Christ demands....but let me warn you now this will be very very difficult as everything will flow through the anti-Christ to survive like food and water....the basics!The remainder of this verse tells us these souls came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years just like the rest of the saints...praise the Lord! Verse 5 tells us the rest of the dead did not come alive until the thousand years was ended and this is the first resurrection. What does this mean? There are two judgements....one is immediately after the rapture which is for the saved and them alone. The second is for the lost and will occur at the end of the end of the thousand year reign. The first resurrection is referring to of the tribulation period. Verse 6 says blessed and holy are those who are in this first resurrection of the tribulation for the second death which is separation from God for eternity will have no power over them and they will be priests of God and Christ and reign with Him for a thousand years. What a place of honor they will have by serving as priests.
All this living with Christ brings a smile to my face and I praise God even now for those who will come to faith during the tribulation!
Tom
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Revelation #63
Today we start chapter 20...slowly but surely we are getting through Revelation!
Revelation 20:1-3
The Thousand Years
1Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.
In verse 1 John tells us he sees an another angel and it is coming down from heaven. This angel has a key in it's hand and it is a key to the bottomless pit which also has a great chain! This bottomless pit is not hell but a holding place for the devil. Verse 2 says this angel seizes Satan and binds him for a thousand years. Yes this is a literal thousand years! A thousand years of peace! Wow. Look at what Isaiah says about this:
Isaiah 11:6-9
6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;
and a little child shall lead them.
7The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra,
and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den.
9 They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.
The angel throws Satan into this pit as we are told in verse 3 and shuts the pit and seals it over him so he may not deceive the nations until the thousand years are ended. We are then told he then must be released for a time.
To be honest I don't understand why Satan has to be released for a time. But this is God's Word and I believe it. I don't have to understand it! What I do understand is God is in control and can take care of Satan as He sees fit!
Tom
Revelation 20:1-3
The Thousand Years
1Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.
In verse 1 John tells us he sees an another angel and it is coming down from heaven. This angel has a key in it's hand and it is a key to the bottomless pit which also has a great chain! This bottomless pit is not hell but a holding place for the devil. Verse 2 says this angel seizes Satan and binds him for a thousand years. Yes this is a literal thousand years! A thousand years of peace! Wow. Look at what Isaiah says about this:
Isaiah 11:6-9
6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;
and a little child shall lead them.
7The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra,
and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den.
9 They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.
The angel throws Satan into this pit as we are told in verse 3 and shuts the pit and seals it over him so he may not deceive the nations until the thousand years are ended. We are then told he then must be released for a time.
To be honest I don't understand why Satan has to be released for a time. But this is God's Word and I believe it. I don't have to understand it! What I do understand is God is in control and can take care of Satan as He sees fit!
Tom
Monday, December 12, 2011
Revelation #62
Continuing in Chapter 19 this morning:
Revelation 19:17-21
17Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, "Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great." 19And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.
John tells us he seen an angel standing in the sun and this angel calls out in a loud voice to the birds that were flying over. This angel tells the birds to gather for a great supper. Do you know what this supper will be? Verse 18 reveals this to us....the flesh of all both great and small who rose up against Christ but were overwhelmingly defeated! Look at Ezekiel 39:12-
Ezekiel 39:12
12For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them, in order to cleanse the land.
This verse is referring to these dead bodies....can you imagine? It will take seven months to bury the dead! In verse 19 John sees the beast (anti-Christ) and the kings of the earth with there armies gathered to make war against Jesus and his army. This is taking us back to the battle we previously have talked about. In verse 20 we are told the beast is captured and the false prophet. We are reminded the false prophet had done great signs to deceive those who had taken the mark of the beast and worshiped the image they had made of the anti-Christ. Then we see some awesome news! They are thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur....which is hell! We see in verse 21 the rest who are the followers, armies, kings, ect., are killed by the sword (Word of God) that came from the mouth of Jesus! Then the birds fill themselves on their flesh! Wow! Judgement has come! Praise God!
Tom
Revelation 19:17-21
17Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, "Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great." 19And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.
John tells us he seen an angel standing in the sun and this angel calls out in a loud voice to the birds that were flying over. This angel tells the birds to gather for a great supper. Do you know what this supper will be? Verse 18 reveals this to us....the flesh of all both great and small who rose up against Christ but were overwhelmingly defeated! Look at Ezekiel 39:12-
Ezekiel 39:12
12For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them, in order to cleanse the land.
This verse is referring to these dead bodies....can you imagine? It will take seven months to bury the dead! In verse 19 John sees the beast (anti-Christ) and the kings of the earth with there armies gathered to make war against Jesus and his army. This is taking us back to the battle we previously have talked about. In verse 20 we are told the beast is captured and the false prophet. We are reminded the false prophet had done great signs to deceive those who had taken the mark of the beast and worshiped the image they had made of the anti-Christ. Then we see some awesome news! They are thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur....which is hell! We see in verse 21 the rest who are the followers, armies, kings, ect., are killed by the sword (Word of God) that came from the mouth of Jesus! Then the birds fill themselves on their flesh! Wow! Judgement has come! Praise God!
Tom
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Revelation #61
Today we get a look at Jesus in heaven and His second coming!
Revelation 19:11-16
The Rider on a White Horse
11Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13He is clothed in a robe dipped in[a] blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
In verse 11 John sees into heaven. He sees a white horse which represents purity. Look who is upon this horse the only one we can call Faithful and True....Jesus!!!! This time instead of coming as the Savior He is coming to make war and He is the judge of Righteousness....we must remember that! In verse 12 we see Jesus eyes are like a flame of fire...they can burn through the dross of sin and judge the intentions of the heart. We also see on His head are many diadems(crowns) which show His deity. Interestingly He also has a name written that no one knows but Himself....even if we did know what it was we probably would not understand it. In verse 13 we are told His robe is dipped in blood, this verse is a great explanation of the blood:
Isaiah 63
The LORD’s Day of Vengeance
1Who is this who comes from Edom,
in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,
he who is splendid in his apparel,
marching in the greatness of his strength?
"It is I, speaking in righteousness,
mighty to save."
2Why is your apparel red,
and your garments like his who treads in the winepress?
3 "I have trodden the winepress alone,
and from the peoples no one was with me;
I trod them in my anger
and trampled them in my wrath;
their lifeblood spattered on my garments,
and stained all my apparel.
4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart,
and my year of redemption had come.
We are also told the name by which Jesus is called is The Word of God....which is Truth! In verse 14 we are told the armies of heaven which is us...the saved....dressed in fine linen which is white to show our purity in Christ are following Jesus on white horses. Look what Jude said about this:
Jude 1:14-15
14It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him."
Verse 15 tells us that from Jesus mouth comes a sharp sword which we know is the Word of God. He will use this Word to strike down the nations (Battle of Armageddon) and he will rule them!!!! It is interesting to me that Jesus will battle with the Word and we will be there but we won't do anything but watch Jesus! Jesus will tread the winepress of the fury of God on them. Look back at the passage from Isaiah 63 earlier in this devotion and look at verses 3-6 to get a better picture of this. To be on the wrong side of God's fury is unimaginable. Then verse 16 says on His rode is written KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS which shows His majesty.
This makes me want to fall on my face in worship just thinking about it!
Tom
Revelation 19:11-16
The Rider on a White Horse
11Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13He is clothed in a robe dipped in[a] blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
In verse 11 John sees into heaven. He sees a white horse which represents purity. Look who is upon this horse the only one we can call Faithful and True....Jesus!!!! This time instead of coming as the Savior He is coming to make war and He is the judge of Righteousness....we must remember that! In verse 12 we see Jesus eyes are like a flame of fire...they can burn through the dross of sin and judge the intentions of the heart. We also see on His head are many diadems(crowns) which show His deity. Interestingly He also has a name written that no one knows but Himself....even if we did know what it was we probably would not understand it. In verse 13 we are told His robe is dipped in blood, this verse is a great explanation of the blood:
Isaiah 63
The LORD’s Day of Vengeance
1Who is this who comes from Edom,
in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,
he who is splendid in his apparel,
marching in the greatness of his strength?
"It is I, speaking in righteousness,
mighty to save."
2Why is your apparel red,
and your garments like his who treads in the winepress?
3 "I have trodden the winepress alone,
and from the peoples no one was with me;
I trod them in my anger
and trampled them in my wrath;
their lifeblood spattered on my garments,
and stained all my apparel.
4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart,
and my year of redemption had come.
We are also told the name by which Jesus is called is The Word of God....which is Truth! In verse 14 we are told the armies of heaven which is us...the saved....dressed in fine linen which is white to show our purity in Christ are following Jesus on white horses. Look what Jude said about this:
Jude 1:14-15
14It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him."
Verse 15 tells us that from Jesus mouth comes a sharp sword which we know is the Word of God. He will use this Word to strike down the nations (Battle of Armageddon) and he will rule them!!!! It is interesting to me that Jesus will battle with the Word and we will be there but we won't do anything but watch Jesus! Jesus will tread the winepress of the fury of God on them. Look back at the passage from Isaiah 63 earlier in this devotion and look at verses 3-6 to get a better picture of this. To be on the wrong side of God's fury is unimaginable. Then verse 16 says on His rode is written KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS which shows His majesty.
This makes me want to fall on my face in worship just thinking about it!
Tom
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Revelation #60
Oh my friends if this doesn't want to make you stand up and shout this morning I don't know what will if you are a follower of Jesus!
Revelation 19:6-10
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
6Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
"Hallelujah!For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure"—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God." 10Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God." For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
All through the New Testament the believers are referred to as the Bride of Christ. Today we get toe see the marriage of the church to Christ! Praise God!
In verse 6 John hears what seems to be a great multitude sounding like roaring waters and great peals of thunder! what is this multitude doing???? Why they are praising God and rejoicing over the fact that the marriage of the Lamb and His bride(the church) is about to take place! I love verse 8 that says the church was granted to clothe herself with fine linen, bright, and pure....I can see this a white....purity! We are only granted this though by the shed blood of Jesus so give Him praise, honor and glory! This fine linen we are also told in verse 8 is the righteous deeds of the saints! Wow that is awesome! Think about that statement for a bit.
Verse 9 tells us that the angel tells John to write that those who are invited to the marriage supper are blessed. Who might be the folks who are invited? It is the old testament saints as they were not a part of the church. The angel also reminds Johns that these are the true Words of God! We need to remember that too! Then John who gets carried away in the moments falls down to worship the angel as we see in verse 10. The angel rebukes John and tells him not to do this. Then angel tells John and us something very important....Worship God only as we are told in Exodus 20:3:
Exodus 20:3
3 "You shall have no other gods before me."
Then verse 10 ends by telling us every scripture(testimony of Jesus) O.T. and N.T points to Jesus! Thank God for His Word and His Son!
Again today's lesson should want to make you shout in Praise!
Tom
Revelation 19:6-10
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
6Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
"Hallelujah!For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure"—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God." 10Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God." For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
All through the New Testament the believers are referred to as the Bride of Christ. Today we get toe see the marriage of the church to Christ! Praise God!
In verse 6 John hears what seems to be a great multitude sounding like roaring waters and great peals of thunder! what is this multitude doing???? Why they are praising God and rejoicing over the fact that the marriage of the Lamb and His bride(the church) is about to take place! I love verse 8 that says the church was granted to clothe herself with fine linen, bright, and pure....I can see this a white....purity! We are only granted this though by the shed blood of Jesus so give Him praise, honor and glory! This fine linen we are also told in verse 8 is the righteous deeds of the saints! Wow that is awesome! Think about that statement for a bit.
Verse 9 tells us that the angel tells John to write that those who are invited to the marriage supper are blessed. Who might be the folks who are invited? It is the old testament saints as they were not a part of the church. The angel also reminds Johns that these are the true Words of God! We need to remember that too! Then John who gets carried away in the moments falls down to worship the angel as we see in verse 10. The angel rebukes John and tells him not to do this. Then angel tells John and us something very important....Worship God only as we are told in Exodus 20:3:
Exodus 20:3
3 "You shall have no other gods before me."
Then verse 10 ends by telling us every scripture(testimony of Jesus) O.T. and N.T points to Jesus! Thank God for His Word and His Son!
Again today's lesson should want to make you shout in Praise!
Tom
Monday, December 5, 2011
Revelation #59
We just finished in Chapter 18 seeing the fall of Babylon(Rome) and now as we start Chapter 19 the first words are "after this" see what is taking place in heaven....
Revelation 19:1-4
Rejoicing in Heaven
1After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,
"Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants."
3Once more they cried out,
"Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever."
4And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!"
Rejoicing is taking place! They are rejoicing over the defeat of Babylon.. the global organization of the anti-Christ. In verse one we see the word Hallelujah which means praise the Lord! We also see Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God! No doubt about that! He has proved it! In verse 2 we see that God's judgements are just and true. It don't matter if we think they are or not...God says they are and that solves it for He is God and we are not. God has judged Babylon for corrupting the earth with her immorality and has avenged the blood of those she killed! This should also be a warning to us also that we will be judged one day too! Are you covered by the blood of Christ? In verse three they continue to celebrate as the smoke from Babylon's destruction continues to rise and they shout hallelujah!
In verse four we return to a familiar scene in heaven that we have seen before...the twenty-four elders and four living creatures fall to the ground and worship God who is seated on the throne and they also say hallelujah and they add an amen! They are praising God for His judgement and the realization that God's plan is almost complete! Then another voice comes from the throne that says praise our God all you servants who fear him small and great! It is soo good at this point to see some praise for God instead of judgement coming down from heaven! Praise God we will see more good news tomorrow!
Tom
Revelation 19:1-4
Rejoicing in Heaven
1After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,
"Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants."
3Once more they cried out,
"Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever."
4And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!"
Rejoicing is taking place! They are rejoicing over the defeat of Babylon.. the global organization of the anti-Christ. In verse one we see the word Hallelujah which means praise the Lord! We also see Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God! No doubt about that! He has proved it! In verse 2 we see that God's judgements are just and true. It don't matter if we think they are or not...God says they are and that solves it for He is God and we are not. God has judged Babylon for corrupting the earth with her immorality and has avenged the blood of those she killed! This should also be a warning to us also that we will be judged one day too! Are you covered by the blood of Christ? In verse three they continue to celebrate as the smoke from Babylon's destruction continues to rise and they shout hallelujah!
In verse four we return to a familiar scene in heaven that we have seen before...the twenty-four elders and four living creatures fall to the ground and worship God who is seated on the throne and they also say hallelujah and they add an amen! They are praising God for His judgement and the realization that God's plan is almost complete! Then another voice comes from the throne that says praise our God all you servants who fear him small and great! It is soo good at this point to see some praise for God instead of judgement coming down from heaven! Praise God we will see more good news tomorrow!
Tom
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Revelation #58
Today we finish Chapter 18...continuing to see the effects of Babylons(Rome) destruction from God.
Revelation 18:17b-23
17 And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 18and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning,
"What city was like the great city?"
19And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out,
"Alas, alas, for the great city
where all who had ships at sea
grew rich by her wealth!
For in a single hour she has been laid waste. 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven,
and you saints and apostles and prophets,
for God has given judgment for you against her!" 21Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying,
"So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence,
and will be found no more;
22and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters,
will be heard in you no more,
and a craftsman of any craft
will be found in you no more,
and the sound of the mill
will be heard in you no more,
23and the light of a lamp
will shine in you no more,
and the voice of bridegroom and bride
will be heard in you no more,
for your merchants were the great ones of the earth,
and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.
In the second half of verse 17 we see that those who work in the seas also realize that their money making source is gone! Babylon is laid waste. In verse 18 we see them crying out as they see the smoke rising from the city. In verse 19 we see them in great mourning as they throw dust on their heads and we also see what their main concern is!!! "Grew rich by her wealth" ....they are upset their money making source is gone. Again we are reminded God brought Babylon down in a single hour!
In verse 20 we a celebration taking place in the heavens! Not because of damnation as God wants all to come to repentance but because God did as He warned for the killing of saints, apostles, and prophets the servants of God. Vengeance is Gods! In verse 21 we see a mighty angel taking a great stone and throwing it into the sea...and then he says Babylon will be thrown down in the same manner (violently) never again to be found! Then in verse 22 we are told no more music will be heard from her as there will be nothing to celebrate. We are also told no more craftsmans work and no more mill work as all manufacturing will come to a halt! In verse 23 we are told that "the light of the lamp will shine no more" which means family time and thinking in the evenings will be no more! No more marriages we are also told in this verse. They are then reminded that the merchants and nations were deceived by their sorcery (both religiously and economically). Then this chapter ends with another reminder of why this vengeance has come upon them...the shed blood of the prophets, saints and others. We also must remember the number one reason...rejection of Jesus!
Wow God's wrath is nothing to mess with!
Tom
Revelation 18:17b-23
17 And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 18and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning,
"What city was like the great city?"
19And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out,
"Alas, alas, for the great city
where all who had ships at sea
grew rich by her wealth!
For in a single hour she has been laid waste. 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven,
and you saints and apostles and prophets,
for God has given judgment for you against her!" 21Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying,
"So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence,
and will be found no more;
22and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters,
will be heard in you no more,
and a craftsman of any craft
will be found in you no more,
and the sound of the mill
will be heard in you no more,
23and the light of a lamp
will shine in you no more,
and the voice of bridegroom and bride
will be heard in you no more,
for your merchants were the great ones of the earth,
and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.
In the second half of verse 17 we see that those who work in the seas also realize that their money making source is gone! Babylon is laid waste. In verse 18 we see them crying out as they see the smoke rising from the city. In verse 19 we see them in great mourning as they throw dust on their heads and we also see what their main concern is!!! "Grew rich by her wealth" ....they are upset their money making source is gone. Again we are reminded God brought Babylon down in a single hour!
In verse 20 we a celebration taking place in the heavens! Not because of damnation as God wants all to come to repentance but because God did as He warned for the killing of saints, apostles, and prophets the servants of God. Vengeance is Gods! In verse 21 we see a mighty angel taking a great stone and throwing it into the sea...and then he says Babylon will be thrown down in the same manner (violently) never again to be found! Then in verse 22 we are told no more music will be heard from her as there will be nothing to celebrate. We are also told no more craftsmans work and no more mill work as all manufacturing will come to a halt! In verse 23 we are told that "the light of the lamp will shine no more" which means family time and thinking in the evenings will be no more! No more marriages we are also told in this verse. They are then reminded that the merchants and nations were deceived by their sorcery (both religiously and economically). Then this chapter ends with another reminder of why this vengeance has come upon them...the shed blood of the prophets, saints and others. We also must remember the number one reason...rejection of Jesus!
Wow God's wrath is nothing to mess with!
Tom
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Revelation #57
Today we look at the destruction of Babylon(Rome):
Revelation 18:9-17a
9And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say,
"Alas! Alas! You great city,
you mighty city, Babylon!
For in a single hour your judgment has come."
11And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 12cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, 13cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls.
14"The fruit for which your soul longed
has gone from you,
and all your delicacies and your splendors
are lost to you,
never to be found again!"
15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,
16"Alas, alas, for the great city
that was clothed in fine linen,
in purple and scarlet,
adorned with gold,
with jewels, and with pearls!
17For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste."
Verse 9 tells us the Kings which are political leaders of the earth who indulged in the sexual immorality and luxury living with Babylon will weep and wail when they see her up in smoke! They will stand and watch far off and realize in a single hour judgement has come upon her as verse 10 tells us. Verse 11 tells us the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn for her because their profit will be gone! Listed is all the cargo that was sold but the most important is listed last...human souls! Slavery was a big trade. How many of these souls were lead astray to follow the anti-Christ by their owners???? Verse 14 says the fruit that the merchants souls longed for is gone and never to be found again...that fruit is money! In verse 15 we are told again the merchants are very upset about the destruction of Babylon because they gained their wealth from her. Verses 16-17 tell us this great city of Babylon who was on top of the world and describes her wealth has come down in a single hour.
When God's judgement comes it will be swift and complete. This is a warning for us to get right with HIM now!
Tom
Revelation 18:9-17a
9And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say,
"Alas! Alas! You great city,
you mighty city, Babylon!
For in a single hour your judgment has come."
11And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 12cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, 13cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls.
14"The fruit for which your soul longed
has gone from you,
and all your delicacies and your splendors
are lost to you,
never to be found again!"
15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,
16"Alas, alas, for the great city
that was clothed in fine linen,
in purple and scarlet,
adorned with gold,
with jewels, and with pearls!
17For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste."
Verse 9 tells us the Kings which are political leaders of the earth who indulged in the sexual immorality and luxury living with Babylon will weep and wail when they see her up in smoke! They will stand and watch far off and realize in a single hour judgement has come upon her as verse 10 tells us. Verse 11 tells us the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn for her because their profit will be gone! Listed is all the cargo that was sold but the most important is listed last...human souls! Slavery was a big trade. How many of these souls were lead astray to follow the anti-Christ by their owners???? Verse 14 says the fruit that the merchants souls longed for is gone and never to be found again...that fruit is money! In verse 15 we are told again the merchants are very upset about the destruction of Babylon because they gained their wealth from her. Verses 16-17 tell us this great city of Babylon who was on top of the world and describes her wealth has come down in a single hour.
When God's judgement comes it will be swift and complete. This is a warning for us to get right with HIM now!
Tom
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Revelation #56
Continuing on in Chapter 18:
Revelation 18:4-8
4Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,
"Come out of her, my people,
lest you take part in her sins,
lest you share in her plagues; 5for her sins are heaped high as heaven,
and God has remembered her iniquities.
6 Pay her back as she herself has paid back others,
and repay her double for her deeds;
mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed.
7 As she glorified herself and lived in luxury,
so give her a like measure of torment and mourning,
since in her heart she says,
'I sit as a queen,
I am no widow,
and mourning I shall never see.'
8For this reason her plagues will come in a single day,
death and mourning and famine,
and she will be burned up with fire;
for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her."
In verse 4 we are told that John heard another voice from heaven....that voice is giving a warning! The voice is God. God is telling His people to get away from Babylon(Rome). Don't take part in her sins! This is similar to the warning he gave to Sodom and Gomorrah. If the people stay in Babylon and follow her sins they will share in the plagues God is about to send !Verse 5 tells us that Babylons sins are piled high and God remembers her sins! This is a good time to remind those who are saved that God forgets the sins of those who have trusted His Son!
Psalm 103:12
12as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
In verse 6 we see Babylons penalty. She will be paid back as she treated others only doubled! Verse 7 tells us as she was living in luxury and lifting herself up she will receive torment and mourning. In her heart she never thought of impending judgement just that she was queen and nothing would bring her down to mourning! Oh how wrong she will be! 1 John 2:16 has given us warning of a heart in the condition of Babylon:
1 John 2:16
16For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.
Verse 8 tells us for her desire for sin and turning from God plagues will come in a single day! Death. mourning, and fire will be upon Babylon. For God is the judge!!!! As we will see in the rest of the chapter both religious (although false) and commercial Babylon will fall!
Tom
Revelation 18:4-8
4Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,
"Come out of her, my people,
lest you take part in her sins,
lest you share in her plagues; 5for her sins are heaped high as heaven,
and God has remembered her iniquities.
6 Pay her back as she herself has paid back others,
and repay her double for her deeds;
mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed.
7 As she glorified herself and lived in luxury,
so give her a like measure of torment and mourning,
since in her heart she says,
'I sit as a queen,
I am no widow,
and mourning I shall never see.'
8For this reason her plagues will come in a single day,
death and mourning and famine,
and she will be burned up with fire;
for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her."
In verse 4 we are told that John heard another voice from heaven....that voice is giving a warning! The voice is God. God is telling His people to get away from Babylon(Rome). Don't take part in her sins! This is similar to the warning he gave to Sodom and Gomorrah. If the people stay in Babylon and follow her sins they will share in the plagues God is about to send !Verse 5 tells us that Babylons sins are piled high and God remembers her sins! This is a good time to remind those who are saved that God forgets the sins of those who have trusted His Son!
Psalm 103:12
12as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
In verse 6 we see Babylons penalty. She will be paid back as she treated others only doubled! Verse 7 tells us as she was living in luxury and lifting herself up she will receive torment and mourning. In her heart she never thought of impending judgement just that she was queen and nothing would bring her down to mourning! Oh how wrong she will be! 1 John 2:16 has given us warning of a heart in the condition of Babylon:
1 John 2:16
16For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.
Verse 8 tells us for her desire for sin and turning from God plagues will come in a single day! Death. mourning, and fire will be upon Babylon. For God is the judge!!!! As we will see in the rest of the chapter both religious (although false) and commercial Babylon will fall!
Tom
Monday, November 28, 2011
Revelation #55
I am glad to be back! Had a great Thanksgiving and I hope you did too! Let's get back to our study and jump right into chapter 18!
Revelation 18:1-3
The Fall of Babylon
1After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. 2And he called out with a mighty voice,
"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
She has become a dwelling place for demons,
a haunt for every unclean spirit,
a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.
3For all nations have drunk
the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,
and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,
and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living."
As we get into our study today let me remind you about what Babylon represents. Babylon represents Rome in these last days. It is a very wicked place and will be a world power run by the anti-Christ. It is a political power and a religious power although it is a false religion run by the false prophet. But now Babylons time has run out!
Verse 1 tells us John sees another angel coming from heaven and this angel has great authority and the earth is bright with his glory! Many guesses have been made who this angel is but we are not told or given many hints. He calls out in a loud voice reaffirming what we were told in Chapter 14:8:
Revelation 14:8
8Another angel, a second, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality."
Continuing now in verse 2 the angel describes how evil Babylon is...."a dwelling place for demons"! Wow They live there! Verse 2 goes on to say this place is even inhabited by unclean birds, beasts and spirits. The spirits lure people in. The birds and the beasts are a picture of spiritual defilement and danger. Verse 3 tells us the whole world has drunk the wine of sexual immorality with the anti-Christ and Babylon! I believe we are seeing this now! This verse proves it:
2 Timothy 3:4
4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
We are told also in verse three the leaders of the world fell right into his trap....sound familiar??? Then we are told how merchants get richer and richer from the anti-Christs luxurious living...that should ring some bells too!
Sin, power, and pleasure....these things lure folks away from God....now and will just get worse in the end of times! Tomorrow will see this will come crashing down....one day soon!
Tom
Revelation 18:1-3
The Fall of Babylon
1After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. 2And he called out with a mighty voice,
"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
She has become a dwelling place for demons,
a haunt for every unclean spirit,
a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.
3For all nations have drunk
the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,
and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,
and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living."
As we get into our study today let me remind you about what Babylon represents. Babylon represents Rome in these last days. It is a very wicked place and will be a world power run by the anti-Christ. It is a political power and a religious power although it is a false religion run by the false prophet. But now Babylons time has run out!
Verse 1 tells us John sees another angel coming from heaven and this angel has great authority and the earth is bright with his glory! Many guesses have been made who this angel is but we are not told or given many hints. He calls out in a loud voice reaffirming what we were told in Chapter 14:8:
Revelation 14:8
8Another angel, a second, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality."
Continuing now in verse 2 the angel describes how evil Babylon is...."a dwelling place for demons"! Wow They live there! Verse 2 goes on to say this place is even inhabited by unclean birds, beasts and spirits. The spirits lure people in. The birds and the beasts are a picture of spiritual defilement and danger. Verse 3 tells us the whole world has drunk the wine of sexual immorality with the anti-Christ and Babylon! I believe we are seeing this now! This verse proves it:
2 Timothy 3:4
4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
We are told also in verse three the leaders of the world fell right into his trap....sound familiar??? Then we are told how merchants get richer and richer from the anti-Christs luxurious living...that should ring some bells too!
Sin, power, and pleasure....these things lure folks away from God....now and will just get worse in the end of times! Tomorrow will see this will come crashing down....one day soon!
Tom
Monday, November 21, 2011
Revelation #54
Lets finish chapter 17 today:
Revelation 17:15-18
15And the angel said to me, "The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth."
In verse 15 we read that the angel tells John what the waters are that the prostitute (Rome) is seated on in verse 1. The waters are peoples, nations, and languages which are gentile nations. In verse 16 we see that ten horns( ten nation coalition and the beast(anti-Christ) will hate the prostitute(Rome). We are also told in verse 16 that they will totally turn on and destroy the prostitute(Rome). In verse 17 we see the reason for this....for God has put this in their hearts!. Look at Psalm 2:
Psalm 2
1 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
3"Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us."
4He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6"As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill."
7I will tell of the decree:The LORD said to me, "You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel."
10Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
God will complete His plan even in a world that has open rebellion against Him! We are told in the rest of verse 17 until the words of God are fulfilled. Many times God uses others to even who are not followers to complete His purposes and that is what we are seeing here. In verse 18 we are once again told who this woman is...the great city (Rome also referred to as Babylon elsewhere) who has dominion over the world for a time....until God says enough!
That finishes chapter 17 and we will pick up again after the Thanksgiving holiday! God bless and remember to give thanks to the only one who deserves it....Jesus!
Tom
Revelation 17:15-18
15And the angel said to me, "The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth."
In verse 15 we read that the angel tells John what the waters are that the prostitute (Rome) is seated on in verse 1. The waters are peoples, nations, and languages which are gentile nations. In verse 16 we see that ten horns( ten nation coalition and the beast(anti-Christ) will hate the prostitute(Rome). We are also told in verse 16 that they will totally turn on and destroy the prostitute(Rome). In verse 17 we see the reason for this....for God has put this in their hearts!. Look at Psalm 2:
Psalm 2
1 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
3"Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us."
4He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6"As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill."
7I will tell of the decree:The LORD said to me, "You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel."
10Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
God will complete His plan even in a world that has open rebellion against Him! We are told in the rest of verse 17 until the words of God are fulfilled. Many times God uses others to even who are not followers to complete His purposes and that is what we are seeing here. In verse 18 we are once again told who this woman is...the great city (Rome also referred to as Babylon elsewhere) who has dominion over the world for a time....until God says enough!
That finishes chapter 17 and we will pick up again after the Thanksgiving holiday! God bless and remember to give thanks to the only one who deserves it....Jesus!
Tom
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Revelation #53
Continuing on from yesterday in Chapter 17:
Revelation 17:7-14
7But the angel said to me, "Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. 9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."
In verse 7 we see the angel asking John why he is marveling about the women which is Rome(Babylon) and the beast(anti-Christ). The angel then tells John he will tell him the mystery! The beast is the anti-Christ but has even more meaning here. It also represents the Roman empire as we are told in verse 8. Was, is not, and is about to rise from bottomless pit, and go to destruction is a description of the Roman empire...past, present and future. We are also told the followers of the anti-Christ who are not saved will marvel at this empire after its resurrection.
Then verse 9 tells us we have to think to understand whats coming next! The seven heads are seven heads of the beast represent seven kings and verse 10 gives us more information on these kings....5 are fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does he wont be here long. The 5 that are fallen are: Julius Caesar, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. The one who was in power at this time was Domitian. The who has not yet come was the anti-Christ. Then verse 11 gives us more details on Anti-Christ...He was the seventh then he dies, and it resurrected and becomes the 8TH but actually still is the 7th. But thankfully we see his destiny at the end of verse 11 destruction!
Verse12 tells us about the ten horns on the beast. They represent kings(Nations...many think these will come from European Union) who have not received their power yet from the anti-Christ, but at the right time they will along with the beast....for one hour! Verse 13 tells us they will be in one mind with the anti-Christ and will give all power and authority to the anti-Christ(beast). Verse 14 says they will make war on the Lamb(Jesus) and Jesus will conquer them!!! Why? Because He is Lord of lords and King of kings and the saints that are with Jesus are called, chosen, and faithful....oh my brothers and sisters I pray this morning you are numbered along with the other saints!
Tom
Revelation 17:7-14
7But the angel said to me, "Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. 9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."
In verse 7 we see the angel asking John why he is marveling about the women which is Rome(Babylon) and the beast(anti-Christ). The angel then tells John he will tell him the mystery! The beast is the anti-Christ but has even more meaning here. It also represents the Roman empire as we are told in verse 8. Was, is not, and is about to rise from bottomless pit, and go to destruction is a description of the Roman empire...past, present and future. We are also told the followers of the anti-Christ who are not saved will marvel at this empire after its resurrection.
Then verse 9 tells us we have to think to understand whats coming next! The seven heads are seven heads of the beast represent seven kings and verse 10 gives us more information on these kings....5 are fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does he wont be here long. The 5 that are fallen are: Julius Caesar, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. The one who was in power at this time was Domitian. The who has not yet come was the anti-Christ. Then verse 11 gives us more details on Anti-Christ...He was the seventh then he dies, and it resurrected and becomes the 8TH but actually still is the 7th. But thankfully we see his destiny at the end of verse 11 destruction!
Verse12 tells us about the ten horns on the beast. They represent kings(Nations...many think these will come from European Union) who have not received their power yet from the anti-Christ, but at the right time they will along with the beast....for one hour! Verse 13 tells us they will be in one mind with the anti-Christ and will give all power and authority to the anti-Christ(beast). Verse 14 says they will make war on the Lamb(Jesus) and Jesus will conquer them!!! Why? Because He is Lord of lords and King of kings and the saints that are with Jesus are called, chosen, and faithful....oh my brothers and sisters I pray this morning you are numbered along with the other saints!
Tom
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Revelation #52
Alright we are ready to jump into chapter 17 now:
Revelation 17:1-6
The Great Prostitute and the Beast
1Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk." 3And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: "Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations." 6And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.When I saw her, I marveled greatly.
In verse 1 John says that one of the angels that had a bowl came to him and told John to follow him and he would show the judgement that was to come on the great prostitute! This great prostitute is Rome which is ofter referred to as Babylon also. This prostitute is also seated on "many waters" which is a symbol to mean...many gentile nations. Verse 2 explains this a little more by that these gentile nations have committed sexual immorality as well as their "dwellers" which are the people who follow the Kings. This is another way of saying they have committed spiritual adultery against God. Worshiping Satan instead. John then tells us the angel carried him away in the Spirit into the wilderness and John saw a scarlet beast. This is the anti-Christ and the reason he is scarlet is because of the blood he has shed of the faithful saints of Jesus. This beast is full of blasphemous names. These names are individuals who are recognized by the false church who considered themselves equal with God. They were put in place by the anti-Christ and false prophet. This beast had seven heads which we will talk about when we get to verse 10. the beast also had 10 horns which we talked about in Revelation 13:1 and will some more in 17:12. In verse 4 prostitute is now called woman which is Rome( Babylon) and the false church here. Look how she is dressed. Like Royalty. Focus on what is in her hand...a golden cup full of abominations and impurities of her sexual immorality....which we already learned was spiritual adultery against God. That is what the false church was all about...abominations against Jesus! Verse 5 tells us that a mystery name was written on her forehead....the rest of this verse gives us that mystery name and tells us in verse 6 that this women was drunk on blood!!!! Whose blood? The blood of the saints and martyrs of Christ! Wow! This is a great deceiver for the lost because they see the power of this false church and think she is what is to be worshiped!!!!
Tomorrow we will see more about this woman!
Tom
Revelation 17:1-6
The Great Prostitute and the Beast
1Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk." 3And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: "Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations." 6And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.When I saw her, I marveled greatly.
In verse 1 John says that one of the angels that had a bowl came to him and told John to follow him and he would show the judgement that was to come on the great prostitute! This great prostitute is Rome which is ofter referred to as Babylon also. This prostitute is also seated on "many waters" which is a symbol to mean...many gentile nations. Verse 2 explains this a little more by that these gentile nations have committed sexual immorality as well as their "dwellers" which are the people who follow the Kings. This is another way of saying they have committed spiritual adultery against God. Worshiping Satan instead. John then tells us the angel carried him away in the Spirit into the wilderness and John saw a scarlet beast. This is the anti-Christ and the reason he is scarlet is because of the blood he has shed of the faithful saints of Jesus. This beast is full of blasphemous names. These names are individuals who are recognized by the false church who considered themselves equal with God. They were put in place by the anti-Christ and false prophet. This beast had seven heads which we will talk about when we get to verse 10. the beast also had 10 horns which we talked about in Revelation 13:1 and will some more in 17:12. In verse 4 prostitute is now called woman which is Rome( Babylon) and the false church here. Look how she is dressed. Like Royalty. Focus on what is in her hand...a golden cup full of abominations and impurities of her sexual immorality....which we already learned was spiritual adultery against God. That is what the false church was all about...abominations against Jesus! Verse 5 tells us that a mystery name was written on her forehead....the rest of this verse gives us that mystery name and tells us in verse 6 that this women was drunk on blood!!!! Whose blood? The blood of the saints and martyrs of Christ! Wow! This is a great deceiver for the lost because they see the power of this false church and think she is what is to be worshiped!!!!
Tomorrow we will see more about this woman!
Tom
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Revelation #51
Today we look at the final bowl being poured out:
Revelation 16:17-21
The Seventh Bowl
17The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 21And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.
In verse 17 we see the seventh angel pour out his bowl into the air. Then we are told a loud voice comes from the temple and the throne which would tell us this is God saying "it is done!" This is signifying that the judgements are soon coming to an end. The words spoken it is done are very similar to the words of Christ on the cross:
John 19:30
30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
In verse 18 we are told lightning and thunder erupted and an earthquake like no one had ever seen before took place. In verse 19 the great city(Rome- where the anti-Christ headquarters are) is split into three parts! Wow what an earthquake! Verse 19 also tells us that God remembered Babylon. What does God recall about her? The false church, the corrupt economic system, and the empire of the beast! God don't forget unrepented sin! So He pours out His fury on her! Verse 20 gives us more details on this great earthquake! Islands and mountains disappear! Verse 21 tells us hail falls from heaven that are somewhere around 100 pounds each! Oh my! They fall on people which of course would kill them. This is similar to the seventh plague found in Exodus 9:
Exodus 9:13-35
The Seventh Plague: Hail
13Then the LORD said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh and say to him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, "Let my people go, that they may serve me. 14For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. 15For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. 16 But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. 17 You are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go. 18Behold, about this time tomorrow I will cause very heavy hail to fall, such as never has been in Egypt from the day it was founded until now. 19Now therefore send, get your livestock and all that you have in the field into safe shelter, for every man and beast that is in the field and is not brought home will die when the hail falls on them."'" 20Then whoever feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh hurried his slaves and his livestock into the houses, 21but whoever did not pay attention to the word of the LORD left his slaves and his livestock in the field.
22Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on man and beast and every plant of the field, in the land of Egypt." 23Then Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt. 24There was hail and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very heavy hail, such as had never been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 25The hail struck down everything that was in the field in all the land of Egypt, both man and beast. And the hail struck down every plant of the field and broke every tree of the field. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the people of Israel were, was there no hail.
27Then Pharaoh sent and called Moses and Aaron and said to them, "This time I have sinned; the LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. 28 Plead with the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer." 29Moses said to him, "As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will stretch out my hands to the LORD. The thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s. 30But as for you and your servants, I know that you do not yet fear the LORD God." 31(The flax and the barley were struck down, for the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bud. 32But the wheat and the emmer were not struck down, for they are late in coming up.) 33So Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh and stretched out his hands to the LORD, and the thunder and the hail ceased, and the rain no longer poured upon the earth. 34But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 35So the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people of Israel go, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses.
Verse 21 closes by telling us the people curse God for the hail because it is so severe. This is a good reminder that our sin brings judgement but we have a loving merciful God who will forgive our sin through the shed blood of Christ. Please don't delay come to Him today!
Tom
Revelation 16:17-21
The Seventh Bowl
17The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 21And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.
In verse 17 we see the seventh angel pour out his bowl into the air. Then we are told a loud voice comes from the temple and the throne which would tell us this is God saying "it is done!" This is signifying that the judgements are soon coming to an end. The words spoken it is done are very similar to the words of Christ on the cross:
John 19:30
30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
In verse 18 we are told lightning and thunder erupted and an earthquake like no one had ever seen before took place. In verse 19 the great city(Rome- where the anti-Christ headquarters are) is split into three parts! Wow what an earthquake! Verse 19 also tells us that God remembered Babylon. What does God recall about her? The false church, the corrupt economic system, and the empire of the beast! God don't forget unrepented sin! So He pours out His fury on her! Verse 20 gives us more details on this great earthquake! Islands and mountains disappear! Verse 21 tells us hail falls from heaven that are somewhere around 100 pounds each! Oh my! They fall on people which of course would kill them. This is similar to the seventh plague found in Exodus 9:
Exodus 9:13-35
The Seventh Plague: Hail
13Then the LORD said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh and say to him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, "Let my people go, that they may serve me. 14For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. 15For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. 16 But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. 17 You are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go. 18Behold, about this time tomorrow I will cause very heavy hail to fall, such as never has been in Egypt from the day it was founded until now. 19Now therefore send, get your livestock and all that you have in the field into safe shelter, for every man and beast that is in the field and is not brought home will die when the hail falls on them."'" 20Then whoever feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh hurried his slaves and his livestock into the houses, 21but whoever did not pay attention to the word of the LORD left his slaves and his livestock in the field.
22Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on man and beast and every plant of the field, in the land of Egypt." 23Then Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt. 24There was hail and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very heavy hail, such as had never been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 25The hail struck down everything that was in the field in all the land of Egypt, both man and beast. And the hail struck down every plant of the field and broke every tree of the field. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the people of Israel were, was there no hail.
27Then Pharaoh sent and called Moses and Aaron and said to them, "This time I have sinned; the LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. 28 Plead with the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer." 29Moses said to him, "As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will stretch out my hands to the LORD. The thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s. 30But as for you and your servants, I know that you do not yet fear the LORD God." 31(The flax and the barley were struck down, for the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bud. 32But the wheat and the emmer were not struck down, for they are late in coming up.) 33So Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh and stretched out his hands to the LORD, and the thunder and the hail ceased, and the rain no longer poured upon the earth. 34But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 35So the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people of Israel go, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses.
Verse 21 closes by telling us the people curse God for the hail because it is so severe. This is a good reminder that our sin brings judgement but we have a loving merciful God who will forgive our sin through the shed blood of Christ. Please don't delay come to Him today!
Tom
Monday, November 14, 2011
Revelation #50
Today we will look at the fifth and sixth bowls being poured out:
Revelation 16:10-16
10The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish 11and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.
12The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. 13And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15("Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!") 16And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
In verse 10 we see the fifth angel pour his bowl out on the throne of the beast. This beast remember is the anti-Christ. The anti-Christ's kingdom will be turned dark. Apparently not the whole world just his kingdom! This will drive people somewhat insane as we see people gnawing their tongues and in pain....remember from previous bowls they are in pain from sun scorching and cancer like sores! In verse 11 we see because of the darkness and pain they curse God...so this tells us they know where the judgement is coming from! They also do not repent! If we look in Exodus we also see the darkness is similar to the 9th plague of Egypt:
Exodus 10:21-29
The Ninth Plague: Darkness
21Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt." 22So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived. 24Then Pharaoh called Moses and said, "Go, serve the LORD; your little ones also may go with you; only let your flocks and your herds remain behind." 25But Moses said, "You must also let us have sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. 26Our livestock also must go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind, for we must take of them to serve the LORD our God, and we do not know with what we must serve the LORD until we arrive there." 27But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go. 28Then Pharaoh said to him, "Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die." 29Moses said, "As you say! I will not see your face again."
In verse 12 we move onto the sixth angel pouring out his bowl on the Euphrates river. This dries this river up!!! Wow. This makes it possible for Kings from the east to bring armies across for the battle of Armageddon. Many commentators think China will be one of these armies! In verse 13 we see we see the unholy trinity. Remember Satan tries to copy the things of God. The dragon is Satan, the beast in the anti-Christ, and the false prophet is the false religious leader. We are told outright....these are unclean spirits like frogs! This reminds us of the second plague on Egypt:
Exodus 8:2-11
2But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will plague all your country with frogs. 3The Nile shall swarm with frogs that shall come up into your house and into your bedroom and on your bed and into the houses of your servants and your people, and into your ovens and your kneading bowls. 4The frogs shall come up on you and on your people and on all your servants."'" 5 And the LORD said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, 'Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, over the canals and over the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt!'" 6So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. 7But the magicians did the same by their secret arts and made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.
8Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, "Plead with the LORD to take away the frogs from me and from my people, and I will let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD." 9Moses said to Pharaoh, "Be pleased to command me when I am to plead for you and for your servants and for your people, that the frogs be cut off from you and your houses and be left only in the Nile." 10And he said, "Tomorrow." Moses said, "Be it as you say, so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God. 11The frogs shall go away from you and your houses and your servants and your people. They shall be left only in the Nile."
Just like on Egypt....these 3 frogs will be annoying to say the least!
In verse 14 we are told what these three demonic frogs will be doing....performing signs which will win favor among the people. They also will be going abroad to meet with Kings of the world to prepare for the battle with God. Satan knows what is coming and will do all he can to get ready to fight a losing battle! In verse 15 God reminds us he is coming like a thief....unexpectedly!!! We are to be ready for those who keep their garments on( testimonies both inside and out for Jesus) will be blessed! Delivered by Jesus! Then in verse 16 we see where those armies will gather....Armageddon. Armageddon means Mount Megiddo in Hebrew. In ancient Israel Megiddo was a plain not a mountain. It was the site of some key battles. This battle in revelation could be meaning the bodies amassed after Jesus gets done will look like a mountain! For it will be a mountain of slaughter by Jesus on these Armies!
What a terrible day for the world that will be when Jesus comes to battle Satan and the worlds kings!
Tom
Revelation 16:10-16
10The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish 11and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.
12The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. 13And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15("Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!") 16And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
In verse 10 we see the fifth angel pour his bowl out on the throne of the beast. This beast remember is the anti-Christ. The anti-Christ's kingdom will be turned dark. Apparently not the whole world just his kingdom! This will drive people somewhat insane as we see people gnawing their tongues and in pain....remember from previous bowls they are in pain from sun scorching and cancer like sores! In verse 11 we see because of the darkness and pain they curse God...so this tells us they know where the judgement is coming from! They also do not repent! If we look in Exodus we also see the darkness is similar to the 9th plague of Egypt:
Exodus 10:21-29
The Ninth Plague: Darkness
21Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt." 22So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived. 24Then Pharaoh called Moses and said, "Go, serve the LORD; your little ones also may go with you; only let your flocks and your herds remain behind." 25But Moses said, "You must also let us have sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. 26Our livestock also must go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind, for we must take of them to serve the LORD our God, and we do not know with what we must serve the LORD until we arrive there." 27But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go. 28Then Pharaoh said to him, "Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die." 29Moses said, "As you say! I will not see your face again."
In verse 12 we move onto the sixth angel pouring out his bowl on the Euphrates river. This dries this river up!!! Wow. This makes it possible for Kings from the east to bring armies across for the battle of Armageddon. Many commentators think China will be one of these armies! In verse 13 we see we see the unholy trinity. Remember Satan tries to copy the things of God. The dragon is Satan, the beast in the anti-Christ, and the false prophet is the false religious leader. We are told outright....these are unclean spirits like frogs! This reminds us of the second plague on Egypt:
Exodus 8:2-11
2But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will plague all your country with frogs. 3The Nile shall swarm with frogs that shall come up into your house and into your bedroom and on your bed and into the houses of your servants and your people, and into your ovens and your kneading bowls. 4The frogs shall come up on you and on your people and on all your servants."'" 5 And the LORD said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, 'Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, over the canals and over the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt!'" 6So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. 7But the magicians did the same by their secret arts and made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.
8Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, "Plead with the LORD to take away the frogs from me and from my people, and I will let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD." 9Moses said to Pharaoh, "Be pleased to command me when I am to plead for you and for your servants and for your people, that the frogs be cut off from you and your houses and be left only in the Nile." 10And he said, "Tomorrow." Moses said, "Be it as you say, so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God. 11The frogs shall go away from you and your houses and your servants and your people. They shall be left only in the Nile."
Just like on Egypt....these 3 frogs will be annoying to say the least!
In verse 14 we are told what these three demonic frogs will be doing....performing signs which will win favor among the people. They also will be going abroad to meet with Kings of the world to prepare for the battle with God. Satan knows what is coming and will do all he can to get ready to fight a losing battle! In verse 15 God reminds us he is coming like a thief....unexpectedly!!! We are to be ready for those who keep their garments on( testimonies both inside and out for Jesus) will be blessed! Delivered by Jesus! Then in verse 16 we see where those armies will gather....Armageddon. Armageddon means Mount Megiddo in Hebrew. In ancient Israel Megiddo was a plain not a mountain. It was the site of some key battles. This battle in revelation could be meaning the bodies amassed after Jesus gets done will look like a mountain! For it will be a mountain of slaughter by Jesus on these Armies!
What a terrible day for the world that will be when Jesus comes to battle Satan and the worlds kings!
Tom
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Revelation #49
Well hopefully you were able to digest the beginning of the pouring out of the bowls yesterday. Today we will look at a few more!
Revelation 16:4-9
4The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5And I heard the angel in charge of the waters[a] say,
"Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was,
for you brought these judgments.
6For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,
and you have given them blood to drink.
It is what they deserve!"
7And I heard the altar saying,
"Yes, Lord God the Almighty,
true and just are your judgments!"
8The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed[b] the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.
In verse 4 we see the third angel pour out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water. These waters now become blood. Every living thing will die in the rivers and springs and now this causes a major problem with drinking water! Look at what the angel in verses 5-6 says the reasoning for this bowl being poured out! Because of the shed blood of the saints and prophets! So God will give them to drink what they wanted....blood! This is an answer to the saints cries in Revelation 6:10:
Revelation 6:10
10They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"
In verse 7 we see the alter where the saints blood pooled in Rev. 6:9 agrees with God's judgement! In verse 8 we see the fourth angel poor out his bowl. He pours is out on the sun which apparently intensifies the sun and the heat is so intense it scorches the people! Wow. You ever had a bad sunburn? This will be magnified much much more! Look at verse 6 even after these four bowls are poured out the peoples hatred for God comes out. They curse His Name because they know His wrath is coming down! We also see they did not repent and give God glory...this is the very reason they are being burned!
Whew! This is mind blowing!
Tom
Revelation 16:4-9
4The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5And I heard the angel in charge of the waters[a] say,
"Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was,
for you brought these judgments.
6For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,
and you have given them blood to drink.
It is what they deserve!"
7And I heard the altar saying,
"Yes, Lord God the Almighty,
true and just are your judgments!"
8The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed[b] the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.
In verse 4 we see the third angel pour out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water. These waters now become blood. Every living thing will die in the rivers and springs and now this causes a major problem with drinking water! Look at what the angel in verses 5-6 says the reasoning for this bowl being poured out! Because of the shed blood of the saints and prophets! So God will give them to drink what they wanted....blood! This is an answer to the saints cries in Revelation 6:10:
Revelation 6:10
10They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"
In verse 7 we see the alter where the saints blood pooled in Rev. 6:9 agrees with God's judgement! In verse 8 we see the fourth angel poor out his bowl. He pours is out on the sun which apparently intensifies the sun and the heat is so intense it scorches the people! Wow. You ever had a bad sunburn? This will be magnified much much more! Look at verse 6 even after these four bowls are poured out the peoples hatred for God comes out. They curse His Name because they know His wrath is coming down! We also see they did not repent and give God glory...this is the very reason they are being burned!
Whew! This is mind blowing!
Tom
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Revelation #48
Today we jump into chapter 16 and start looking at the seven bowls that will pour out the wrath of God!
Just a reminder that the church will be gone at this point in Tribulation, for those who accept Christ during the Tribulation....well it won't be pretty for them or for the unsaved!
Revelation 16:1-3
The Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath
1Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God."
2So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
3The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea.
Please take this wrath of God in. It should prod us onto sharing Christ to all when we realize what is coming at some point!
In verse 1 John hears a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angles(we read about these yesterday) to go and pour their bowls out on the earth. In verse 2 the first angel pours his bowl out on the earth and very harmful and painful sores come upon those who received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image! Interestingly those who have received Christ will not be harmed by this bowl being poured out. Many commentators believe theses sores will be cancer like. The people who have theses sores will be in great agony!
In verse 3 the second angel pours hi bowl into the sea and it became like blood of a corpse(deadman). This is much like the first plague upon Egypt but magnified! Look at Exodus 7:21:
Exodus 7:21
21And the fish in the Nile died, and the Nile stank, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile. There was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
Look at the results of this second bowl being poured out....every living thing died that was in the sea!!! This will affect everyone unsaved and those who have received Christ. Can you imagine the effect of this? The stink, the bacteria, the economic effect!!!
Think about this for a bit....and that is just two bowls being poured out! Five more to come!
Tom
Just a reminder that the church will be gone at this point in Tribulation, for those who accept Christ during the Tribulation....well it won't be pretty for them or for the unsaved!
Revelation 16:1-3
The Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath
1Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God."
2So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
3The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea.
Please take this wrath of God in. It should prod us onto sharing Christ to all when we realize what is coming at some point!
In verse 1 John hears a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angles(we read about these yesterday) to go and pour their bowls out on the earth. In verse 2 the first angel pours his bowl out on the earth and very harmful and painful sores come upon those who received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image! Interestingly those who have received Christ will not be harmed by this bowl being poured out. Many commentators believe theses sores will be cancer like. The people who have theses sores will be in great agony!
In verse 3 the second angel pours hi bowl into the sea and it became like blood of a corpse(deadman). This is much like the first plague upon Egypt but magnified! Look at Exodus 7:21:
Exodus 7:21
21And the fish in the Nile died, and the Nile stank, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile. There was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
Look at the results of this second bowl being poured out....every living thing died that was in the sea!!! This will affect everyone unsaved and those who have received Christ. Can you imagine the effect of this? The stink, the bacteria, the economic effect!!!
Think about this for a bit....and that is just two bowls being poured out! Five more to come!
Tom
Monday, November 7, 2011
Revelation #47
Continuing in Chapter 15!
Revelation 15:5-8
5After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, 6and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. 7And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, 8and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.
After the praises are lifted to God John is still looking around heaven and he now sees the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven (which is the inner chamber) was opened. In verses 6 we are told that out of this sanctuary came seven angels with seven plagues. These plagues represent the wrath of God which is soon to come in Chapter 16 in the form of the bowls being poured out. These angels are clothed in pure white which represents their purity and also have golden sashes around their chest. This is similar to what Jesus was wearing in Revelation 1:13:
Revelation 1:13
13and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.
In verse 7 we see one of the four living creatures actually handing the bowls of God's wrath to the seven angels. We are also told about our awesome God....he lives forever and ever. Verse 8 says the sanctuary was filled with smoke(Holy Spirit) from the glory and power of God!!!! No one was allowed in God's presence in the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished!
Tomorrow we will start to look at these bowls(plagues) being poured out....God's wrath is not pretty!
Tom
Revelation 15:5-8
5After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, 6and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. 7And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, 8and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.
After the praises are lifted to God John is still looking around heaven and he now sees the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven (which is the inner chamber) was opened. In verses 6 we are told that out of this sanctuary came seven angels with seven plagues. These plagues represent the wrath of God which is soon to come in Chapter 16 in the form of the bowls being poured out. These angels are clothed in pure white which represents their purity and also have golden sashes around their chest. This is similar to what Jesus was wearing in Revelation 1:13:
Revelation 1:13
13and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.
In verse 7 we see one of the four living creatures actually handing the bowls of God's wrath to the seven angels. We are also told about our awesome God....he lives forever and ever. Verse 8 says the sanctuary was filled with smoke(Holy Spirit) from the glory and power of God!!!! No one was allowed in God's presence in the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished!
Tomorrow we will start to look at these bowls(plagues) being poured out....God's wrath is not pretty!
Tom
Friday, November 4, 2011
Revelation #46
Alright here we go with Chapter 15!
Revelation 15:1-4
1Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.
2And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. 3And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
"Great and amazing are your deeds,
O Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are your ways,
O King of the nations!
4 Who will not fear, O Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed."
In verse 1 John tells us he sees another sign in heaven and tells us it was great and amazing! What did he see? Seven angels and seven plagues. We are told after these plagues the wrath of God will be finished. In verse 2 John says he sees a sea of glass mingled with fire. We seen this sea of glass before in Chapter 4 verse 6.
Revelation 4:6
6and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.
Remember this sea is of glass is a representation of pureness. Verse 2 continues on to tell us that those who conquered the beast, its image and the mark by staying faithful to Jesus are standing beside this sea of glass for they are now pure before God! These believers have harps of God in their hands and are singing the song of Moses which was the song the Israelites sang after their deliverance from Pharaoh!
Exodus 15
The Song of Moses
1Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying,
"I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously;
the horse and his rider[a] he has thrown into the sea.
2 The LORD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
3The LORD is a man of war;
the LORD is his name.
4 "Pharaoh’s chariots and his host he cast into the sea,
and his chosen officers were sunk in the Red Sea.
5The floods covered them;
they went down into the depths like a stone.
6 Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power,
your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.
7In the greatness of your majesty you overthrow your adversaries;
you send out your fury; it consumes them like stubble.
8At the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up;
the floods stood up in a heap;
the deeps congealed in the heart of the sea.
9The enemy said, 'I will pursue, I will overtake,
I will divide the spoil, my desire shall have its fill of them.
I will draw my sword; my hand shall destroy them.'
10You blew with your wind; the sea covered them;
they sank like lead in the mighty waters.
11 "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods?
Who is like you, majestic in holiness,
awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?
12You stretched out your right hand;
the earth swallowed them.
13"You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed;
you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.
14 The peoples have heard; they tremble;
pangs have seized the inhabitants of Philistia.
15Now are the chiefs of Edom dismayed;
trembling seizes the leaders of Moab;
all the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.
16Terror and dread fall upon them;
because of the greatness of your arm, they are still as a stone,
till your people, O LORD, pass by,
till the people pass by whom you have purchased.
17You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain,
the place, O LORD, which you have made for your abode,
the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established.
18 The LORD will reign forever and ever."
The song of the lamb is in Revelation 5:
Revelation 5:9-10
9And they sang a new song, saying,
"Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth."
If you dont like to sing you better learn to like it for you will be in heaven!
Tom
Revelation 15:1-4
1Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.
2And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. 3And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
"Great and amazing are your deeds,
O Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are your ways,
O King of the nations!
4 Who will not fear, O Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed."
In verse 1 John tells us he sees another sign in heaven and tells us it was great and amazing! What did he see? Seven angels and seven plagues. We are told after these plagues the wrath of God will be finished. In verse 2 John says he sees a sea of glass mingled with fire. We seen this sea of glass before in Chapter 4 verse 6.
Revelation 4:6
6and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.
Remember this sea is of glass is a representation of pureness. Verse 2 continues on to tell us that those who conquered the beast, its image and the mark by staying faithful to Jesus are standing beside this sea of glass for they are now pure before God! These believers have harps of God in their hands and are singing the song of Moses which was the song the Israelites sang after their deliverance from Pharaoh!
Exodus 15
The Song of Moses
1Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying,
"I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously;
the horse and his rider[a] he has thrown into the sea.
2 The LORD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
3The LORD is a man of war;
the LORD is his name.
4 "Pharaoh’s chariots and his host he cast into the sea,
and his chosen officers were sunk in the Red Sea.
5The floods covered them;
they went down into the depths like a stone.
6 Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power,
your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.
7In the greatness of your majesty you overthrow your adversaries;
you send out your fury; it consumes them like stubble.
8At the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up;
the floods stood up in a heap;
the deeps congealed in the heart of the sea.
9The enemy said, 'I will pursue, I will overtake,
I will divide the spoil, my desire shall have its fill of them.
I will draw my sword; my hand shall destroy them.'
10You blew with your wind; the sea covered them;
they sank like lead in the mighty waters.
11 "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods?
Who is like you, majestic in holiness,
awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?
12You stretched out your right hand;
the earth swallowed them.
13"You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed;
you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.
14 The peoples have heard; they tremble;
pangs have seized the inhabitants of Philistia.
15Now are the chiefs of Edom dismayed;
trembling seizes the leaders of Moab;
all the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.
16Terror and dread fall upon them;
because of the greatness of your arm, they are still as a stone,
till your people, O LORD, pass by,
till the people pass by whom you have purchased.
17You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain,
the place, O LORD, which you have made for your abode,
the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established.
18 The LORD will reign forever and ever."
The song of the lamb is in Revelation 5:
Revelation 5:9-10
9And they sang a new song, saying,
"Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth."
If you dont like to sing you better learn to like it for you will be in heaven!
Tom
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Revelation #45
Moving right along we will finish chapter 14 today!
Revelation 14:14-20
The Harvest of the Earth
14Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe." 16So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped.
17Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, "Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe." 19So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia.
In verse 14 we are told John sees a white cloud and seated on that cloud one like the son of man which is Jesus! Jesus has a golden crown on His head which represents His royalty and He has a sharp sickle in His hand. A sickle is used for harvesting and that is exactly what Jesus is about to do! In verse 15 we are told an angel comes out of the temple and tells Jesus that the earth is fully ripe and ready to harvest and to use His sickle and reap for it is time! Remember Matthew 3:12?
Matthew 3:12
12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
This was John the baptist speaking of Jesus!
In verse 16 we are told Jesus swings His sickle across the earth and reaps a harvest. This is the first harvest. This harvest is those who received Christ but have been killed for their faith. Jesus harvested those that are HIS! In verse 17 we see another angel come out of the temple in heaven and he has a sharp sickle too. In verse 18 we see another angel arrive but this time from the altar and this angel has authority over fire. This angel calls to the angel with the sickle to reap the second harvest for the grapes are ripe! So the angel swings its sickle and and gathers the harvest and throws into the great winepress of the wrath of God. Look at Isaiah:
Isaiah 63:1-6
The LORD’s Day of Vengeance
1Who is this who comes from Edom,
in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,
he who is splendid in his apparel,
marching in the greatness of his strength?
"It is I, speaking in righteousness,
mighty to save."
2Why is your apparel red,
and your garments like his who treads in the winepress?
3 "I have trodden the winepress alone,
and from the peoples no one was with me;
I trod them in my anger
and trampled them in my wrath;
their lifeblood spattered on my garments,
and stained all my apparel.
4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart,
and my year of redemption had come.
5I looked, but there was no one to help;
I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold;
so my own arm brought me salvation,
and my wrath upheld me.
6I trampled down the peoples in my anger;
I made them drunk in my wrath,
and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth."
A great picture of what is happening in this second harvest....those who have trampled God are now trampled by God! Verse 20 tells us how great of slaughter this will be. This slaughter will take place outside the city(Jerusalem) and the blood will flow as high as a horses bridle which is about 5 feet and for 1,600 stadia which equals about 200 miles! This will be a massive slaughter!
Praise God for your salvation!!!
Tom
Revelation 14:14-20
The Harvest of the Earth
14Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe." 16So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped.
17Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, "Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe." 19So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia.
In verse 14 we are told John sees a white cloud and seated on that cloud one like the son of man which is Jesus! Jesus has a golden crown on His head which represents His royalty and He has a sharp sickle in His hand. A sickle is used for harvesting and that is exactly what Jesus is about to do! In verse 15 we are told an angel comes out of the temple and tells Jesus that the earth is fully ripe and ready to harvest and to use His sickle and reap for it is time! Remember Matthew 3:12?
Matthew 3:12
12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
This was John the baptist speaking of Jesus!
In verse 16 we are told Jesus swings His sickle across the earth and reaps a harvest. This is the first harvest. This harvest is those who received Christ but have been killed for their faith. Jesus harvested those that are HIS! In verse 17 we see another angel come out of the temple in heaven and he has a sharp sickle too. In verse 18 we see another angel arrive but this time from the altar and this angel has authority over fire. This angel calls to the angel with the sickle to reap the second harvest for the grapes are ripe! So the angel swings its sickle and and gathers the harvest and throws into the great winepress of the wrath of God. Look at Isaiah:
Isaiah 63:1-6
The LORD’s Day of Vengeance
1Who is this who comes from Edom,
in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,
he who is splendid in his apparel,
marching in the greatness of his strength?
"It is I, speaking in righteousness,
mighty to save."
2Why is your apparel red,
and your garments like his who treads in the winepress?
3 "I have trodden the winepress alone,
and from the peoples no one was with me;
I trod them in my anger
and trampled them in my wrath;
their lifeblood spattered on my garments,
and stained all my apparel.
4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart,
and my year of redemption had come.
5I looked, but there was no one to help;
I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold;
so my own arm brought me salvation,
and my wrath upheld me.
6I trampled down the peoples in my anger;
I made them drunk in my wrath,
and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth."
A great picture of what is happening in this second harvest....those who have trampled God are now trampled by God! Verse 20 tells us how great of slaughter this will be. This slaughter will take place outside the city(Jerusalem) and the blood will flow as high as a horses bridle which is about 5 feet and for 1,600 stadia which equals about 200 miles! This will be a massive slaughter!
Praise God for your salvation!!!
Tom
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Revelation #44
Continuing in Chapter 14 this morning!
Revelation 14:6-13
The Messages of the Three Angels
6Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7And he said with a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water."
8Another angel, a second, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality."
9And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name."
12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
13And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"
In verse 6 we are told that John sees an angel flying overhead and this angel has the eternal gospel to proclaim. This is the first time in the Word that an angel is used to proclaim the gospel! This angel is telling everyone on the earth the good news of Jesus. In verse this angel also tells them to fear God and give Him glory because judgement is upon them. The angel also says worship the Creator! This announcement is like a final call to the world!!!!
In verse 8 we see another angel arrive on the scene, his message is Babylon is fallen! Rome and all the nations that followed the anti-Christ is coming to an end with their sexual immorality.. We will see this in much more detail in Chapters 17-18. In verse 9 we see the third angel come and announce that if anyone worships the beast or its image and if they receive a mark on their forehead or hand he will endure God's wrath!!! Everyone needs to take notice of that announcement! The angel also describes how fierce the judgement will be....full strength! They will be tormented with fire and sulfer in the presence of the angels and Jesus! In verse 11 we are told how long this torment will last....forever! There will be no rest from this for whoever worships the beast, it's image, or receives the mark! All will go to hell who do plain and simple.
Verse 12 says this is a call out to all the saints to endure and keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus! These saints are those who are saved during the tribulation! Verse 13 tells us those who endure til death are blessed. Rest will come when they get to heaven! The deeds that follow them are their works for Jesus in this tribulation!
Revelation 22:12
12"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.
Oh my brothers and sisters make the decision for Jesus now! It will be so hard during the tribulation....don't wait!
Tom
Revelation 14:6-13
The Messages of the Three Angels
6Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7And he said with a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water."
8Another angel, a second, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality."
9And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name."
12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
13And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"
In verse 6 we are told that John sees an angel flying overhead and this angel has the eternal gospel to proclaim. This is the first time in the Word that an angel is used to proclaim the gospel! This angel is telling everyone on the earth the good news of Jesus. In verse this angel also tells them to fear God and give Him glory because judgement is upon them. The angel also says worship the Creator! This announcement is like a final call to the world!!!!
In verse 8 we see another angel arrive on the scene, his message is Babylon is fallen! Rome and all the nations that followed the anti-Christ is coming to an end with their sexual immorality.. We will see this in much more detail in Chapters 17-18. In verse 9 we see the third angel come and announce that if anyone worships the beast or its image and if they receive a mark on their forehead or hand he will endure God's wrath!!! Everyone needs to take notice of that announcement! The angel also describes how fierce the judgement will be....full strength! They will be tormented with fire and sulfer in the presence of the angels and Jesus! In verse 11 we are told how long this torment will last....forever! There will be no rest from this for whoever worships the beast, it's image, or receives the mark! All will go to hell who do plain and simple.
Verse 12 says this is a call out to all the saints to endure and keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus! These saints are those who are saved during the tribulation! Verse 13 tells us those who endure til death are blessed. Rest will come when they get to heaven! The deeds that follow them are their works for Jesus in this tribulation!
Revelation 22:12
12"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.
Oh my brothers and sisters make the decision for Jesus now! It will be so hard during the tribulation....don't wait!
Tom
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Revelation #43
Now we are ready for Chapter 14!
Revelation 14:1-5
The Lamb and the 144,000
1Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, 5and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.
In verse 1 we are told John now looks and sees Mt. Zion which is Jerusalem and standing on this mountain is the Lamb! Jesus! With Jesus is the 144,000 Jews whom we studied about in Chapter 7 ( you many want to go back and refresh you memory). We also find out hear what the 144,000's seal is here. Jesus and God's name written on their foreheads! Now that is an awesome seal of protection! In verse 2 John hears a roar like that on many waters and loud thunder. I think we can all picture that! Not told exactly what that roar represents....maybe a welcome from God to the 144,000??? Then John hears a voice that sounded like many harps and they were signing a new song before the throne of God and before the four living creatures and elders. This is a picture of some major rejoicing going on here! We are also told that the only ones who knew this song were the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth and now are welcomed home to heaven! A victory song! Verse 4 tells us that these 144,000 are virgins and they have not defiled themselves! Most scholars believe this 144,000 includes both men and women. We are also told these 144,000 Jews follow the lamb wherever He goes. Which reminds me of two verses:
Matthew 16:24
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
We are also told in verse 4 that the 144,000 are the firstfruits of mankind by God and Jesus. They are the firstfruits of the tribulation! Then verse 5 tells us the 144,000 are blameless and do not lie. A great example for all of us!
What a testimony on behalf of the 144,000 this morning....may God also find us a great testimony for Him also!
Tom
Revelation 14:1-5
The Lamb and the 144,000
1Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, 5and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.
In verse 1 we are told John now looks and sees Mt. Zion which is Jerusalem and standing on this mountain is the Lamb! Jesus! With Jesus is the 144,000 Jews whom we studied about in Chapter 7 ( you many want to go back and refresh you memory). We also find out hear what the 144,000's seal is here. Jesus and God's name written on their foreheads! Now that is an awesome seal of protection! In verse 2 John hears a roar like that on many waters and loud thunder. I think we can all picture that! Not told exactly what that roar represents....maybe a welcome from God to the 144,000??? Then John hears a voice that sounded like many harps and they were signing a new song before the throne of God and before the four living creatures and elders. This is a picture of some major rejoicing going on here! We are also told that the only ones who knew this song were the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth and now are welcomed home to heaven! A victory song! Verse 4 tells us that these 144,000 are virgins and they have not defiled themselves! Most scholars believe this 144,000 includes both men and women. We are also told these 144,000 Jews follow the lamb wherever He goes. Which reminds me of two verses:
Matthew 16:24
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
We are also told in verse 4 that the 144,000 are the firstfruits of mankind by God and Jesus. They are the firstfruits of the tribulation! Then verse 5 tells us the 144,000 are blameless and do not lie. A great example for all of us!
What a testimony on behalf of the 144,000 this morning....may God also find us a great testimony for Him also!
Tom
Monday, October 31, 2011
Revelation #42
Today we continue on in Chapter 13:
Revelation 13:11-17
The Second Beast
11Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.
In verse 11 John sees another beast this time though it is rising out of the earth not the sea. Many think this beast will be a Jew and a false prophet and the earth here is a representation of Israel. This beast has two horns like a lamb which tells us he will be gentle. But He speaks like a dragon which means he will be deceptive like like Satan. In verse 12 we are told the beast will have all the authority of the first beast and this false prophet will lead those on earth to worship the first beast whom you should recall is the anti-Christ, who was miraculously healed from a mortal wound. This second beast or false prophet will perform great signs as we are told in verse 13 even making fire fall from heaven and we are told in verse 14 these signs will deceive those dwelling on the earth. This false prophet will tell the people to make an image of the anti-Christ and the the false prophet will even make this image speak which will fascinate the people. The false prophet will also have all those who will not worship this image to be killed as we are told in verse 15! In verse 16 the false prophet will require all to be marked on the forehead or on the right hand with the name of the beast or the number of its name and if one does not take if they will not be able to buy or sell. That will mean no way of survival!!! Verse 18 tells us that this number is 666. No one knows for sure how this mark will actually play out but we do know the consequences!!!
Wow think about this for a bit... glad the church will be in heaven at this point!
Tom
Revelation 13:11-17
The Second Beast
11Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.
In verse 11 John sees another beast this time though it is rising out of the earth not the sea. Many think this beast will be a Jew and a false prophet and the earth here is a representation of Israel. This beast has two horns like a lamb which tells us he will be gentle. But He speaks like a dragon which means he will be deceptive like like Satan. In verse 12 we are told the beast will have all the authority of the first beast and this false prophet will lead those on earth to worship the first beast whom you should recall is the anti-Christ, who was miraculously healed from a mortal wound. This second beast or false prophet will perform great signs as we are told in verse 13 even making fire fall from heaven and we are told in verse 14 these signs will deceive those dwelling on the earth. This false prophet will tell the people to make an image of the anti-Christ and the the false prophet will even make this image speak which will fascinate the people. The false prophet will also have all those who will not worship this image to be killed as we are told in verse 15! In verse 16 the false prophet will require all to be marked on the forehead or on the right hand with the name of the beast or the number of its name and if one does not take if they will not be able to buy or sell. That will mean no way of survival!!! Verse 18 tells us that this number is 666. No one knows for sure how this mark will actually play out but we do know the consequences!!!
Wow think about this for a bit... glad the church will be in heaven at this point!
Tom
Friday, October 28, 2011
Revelation #41
We continue on in Chapter 13 this morning. Remember from yesterday the beast is the anti-Christ.
Revelation 13:5-10
5And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them.[b] And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
10 If anyone is to be taken captive,
to captivity he goes;
if anyone is to be slain with the sword,
with the sword must he be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
In verse 5 and 6 we are told the anti-Christ will say haughty and blasphemous words against God's name, against heaven(dwelling place), and against those who dwell in heaven with God! For 3 and 1/2 years(42 months) the anti-Christ will have the authority to do this and what ever else God allows him to do. In verse 7 we are told the anti-Christ is allowed to make war on the believers on the earth(saints) and conquer them is referring to killing them! Verse 7 goes on to tell us the beast will have authority over all the world. In verse 8 we are told all on earth will worship the beast, except of course the saved and that is why they will be killed. Verse 8 also reveals God knows who will accept Him and those who will not from the very beginning as those who worship the beast were never written in the Lamb's book of life! Verse 9 is a warning to listen!!! Then verse 10 is basically saying don't be surprised if you are a Saint(believer during this time)...you may be taken captive or you may be killed but endure!!!!!
Have a great weekend folks and worship the King!
Tom
Revelation 13:5-10
5And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them.[b] And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
10 If anyone is to be taken captive,
to captivity he goes;
if anyone is to be slain with the sword,
with the sword must he be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
In verse 5 and 6 we are told the anti-Christ will say haughty and blasphemous words against God's name, against heaven(dwelling place), and against those who dwell in heaven with God! For 3 and 1/2 years(42 months) the anti-Christ will have the authority to do this and what ever else God allows him to do. In verse 7 we are told the anti-Christ is allowed to make war on the believers on the earth(saints) and conquer them is referring to killing them! Verse 7 goes on to tell us the beast will have authority over all the world. In verse 8 we are told all on earth will worship the beast, except of course the saved and that is why they will be killed. Verse 8 also reveals God knows who will accept Him and those who will not from the very beginning as those who worship the beast were never written in the Lamb's book of life! Verse 9 is a warning to listen!!! Then verse 10 is basically saying don't be surprised if you are a Saint(believer during this time)...you may be taken captive or you may be killed but endure!!!!!
Have a great weekend folks and worship the King!
Tom
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Revelation #40
Today we move into Chapter 13!
Revelation 13:1-4
The First Beast
1And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. 3One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. 4And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?"
Remember we ended in chapter 12 we ended with Satan(dragon) standing on the sea shore. Now as we see in verse 1 of chapter 13 we see a beast rising out of the sea. This beast is the anti-Christ. Rising out of the sea is a symbolic picture of the anti-Christ rising out of a gentile nation. He has ten horns which represents 10 nation power which could be the European Economic Union that is present today. Look at Revelation 17:12:
Revelation 17:12
12And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast.
It also says this beast will have seven heads which represents Rome, known as a city on seven hills. Look at Revelation 17:9:
Revelation 17:9
9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated;
Verse 1 continues on to tell us that this beast will also have 10 diadems on its horns which helps explain more that it will represent 10 nations and blasphemous names will be on its head which is a clear indication of who they will follow...Satan not Christ. In verse 2 we are told Johns see the beast and describes him with animals...a leopard, a bear, lion and the anti-Christ is the fourth beast. To get the meaning of these we have to look at Daniel 7:1-8 and 15-17:
Daniel 7:1-8
Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts
1In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter. 2Daniel declared, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. 3And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. 4The first was like a lion and had eagles’ wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. 5And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, 'Arise, devour much flesh.' 6After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. 7After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Daniel 7:15-17
Daniel’s Vision Interpreted
15"As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me. 16I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things. 17 'These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.
So the beasts represent 4 empires in history of the world. Lion is Babylon, the bear is Medo-Persian, the leopard is Greece, and the last is the Roman empire. Which will once again be revived by anti-Christ as you will see later. Verse 2 goes onto say Satan will give this beast power and great authority! Verse 3 tells us one of its heads seems to have a mortal wound but it is healed. This is a picture of the anti-Christ trying to imitate Christ in a false resurrection for the world and many will believe. As we see in the verse the whole world marveled! Verse 4 tells us the world then worships Satan. We also see the anti-Christ is also some kind of religious leader for Satan but he also receives worship. And we end the verse with seeing the world praising the anti-Christ....what a terrible thought thought that will be reality!
Tom
Revelation 13:1-4
The First Beast
1And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. 3One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. 4And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?"
Remember we ended in chapter 12 we ended with Satan(dragon) standing on the sea shore. Now as we see in verse 1 of chapter 13 we see a beast rising out of the sea. This beast is the anti-Christ. Rising out of the sea is a symbolic picture of the anti-Christ rising out of a gentile nation. He has ten horns which represents 10 nation power which could be the European Economic Union that is present today. Look at Revelation 17:12:
Revelation 17:12
12And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast.
It also says this beast will have seven heads which represents Rome, known as a city on seven hills. Look at Revelation 17:9:
Revelation 17:9
9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated;
Verse 1 continues on to tell us that this beast will also have 10 diadems on its horns which helps explain more that it will represent 10 nations and blasphemous names will be on its head which is a clear indication of who they will follow...Satan not Christ. In verse 2 we are told Johns see the beast and describes him with animals...a leopard, a bear, lion and the anti-Christ is the fourth beast. To get the meaning of these we have to look at Daniel 7:1-8 and 15-17:
Daniel 7:1-8
Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts
1In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter. 2Daniel declared, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. 3And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. 4The first was like a lion and had eagles’ wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. 5And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, 'Arise, devour much flesh.' 6After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. 7After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Daniel 7:15-17
Daniel’s Vision Interpreted
15"As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me. 16I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things. 17 'These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.
So the beasts represent 4 empires in history of the world. Lion is Babylon, the bear is Medo-Persian, the leopard is Greece, and the last is the Roman empire. Which will once again be revived by anti-Christ as you will see later. Verse 2 goes onto say Satan will give this beast power and great authority! Verse 3 tells us one of its heads seems to have a mortal wound but it is healed. This is a picture of the anti-Christ trying to imitate Christ in a false resurrection for the world and many will believe. As we see in the verse the whole world marveled! Verse 4 tells us the world then worships Satan. We also see the anti-Christ is also some kind of religious leader for Satan but he also receives worship. And we end the verse with seeing the world praising the anti-Christ....what a terrible thought thought that will be reality!
Tom
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Revelation #39
Moving right along...lets finish chapter 12 today:
Revelation 12:13-17
13And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. 15The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. 16But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. 17Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.
In verse 13 we see that when the dragon(Satan) was thrown out of heaven to earth he went after "the woman" which is Israel. Of course we the male child refers to Jesus whom came through the line of Israel. In verse 14 Israel was given "two wings of the great eagle" which is representative of the church. The church will flee from the serpent into the wilderness to be nourished by God for 3 and 1/2 years. Some kind of super-natural protection from God for a time. In verse 15 we are told Satan will pour out words from his mouth which refers to false teachings to Israel trying to deceive her. Satan has done a great job over the years at deceiving Israel(Jews) from accepting the fact that Jesus is the Savior of the world. In verse 16 we are told God(earth) has helped Israel and tried to protect her from the false teachings(river) that Satan had blinded Israel with. In verse 17 we are told because Satan has not been able to completely destroy Israel it has made him very mad so he has turned his attention to the church( the offspring of her). Those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus!(the gospel) The chapter closes with a preview of what is coming in chapter 13....Satan standing on the sand of the sea planing on what to do next!
Wow that is a very informative set of verses. Meditate on them!
Tom
Revelation 12:13-17
13And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. 15The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. 16But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. 17Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.
In verse 13 we see that when the dragon(Satan) was thrown out of heaven to earth he went after "the woman" which is Israel. Of course we the male child refers to Jesus whom came through the line of Israel. In verse 14 Israel was given "two wings of the great eagle" which is representative of the church. The church will flee from the serpent into the wilderness to be nourished by God for 3 and 1/2 years. Some kind of super-natural protection from God for a time. In verse 15 we are told Satan will pour out words from his mouth which refers to false teachings to Israel trying to deceive her. Satan has done a great job over the years at deceiving Israel(Jews) from accepting the fact that Jesus is the Savior of the world. In verse 16 we are told God(earth) has helped Israel and tried to protect her from the false teachings(river) that Satan had blinded Israel with. In verse 17 we are told because Satan has not been able to completely destroy Israel it has made him very mad so he has turned his attention to the church( the offspring of her). Those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus!(the gospel) The chapter closes with a preview of what is coming in chapter 13....Satan standing on the sand of the sea planing on what to do next!
Wow that is a very informative set of verses. Meditate on them!
Tom
Monday, October 24, 2011
Revelation #38
We continue in chapter 12 this morning:
Revelation 12:7-12
Satan Thrown Down to Earth
7Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world— he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!"
In verses 7-9 we revisit when Satan referred to in these verses as the dragon. Apparently the archangel Michael was involved with the fight against Satan when he rebelled against God. As we see in verse 8 Satan was defeated. We are also told about this in the book of Isaiah:
Isaiah 14:12-15
12"How you are fallen from heaven,
O Day Star, son of Dawn!
How you are cut down to the ground,
you who laid the nations low!
13You said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God
I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly
in the far reaches of the north;[a]
14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.'
15 But you are brought down to Sheol,
to the far reaches of the pit.
In verse 9 We are told who this great dragon is and that he is "the" deceiver of the world! This verse also tells us that he and his demons were thrown out of heaven to earth. Verse 10 tells us that John heard a loud voice i heaven saying that salvation and the power and kingdom of God has come for those that are accused by Satan who accuses us day and night before God after he was thrown to earth from heaven. Verse 11 tells us He may accuse us but we have conquered Satan by accepting the blood of the Lamb(Jesus) for we have loved not ourselves but Jesus and we have a testimony to that fact for some even giving their lives to prove it! Look at 1 John:
1 John 2:1-3
Christ Our Advocate
1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
Isn't that awesome! All we have to do is believe in our Jesus who has defeated Satan....Have you done that my friend? Verse 12 tells us the heavens rejoice for this simple fact of Jesus! Then verse 12 gives us a woe....that for those who are still on the earth at this time that the devil and his wrath will be at an all time high as he knows that his time is short! A terrible time that will be! But when we have Jesus we have NOTHING to fear!~
Tom
Revelation 12:7-12
Satan Thrown Down to Earth
7Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world— he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!"
In verses 7-9 we revisit when Satan referred to in these verses as the dragon. Apparently the archangel Michael was involved with the fight against Satan when he rebelled against God. As we see in verse 8 Satan was defeated. We are also told about this in the book of Isaiah:
Isaiah 14:12-15
12"How you are fallen from heaven,
O Day Star, son of Dawn!
How you are cut down to the ground,
you who laid the nations low!
13You said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God
I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly
in the far reaches of the north;[a]
14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.'
15 But you are brought down to Sheol,
to the far reaches of the pit.
In verse 9 We are told who this great dragon is and that he is "the" deceiver of the world! This verse also tells us that he and his demons were thrown out of heaven to earth. Verse 10 tells us that John heard a loud voice i heaven saying that salvation and the power and kingdom of God has come for those that are accused by Satan who accuses us day and night before God after he was thrown to earth from heaven. Verse 11 tells us He may accuse us but we have conquered Satan by accepting the blood of the Lamb(Jesus) for we have loved not ourselves but Jesus and we have a testimony to that fact for some even giving their lives to prove it! Look at 1 John:
1 John 2:1-3
Christ Our Advocate
1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
Isn't that awesome! All we have to do is believe in our Jesus who has defeated Satan....Have you done that my friend? Verse 12 tells us the heavens rejoice for this simple fact of Jesus! Then verse 12 gives us a woe....that for those who are still on the earth at this time that the devil and his wrath will be at an all time high as he knows that his time is short! A terrible time that will be! But when we have Jesus we have NOTHING to fear!~
Tom
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Revelation #37
Today we jump into chapter 12! As we are in the middle of the book of Revelation, we are also in the middle of the tribulation....a terrible terrible time!
Revelation 12:1-6
The Woman and the Dragon
1And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. 3And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. 4His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. 5She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, 6and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.
John tells us in verse 1 a great sign appeared in heaven. Remember man put in chapter and verses in the Bible so we are just continuing here from Chapter 11. The sign was a women which represents Israel! She was clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and her head was a crown of twelve stars. To understand why thie is Israel we need to go back to Genesis 37:9:
Genesis 37:9
9Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, "Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me."
This was Joesph who was having this dream. He was dreaming of the truth...that one day his brothers the 11 stars would one day bow down to him as he was a leader in Egypt! The 11 stars (brothers) plus Joseph = 12 tribes of Israel!
Now back to verse 2 tells us this woman was pregnant and crying out in birth pains from giving birth. Who is this she is giving birth too? Jesus as we will see in a few verses. In verse 3 we are told John sees another sign in heaven....a great red dragon....who is this? Satan. His seven heads, ten horns, and seven diadems symbolize his great power.( Daniel 7:6-7) Verse 4 tells us his tail swept down a third of the stars from heaven and were cast to earth. This is a reference to Satans fall from heaven and taking a third of the demons with him.
2 Peter 2:4
4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell[a] and committed them to chains[b] of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;
Jude 1:6
6And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—
Isaiah 14:12-15
12"How you are fallen from heaven,
O Day Star, son of Dawn!
How you are cut down to the ground,
you who laid the nations low!
13You said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God
I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly
in the far reaches of the north;[a]
14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.'
15 But you are brought down to Sheol,
to the far reaches of the pit.
Verse 4 continues on to tell us that that Satan was waiting Israel to give birth to the Savior so that he might devour Him. Oh how Satan tried and we seen in:
Matthew 2:16
Herod Kills the Children
16Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.
In verse 5 we are told more about Jesus, one day He will rule the nations with a rod of Iron in Judgement, but before this Jesus was called back up to God and to HIS throne....the throne of Jesus. We see the assention of Jesus here:
Acts 1:9-11
9And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
In verse 6 we are taken to the future of Israel...the verse tells us Israel will flee into the wilderness to hide from the anti-Christ under the protection of God for 3.5 years which will be half of the tribulation period.
Pretty interesting stuff huh??? See you tomorrow!
Tom
Revelation 12:1-6
The Woman and the Dragon
1And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. 3And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. 4His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. 5She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, 6and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.
John tells us in verse 1 a great sign appeared in heaven. Remember man put in chapter and verses in the Bible so we are just continuing here from Chapter 11. The sign was a women which represents Israel! She was clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and her head was a crown of twelve stars. To understand why thie is Israel we need to go back to Genesis 37:9:
Genesis 37:9
9Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, "Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me."
This was Joesph who was having this dream. He was dreaming of the truth...that one day his brothers the 11 stars would one day bow down to him as he was a leader in Egypt! The 11 stars (brothers) plus Joseph = 12 tribes of Israel!
Now back to verse 2 tells us this woman was pregnant and crying out in birth pains from giving birth. Who is this she is giving birth too? Jesus as we will see in a few verses. In verse 3 we are told John sees another sign in heaven....a great red dragon....who is this? Satan. His seven heads, ten horns, and seven diadems symbolize his great power.( Daniel 7:6-7) Verse 4 tells us his tail swept down a third of the stars from heaven and were cast to earth. This is a reference to Satans fall from heaven and taking a third of the demons with him.
2 Peter 2:4
4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell[a] and committed them to chains[b] of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;
Jude 1:6
6And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—
Isaiah 14:12-15
12"How you are fallen from heaven,
O Day Star, son of Dawn!
How you are cut down to the ground,
you who laid the nations low!
13You said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God
I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly
in the far reaches of the north;[a]
14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.'
15 But you are brought down to Sheol,
to the far reaches of the pit.
Verse 4 continues on to tell us that that Satan was waiting Israel to give birth to the Savior so that he might devour Him. Oh how Satan tried and we seen in:
Matthew 2:16
Herod Kills the Children
16Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.
In verse 5 we are told more about Jesus, one day He will rule the nations with a rod of Iron in Judgement, but before this Jesus was called back up to God and to HIS throne....the throne of Jesus. We see the assention of Jesus here:
Acts 1:9-11
9And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
In verse 6 we are taken to the future of Israel...the verse tells us Israel will flee into the wilderness to hide from the anti-Christ under the protection of God for 3.5 years which will be half of the tribulation period.
Pretty interesting stuff huh??? See you tomorrow!
Tom
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