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
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