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!
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