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
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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
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