It stands to follow that, when a person becomes a Christian, they want fellowship and they want more information about their faith.They want to see how other Christians live, how they pray and how they worship. That is all very understandable and fellowship is highly recommended for new Christians as well as old. BUT.
Yes, there is a "but". We must be very, very careful and prayerful when fellowshipping and gathering together with other Christians. Why?
When we are gathered together with others of our faith, we tend to let down our guard, assume the best of each other and believe we are among the faithful followers of Christ. That's just when the enemy can come in like a flood!
Like on Star-trek, when the commander says, "Shields up, Scotty." He's talking about protecting his ship from the enemy. If you are among fellow believers, you are relaxed and not considering that the enemy may be on the attack even on so-called "holy ground". Surely the enemy of our souls wouldn't be able to penetrate all the praise and glory to the name of Jesus, would he?
Yes, he would. Of course, he would. And, he does. In fact, the favourite place for satan to infiltrate is the very place of worship to our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He's jealous. He wants to rob the Lord of His praise. So, how would the devil do this?
He mascarades. He pretends to be an angel of light. He pretends to be the very Spirit of God!
No! God wouldn't allow that to happen, would He?
Let me ask you this:
"What IF that pastor who is laying hands on you to 'smite you in the spirit' is actually full of the devil and is smiting you with an unholy spirit?"
You don't think that's possible? I hope not! I sure hope that when people are being smitten in the Spirit that it is the Spirit of God! But, it sure doesn't hurt to be doubly sure!
Beloved, if anyone, anyone at ALL lays hands on you, for whatever reason, please do keep up your guard. Pray that the Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ, will not allow any other spirit to enter you or influence you. You are particularly vulnerable when being prayed over with the intent of being smitten in the spirit. This is a tactic that the enemy of our soul seems to love to use as an entrance. Put up your shields.
If you have any doubts at all about your pastor or the people at your church, pray about changing churches. Pray specifically about what church to attend and who to fellowship with.
I don't believe that once we join a church, we must be tied to only that church for the rest of our lives and never visit other churches or fellowships. (This is called "church-hopping" and is considered "unfaithful" or almost as bad as backsliding!) Are all the true Christians only attending one church these days? Or is the true church of God spread over the face of the earth?
If I had stayed all my life in one church, I would have missed out on meeting hundreds of dear Christians with whom I have enjoyed wonderful, inspiring fellowship over the years.
Beware of the "one and only one" rule of thumb of some churches. Beware of "total control". Beware of allowing pastors and elders into your private affairs, especially your financial affairs. Beware of any and all unscriptural practices.
Especially, beware of pastors who smite you in the Spirit. Pray that, if it's not of Jesus, you won't go down! And, if you don't go down, don't go back a second time. Don't be pressured to try it again. Just take it from the Lord, that it's not God's will for you. (You may be saving yourself from demon possession! I kid you not.) Pray about leaving that church. The more proliferous and financially powerful that church is, the more careful and prayerful we ought to be! Just remember the example that Jesus set. He said,
"Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head."
I suggest you choose a humble, young church that's totally dependent on the Lord. Those are few and far between. Choose a church that is not controlled by anyone but God and that is not afraid to read the book of Revelation! If a church avoids reading any part of the Bible and doesn't want to give out the "whole counsel of God", it may be because they are being dictated to by "higher powers".
KEEP YOUR SHIELDS UP!
Ephesians 6
10. Finally , my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to sand against the whiles of the devil.
12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
As soldiers of Christ, we should get to know our Sword (the Word) and learn how to wield it. Cut the devil to the HEART! Pierce through his lies and deceit and set the captives free! In the name of Jesus Christ! Amen?
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
The Reward!
The 21st chapter of Revelation is written on this blog under, "The Golden Carrot". Don't miss it! It's all about God's Heavenly City which comes down from God prepared as a bride!
Revelation 22
1. And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4. And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
5. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
6. And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
7. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
8. And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
10. And he said unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12. And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
16. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the off-
spring of David, and the bright and morning star.
17. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
18. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
20. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
When I write a little extra of my opinions or whatever, I'm not adding to the book. The book is the part with the verses numbered out and I leave a nice gap between whenever I make a personal comment.
So! That's it! That wasn't so bad, was it? We'll get a bit more in depth into it lately, God willing and I also want to introduce to you the book of Daniel which coincides with Revelation in several areas. But, for now, maybe we should finish the book of John.
Again, I welcome comments and suggestions.
Revelation 22
1. And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4. And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
5. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
6. And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
7. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
8. And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
10. And he said unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12. And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
16. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the off-
spring of David, and the bright and morning star.
17. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
18. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
20. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
When I write a little extra of my opinions or whatever, I'm not adding to the book. The book is the part with the verses numbered out and I leave a nice gap between whenever I make a personal comment.
So! That's it! That wasn't so bad, was it? We'll get a bit more in depth into it lately, God willing and I also want to introduce to you the book of Daniel which coincides with Revelation in several areas. But, for now, maybe we should finish the book of John.
Again, I welcome comments and suggestions.
Revelation 20
Actually, this is the chapter where Satan is bound, not chapter 19. I'll have to change the title of that post!
1. And I saw an angel come down from heaven having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Statn, and bound him a thousand years,
Now THAT'S what you call a prison sentence! One thousand years to think over your crimes, buddy!
3. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
The question is, "Do you think he learns his lesson after one thousand years?"
4. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
To me, this looks like the "rest of the dead" who are missing out on the first resurrection, are people who were not saved. They were not born again. Perhaps they were nominal Christians who had no real relationship with Jesus.
6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
7. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8. And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Where are all these people coming from? Were they the people who had been sleeping for 1,000 years?
9. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
No war. No muss, no fuss. Just POOF! You're gone!
10. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, fromwhose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according their works.
14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
So, you see, there's no need to worry just as long as your name is written in the Book of Life of the Lamb! Is it?
1. And I saw an angel come down from heaven having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Statn, and bound him a thousand years,
Now THAT'S what you call a prison sentence! One thousand years to think over your crimes, buddy!
3. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
The question is, "Do you think he learns his lesson after one thousand years?"
4. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
To me, this looks like the "rest of the dead" who are missing out on the first resurrection, are people who were not saved. They were not born again. Perhaps they were nominal Christians who had no real relationship with Jesus.
6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
7. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8. And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Where are all these people coming from? Were they the people who had been sleeping for 1,000 years?
9. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
No war. No muss, no fuss. Just POOF! You're gone!
10. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, fromwhose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according their works.
14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
So, you see, there's no need to worry just as long as your name is written in the Book of Life of the Lamb! Is it?
It's Part of the Bible!
So many Christians I've talked to tell me that they avoid or refuse to read Revelation. Why is that? It's part of your Bible, isn't it? It's an amazing and wonderful book. Most of the terrible stuff that happens in it is happening to the Antichrist and his ilk or the Devil and his ilk or the stubborn, unbelievers who accept the Mark of the Beast and refuse to accept Jesus as their Saviour.
I Corinthians 1:18 says that "the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
You certainly see a lot of the power of God in Revelation. It's significantly akin to Exodus and the story of the "Antichrist" Pharaoh who refused to let God's people go even when terrible things were happening all around him. So, I think it's time people started to read Revelation and not go around thinking that it's so totally unlike the rest of the Bible and that God isn't really like that. God is love. Yes, He is! And, THAT'S why you shouldn't be afraid to read it! In fact, you should study it! Memorize it!
Because, when it comes to pass, you'll want to know what's going on, won't you? (IT IS COMING TO PASS. Have you noticed?) You'll also want to know that you did all you can to warn others!
Daniel 11:32b and 33 say, "The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days."
The other thing here is that we're all going to die. (Another very touchy subject! Sorry!) For a believer, dying is not going to be a terrible thing! God is going to give us his grace for it! So, why not die as a martyr and as a witness? If you whole life has been lived for God, why not die for Him too? Why not go out in glory? After all, this whole life's goal is death, isn't it?
Death is our graduation! It's a time for celebration! Right? Am I right?
I Corinthians 1:18 says that "the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
You certainly see a lot of the power of God in Revelation. It's significantly akin to Exodus and the story of the "Antichrist" Pharaoh who refused to let God's people go even when terrible things were happening all around him. So, I think it's time people started to read Revelation and not go around thinking that it's so totally unlike the rest of the Bible and that God isn't really like that. God is love. Yes, He is! And, THAT'S why you shouldn't be afraid to read it! In fact, you should study it! Memorize it!
Because, when it comes to pass, you'll want to know what's going on, won't you? (IT IS COMING TO PASS. Have you noticed?) You'll also want to know that you did all you can to warn others!
Daniel 11:32b and 33 say, "The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days."
The other thing here is that we're all going to die. (Another very touchy subject! Sorry!) For a believer, dying is not going to be a terrible thing! God is going to give us his grace for it! So, why not die as a martyr and as a witness? If you whole life has been lived for God, why not die for Him too? Why not go out in glory? After all, this whole life's goal is death, isn't it?
Death is our graduation! It's a time for celebration! Right? Am I right?
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Antichrist is Thrown into the Lake of Fire!
Revelation 19
1. And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
2. For true and righteous are his judgments: for He hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
3. And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
4. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Allelluia.
5. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
6. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent (all-powerful!) reigneth.
7. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
9. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
10. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
11. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called THE WORD OF GOD.
14. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
You need to know that when Jesus is pouring out God's wrath, we will be riding white horses right along with him. We (the saved) will return with Jesus for the second returning! This is after the "rapture" or "Resurrection" which happens after the Tribulation.
If any of you have any scriptural foundation that even slightly indicates there will be a PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE of the saved, please put it in the comments. It would be nice, but Jesus isn't going to come back secretly and disappear us right before the excrement hits the rotating oscillator. Though, He did promise in
Revelation 3:10 "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth."
16. And He hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Ha! Just in CASE there is any mistake at ALL, Jesus has his name written on his leg and on his clothing! He's the Captain of the Host! King Jesus! Forward into battle! We are going forth to conquer the Devil!
17. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he creied with a loud voice saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
18. That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
19. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
20. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
What can I say, except, "I hope YOU have chosen the RIGHT SIDE!"
This is the real deal! Our lives on this planet have meaning and significance. What we are involved in, where we put our energy and focus all determine what or Who we are worshipping. If you put Him first and try to please Him, He will keep you from the hour of temptation.
1. And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
2. For true and righteous are his judgments: for He hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
3. And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
4. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Allelluia.
5. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
6. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent (all-powerful!) reigneth.
7. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
9. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
10. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
11. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called THE WORD OF GOD.
14. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
You need to know that when Jesus is pouring out God's wrath, we will be riding white horses right along with him. We (the saved) will return with Jesus for the second returning! This is after the "rapture" or "Resurrection" which happens after the Tribulation.
If any of you have any scriptural foundation that even slightly indicates there will be a PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE of the saved, please put it in the comments. It would be nice, but Jesus isn't going to come back secretly and disappear us right before the excrement hits the rotating oscillator. Though, He did promise in
Revelation 3:10 "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth."
16. And He hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Ha! Just in CASE there is any mistake at ALL, Jesus has his name written on his leg and on his clothing! He's the Captain of the Host! King Jesus! Forward into battle! We are going forth to conquer the Devil!
17. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he creied with a loud voice saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
18. That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
19. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
20. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
What can I say, except, "I hope YOU have chosen the RIGHT SIDE!"
This is the real deal! Our lives on this planet have meaning and significance. What we are involved in, where we put our energy and focus all determine what or Who we are worshipping. If you put Him first and try to please Him, He will keep you from the hour of temptation.
LET'S WRAP THIS UP!
Ok, so I'm thinking that the really "bad" stuff, with the Antichrist hunting down and persecuting the followers of Christ and those who refuse to accept the "Mark of the Beast" in their body, is going to be a brief moment in time. God says "for the elects' sake, those days shall be shortened" and, really 3 1/2 years isn't a huge amount of time. We, who are alive then, will be living one day at a time, praying and depending on God for our survival. So, if you are already in the habit of depending on God, you're all set! God loves it when we completely depend on Him for everything!
By now, I hope you're beginning to realize that the Bible is NO ORDINARY BOOK. It's your survival handbook! It's chock full of loads of promises and the reason for those promises is because GOD WANTS US TO CLAIM THEM! He wants us to add our faith to those promises and BRING THEM TO LIFE! The words of God are PURE WORDS TRIED IN A FURNACE OF FIRE AND PURIFIED SEVEN TIMES.
GOLD. They are more valuable than silver or gold! Do you believe that? Then, "according to your FAITH be it done unto you!" Faith is an amazing gift from God. He wants us to use it. It's money in the bank. It's food on the table. It's health to our bones. It's a shining light on our path.
So, let's finish up all this terrible stuff in Revelation so we can get to the Happy Ending!
Revelation 18
1. And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
4. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
If you can come out of "her" physically, leave the US or the West. If you can't, come out spiritually. Jesus said in John 17:15 "I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil."
It takes spiritual warfare to keep yourself out of the influence of the world. If you live in the West, particularly the US, you are surrounded with advertising, evil influences, fornication, lust, pride and materialism.
5. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
6. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
7. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
8. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
"Utterly burned with fire" it says. So, if this is talking about an enormous country, like America, could it be that God will use nuclear warfare to utterly burn her with fire? In one day? So much destruction so quickly would seem to have to be accomplished by the splitting of the atom.
9. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,
10. Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
(At this point, I'm really thinking twice about ever having a McD, KFC, or Pizza Hut meal EVER again! ha!)
11. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
12. The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
13. And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
14. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
15. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
16. And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
17. For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
18. And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
19. And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
20. Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
21. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
22. And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
23. And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
Were you deceived?
24. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
By now, I hope you're beginning to realize that the Bible is NO ORDINARY BOOK. It's your survival handbook! It's chock full of loads of promises and the reason for those promises is because GOD WANTS US TO CLAIM THEM! He wants us to add our faith to those promises and BRING THEM TO LIFE! The words of God are PURE WORDS TRIED IN A FURNACE OF FIRE AND PURIFIED SEVEN TIMES.
GOLD. They are more valuable than silver or gold! Do you believe that? Then, "according to your FAITH be it done unto you!" Faith is an amazing gift from God. He wants us to use it. It's money in the bank. It's food on the table. It's health to our bones. It's a shining light on our path.
So, let's finish up all this terrible stuff in Revelation so we can get to the Happy Ending!
Revelation 18
1. And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
4. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
If you can come out of "her" physically, leave the US or the West. If you can't, come out spiritually. Jesus said in John 17:15 "I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil."
It takes spiritual warfare to keep yourself out of the influence of the world. If you live in the West, particularly the US, you are surrounded with advertising, evil influences, fornication, lust, pride and materialism.
5. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
6. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
7. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
8. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
"Utterly burned with fire" it says. So, if this is talking about an enormous country, like America, could it be that God will use nuclear warfare to utterly burn her with fire? In one day? So much destruction so quickly would seem to have to be accomplished by the splitting of the atom.
9. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,
10. Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
(At this point, I'm really thinking twice about ever having a McD, KFC, or Pizza Hut meal EVER again! ha!)
11. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
12. The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
13. And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
14. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
15. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
16. And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
17. For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
18. And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
19. And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
20. Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
21. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
22. And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
23. And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
Were you deceived?
24. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
BABYLON THE WHORE
Revelation 17
1. And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
(Water usually signifies people.)
2. With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
3. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
4. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
5. And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
6. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, andwith the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
7. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
8. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
(Remember, the Antichrist died of a wound and was healed and came back to life again. He was, and is not and yet is.)
9. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
10. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
11. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. (eternal damnation)
12. And the ten horns, which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
13. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
14. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
15. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
18. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Which great city (or country) is reigning over the kingdoms of the earth today? What is the Super Power? Don't we all lust after her? Don't we want to be like her and live deliciously with her? YIKES!
1. And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
(Water usually signifies people.)
2. With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
3. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
4. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
5. And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
6. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, andwith the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
7. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
8. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
(Remember, the Antichrist died of a wound and was healed and came back to life again. He was, and is not and yet is.)
9. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
10. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
11. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. (eternal damnation)
12. And the ten horns, which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
13. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
14. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
15. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
18. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Which great city (or country) is reigning over the kingdoms of the earth today? What is the Super Power? Don't we all lust after her? Don't we want to be like her and live deliciously with her? YIKES!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Seriously!
It's a serious thing to become a Christian. It's not a joke. It's not a nice little club you join where you get new friends, sit in a comfortable pew on a Sunday and then go for lunch afterwards. That's not where real Christianity ends.
This is a huge change in your life! It's something everyone should and will notice if you really are changed! For a Muslim or Buddhist to become a Christian means endangering their life! It's not a decision they would be able to take lightly.
It's the same with all of us. We need to be willing to hazard our very lives and even the lives of our children for Christ! Things haven't changed that much. It may appear that Christianity today is a cushy, abundant and "safe" life where everything is secure forever. That is true, but only in the spiritual! In this world, Jesus said, "Ye SHALL have tribulation. But, be of good courage. I have overcome the world."
The whole thing I'm trying to say (in a nutshell) is that we need to be prepared spiritually for a physical and spiritual attack that is coming on the world as we speak. The time is now. Fortify your spirituality. Shorten your tie to God. Get closer to Jesus and get to know Him. Pray without ceasing! Keep your eyes open!
And... don't be deceived by the "Pre-Trib Rap" (Pre-tribulation Rapture) Theory! I don't believe it because it's simply not scriptural.
Now, the problem some people are having is with Revelation 7 where it says that the servants of God were sealed in their foreheads. Since there are only one hundred and forty-four thousand people sealed, some Christians say that these few people could be the "remnant" of Jews that are promised to be saved during the end of days. And, I admit that that is a possibility. So, this is the debate. And debates are good because it gets people digging into their Bibles (hopefully) to search for the truth. So, please, do dig. Dig away!
The way I see it is like this (and I may take a strange view of things) but, if you go back to Revelation 3:9 "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee."
Think about it. Who are the true Jews today? Is it someone who has Jewish blood? Or, is it someone born again into the Spirit of Jesus Christ Who was the Son of David, although David called Him, "Lord"? Come on. I think we need to stop looking at ourselves and the Jews in the flesh and start looking at people the way God sees them. He is not a Jew that is one openly. (Romans 2:28, 29) It's the circumcision of the heart that is the most important. So, I'm going way out on a limb here in saying that CHRISTIANS ARE THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL!
You don't have to believe that. I just feel it in my gut.
There's this huge war going on and the twelve sons of Israel are intently watching from the spirit world. They may even be helping by battling against the demons we can't see with our physical eyes. Now, do you think that maybe God gave each of these Patriarchs the opportunity to choose their elite army? Maybe God allowed them to go out and select 1200 men each to be on their team or in their tribe!
If this is the case they're not going to be choosing according to the flesh or blood, but according to dedication to God, faith, obedience, commitment. Maybe each tribe has its own special ops. Of course it does! Each tribe would have its own mandate and mission to complete during the Tribulation.
It's a volunteer army and I think God will put it in the hearts of the people who are chosen to want to be chosen. Like Paul said in Philippians 3:14:
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Paul didn't want to settle for sloppy seconds. He wanted the highest calling! Don't you?
This is a huge change in your life! It's something everyone should and will notice if you really are changed! For a Muslim or Buddhist to become a Christian means endangering their life! It's not a decision they would be able to take lightly.
It's the same with all of us. We need to be willing to hazard our very lives and even the lives of our children for Christ! Things haven't changed that much. It may appear that Christianity today is a cushy, abundant and "safe" life where everything is secure forever. That is true, but only in the spiritual! In this world, Jesus said, "Ye SHALL have tribulation. But, be of good courage. I have overcome the world."
The whole thing I'm trying to say (in a nutshell) is that we need to be prepared spiritually for a physical and spiritual attack that is coming on the world as we speak. The time is now. Fortify your spirituality. Shorten your tie to God. Get closer to Jesus and get to know Him. Pray without ceasing! Keep your eyes open!
And... don't be deceived by the "Pre-Trib Rap" (Pre-tribulation Rapture) Theory! I don't believe it because it's simply not scriptural.
Now, the problem some people are having is with Revelation 7 where it says that the servants of God were sealed in their foreheads. Since there are only one hundred and forty-four thousand people sealed, some Christians say that these few people could be the "remnant" of Jews that are promised to be saved during the end of days. And, I admit that that is a possibility. So, this is the debate. And debates are good because it gets people digging into their Bibles (hopefully) to search for the truth. So, please, do dig. Dig away!
The way I see it is like this (and I may take a strange view of things) but, if you go back to Revelation 3:9 "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee."
Think about it. Who are the true Jews today? Is it someone who has Jewish blood? Or, is it someone born again into the Spirit of Jesus Christ Who was the Son of David, although David called Him, "Lord"? Come on. I think we need to stop looking at ourselves and the Jews in the flesh and start looking at people the way God sees them. He is not a Jew that is one openly. (Romans 2:28, 29) It's the circumcision of the heart that is the most important. So, I'm going way out on a limb here in saying that CHRISTIANS ARE THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL!
You don't have to believe that. I just feel it in my gut.
There's this huge war going on and the twelve sons of Israel are intently watching from the spirit world. They may even be helping by battling against the demons we can't see with our physical eyes. Now, do you think that maybe God gave each of these Patriarchs the opportunity to choose their elite army? Maybe God allowed them to go out and select 1200 men each to be on their team or in their tribe!
If this is the case they're not going to be choosing according to the flesh or blood, but according to dedication to God, faith, obedience, commitment. Maybe each tribe has its own special ops. Of course it does! Each tribe would have its own mandate and mission to complete during the Tribulation.
It's a volunteer army and I think God will put it in the hearts of the people who are chosen to want to be chosen. Like Paul said in Philippians 3:14:
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Paul didn't want to settle for sloppy seconds. He wanted the highest calling! Don't you?
Why We Don't Need to Fear What is Coming!
Throughout history, the followers of Christ have been persecuted, imprisoned, beheaded and yes, tortured. Some men of God have recorded and related their testimonies of the miracles their Lord did to sustain them and bring them through some of these things they were chosen to suffer for the name of Jesus. In fact, quite often, it was during these times of trials and tests that souls were won to the kingdom of God.
In the days of the Roman empire when Christians were thrown to the lions; as they called out to God to save them and as they sang praises to their King, some onlookers in the stands were converted to faith in Christ! When they saw that these people were willing to die for their convictions, it proved the power of faith in this God of Love.
Did those Christians have the Bible to cling to? In times like this, the Word of God was priceless. The Word of God had more value than silver or gold. Every word was precious. That's why it's such a good idea to memorize scripture that will strengthen your faith in times of need! Here is a great chapter to encourage faith. Have you memorized it? I have! Many believers I know have leaned heavily on this one:
Psalm 91
1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4. He shall cover thee with his feathers and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6. Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation;
10. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11. For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14. Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My Name.
15. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation.
In the days of the Roman empire when Christians were thrown to the lions; as they called out to God to save them and as they sang praises to their King, some onlookers in the stands were converted to faith in Christ! When they saw that these people were willing to die for their convictions, it proved the power of faith in this God of Love.
Did those Christians have the Bible to cling to? In times like this, the Word of God was priceless. The Word of God had more value than silver or gold. Every word was precious. That's why it's such a good idea to memorize scripture that will strengthen your faith in times of need! Here is a great chapter to encourage faith. Have you memorized it? I have! Many believers I know have leaned heavily on this one:
Psalm 91
1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4. He shall cover thee with his feathers and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6. Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation;
10. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11. For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14. Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My Name.
15. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation.
The Second Kettle of Fish
When you see that it's God Who is pouring out the vials of His wrath, you know it's not the work of Satan or the Antichrist, so there's no need to worry --- unless you are in total rebellion against Jesus Christ as your Saviour and King. If Jesus is cool with you, you have no need to fear the wrath of God.
Revelation 16
1. And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
2. And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
Again: This is NOT us.
3. And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
4. And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.
5. And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
6. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
7. And I heard another out of the alter say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
8. And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
9. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
10. And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
11. And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
12. And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
13. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
14. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles,which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
15. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.
16. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
17. And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
18. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
(The last earthquake on April 16, 2013 was an 8 pointer that hit Iran at the Pakistan border.)
19. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.
20. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
21. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
One talent is 100 pounds. Imagine 100 lb. hail stones!
Revelation 16
1. And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
2. And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
Again: This is NOT us.
3. And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
4. And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.
5. And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
6. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
7. And I heard another out of the alter say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
8. And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
9. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
10. And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
11. And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
12. And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
13. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
14. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles,which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
15. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.
16. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
17. And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
18. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
(The last earthquake on April 16, 2013 was an 8 pointer that hit Iran at the Pakistan border.)
19. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.
20. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
21. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
One talent is 100 pounds. Imagine 100 lb. hail stones!
The Wrath of God
Don't confuse the wrath of God with the Tribulation. These are two different kettles of fish! What's the difference? The Wrath of God is God pouring out his punishment on the wicked unbelievers who have rebelled against God. The Tribulation is the Antichrist (who is also filled with the devil) persecuting true believers. (But, with God on our side, who can fight against us? It will only look like he's winning.)
Revelation 15
1. And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
2. And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name,stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
3. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
If these two incidents are happening simultaneously, then the wrath is being poured out after the Tribulation and while the victors are standing on the sea of glass which is described as being in the heavenly city of God.
4.Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
5. And after that I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
6. And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
7. And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
8. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
Revelation 15
1. And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
2. And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name,stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
3. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
If these two incidents are happening simultaneously, then the wrath is being poured out after the Tribulation and while the victors are standing on the sea of glass which is described as being in the heavenly city of God.
4.Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
5. And after that I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
6. And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
7. And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
8. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
Revelation 14
Are you ready for this? I'm sorry I didn't get back to you with this until now. But, I'll just keep going through Revelation a little bit to give you a taste of it so you can develop an appetite to read it for yourself.
1. I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
I asked God about that because there are several places in Revelation where God is writing on us. I wondered whether it was like a tattoo. Maybe God just wants to make sure everyone knows we are His. Anyway, it's apparently, a special honour when God writes on you!
2. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3. And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
So, these people who go through the Tribulation have developed a special relationship with God. Even though they are born at the end of history, God is calling them His "firstfruits". The cream of the crop!
5. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
6. And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7. Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth,and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Since the beginning of time, God has been promising to judge the world. It's coming soon!
8. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
If you think real hard, I'm sure you can deduce who Babylon is. Which great city (country) has gone around the world setting up her factories, outlets, restaurants and army bases? Which country has spread her propaganda worldwide? Which country perpetrates illicit sex in so many of the movies she has produced? Ok, I don't think I need to tell you what great city I'm thinking about. The entire Western world has pretty much set a bad example for the developing nations to follow.
9. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man whorship the beast and his image and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
DON'T GET THE MARK, folks. Here's some very persuasive reasons for NOT! Something I realized about the Mark is that, guess what! We won't be ABLE to drink of the wine of fornication because we won't be able to buy it without the mark. In fact, we're going to have a very short grocery list. In fact, we'll be somehow obtaining only the very basic needs to survive on, as far as I can detect. Although, I also believe that "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19" So, no worries there. Unless it's God's will for us to starve to death, He'll keep us alive to keep serving Him! (I say "we" and "us" because I'm hoping I'll still be alive and part of the Grand Finale.)
11. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
12. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
13. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
14. And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
15. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
16. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
17. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
18. And another angel came out from the alter, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
19. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
That's a lot of blood. I guess this is as bad as Revelation gets for all you scaredy cats who didn't want to read it. But, not to worry, this is not talking about born again Christians. We are not going to be on the planet during the outpouring of God's wrath!
1. I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
I asked God about that because there are several places in Revelation where God is writing on us. I wondered whether it was like a tattoo. Maybe God just wants to make sure everyone knows we are His. Anyway, it's apparently, a special honour when God writes on you!
2. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3. And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
So, these people who go through the Tribulation have developed a special relationship with God. Even though they are born at the end of history, God is calling them His "firstfruits". The cream of the crop!
5. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
6. And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7. Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth,and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Since the beginning of time, God has been promising to judge the world. It's coming soon!
8. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
If you think real hard, I'm sure you can deduce who Babylon is. Which great city (country) has gone around the world setting up her factories, outlets, restaurants and army bases? Which country has spread her propaganda worldwide? Which country perpetrates illicit sex in so many of the movies she has produced? Ok, I don't think I need to tell you what great city I'm thinking about. The entire Western world has pretty much set a bad example for the developing nations to follow.
9. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man whorship the beast and his image and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
DON'T GET THE MARK, folks. Here's some very persuasive reasons for NOT! Something I realized about the Mark is that, guess what! We won't be ABLE to drink of the wine of fornication because we won't be able to buy it without the mark. In fact, we're going to have a very short grocery list. In fact, we'll be somehow obtaining only the very basic needs to survive on, as far as I can detect. Although, I also believe that "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19" So, no worries there. Unless it's God's will for us to starve to death, He'll keep us alive to keep serving Him! (I say "we" and "us" because I'm hoping I'll still be alive and part of the Grand Finale.)
11. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
12. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
13. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
14. And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
15. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
16. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
17. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
18. And another angel came out from the alter, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
19. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
That's a lot of blood. I guess this is as bad as Revelation gets for all you scaredy cats who didn't want to read it. But, not to worry, this is not talking about born again Christians. We are not going to be on the planet during the outpouring of God's wrath!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Revelation continued . . .
Just as you would check your itinerary while traveling long distance by train, I took a look around and decided that I should check my itinerary for the RETURN OF CHRIST because it appears to be looming on the horizon!
God, in His infinite, omniscient wisdom, knew that we would have computers, television and digital cameras in these days. So, when He gave John the visions of all these stupendous events that would take place worldwide during the "End Time", he knew that these technological tools would allow those of us who are interested to discover exactly what and where and to what extent these events are taking place in our world worldwide!
Ok, so there's been a few extra earthquakes. What's the big deal? DEAL.
Not just a FEW EXTRA earthquakes. The entire globe is rocking and reeling like a drunk man! There have been an UNPRECEDENTED number of earthquakes this year!
Isaiah 24:20 says, "The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard. . ."
So many signs are flashing before our eyes that it's difficult to ignore them. What does it all mean?
Well, if you have been studying your Bible, you'll know. It's ALL in the Book. There's nothing hidden that shall not be revealed. God likes his children to dig into His Word and get the answers. He also likes it when you run and ask the "Teacher"! I do that a lot! It doesn't seem to bother Him.
"Study to shew yourself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."
Before you open your Bible, it helps to really get desperate for God to help you to read it. Reading the Word without God's guidance and the infilling of his Spirit and wisdom can really confuse you and cause problems; even instill fear. But, fear is not of God! God is not trying to scare you! He's trying to help you!
Shall we continue on in Revelation? I'm focusing on specific verses, but you can also read the entire chapter to get the overall picture. My original intention was to show you why I believe Christians/believers/true followers of God (and I'm talking about those believers who are born again) will go through the Tribulation. ---Not only go through it, but go through it with flying colours, joy, victory and rejoicing! If you're not up for this, you don't know what you're going to miss! God is going to pour His Spirit out on us like never before!
We are going to overcome (Rev. 12:11) "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
If you don't love your life, it's a lot easier to give your life to God and let Him live through you. Have you ever felt that your will was dead? Have you ever fully trusted God to make all your decisions? It may not happen often, but it's a position you can put yourself in as much as you're able. It's even a bit crazy in the eyes of the world. You simply LET GO. And trust.
Try it! You just might like it! He'll amaze you. The reason is that God actually DOES know what He's doing. He knows what He wants done and how to do it the best way. We can be His channels; just like how some people are channels for evil spirits, we can "channel" Jesus Christ! Oh, and, by the way, God has already provided the Holy Spirit for that express purpose.
The Holy Spirit helps you remember things you need to know at a moment's notice, He puts the right words in your mouth to speak to potential believers, He puts a huge smile on your face that you can't get rid of, He makes your life easier, happier, freer and more exciting, He calms your fears, heals your sicknesses and causes you to mount up with wings as eagles! Try. Him.OUT.
So, I get the sense that a lot of people are interested in what the Bible has to say about recent events. The reason I say that is because, since I started writing on this topic, my blog hits doubled and tripled. My question is, "Why?"
"Why are you interested in what the Bible has to say?" --- because I sure hope it's not to mock the Words of God or to spread around sarcasm. This is the Real Deal. God is not dead. He's been winking at a few things in the past, but He's not stupid. Don't make the mistake of judging God. Because we know who will win. All I can say is, "Get with the programme/program before it's too late."
Don't climb back into your booze bottle. Don't grab a smoke. Don't close your eyes and hope it goes away.
Don't be afraid to open the spooky book of Revelation! --like some people I know. God knows you're not perfect. He created you. He knows all about you! He knows more about you that you know about yourself. But, as the saying goes,
"THIS is NOT about YOU."
Forget trying to do it yourself, clean yourself up, make yourself a better person. It's not going to happen. You're going to be sinning until the day you die. Give up on yourself. You are a mess. We all are. THAT is why we have to allow Jesus to take over our lives and show us the way step by step by step. All we have to do is follow. It really is that simple. You can DO this!
Ok? So, I'll get back to Revelation tomorrow, because I don't think you're ready for this stuff quite yet. . .
God, in His infinite, omniscient wisdom, knew that we would have computers, television and digital cameras in these days. So, when He gave John the visions of all these stupendous events that would take place worldwide during the "End Time", he knew that these technological tools would allow those of us who are interested to discover exactly what and where and to what extent these events are taking place in our world worldwide!
Ok, so there's been a few extra earthquakes. What's the big deal? DEAL.
Not just a FEW EXTRA earthquakes. The entire globe is rocking and reeling like a drunk man! There have been an UNPRECEDENTED number of earthquakes this year!
Isaiah 24:20 says, "The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard. . ."
So many signs are flashing before our eyes that it's difficult to ignore them. What does it all mean?
Well, if you have been studying your Bible, you'll know. It's ALL in the Book. There's nothing hidden that shall not be revealed. God likes his children to dig into His Word and get the answers. He also likes it when you run and ask the "Teacher"! I do that a lot! It doesn't seem to bother Him.
"Study to shew yourself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."
Before you open your Bible, it helps to really get desperate for God to help you to read it. Reading the Word without God's guidance and the infilling of his Spirit and wisdom can really confuse you and cause problems; even instill fear. But, fear is not of God! God is not trying to scare you! He's trying to help you!
Shall we continue on in Revelation? I'm focusing on specific verses, but you can also read the entire chapter to get the overall picture. My original intention was to show you why I believe Christians/believers/true followers of God (and I'm talking about those believers who are born again) will go through the Tribulation. ---Not only go through it, but go through it with flying colours, joy, victory and rejoicing! If you're not up for this, you don't know what you're going to miss! God is going to pour His Spirit out on us like never before!
We are going to overcome (Rev. 12:11) "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
If you don't love your life, it's a lot easier to give your life to God and let Him live through you. Have you ever felt that your will was dead? Have you ever fully trusted God to make all your decisions? It may not happen often, but it's a position you can put yourself in as much as you're able. It's even a bit crazy in the eyes of the world. You simply LET GO. And trust.
Try it! You just might like it! He'll amaze you. The reason is that God actually DOES know what He's doing. He knows what He wants done and how to do it the best way. We can be His channels; just like how some people are channels for evil spirits, we can "channel" Jesus Christ! Oh, and, by the way, God has already provided the Holy Spirit for that express purpose.
The Holy Spirit helps you remember things you need to know at a moment's notice, He puts the right words in your mouth to speak to potential believers, He puts a huge smile on your face that you can't get rid of, He makes your life easier, happier, freer and more exciting, He calms your fears, heals your sicknesses and causes you to mount up with wings as eagles! Try. Him.OUT.
So, I get the sense that a lot of people are interested in what the Bible has to say about recent events. The reason I say that is because, since I started writing on this topic, my blog hits doubled and tripled. My question is, "Why?"
"Why are you interested in what the Bible has to say?" --- because I sure hope it's not to mock the Words of God or to spread around sarcasm. This is the Real Deal. God is not dead. He's been winking at a few things in the past, but He's not stupid. Don't make the mistake of judging God. Because we know who will win. All I can say is, "Get with the programme/program before it's too late."
Don't climb back into your booze bottle. Don't grab a smoke. Don't close your eyes and hope it goes away.
Don't be afraid to open the spooky book of Revelation! --like some people I know. God knows you're not perfect. He created you. He knows all about you! He knows more about you that you know about yourself. But, as the saying goes,
"THIS is NOT about YOU."
Forget trying to do it yourself, clean yourself up, make yourself a better person. It's not going to happen. You're going to be sinning until the day you die. Give up on yourself. You are a mess. We all are. THAT is why we have to allow Jesus to take over our lives and show us the way step by step by step. All we have to do is follow. It really is that simple. You can DO this!
Ok? So, I'll get back to Revelation tomorrow, because I don't think you're ready for this stuff quite yet. . .
Saturday, April 13, 2013
What are the Signs of the End?
I like to direct people to read their own Bibles and come up with their own answers because I believe that, if you truly are of God and you are hungering and thirsting after the Truth, God will not allow you to be deceived. That's not to say that many, many so-called Christians throughout history have not been deceived. In fact, as we know, there are many strange doctrines out there to choose from. God help US not to be deceived!
Simply, what are the signs that would tell us when we are living in the "Last Days" or the "Last Seven Years" of world history?
Besides the entire chapter of Matthew 24, there are more details in Revelation to clue us in. In chapter 13, we can read a description of the new world dictator we Christians affectionately refer to as "The Antichrist".
Revelation 13
1. And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea,having seven heads and ten horns,and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Seven heads, ten horns and ten crowns. Crowns usually indicate kingdoms. It seems ten major kingdoms will join with him and horns usually mean a threat, don't they? So, ten kingdoms will be pushing his programme. Blasphemy is not a good thing, by the way. To blaspheme means to speak irreverently about God. There's a LOT of THAT going around these days!
2. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat,and great authority.
Some people have pointed out that the dragon is a very revered creature in China. Dragon dances are performed at Chinese New Year and when a family moves into a new house. People pay good money to have two guys in a van jump around in their house inside a dragon costume, making a LOT of noise.
3. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5. And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. (3 1/2 years)
6. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name,and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints,and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Here's another verse which, to me, indicates that the Tribulation is for Christians. Who are the saints that he is making war against? (You don't have to be perfect to be a saint. You just have to be saved. The true definition of what a saint is in God's eyes is quite different than what man calls a saint.)
8. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Here's the clincher! Why would people worship someone? Think about it.
Maybe he has convinced them he's a god, or he's controlling their food sources, their will to live. Maybe he has implanted a device in these people that can actually control their will?
9. If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Is your name written in the Book of Life of the Lamb? Make sure that it is brother! Make sure you are born again and believing in the power of the Resurrection of Christ, sister!
10. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity; he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Again, this will be a time for true believers to showcase their patience and faith!
11. And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
It seems that the Antichrist is going to be killed and them come back to life.
13. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.
14. And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
This "image" is going to have some sort of "life" and be able to speak! Modern technology has now made this quite possible. GPS has made it possible to track anyone on the planet up to five feet away!
16. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
That could never happen! Right? I mean, how could everyone on the planet be forced to receive a mark?
17. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the Beast, or the number of his name.
18. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the Beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (A score is 20.)
People! The "Mark of the Beast" is on its way to your town as we speak. Don't be deceived. It won't save your life! It will destroy your soul! Don't receive the chip! Receive Jesus Christ instead. He will save your life and soul for eternity!
Simply, what are the signs that would tell us when we are living in the "Last Days" or the "Last Seven Years" of world history?
Besides the entire chapter of Matthew 24, there are more details in Revelation to clue us in. In chapter 13, we can read a description of the new world dictator we Christians affectionately refer to as "The Antichrist".
Revelation 13
1. And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea,having seven heads and ten horns,and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Seven heads, ten horns and ten crowns. Crowns usually indicate kingdoms. It seems ten major kingdoms will join with him and horns usually mean a threat, don't they? So, ten kingdoms will be pushing his programme. Blasphemy is not a good thing, by the way. To blaspheme means to speak irreverently about God. There's a LOT of THAT going around these days!
2. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat,and great authority.
Some people have pointed out that the dragon is a very revered creature in China. Dragon dances are performed at Chinese New Year and when a family moves into a new house. People pay good money to have two guys in a van jump around in their house inside a dragon costume, making a LOT of noise.
3. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5. And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. (3 1/2 years)
6. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name,and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints,and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Here's another verse which, to me, indicates that the Tribulation is for Christians. Who are the saints that he is making war against? (You don't have to be perfect to be a saint. You just have to be saved. The true definition of what a saint is in God's eyes is quite different than what man calls a saint.)
8. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Here's the clincher! Why would people worship someone? Think about it.
Maybe he has convinced them he's a god, or he's controlling their food sources, their will to live. Maybe he has implanted a device in these people that can actually control their will?
9. If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Is your name written in the Book of Life of the Lamb? Make sure that it is brother! Make sure you are born again and believing in the power of the Resurrection of Christ, sister!
10. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity; he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Again, this will be a time for true believers to showcase their patience and faith!
11. And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
It seems that the Antichrist is going to be killed and them come back to life.
13. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.
14. And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
This "image" is going to have some sort of "life" and be able to speak! Modern technology has now made this quite possible. GPS has made it possible to track anyone on the planet up to five feet away!
16. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
That could never happen! Right? I mean, how could everyone on the planet be forced to receive a mark?
17. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the Beast, or the number of his name.
18. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the Beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (A score is 20.)
People! The "Mark of the Beast" is on its way to your town as we speak. Don't be deceived. It won't save your life! It will destroy your soul! Don't receive the chip! Receive Jesus Christ instead. He will save your life and soul for eternity!
3 1/2 Years of Tribulation
Revelation Chapter 12
1. And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
2. And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
3. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
4. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
5. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
Her child could only be Jesus. What do you think? Please feel free to leave comments!
6. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
How many years is that? 3 1/2 years of Tribulation.
7. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.
8. And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Don't be surprised if your enemies accuse you day and night because you believe in Jesus!
11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
13. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
14. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
(a time = 1 year, times = 2 years, half a time = 1/2 year = 3 1/2 years Tribulation.)
If we are not going through the tribulation, then why did God make it so clear exactly how long the Tribulation lasts?
But, verse 14 seems to be a very comforting, encouraging verse that God will take care of His own Children!
15. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
This could be a flood of lies, since it's coming out of his mouth.
16. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
17. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Do you keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ? I hope so!
Friday, April 12, 2013
Post Tribulation Rapture
I'm going to share with you some of the reasons why I believe that Christians (born again believers) who are alive and on the earth at the time of the tribulation will go through the "Great Tribulation". The reason I'm doing this is because, if you are here and you don't believe in your heart that you're supposed to go through it, you may feel condemned, confused or even guilty for being alive during the worst time in earth's history.
It's better to be prepared and not need the preparation than to need it and not have it. Remember also, "God's grace is sufficient."
Now, if you have your Bible open to the book of Revelation, you'll see that the first three chapters are letters to the churches. The fourth chapter is about God's throne. Chapter five is where Jesus opens "the book" that is sealed with seven seals.
Chapter six is "setting the scene" for the prophecies about the last seven years of man's existence on earth. Jesus (the Lamb) has opened five of the seals and released five horsemen.
Revelations 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
These people were already dead and the seals are being opened. That's the time frame.
In Revelations 6:10 and 11 it says:
"And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord,
holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on
the earth?
11. And white robes were given unto every one of them; and
it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until
their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they
were, should be fulfilled.
"dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" signifies that they believe the righteous God is going to avenge their enemies. In fact, that's exactly what the wrath of God is going to do! And when is God going to avenge them?
after "their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled."
Their fellowservants being killed before the Wrath of God means they are killed during the Tribulation. (There are 7 final years which is during the reign of the world dictator or the Antichrist, 31/2 of which will be called the Tribulation. More on this later.)
Their fellowservants being killed before the Wrath of God means they are killed during the Tribulation. (There are 7 final years which is during the reign of the world dictator or the Antichrist, 31/2 of which will be called the Tribulation. More on this later.)
When Jesus opens the SIXTH SEAL, the WRATH OF GOD begins. Remember that: In Revelation 6, the 6th seal begins the wrath of God. We believers will not be here for that. That is for the unbelievers! So, verses 12 -17 describe the wrath of God. Not a pretty sight. (This is covered in more detail later in Revelations.)
We will not be in the wrath of God.
I Thessalonians 5:9
For God hath not appointed us to wrath,
but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10. Who died for us, that,
whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
(Some people are confused about the difference between the Tribulation and the Wrath of God and I think you really should get it sorted out because there's a difference. The Tribulation is when the Antichrist and his ilk persecute people who don't receive the "Mark of the Beast". The Wrath of God is when God takes vengeance on the wicked as the Bible has prophesied from the beginning.)
Revelation 7
3. Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees,
till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
4. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and
there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of
the children of Israel.
We Christians are spiritual children of Israel. The dispute
down through history has always been, “Who are the hundred and forty-four
thousand?” Most people believe they are actual physical Jews of the children of
Israel. It’s possible. Any of us alive on the earth today could have any of the
twelve sons of Israel as our forefather because the Jews have been dispersed
throughout the world for generations, mixing their blood with other
nationalities of people.
On the other hand, Jesus was of the tribe of Judah (assuming
that Mary was of the same tribe of Israel as her husband, Joseph). So, if our
actual physical blood has no trace of Israel in it, our spiritual blood does.
Here's another verse that, to me, indicates we will go through the Tribulation:
13. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are
these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they?
14. And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to
me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their
robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve
him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell
among them.
16. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more;
neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall
feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall
wipe away all tears form their eyes.
Imagine that! "He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them!" What an honour! What a reward! Wouldn't you be willing to do just about anything to win that kind of a reward of having Jesus dwell with you?
Here's another verse:
Rev. 11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave
out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city
shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
It says that the "Gentiles" or non-believers will tread the "holy city" or believers under foot 42 months. How many years is that? Three and a half years. That's the length of time that the Tribulation will last for.
Please don't worry that I've taken verses "out of context" because you can easily have your Bible on your lap as I point out these verses. Each verse stands on its own for the purpose I'm using it and that is to encourage you that, if you DO happen to find yourself in the middle of the Tribulation, you are not out of God's will! In fact, you will be among those blessed people that Jesus "dwells among"! And, whatever your calling or destiny is, God will give you so much of his grace that it will be a joy to you to suffer for his sake!
to be continued . . .
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