Revelation The Explanation Book — Part 2

 

Part 2

For Part 1, please click here:  revelation-chapters-1-10-explained

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By Val Lee

Table of Contents – Part 2

 

Chapter 11—Mouths of Fire 

Chapter 12—Satan the Dragon 

Chapter 13—666 – What It Might Signify 

Chapter 14—The Sickle of His Wrath 

Chapter 15—The Song of the Lamb 

Chapter 16—A Global Warming Like No Other 

Chapter 17—Whore City 

Chapter 18—The Detailing 

Chapter 19—Hallelujah Glory 

Chapter 20—Persecution 

Chapter 21—No More Sea 

Chapter 22—The Conclusion 

Revelation Chapter 11

Mouths of Fire

Ancient Ur/Babylonian art piece/© Val J. Lee

Chapter 11 of Revelation is the continuing account of the little book of prophecy. John was told in the concluding verse of chapter 10 that he must prophecy again concerning global apocalyptic events. Being able to read and write is a blessed thing. Owning the ability to read and comprehend the Bible supersedes anything this planet peddles. We are fortunate to live in a country where education is of primary importance. Jesus Christ has equipped undeserving people with multifaceted learning skills. This all involves being made in the image of our omniscient (all knowing) God, though His vast knowledge is past finding out. The disciples were considered unlearned men, but their writings prove they were the most educated among men. They were educated by the One who knows all things, The LORD Jesus Christ. The apostles still educate us in the things of God today.

I believe this is a good place to expose the remarkable preservation of the Scriptures through textural facts.

The earliest surviving Greek manuscript of the New Testament can be dated at 125 AD, being classified as “Papyrus 52.” There have been many manuscript copies penned to preserve the Word, which is alive, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword.  No book in ancient history owns as much verification through preservation. It is not by chance. And God secured that John’s prophetical accounts were kept from decay through the centuries, being part of His lasting words. The Bible has more manuscript evidence supporting its reliability and accuracy than any other ancient writing.

There are over 5,300 known Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. There are more than 24,000 manuscript copies of portions of the New Testament in existence today. No other document of antiquity comes close to this attestation. Homer’s Iliad arrives second in authenticity with only 643 surviving manuscripts.

~

Moving into verse 1, we observe John is “given a measuring rod” and he is told he must measure the Jerusalem temple and the altar—it will be used for sacrifice and will stand in the court of the priests.

Let us review again the history of the temples: Titus, a Roman general (later became emperor of Rome), destroyed the previous temple in 70 AD. It was the second temple proper; constructed in 515 BC when the Jews returned to the Holy Land after being dispersed in Babylon due to their indulging sins. Zerubbabel was the governor of Israel and supervised the construction of the second temple.

Wicked King Herod the Great, through his architectural plans, beautified and enlarged this temple. This construction commenced in 19 BC, and the building expansion continued, being completed in 63 AD. It then became known as Herod’s temple. Herod the Great was outwardly religious, but he chose to be enslaved to evil. He never knew the true and living God. He may have been the first person to have committed a local infanticidal war—armed against infants only—specifically the God the Son, Jesus Christ, after His birth. In an effort to destroy Jesus Christ, when a baby, he murdered innocent tiny tots, all those who lived in the district of Bethlehem, two years old and younger. It is referred to as “The Massacre of the Innocents.” Mary and Joseph were warned by God the Father to flee, allowing the preservation of God the Son when an infant.

Herod forthrightly revealed the vileness of the heart of mankind. He was not “basically good.” In God’s eyes no one is “basically good.” All have sinned and have turned from Him.

People in history sacrificed their babies to idols—false gods, committing holocaustic acts of infanticide. Today people sacrifice their unborn babies to their gods of promiscuous sex and selfishness. Satan’s plan has always been to destroy the human race created in the image of God. He is the great deceiver and promoter of Biblical disobedience. Through his influence and the desires of man’s flesh, 126,000 unborn children are murdered per day in our world. (I must add, anyone can find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. He died not for all sins.)

The first Jerusalem temple, Solomon’s, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. This calamity was forecasted by God, and all due to His erring children, the Jews, who wanted to be styling with society. They no longer took the Word of the LORD seriously, completely neglecting obedience to the Old Testament. This resulted in forced foreign captivity, being held 70 years that they might repent. At the 70 year juncture in history, God allowed His chosen to return to Jerusalem to live and rebuild the temple. This leads us back to the history stated above concerning the second temple and the future temple. We know from Scripture that a new temple will be built in Jerusalem in end times. This is what we are presently viewing in verse 1, the fulfillment of prophecy. The book of Revelation does not tell us when it will be built or the other prophetical books. However, its dimensions and requirements are provided in the book of Ezekiel. An interesting temple video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfYVZY6ImHk&feature=related

The temple mount—Mount Moriah—is where Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac (though God prevented him); Genesis chapter 22. It was where David presented oxen offerings to cease God’s judging plague; 2 Samuel chapter 24. He had disobeyed God by taking a census of the people of Israel; all done through a proud heart. It is God who gives the increase and it was God who created the multitudes in this nation. The temple mount in Jerusalem currently houses a Muslim mosque, the Dome on the Rock.

Our Revelation text, verse 2, also commands John to measure those who worship in the temple. This may have been done through John counting the worshippers or measuring the space they occupied in the temple enclosure. This video may provide you with some idea of how the apocalyptic temple will appear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B37Mp6mhs3

Though John is told to measure the temple, he is commanded not to measure the outside court area, which would be the veranda. God has not given the enclosed temple area to the Gentiles, but the temple portico and city is in their possession. It will be part of God’s plan to allow the Gentiles to seize custody of Jerusalem that the they may be punished for their wicked, disobedient ways.

What we see in verse 2, reminds us of today’s headlines: “Unrest in the Middle East.” Israel’s surrounding nations are continually warring in an attempt to capture the Holy Land. Here, in Revelation’s apocalyptic glimpse, the Gentiles of the earth succeed in their plot to possess the Holy Land. They are governing Israel; and Jerusalem will be trod under their feet for three and a half years. Christ referred to this dreadful time in Luke chapter 21. This Luke passage counsels the generation of people who will be present at that time. It encompasses warnings for this tribulation age. Christ stated that the Jews must leave Judea (the area of Jerusalem) and flee to the mountains.

Verse 24 of Luke chapter 21 is principle to closing times, being a sister verse of Revelation 11:2. It addresses those who will fall by the sword and led into captivity, when “Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles, until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled.” Revelation 13:10 also seems to speak to this arriving deadly period when the antichrists are ruling: “If anyone is destined to captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, he must be killed. Here is the perseverance of the saints.” Christ teaches that the eschatological events will produce great fear and it is coming upon the entire earth; Luke 21:25-26. “There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth, dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves.” The powers of heaven will be shaken which will eventually lead to the second coming of Jesus Christ. People will see Him come “in a cloud with power and in great glory;” Luke 21:27. My, how I look toward this glorious day!

In verse 3, we are introduced to two godly uncompromising men who will stand as olive trees and lampstands in a society that is doing its own thing. These two godly pillars of God will represent all that is fruitful and holy. We read in the opening chapters of Revelation of God removing His lampstands from compromising churches. The lampstand appears to represent the righteous power of the Holy Spirit. These expected Christian men will be filled with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, seeing they will hate all compromising sin with a vengeance.

Today, the church seems oblivious to the arriving holocaustic catastrophes that will catch those who have not believed. If these two witnesses were to come into today’s postmodern (so called) churches to preach in the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, you can well bet they would be hated and ridiculed. They would be mocked for not being contemporary Christians. They would be shoved out the doors for not holding to an emergent (ecumenical) and tolerant mindset. These two men would be cruelly despised for taking the Scriptures literally and holding to them.

Verse 8 states this is where the “LORD was crucified.” The word “Jerusalem” means “city of peace” and there is no peace at this time nor righteousness. Therefore, God chooses not to refer to Jerusalem by its proper title but as “Sodom and Egypt.” It is to this local that God brings these two Jewish witnesses who are not going to play silly games to win the crowds. We observe here, and in other places in Revelation, the great hatred for Jews and Christians. Jerusalem’s pagan inhabitants would have killed these two Jewish men quickly if they did not possess God’s powers of retaliation. Many people today would like to see every Jew extinguished and so will earth’s inhabitants during the tribulation.

Today, the homosexual movement is in heavy, violent battle with Orthodox Jews. We get a taste of this Revelation era to come when we see homosexuals rioting in the most vile and unspeakable ways. They, at times, will hatefully come against Christians even through physical harm. The sensually controlled people of the world will win their way during the tribulation as witnessed in Revelation chapter 11. Sometime, during this retribution period, the Jews will turn to Christ, their true Messiah. However, persecution will continue to be prevalent and deadly. This spiritual war will be aimed at Christians and Jews during this holocaustic time that will not resemble any previous era.

Everyone will hate these two humble Jewish men dressed in sackcloth. Sackcloth represents a sorrowful state of being. Sackcloth was made of rough goats’ hair and used for holding grain and other produce products. It is obvious that these men maintain the same heart as the 144,000 male, virgin Jews.

The great men of the Bible mourned over what they witnessed while inhabiting this sinful earth. Jesus Christ was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; Isaiah 53. These two godly men will be in sorrow over the sins of Jerusalem’s inhabitants and the fact the city is in the hands of Gentiles.

The two Jewish prophets will preach the appointed wrath of God upon sinners. As representatives of God, these outstanding Christians will stand opposed to sin. The transgressive people of Jerusalem will not cater to their prophetic holy truths. They are having too much fun! They are rejoicing in the defeat of the Jews, having gained possession of their land.

Under Gentile control, Jerusalem is going to be the place of all inclusive worship. The people of this day are worshipping all gods, which hold the power and influence of demons. We are to be separated from all such activities; 2 Corinthians 6:14f. We learned of the idol/demon religion of the apocalypse when we studied verse 20 of chapter 9. This text exposes the religious trends of that day. In the book of Jeremiah, the Jews are reprimanded and disciplined for worshipping false gods that were numerous as the number of their cities and streets; Jeremiah 11:13.

You can mark the fact that throughout the Old and New Testaments, humanity believed the more gods the better, being each god held power in certain areas. There were fertility, nature, prosperity, and avenging gods. Simply to name a few. Egypt was famed for its plethora of false gods or idols. I believe this is why God also refers to Jerusalem as “Egypt.”  The unsaved world’s populace will be worshipping demonic forces as one unit against the God of the Bible. Every belief system will be acceptable, except uncompromising Biblical Christianity.

These two men are God’s ordained prophets filled with power that consumes those who are sexually and ecumenically oriented. They will kill anyone who comes against them for standing on the Word of God without compromise. These men will be filled with God’s avenging dynamism. Jerusalem’s pagan inhabitants would have killed these men quickly if they had not owned these powers of retaliation. They will exercise the power of dragons—fire will pour forth from their mouths by which they will devour their enemies. I do believe this to be literal, acknowledging God can do all things; He is the omnipotent creator of all.

(We already read of God’s multifaceted horse-like creatures that will breathe volcanic, fiery brimstone. This was in chapter 9 where I referenced the dragons that breathed fire and smoke, which once roamed this earth, that dwelt on land and in water. They were gigantic creatures that were the dread of the human race! Job, the first penned book in the Bible, discloses the appearance and activities of these dragons in chapter 41.)

These men will also have authority over the weather as they will have power to thwart all rainfall. They will be able to command drought so no hint of precipitation emerges during their tenure of prophetic preaching. If they desire, they can turn water into blood and smite the entire earth with plagues as often as they choose. No historic act can resemble it; yet, it will come to pass! They will not just maintain power over Jerusalem, but over the massive globe.

During the time of Israel’s captivity in Egypt, Moses, through the power of God, turned every drop of water in Egypt into blood. The two witnesses will exhort more of God’s power than Moses who delivered the Jews out of Egypt. Like the Egyptians, the majority of people who will witness the great and mighty works of the witnesses will not repent.

When the two prophets complete their testimony of God’s truths, power and coming judgment, Satan will arise from the abyss and will make war with them as the beast. He will overcome them and kill them. He will probably arrive in the form of the antichrist and will lead an army against them. Chapter 13 of Revelation, speaks of the beast and his tremendous power and authority on the earth. Daniel chapter 7 informs us there will be four beasts who will do Satan’s bidding. Revelation speaks of two of the four beasts.

There will be one religious beast, and the other three seem to move in political power. The main antichrist will be the religious beast who is also spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-6. This Thessalonians passage may be addressing this same Revelation period when Satan takes control of Jerusalem, desecrating the temple. He will display himself as being God. Satan is currently restrained by God, but a time will come when he will rule the earth for a period. Because the entire world hated these godly men with a lethal vengeance, it will love gazing upon their dead bodies and rejoicing in their execution.

The godless spectators refuse to lay their remains in a tomb because these dead men are the centerpiece of their celebrations. The event invokes a holiday season of sending gifts to one another. The vile people of the earth no longer need to feel conviction for their sin; the Biblical preaching voices have ceased. The world’s populace gladly embraces this non-threatening environment; verses 7-10.

After three and half days of celebration, there is a great awakening, an awakening from the dead. God will grant these godly two prophets the breath of life, which will bring them to a full recovery. When they stand on their feet, great fear will come upon those who have been rejoicing in their demise. Then a loud voice from heaven will call to the godly ones, telling them, “Come up here.” They will then be raptured, arising into heaven from the earth in a cloud, with their astonished enemies watching; verses 11-12.

My, what terror will overtake these wicked sinners. And it will increase when God sends a “great earthquake” in that very hour. A tenth of the city will be razed, resulting in the death of seven thousand Gentile people. The survivors will be horrified and will give glory to God. We hope they not only will offer praise, but will also repent unto salvation.

The fall of the city will not overtake the religious antichrist. We do not know where he is at this time, but we know he continues in his fight against Jesus Christ, as the book of Revelation and other prophetic books, including Daniel, reveal.

This concludes another period in the tribulation, referred to as the second woe or anguishing time, and a third is on its way; verse 14. Entering this new unveiling, we again view heaven.

In the next scene, the seventh angel takes his trumpet and plays it to sound in the final, seventh trumpet. In commenseration, he praises God saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” This verse is The Hallelujah Chorus of Handel’s Messiah. Handel’s masterpiece extensively addresses the tribulation and millennial rule of Christ. The Messiah is composed completely of Scripture—not the words of men. Praise God!

The truths of verse 15 explain that Christ rules the world and believers will see Him rule as eternal king. What is unfolded in the book of Revelation is leading to the “kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” This is a segment of great rejoicing, as Satan and his followers cannot withhold praise from God. Christ has “begun to reign,” as we have observed through the accomplished works up to this time, including the victory rapture of the two prophets. No words are adequate to explain this heavenly, ecstasy of adoration. Because no one can thwart Christ’s plan, the nations rage; verse 18. They are going to receive God’s judgment and they will not like it. All will be judged and no cremation and ash scattering will stop Him from judging everyone.

Those who hate God and His Word are referred to as “those who destroy the earth.” Notice, it is not the anti-green people who destroy the earth through not being eco-friendly, but the Biblically disobedient. It is the godless, those who hate God, who have incited earth’s demise. God has had to judge and destroy a great deal of the globe. Eventually the earth will be totally annihilated and a new heaven and earth will appear; 21:1. This will proceed the millennial rule of Christ. At this time God’s servants will be rewarded—the Old Testament prophets and New Testament faithful saints—all who have feared His name. Verse 19 is quite interesting as many want to make assumptions on where the Ark of God’s Covenant is. I can tell you where it will rest. In heaven, as this verse reveals. The temple of heaven will open at this great tribute interlude and the Ark of His Covenant will appear (the holding place of the Ten Commandants given to Moses). This will cause lightening and peals of thunder. It reveals the power of God through the ages. It speaks of His preserved Word.

The Ark of the Covenant sat in the Holy of Holies in the temple:

“The Bible describes the Ark as made of acacia wood. The Ark was covered with the purest gold. Its upper surface or lid, the mercy seat (Hebrew: כפורת, Kaporet), was surrounded with a rim of gold. On each of the two long sides were two gold rings, wherein were placed two wooden poles (with a decorative sheathing of gold), to allow the Ark to be carried (Numbers 7:9 and 1 Kings 8:3-6). Over the Ark, at the two extremities, were two cherubim, with their faces turned toward one another (Leviticus 16:2 and Numbers 7:89). The Ark was placed in the ‘Holy of Holies,’ so that one end of the carrying poles touched the veil separating the two compartments of the tabernacle (1 Kings 8:8). Contents were the two tablets of stone constituting the ‘testimony’ or evidence of God’s covenant with the people (i.e. The Ten Commandments), a golden jar containing some of the manna from the Israelites’ trek in the wilderness, and the rod of Aaron that budded, were added to the contents of the Ark (Exodus 16:32-34 and Hebrews 9:4), but apparently were later removed at some point prior to the building of Solomon’s temple. I Kings 8:9 reveals that there ‘was nothing in the Ark save the two tablets of stone.'”

When Solomon’s temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, at the time of Judah’s (Israel’s southern kingdom) captivity, there was no further mention of the existence of the Ark of the Covenant. Obviously, God made sure it was not removed by the heathenistic Babylonians. It was not mentioned among the items removed from the temple at that time; Jeremiah chapter 52.

Revelation Chapter 12

Satan the Dragon

This chapter puts us face to face with a fact that God’s chosen nation, Israel, holds 12 stars—representing the twelve tribes of Israel.  A crown on Israel’s head uplifts the dozen stars. This is presented through a “great sign in heaven” as stated in verse 1. This verse magnifies the greatness of Israel, being portrayed by a woman of power who is “clothed with the sun and the moon, under her feet.” No one can look at this verse and the following and not understand that Israel is this woman, and she is the apple of God’s eye (Zechariah 2:7-8). She is His chosen nation. Israel—that displays the 12 star diadem (the twelve tribes) on her head—gave birth to Christ; verse 2. Of course, this was by way of Mary, but she is not placed in the picture presented here, only Israel, as Christ’s birth-way. Of course, the main thrust of Scripture is that He came via the nation Israel, arriving by the line of David.

(Catholics claim that the woman in this passage is Mary the “queen of heaven.” They believe this is why she is adorned with stars, sun and moon. God hates the worship of the “queen of heaven,” as preached in Jeremiah 7:18, 44:17 & 25.)

In verse 2, we see how Israel was in labor with Christ and in pain. Women suffer in childbirth, being cursed due to the sin that arose through Eve. The pain in this verse may be referring to Israel’s travail of servitude, desiring to be delivered from Roman oppression when Christ was born. Today, she still is in massive affliction having rejected her Messiah, thus being at odds with various nations.

The United Nations, for the past two years, has established a place and time in Southern Africa, Durban, for Israel bashing. They provoke nations to reconsider the factuality of the holocaust while uplifting Muslim rule. The United Nations has set forth 65 resolutions targeting Israel, slowly shoving her off the land granted her by God; all the while uplifting the Palestinians, saying they have the right to seize the Holy Land. The 2012 National Democratic Convention was promoting their first ever American-Muslim Caucus, where certain radical, Jew hating, Allah worshippers were to be treated with regalia adoration. At the Time Warner Cable Arena, democrats were to welcome around 20,000 Muslims, along with their terrorist leaders.  One of the Muslim speakers scheduled was Hassen Abdellah who was a lead Islam terrorist, defense attorney for the 1993 First World Trade Center Bombing. Because of the American outcry, this Islam uplifting was cancelled at the last minute.

Unfortunately, the 2012 Manhattan, NY, Muslim parade was not canceled and hatred for America and Israel spilled out of Islamic mouths that publicized the importance of aiding in the shedding of innocent blood. One woman preached to political leaders and fellow Muslims, explaining how Muslim women carried within them the future suicide bombers of the world. This parade, accompanied by deadly speeches, was fully endorsed by New York’s government.  At one point, New York Senator, Tom Avella, walked off the stage in disgust, though he refused to elaborate when interviewed.

Many want to blow Israel off the face of the earth and our current administration and past administrations have funneled money to Israel’s deadly enemies. Satan continually works through Israel’s adversaries to seize her God-allotted land and kill her people. Though in history, America has stood with Israel; in recent years, American presidents have insisted that Israel forfeit portions of her land. Often when this has occurred, within 24 hours, history-making disasters have hit our land. News headlines have frequently displayed an Israel-slapping title on one side and a massive disaster title of excelled proportions on the other. The news media has even tied such incidents together on occasion.

Today, Satan is turning more and more people against Israel even in the church.

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Traversing further into Revelation, another wonder appears, that of Satan, and he is out to destroy, forming himself into a fire-breathing dragon; verse 3. He is pictured as a great red dragon and he is cited by this title elsewhere in Revelation. Red certainly can portray his bloody wickedness. Various artists have portrayed him as a red creature, though never in total accuracy. No one can.

The seven heads and ten horns represent leaders and countries he will control, which we will witness in future chapters. This is also revealed in the book of Daniel.

We note in Revelation 13:2 that the heads and horns represent empowered authority over the world. These ten horns or kings will destroy Mystery Babylon; 17:16f. Yes, new Babylon will be Satan’s creation, but he will see to its obliteration as well (all within God’s will). Satan is ruthless and simply desires to wreak havoc, being his hatred for man is unquenchable. He relishes pitting nations against one another for power surges, as he fills the globe with vile wickedness. We see this today, observing there is no peace on the earth and men slay one another for  dominance.

Satan was angry that God’s forecasting was coming to fruition with the birth of God the Son. The dragon, in his fury, swept away a third of the stars in heaven, which plummeted earthward. This is the only place we learn of this happening. It is not recorded elsewhere. These falling, celestial bodies obviously did not greatly impact the inhabitants of the earth, knowing there is no recorded history regarding this event.

(Falling stars vaporize due to ram pressure from earth’s air, leaving streaks of light that quickly vanish. Few remnants from destructive cosmos activity land on the earth. Between 10 and 50 meteorites crash upon our globe daily, safely landing in the form of small rocks. Seventy percent of meteors land in the ocean—representing seventy percent of the earth. By God’s grace, the remaining land in uninhabited areas. This signifies God protection of the earth. He has also set planets around our globe that protect it from galactic activities. An estimated 25 million meteors fly through the atmosphere everyday.

“Meteors light up from friction with the air, flying at speeds between 7 and 46 miles per second—25,200 to 165,600 miles per hour! If it’s big and bright, the meteor is defined as a fireball. Scores of fireballs are sighted every year. If the fireball explodes in flight, it’s called a bolide. If chunks of a meteor fall to the ground, they are called meteorites.

Twice in the last century, large bolides have come flying into our atmosphere, exploding with immeasurably greater force than the Hiroshima atomic bomb. The first, about 200 feet across, exploded 5 miles up and still leveled 1,200 square miles of Siberian forest around Tunguska in 1908. The other destroyed dozens of square miles of Amazonian jungle in 1930. European explorers in the early 1800s found the Inuits well-equipped with iron tools, knife blades, harpoon points and engraving tools. All from meteorites.”

Yes, outer space tools! The Hittites and Sumerians called iron “fire from heaven.” Indeed, God’s material blessings can fall from the heavens in the way of rocks. There is a great deal of universal activity that we are blind to. We can rest knowing our omnipotent God oversees the activities in the sky above, on earth’s floor and beneath. God’s exhibited macrocosm managing is incomprehensible and awe inspiring.)  

I find the dictionary definition (@Dictionary.com) regarding the cosmos quite anti-evolution:    

1.	the world or universe regarded as an orderly, harmonious system.

2.	a complete, orderly, harmonious system.

3.	order; harmony

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Satan’s sinister planning cannot be fulfilled unless God relaxes His protecting arm. This is only allowed when God recognizes He will be glorified through it all, as with Job. God, at the time of Christ’s world entry as a Jewish child, did not desire the elimination of humanity through Satan’s hateful cosmos crashing deed. He was setting Christ on the earth in the name of grace to save sinful mankind around the globe.

Satan’s anger was exhibited at the conception of Christ, and he made sure he was present in the stable during Mary’s labor. He was standing before Mary ready to kill Christ, right upon His birth. Satan tried to “devour” the Christ-child. This adds more frightful gloom to the nativity setting. Through the omnipotent protection of God, he was not able to prohibit it. Satan hates the fulfillment of prophecy—the truths of God unveiled; Genesis 3:15, 49:10, Isaiah 7:13-14, 9:6-7, 11:1-2, 2 Samuel 7:12-16, Micah 5:2-3, Jeremiah 23:5, etc. He knew Christ’s birth was the first step in bringing in the kingdom of God upon the earth. He was determined to cripple Almighty God through King Herod’s infanticide tactic—an attempt to kill Christ soon after His birth, as explained previously. We know by God’s grace Jesus Christ was protected.

We know the nation Israel succeeded in birthing the Messiah through the omnipotent power of God; verse 5. This did not usher in the Messiah’s world dominion, though this is what we look toward today, when Christ will take charge of the earth with a rod of iron. He will destroy all His enemies when He takes His throne, as the world’s virtuous and humble dictator.

We read of this same rod iron dictatorship in 2:27. This phrase can also be located in Psalm 2—a Messianic Psalm. Our world will experience a theocracy government in all its purity—a government of and for Christ who is God the Son.

We read in the closing of verse 5, that Christ “was caught up to God and to His throne.” This Revelation exposure puts His death and resurrection in a nutshell.  This is completely potent, amplifying that Christ came to earth, proclaimed His message, was murdered, was buried, and ascended into heaven. No, not all of this is stated here, but we know this verse is proclaiming the Gospel message. Christ’s sacrificial message was incomprehensible to most Jews who held to their sinful, hardened hearts.

Well, there is coming a time when Israel will accept the complete package of Christ. The Jewry will come to mourn the fact they murdered their Messiah; 1:7. Everyone in the world will bemoan the fact.

Verse 6 takes us to the tribulation period and Israel’s persecution. She is fleeing from the dragon who desires to devour her. God, out of His mercy, is going to sustain His beloved nation. He will have a place prepared on the earth for her where she will be protected from the evil one.

The LORD will nourish her the 1,260 days she is placed in exile. God will allow her to be banished 3 1/2 years. This will be the time Satan comes against Israel and desecrates the holy place (the temple) and the Holy Land—treading it under foot. We read a portion regarding this time in the previous chapter; 11:2f.

Verse 7 provides us insight, taking us through the heavens to witness the wars of heaven. Archangel Michael and other angels will wage war at this time as they fight Satan (the dragon) and his demons. Michael is a powerful combatant and messenger; the one angel who has always stood in the gap for Israel. He is one who protects this wayward nation to assure Israel is preserved. We observe this in Daniel 10:10-13, where Michael is speaking to Daniel, recalling his fight with the kings of Persia (Iran today) to protect the Promise Land. This Daniel chapter forthrightly deals out the tribulation period. We also read of Michael in Jude 9 where Satan disputed over the body of Moses. Satan may have wanted it for idolatrous worship, knowing Moses was so highly revered. On the other hand, Satan may have wanted to destroy it in a most hideous way.

We know one thing for sure; he was up to no good. God hid Moses’ body from Satan, as Moses was hid from death at his birth. In Jude 9, we see only God has the power to rebuke satan.  Not even God’s sinless angels have that power. Christ revealed Himself as God on the earth as He rebuked Satan without hesitation.

In Revelation 12:9, we see the defeat of the dragon in a heavenly battle. He is no match for God’s army. Of course, God could destroy Satan and his angels in less than a second if He so desired. Lucifer and his demons will be cast down to the earth at this time as stated here. He is the one who deceives the whole earth. It is due to this fact that we must dress ourselves in the full armor of God; Ephesians chapter 6.

This earth-casting represents another victory in the tribulation period. Heaven rejoices and God is exalted—“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.” Throughout Revelation, hope is offered, as we read here in verse 10 and elsewhere. We know a time is arriving when God’s kingdom will make itself present and all wickedness will be dissolved for a thousand years from the earth. Then, for a short period, it will be allowed to have a fling. Following this, we will never witness vileness again. We certainly look toward that day when Satan’s power is completely erased! Perfect peace and perfect holiness will reign through the power of the Almighty.

Believers recognize Satan is trying to defeat them, continually bringing their faults before God Almighty. Satan demanded permission from God to sift Peter like wheat. Christ disclosed this to Peter—Luke 22:31. Jesus Christ, while on the earth, knew all that was occurring in the heavenlies. Nothing escaped His notice and control. On the earth, He was omnipotent God in the flesh.

In verse 11, our attention is placed on the “blood of the Lamb” and its magnified power. Christ’s shed blood for mankind is key in the spiritual battle against Satan. Nowhere are we commanded to claim the blood nor is any such example presented, but we are commanded to proclaim the blood. It must not be abandoned and set aside. We have victory over the world, the devil and our flesh through our redemption, through the sacrificial blood of the Lamb—Jesus Christ. There is no other way. This is why it is proclaimed in this Revelation verse and elsewhere. It is precious to every true Christian. We must recognize the importance of the blood in this day and age when churches want to eliminate its powerful worth and sometimes its significance regarding communion.

The blood’s devaluing can even be witnessed in newer Bible translations that play into satan’s hand. Billy Graham and his family distribute the Good News Bible or Today’s English Version that has mostly removed the shed blood of Christ. It was written by Robert G. Bratcher, who blasphemed Christ and His work on the tree of crucifixion. He did not believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, etc. He was not a Christian. This Bible deliberately does not refer to Mary as a virgin. If you link to this Wikipedia website:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_News_Bible

and scroll down past the empty space, you will read that it is endorsed by Billy Graham and church organizations, including the Catholic Church. Franklin Graham’s states in his publication; this is the Bible he distributes.

The apostle John, who emphasized that Jesus was the “only begotten Son” of God, and uplifted the LORD in His total glory here in Revelation, would be appalled at today’s falsely translated Bible versions. The New International Version (NIV) Bible translation leaves out “begotten” that is in the Greek manuscripts. You find this blasphemous omission occurs in John 3:16, 3:18, 1:14 and 1:18—Jesus is no longer proclaimed as the “only BEGOTTEN Son of God.”  Begotten is in the original Greek, but removed as so not to offend.  Even the Hindu god worshipper, Gandhi, stated he could accept Jesus as God’s son, but not the only begotten Son of God.  He stated Krishna is the only begotten son of God. I have researched Greek concordances. “Begotten” is never held in question. It was placed in the original manuscripts. You can check this yourself with Strong’s Concordance on line.

The following words have been omitted from the NIV: Propitiation, regeneration, mercyseat, remission, immutable, omnipotent, Comforter, Messiah, infallible, et cetera; as well as fornication, carnal, effeminate, vanity, devils, Lucifer, damnation, brimstone, and the bottomless pit. The NIV omitted many words.

The New International Version, printed by Zondervan, is the most popular Bible version today.  Zondervan Publishers will not readily reveal to Christians that they are owned by Harper Collins, who also publishes The Satanic Bible and The Joy of Gay Sex.

Http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Zondervan-Corporation-Company-History.HTML

It must be noted: Dr. Marten Woudstra, who was chairman on the NIV committee, was an active homosexual. (now deceased) He is quoted as saying that loving, monogamous relationships between gay men or women were acceptable to God and that there was nothing in the Old Testament that spoke against the perversion. (Dr. Woudstra was a forthright liar)

Dr. Virginia Mollenkott, a literary critic on the NIV translation is an open, feminist Lesbian. Her name is listed in the translation information. In the Episcopal magazine, Witness (June 1991, pp. 20-23), she admits, “My homosexuality has always been a part of me …”

The word “sodomite” is never found in the NIV. (Deuteronomy 23:17, I Kings 14:24, 15:12 , 22:46 , II Kings 23:7) Not only that, but all other references to sodomy are perverted to say something else: 1 Corinthians 6:9, “. . . neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, . . .” is replaced with the “. . . nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders . . .”

We live in grievously sad days. The new Bible versions have been created to uplift the dollar sign for so-called Christian publishers and they are not ashamed to say so. Such translations tickle everyone’s ears and make the unredeemed feel good, and therefore sell well. We must be careful that Jesus Christ and His truths are not changed or removed. We have to be Biblically trained investigators (like the Bereans), doing our part to remain steadfast and not swayed to counterfeit beliefs.

Jesus Christ is God and any Bible translation that downplays His position and work must be shunned. God says regarding such statements that His Word cannot be added to or subtracted from. Biblical truth is not according to what man thinks or has experienced. The Word of God uncensored is the only truth. It never changes with time or with culture.  God never changes. Even if an angel from heaven preaches another gospel, that is contrary to the Word of God, he is not to be believed as he is cursed; Galatians 1:8. We all must be cautious, understanding that most recently published Bible versions are heretical. Many even remove “Holy” from the term “Holy Spirit.” This is done deliberately to teach people it can be any spirit.

We live in very sad apostate days. Please check your versions carefully.

~

Being willing to die for the Savior is emphasized here in verse 11.  Even if we are called upon to die for our faith, we must be willing, not loving our life on this earth. We must be prepared to forfeit it for Christ. Many are doing so today in many parts of the world. We have witnessed in Revelation that the road of death will be a common route for true Christians. For this reason, we must rejoice. We must celebrate in the fact that God’s people are willing to die for their Savior. These believers will overcome evil, never submitting to it, and will be murdered. Godly martyrs throughout the centuries have refused to deny Jesus Christ no matter the painful cost. They refused to protect their own hides knowing heaven’s glory awaited them. They did not love their lives on this sinful earth when faced with death.

We are called to rejoice here in the authority of God, His power and kingdom.  The eternal rewards are worth it all. Believers are to exalt in every presented fact that relates to these final days as presented in Scripture.

God reveals in verse 12 that Satan will present great wrath. He knows his time is short at this point and he is going to make the most of it. He is going to persecute Israel as never before. He hates anyone who is God’s chosen. He hates every true Christian. In these last days, he tries to destroy every follower of the true and living God.

We read in verse 13 that the dragon is now making his abode on the earth, having been cast out of the heavenlies. He is on limited status now, as explained in verse 10.

Since most of the earth allies itself with Satan, being its chosen leader, God says, “Woe.” He does not make it a secret that everyone will pay the consequences of not giving allegiance to the holy Savior who died for everyone. Though most Jews are currently following Satan in their wicked state of rejecting Christ, God still loves them and He maintains their nation according to His will. In this day of the apocalypse, the Jews will love their Savior, Jesus Christ, and God will guide and protect His prized jewel, keeping it from Satan’s harmful ways.

We observe in verse 14, that God takes His beloved (the woman) to a place of protection in the wilderness. He will “nourish” Israel for a period of time. Though the woman is in exodus, God will bless Israel and watch over her. He will keep the Hebrews safe from Satan. Even when the Jews did not follow God in obedience during their wilderness walk from Egypt, over three thousands years ago, God still blessed and protected His nation. However, many did perish due to rebellion, including the first generation. This is documented in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The wilderness time of Revelation will be far more blessed, recognizing these Jews will not rebel.

In verse 15, we see Satan attempting to harm the nation of Israel after this peaceful, wilderness retreat period of nourishment. He will produce a flood out of the power of his mouth in an attempt to destroy God’s chosen race. (Satan can exercise great ability if allowed, moving as a spiritual, potent being.)

The Jews will be swept away in the mass of water, but the LORD will intervene by causing the strong stream to recess into the ground. It seems the earth will soften any hardpan and drink up this immense flow. Our God is omnipotent and can do all things. When His people fled Egypt, God held back the Red Sea so this enormous nation could pass through on dry ground; Exodus chapter 14. The Jordan waters were held back for Elijah and Elisha, as explained in 2 Kings chapter 2.

In the concluding verse, we see Satan does not give up! He never gives up today in his attempt to destroy Israel. We read here, he hunts other Jews to make war with them, those who were not involved in the wilderness rescue of God. The dragon hates these beloved Middle Eastern people because they are godly, holding to God’s commandments. They hold to the “testimony of Jesus Christ” as we read here.

With this relentless chase, we close this chapter. God is gracious to give us an inside look into what is to come through Revelation disclosures. His words always come to pass. He never deviates from His blessed Bible, not even with a simple jot or tittle.

 

Revelation chapter 13

666 – What It Might Signify

Satan is a beast and world leader who blasphemes God in the time of Revelation, and we see this satanic attitude transpiring in governments today—powers that hate God. Satan loathes God because He rules. Satan wants God extinguished so he owns dominion over all. Many governments in history have blasphemed God and received His wrath such as Assyria. The LORD references Assyria as a nation that blasphemed Him and He made this nation’s king “fall by a sword in his own land;” Isaiah 37:6-7 and 37-38. God and His Word are severely mocked by Satan’s children and we see a mounting increase of insolence for that which is holy, this being evidenced in our world and in the church—the religious apostasy.

Many church attendees are not afraid to blaspheme God outside of church doors and His inerrant Word. They do this in obedience to the dragon (Satan) who loves every displayed disrespect for God and His immutable truths.

In this chapter, we come face to face with the desires of the evil one.  We see in verse 1 that Satan will stand on the sand of the seashore. His character being symbolized by a dragon. Dragons represent terror! They once breathed fire to consume whomever and whatever they desired. Their entire body was employed for killing by elimination.

The Bible also describes Satan as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. The dragon and lion figures, set before us by God, are perfect in representation, being the enemies of believers and mankind in the last days.

(DNA, ancient languages, ancient calendars, etc., reveal dragons lived among peoples, classified among dinosaurs.  Dragon depictions can be located in Africa, India, Europe, the Middle East, and the Orient—on the various points of our globe. Dinosaur-like animals have been drawn and described since the beginning of recorded history. I stated previously in chapter 9, that Job chapter 41 verifies that they did live on the earth and Job divulges their true characteristics as he lived among them.

Satan’s power will increase and be totally evident during the tribulation period. In recent decades, his followers have become more blatant in naming themselves as his faction and unashamed of his teachings and practices. This includes those who refer to themselves as being apart of the New Spirituality or so called Christian mysticism that has consumed our churches via Satan’s manipulation.

(The Satanic Bible was published in 1969, by HaperCollins—owners of Zondervan Christian Publishers. It was written by a man who calls himself a black pope. Such satanic blatancy reveals the climate of the world that embraces mystic evil. Continual works that uplift the tempter are being published and writers are rolling in the money due to increasing demand. What is even more distressing is the fact so-called Christians also take part, relishing publications and videos that uplift Satan’s maneuverings. This is why the church is turning more and more to the demonic or the New Spirituality.)

Satan, the dragon, seems to be waiting for his pal, the beast, who will “rise up out of the sea;” verse 1. This is all being observed by John as he records this prophetical account. The Mediterranean Sea is 37 miles west of Jerusalem and is most likely the local of this vision. It is the world’s cruising hub, providing a sunny climate in an exquisite setting. I believe this is further evidence that the core of apocalyptic events will be the Middle East.

Daniel 7:3 informs us all four beasts come out of the sea. Let us look at some verses in Ezekiel chapter 26, where God proclaims His judgment on Tyre, a city that once was. Verse 16 refers to her “princes of the sea.” The LORD says they “will go down from their thrones, remove their robes and strip off their embroidered garments and clothe themselves with trembling.” He refers to Tyre as being mighty on the sea. Tyre was a great seaport on the Mediterranean Sea. It lay NW of the Sea of Galilee. King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed mainland Tyre and Alexander the Great destroyed the Island of Tyre. Verse 14 states God’s concluding judgment upon her, as she would never be built again and today it is a “bare rock.”

King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed mainland Tyre and Alexander the Great destroyed the Island of Tyre. Verse 14 states God’s concluding judgment upon her, as she would never be built again and today it is a “bare rock.”

It seems probable to me that the beasts arise out of the sea to represent some of their power through world trade. Shipping is a huge industry and the beasts will represent the money gained through sea trafficking. Revelation 18:9f tells us that when Mystery Babylon falls, the merchants will mourn over her because they cannot buy her cargoes anymore. No city on the earth will surpass Mystery Babylon with the wealth she accumulates through her state-of-the-art products being peddled to other nations.

This beast maintains ultra regal power. He struts ten horns of authority as well as seven heads, holding ten diadems or crowns. He will hold more power than any other man. He dutifully stands on behalf of the inhabitants of this vile earth, all who enjoy every lewd way.

This beastly man is not a typical man at all. He exercises supernatural powers, being one who walks as Satan’s mouthpiece on the earth. He is “like a leopard, and his feet like those of a bear, and his mouth, like a mouth of a lion;” verse 2. This man will prevail in evil mastery, which has never been displayed on the earth previous. None like him has ever appeared before. This beast will cause people’s mouths to fall open with what he is able to accomplish. Sister passages to these Revelation verses are located in Daniel, chapters 7 and 11. These texts expound tribulation particulars.

Daniel 7:6 speaks of the fourth beast being a “leopard,” same as Revelation. I do find it interesting that this beast is described as such, being the leopard is a powerful swimmer and this beast arises out of the sea. Most cat species detest water, including my two domestic cats.

Zoology facts: “… A leopard can climb as high as 50 feet (15 meters) up a tree holding a dead animal in its mouth, even one larger and heavier than itself! They stash at heights so other predators like lions or hyenas can’t reach. One leopard was spotted dragging a 220-pound (100-kilogram) young giraffe into heavy brush to hide it. Leopards hunt at night, implementing their vision and keen hearing while hunting. Leopards stalk and pounce, but don’t usually chase their prey long distances. They grab their prey or swat it, using their retractable claws. Prey is killed with a bite to the throat. Leopards are carnivores and will eat any meat item they can find: monkeys, baboons, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, large birds, fish, antelope, cheetah cubs, porcupines, etc …”

Though the antichrist has tremendous animal-like destructive powers, we know that he is a man from Daniel chapter 11, which also reveals he has Jewish blood. In addition, it states he will not have regard for the God of his fathers; verse 37. Some Bibles translate the word as “gods,” but this Hebrew word can be rightly translated in the singular. It is “Eloheem” and it is used 70 times in the Bible for Almighty God.

The antichrist will not believe women have any importance, nor will he desire to help them as a politician; Daniel 11:37. The Hebrew word reveals he will not see them as owning any worthwhile qualities. Due to the women’s agendas of our day, women are mainly viewed as objects of sex, and not objects deserving pure respect. The word “lady” has been dissolved from secular grammar. When I type the word “lady,” my grammar check always asks me to change it to “woman.”

Daniel 7:25 states that he will devour the entire earth and tread it down and crush it. I have informed before that Satan wants the entire human race murdered, because man is made in the image of God.  Satan hates God and His creation. He wishes everything associated with the LORD destroyed. Satan wants his throne set lofty in the heavens so he can be like the “Most High” God; Isaiah 14:12f.

(This type of god replacement teaching is found in Mormonism. Members of this cult do not pray to a god because they believe Mormon men will rule more galaxies than the Creator. They will accomplish this through their forever, childbearing wives.

Mormon men glory in arrogant exaltation and sensual self-gratification. The slithery serpent promotes self god-making, sexual promiscuity and immodesty, even through religion. This type of cultism is crafted to attract the lower nature in man.

In Islam, a man is taught he will obtain his every desire. He will be forever immersed in unlimited sensual pleasure. Qur’an 78:31 “Verily for those who follow US, there will be a fulfillment of your desires: enclosed gardens, grapevines, (unmentionable phrase describing their personal, seductive women)…maidens of equal age, and a cup full to the brim of wine…”) 

In Daniel, the conniving beast is also described as having four wings of a bird and having four heads, and dominion is given to him. This leopard-like sovereign will take no guff and will rule in the name of religion. This fourth beast is the same beast of Revelation 13:1-6.  We know this because the man in Daniel and in Revelation displays ten horns. The same beast of Daniel is described as being exceptionally dominant, displaying “large iron teeth.”

We note this beast will devour the leftovers, perhaps those nations that did not want Satan’s strong hand of rulership under his previous puppets. This fourth beast will destroy those withstanding nations with his army. He will bring the entire world into submission. He will have kings ruling under him. He will have ten horns (kings) in his control for a particular hour in time; Revelation 17:12-13.

(Revelation has its key notations to explain the illustrations that capture the essence of events and beings, and 17:12 makes it clear the ten horns are kings.)

The ten kings will yield in total submission to the antichrist’s plan. These ten kings will be as wicked as the antichrist. It will all come down to wicked powers controlling the entire world. They will wage war with the Jews and will destroy the world’s beloved sensual kingdom of Mystery Babylon. This makes no sense to us, but it is not unusual for a great and thriving nation to be destroyed by other kingdoms that have shared in that nation’s economical benefits. This is how new world powers have been born. This is what occurred with ancient Babylon so the Media-Persian Empire could arise—all according to God’s will and punishment.

To learn of Mystery Babylon, it is important to study Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah and other books that dealt with ancient Babylon. This all attends to the orchestration of upcoming Babylon—her twin sister community. People will not know the name of this city and kingdom until the time of its unveiling.

Ancient Babylon was beyond belief in its time, in the way of state-of-the-art achievements.

From the Greek Historian Strabo: Babylon, too, lies in a plain; and the circuit of its wall is three hundred and eighty-five stadia. The thickness of its wall is thirty-two feet; the height thereof between the towers is fifty cubits; that of the towers is sixty cubits; the passage on top of the wall is such that four-horse chariots can easily pass one another; and it is on this account that this and the hanging garden are called one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” The garden is quadrangular in shape, and each side is four plethora in length. It consists of arched vaults, which are situated, one after another, on checkered, cube-like foundations. The checkered foundations, which are hollowed out, are covered so deep with earth that they admit of the largest of trees, having been constructed of baked brick and asphalt — the foundations themselves and the vaults and the arches. The ascent to the uppermost terrace-roofs is made by a stairway; and alongside these stairs there were screws, through which the water was continually conducted up into the garden from the Euphrates River by those appointed for this purpose. For the river, a stadium in width, flows through the middle of the city; and the garden is on the bank of the river. 

______

We know the city of Dubai in Saudi Arabia defies the imagination. It is the fastest growing city in the world, owning the tallest building; plus, unbelievable and remarkably, fashioned developments. This architectural city of wonder does love American tourism, but stands with Muslim dominance of the world. Dubai does not permit Christian evangelism and believers have been arrested:

http://www.christianaggression.org/item_display.php?type=NEWS&id=1109949444

This land certainly causes us to consider Bible eschatology. It being completely impressive, represents the perfect image of a lavish, metropolitan captivation.

Christians know in the time of the apocalypse, a city unlike all others will arise. It is Biblically called Babylon. This is the titling God places upon this area that will boggle the mind as does Dubai today. It will resemble former Babylon in beauty, commercial wealth and power; Revelation chapters 17 and 18. It will consist of everything disclosed in Revelation in regard. This empire will be the capital of the world. It will be anti-Jew and anti-Christian. It will encompass the heights of wickedness as former Babylon, but to surpassing, infinite degrees. It appears this mecca will be located close to ancient Babylon, knowing the Euphrates River is referenced, which flows in the Middle East. God revealed Babylon will never be rebuilt so we know it will not stand on its burial grounds. Dubai is 840 miles from ancient Babylon.

~

Daniel 7:8 speaks of one of the horns “uttering great boasts.” Sinful man wants to be number one and envied by all. This attitude is part of many churches that desire to be world famous rock and rolling centers, filled with people who represent the arts and fun entertainment.

Pastors upholding this new age mentality have acquired new directors. They are famous Christian personalities—those they imitate in hopes of gaining their own fame. They walk in pride believing God cannot save apart from the ways of the world. The god they serve is very small and dependant on their new worldviews—what “I” think and have experienced.

One of the dragon’s main operation outlets is Hollywood. It is one way he fabricates the desirable, placing behind this facade the actual graveyard on which we live, where most are dead in trespasses and sins; Ephesians 2:1-5. He adds his glittering whore paint to create a Hollywood loving mentality that has no room for hell fire fear. Because this type of mentality has entered the church, Christian teachers and pastors rarely refer to the Lake of Fire, and it being the destination of all unsaved. Satan presents the church to the world as a Hollywood-like styling community organization so no distinctions are made between those who go to heaven and those who go to hell.  He has placed a tight lip on pastors who do his entertaining bidding. They are definitely antichrists in their own right. Today’s church would be devastated if the whole of Hollywood rolled into the Pacific Ocean. It would act like a comedian who lost his straight man.

The stage is being set for the ecumenical apostasy of the last days, as stated in previous lessons. The apostasy (the church falling away from Bible commands and teachings) must surface first in the chain of events, as stated in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, before the beasts begin to take control of this globe. Ecumenicalism will rule the world before the true church that has been washed in the blood of Christ is raptured—2 Thessalonians 4:17.

Verse 3, back in Revelation chapter 13, notifies us this prevailing antichrist will not be loved by everyone, and he will be killed. It appears a nation will engage him and his kingdom in battle. (verse 4) He will at one point, arise from the dead—he being a false representation of the true Savior. It states here, because of his resurrection power, no one will be able to “make war with him.”

This battle may occur on the Mediterranean Sea when he is on a naval ship, as he will “rise up out of the sea” when he is returned to life; stated in verse 1. This will result in the beast owning more regal authority than anyone else on the earth. Everyone will follow (except the true remnant) the beast, being impressed with the fact his fatal wound was healed.

Verses 4, 8 and 12 inform us the populace of the world was totally amazed and did not only follow, but also chose to worship the man-beast. This is the kind of god that most people crave today, one that fulfills the sensual, fleshly man minus any soul-convicting harassment. An unthreatening environment is their cup of “green” tea.

I believe most people in churches today would adore such a man if he were handsome, charismatic and intelligent. We note the truth of this by the fact so many church attendees voted for Obama who stands for sensuality—homosexuality, premarital sex, abortion, immodesty, on and on. I often pray for the LORD to bring true Christians into my life—those who have been born again by the Spirit and exhibit the discernment of the Spirit.

Another reason the antichrist will be adored is he loves to engage in vile and blasphemous speech patterns; verse 5. He will not always convey lovely and pure words as we see of Naphtali, the son of Jacob, who gave “beautiful words.” Of course, this oration pattern is the calling for all believers, and what we need to endlessly pray for. We should never engage in questionable conversation that does not reveal we are wholesome.

Ephesians 4:29 commands us not to allow any unwholesome words to proceed from our mouths, but only those that edify and provide grace to all how hear. We are not called to be cool and styling in our address. We do know Satan is in the business of appearing to be the most styling dude of the universe and in the apocalypse it will be no different—he being of the world and in the world.  It will be all about him and him being number one.

Christ is the example for believers. While on earth, He displayed meekness and lowliness of heart; Matthew 11:29.

We also note from verse 5, the tenure of the dragon. He will own the “authority to act for forty-two months” or simply three and a half years. The city of Jerusalem will be trodden under foot this same amount of time by the Gentiles (chapter 11).  This is when the world will be following and worshipping the antichrist as described here. These times will be deadly for Jewish and Gentile believers.

Verse 6 also reemphasizes the antichrist’s hate for God. He will verbally abuse the holy Savior with blasphemous swear words as we also read concerning in verse 1. This type of discursiveness is not uncommon for national leaders, but this will go beyond what we have ever heard, being it will arise from the father of swearing. This vile conversation will encompass God-hate and Bible-hate.  Our own president, Obama, has condemned the Word of God:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXcvbnzNIjg&feature=related

I have never witnessed this from any previous president.

The beast will also attack God’s heavenly realm—those who dwell in heaven (in His tabernacle) with his vile language. This will include those of us who are Bible believing and obeying Christians, acknowledging we will have been raptured by this time, being kept from the wrath of God; 1 Thessalonians 5:3 & 9, 4:13-18, and Revelation 3:10.

Through verse 7, we further consider the hate the antichrist pours forth for Jewish believers, as he makes war with them to overcome them—the Jews; taking us beyond chapter 12, but with the same intentions.

We note also in verse 7, that he is the global ruler. He has authority over every one on the earth. This will be the one world order that is truly under Satan’s total command.  We have heard of the new world order from recent presidents and political spokespersons, and this certainly paves the way for the acceptance of this future episode. Many placed their hope in President Obama, seeing him as that world ordering man. We know for a fact he is not the religious beast, but he is certainly a type of the antichrist. May he repent and come to submit to God’s ways.

Verse 8 reemphasizes the fact all will worship the religious beast. This is an important point being restated by God, having been first announced in verse 4, and will be brought forth again in verse 12. The only ones who will not worship the dragon will be those who are saved unto eternal life and they will pay with their lives. This verse addresses predestination and the fact, believers who have been washed in the blood of Christ were chosen before the foundation of the world. This truth is also stated in Ephesians 1:4. What also is precise, is anyone who calls on the name of the LORD can be saved, for Christ died for all.

This is one area that is a mystery because both are true. Our finite minds cannot grasp the total scope of our Creator’s ways that reach far beyond our thoughts and reasoning.

Verse 9, commands every believer to hear the facts of Revelation. Those who read, believe and heed are blessed; 1:3.

Verse 10 informs us that this time, in the tribulation, will be as in the times of ancient Babylon, during the time of Jeremiah the prophet. Those who were destined to captivity, to captivity they went.  Those destined to die by the sword were killed with a sword; Jeremiah 15:2. We know this arriving captivity incited by the antichrist will be the last enslavement of the earth. God’s chosen people, the Jews, will eventually be freed from the tyranny of man.

I love Ezekiel 34:22-25 where God speaks of His covenant of peace made with the Jews in end times. This verse explains harmful beasts will be eliminated from Israel enabling the people to live securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods, this being when Christ reigns over them. This will be a significant time of faith and perseverance of the true saints who will not compromise with the dazzling showcase of Babylon. The Holy Spirit will dwell within them and they will understand the times. They will discern their lives on this earth cannot even begin to compare to their heavenly home—its worth infinitely exceeding the price of their own blood.

Verse 11 introduces us to the second beast.  It seems he does not own as much power as the first, seeing he only has two horns or kingdoms at this time. Two kings rule under him. However, owning a form of the vice presidency, he can exercise as much authority as the main antichrist when he is present; verse 12. I guess as long as the religious beast can see him, he can do all he desires. This man is certainly a different antichrist, as he rules like “a lamb.”

He desires to appear meek and lowly like our Savior to deceive the world. Antichrists like to appear in a saving mode so people will view them as a messiah. Hitler presented himself as German’s messiah. He promised to save Germany from its financial collapse and transform the people into an affluent, superior Aryan race that would rule the world. The media sold Adolph Hitler to the German people as one who could do no wrong and they bought every promise. The Germans resounded in accolades of only ayes when he ascended to be Chancellor of Germany through his deceitful flair.

If anyone dared to speak ill of him “The de Fuhrer,” when his terror flooded Europe, it meant imprisonment or death. This mad occultist made sure his photo sat at the altar in Third Reich area controlled churches, and had a prominent place in every home. President Obama is viewed as the world’s true savior today and messiah by some. He has been called “messiah.”  At the 2012 democratic convention, Obama’s calendar, “Keep the Dream,” was sold—one of the best sellers at the convention. On the August page heading, in recognition of President Obama’s birth, there is a picture of Obama’s birth certificate and a picture Of Obama in the White House, and John 3:16 is completely stated below the phrase “Heaven Sent.” However, it is Obama not Jesus Christ who is obviously proclaimed as the world’s messiah in fulfillment of this Bible verse. How totally blasphemous! This reveals the wickedness of many in America today.

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A twisted personality is present with the second beast as we note on our return to Revelation; verse 11. It seems he presents himself like a lamb yet speaks as a dragon. The “lamb” personality could represent the submissive attitude he has toward the first beast—the religious beast. One could interpret it as meaning his enjoyable personality is deadly poison. He may come across as one who wouldn’t hurt a lamb, but he sells every evil, entrapping thing under the sun. He, possibly like our president, governing liberals, and the Hollywood crowd, will come across very nice before the video camera, being pleasantly presented without flaws, having retracted their devouring breath of fire.

With deceptive smiles, liberals feel free to endorse every demonic sensual way under the sun. They hide the corruption of their ways in superficial love and concern for those who sincerely listen. They tether the masses by sounding vogue. They classify every opponent as old fashioned, knowing Americans never want to be viewed like those from the archaic past. The greatest fear imaginable is to appear out-of-date with Satan’s post mod squad, and it will be no different during the tribulation.

We are reminded again, in verse 12, that the antichrist arose from the dead. This is set forth as another reason why he deserves worship according to governmental law; and it will be the law that he, be worshipped.

Of course, we know our Savior is the Lamb of God and the antichrist will have to falsely bear some resemblances to the true Christ of Scripture. Most every false religious leader that is worshipped today or is followed, attempted to bear some resemblance to the Biblical Jesus Christ to deceive the masses.

To add more to the miraculous that is revealed in this chapter, the religious antichrist “even causes fire to come down out of heaven to the earth.” What a great way to entertain and grab hold of the world at the same time. People love miracle workers and this man certainly is one. He is not a typical magician who awes audiences through trickery. This man will literally perform signs and wonders through Satan’s power before earth’s inhabitants. (verse 13)

Christ warned in Mark 13:22-23 that in closing times, many false antichrists will execute powerful miracles, even deceiving some of the elect. This is why we must painstakingly study the Word of God as Christ warns! We must not be led astray by ecumenical religious leaders who may perform mighty miracles, even in our future.

Verse 14 restates verse 12 regarding the fact that the signs are performed by the religious beast when the politically controlling beast is present. God wants us to definitely understand this fact as well. This is a two-man show. The one will not perform without the other being present.  Obviously, the political beast is the publicity agent and hit man for the religious beast. The political beast produces the caveat that if anyone does not worship the religious der fuehrer they will be killed.

This religious beast will rule as the global enforcer, imitating King Nebuchadnezzar, thus forcing all to worship his personal idol. However, Satan is going to make this personal idol more impressive than King Nebuchadnezzar’s, it being presented for grandeur upscale times. This image is going to have life or “breath,” and talk—Yes, you read me right, talk! Now who will not want to worship a talking image? Folks will see it is alive and owning more power than any of their average, everyday idols. Of course, even this false speaking image will not cause God’s true people to worship the antichrist.

Future Jewish believers will hold the hearts of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego who were willing to be placed in a furnace 7 times hotter than normal in order not to disobey God and His inerrant Word that condemns any type of idolatry. These men respectfully, yet boldly, informed the king, “O King, we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up;” Daniel 3:18. This king knew idolatry was wrong and Jeremiah had preached to this nation and prophesied doom for its idolatry and all the sins that accompany heathenism the first year of King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign; Jeremiah 25:1f, chapters 50, 51, etc.

The New Testament deals with idolatry as well. People wanted to kill Paul when he preached—”Idols made by hands are not idols at all”—Acts 19:26.

Returning to Revelation; verses 16-18 represent a couple of the most renowned Bible verses. These address the “Mark of the Beast.”  These two beasts will make the inhabitants of the earth receive a mark on their “right hand” or “forehead.” We know this represents the religious beast and his number, which is 666 or “six hundred and sixty-six;” verse 18.  No one will be able to buy or sell without this number. This will make it very difficult for the nation Israel and Gentile believers, as they will not be able to obtain food or goods from sellers. God asks for those who have understanding or discernment to calculate the number of the beast. The number does represent the religious antichrist; verse 18.

We observe in Daniel 3:1 the size of the first Babylonian imperial idol, being sixty cubits by six cubits (about 90 feet high). Isn’t that interesting? I simply wanted to know at this moment the size of this idol and this is what I discovered. The 666 might simply represent the massive size of the talking idol that is part and parcel of the religious antichrist. This would be quite observable if it was the cubic height.

One might figure out the meaning of 666 through studying King Nebuchadnezzar’s makeup and his idolatrous kingdom. The antichrist is certainly going to imitate his ways to a degree. I will also add that King Nebuchadnezzar was never a pope. I say this, as many believe the antichrist will be a Catholic pope.

We have seen numbers implemented previously, being John was told to measure the temple, altar and those who worship there; 11:1-2. We see the number length provided for this time, being three and half years, when the antichrist has the Gentiles running wickedly wild in the holy arena of Jerusalem. Now, if the number 666 symbolizes days, we know this would be less than two years.

It unlikely represents the square cubits of the temple mount that the religious beast desecrates.

This number could delineate endless things including the number of countries under the control of the beast and his managed commerce industries. It seems unfeasible for this number to represent mapped areas of control, since there are only 195 countries at this time.

The number six has always been associated with Satan. Some believe 666 represents Satan’s hexagram. Through viewing it from different angles and inward, you can find three sixes.  Of course, it is simply a geometric shape that Satan and his followers have chosen to use for evil. Time will tell if this configuration has anything to do with 666.

Today, it all simply is a guessing game. We know of no one who has figured out the 666 representation with proven surety.

Seven is the number associated with God Almighty and this is even viewed throughout Revelation. This is a number that we can rightly rest in when it comes to knowing God’s plan for eternity. It will be a positive number forever.

Revelation Chapter 14 

The Sickle of His Wrath

What a twist from the negative to the positive! We left verse 18, chapter 13, which advised the calculating of the number of the beast who will be wicked beyond imagination. Nothing that we have observed thus far in this self-seeking world can truly compare with what is to come. The beast will be a murderous man who will have no regard for human life. If anyone does not worship and adore him, his fate is lethal.

In verse 1 of chapter 14, we are encouraged through it all. We are reminded who is still ruling on His throne. This is a time for us to take a breath and praise the Lamb of God, who will one day reign from His throne in visual omnipotence. He, who was despised and forsaken of men, will receive the worship of all the nations of the world.

This is a glorious interlude where we observe the 144,000 male, virgin Jews standing with Christ on Mount Zion in Jerusalem during kingdom come. They will be with Christ at the temple of Jerusalem.

I recently saw a photo overlooking the city of Jerusalem and I was surprised by how many mosques were within the inner municipality. There seemed to be one every mile. There will be no Muslim mosques in the Holy City when Christ rules the earth.

These 144,000 who were willing to die for the Lamb will be rewarded for their anchored steadfastness and for remaining unconquerable in their faith. They will be the uncompromisers. Christ’s name and the father’s name will be written on their foreheads.

They will be ones who hate this world and the things of this world; 1 John 2:15-17. They will abstain from all earthly lusts; 1 Peter 2:11. They will be loyal to God alone, being His holy chaste servants.

James states, through God, that whoever makes himself a friend of this world is hostile to God. He is an enemy of God. God commands that we come out and be separate; 2 Corinthians 6:17.

John 12:25 offers blessing to the one who hates this world. “He who hates his life in this world will keep it unto eternal life.”

James 1:27 commands we keep ourselves unstained by this world. We are not to allow it to persuade us in disobedience to the Scriptures. We must be found by God to be in peace, spotless and blameless; 2 Peter 3:14.

Verse 2 places us face to face with the omnipotence of Almighty God. John hears a voice from heaven like the sound of loud thunder. Remember, Job 37:2-6 reveals storm rumblings are the “thunder of His voice.” “Thunder goes from His mouth.” It is consoling to know during a tempest, we are listening to the vocalization of the Creator who reins in omnipotent power. He is not to be questioned or belittled. These verses also refer to Christ’s lightening bolts that reach to the ends of the earth. Nothing regarding what God has formed environmentally simply occurs through scientific cause and effect.

Lightning strikes the earth 100 times per second. This equates to 6000 strikes per minute; 360,000 per hour and 8,640,000 per day. Wow! What a mighty God we serve!

We also attain from these verses the fact, God does not restrain the lightning when His voice is heard—that being the accompanying thunder. It states “God thunders with His voice wondrously.” This poetic-like phrase is something to keep in mind during a frightening onslaught. It is interesting to note that the LORD came to Job out of the storm and asked, … “Who has a voice like God?” (40:6-9) His bellowing omnipotence should cause us to fear and tremble before Him; Philippians 2:12.

When in Aruba, my dear husband and I experienced a fright night. We had survived Hurricane Ivan the night previous, though we had been flooded out of our room. We wrongfully believed Ivan had completely departed, as all was calm the following day. However, we were ignorantly misguided by the signs; he returned in the night in the lightning might of God. It was the very tail end of Hurricane Ivan—a surprise attack. We were too fearful to draw our drapes even a foot to observe. It sounded like bombs were dropping all around us and the bright light in the night never dimmed or vanished, being witnessed through a tiny crack in our curtains. Due to our dread, we probably missed one of the best lightening shows displayed on this earth, forthrightly presented by the LORD Jesus Christ, the Creator of all.

In 2008, California “experienced 8,000 lightning strikes coming out of nowhere to torch a cumulative land mass the size of Los Angeles, the second largest city in America.”

Christ addresses His return to the earth in Matthew 24:27, stating, “For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.”

Verse 2, back in Revelation chapter 14, continues by adding, the voice John heard “was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps.” It is interesting that the only instrument implemented for singing we observe in heaven is the lovely harp. God commands we dwell on those things that are lovely, pure and true. The harp produces a lovely sound that is beautiful. It is not a noise representing pride and rebellion, nor is it loud and wild. It is not classified as “sexy.” Rock music has always fit into this niche no matter the words. I personally enjoy listening to the harp, and I appreciate it more knowing this is what I will hear in heaven when it is plucked in perfect purity.

Verse 3 informs us that during this time, the 144,000 male virgin Jews will sing a new song before God’s throne, before the living creatures or cherubim (four commanding angelic beings who have faces representing Christ; 4:6-9, 19:4, etc.), and the 24 elders (please see chapter 4). No one will be allowed to learn the song these godly Jews will sing who will have been purchased from the earth. 1 Peter 1:18-19 reveals believers are redeemed or purchased with the precious blood of Christ.

These men will most likely spill their own life’s blood by refusing to take the mark of the beast. Thus revealing, they were willing to follow Christ unto death, refusing the walk of compromise. Adding earthly years will hold no value for these pure men who will hate this lustful world that is passing away. The “purchased” mentioned here may be in reference to their deaths for the Gospel sake and the eternal life that awaited them. Of course, it also would engage the fact they were bought by Christ’s sacrificial blood.

Verse 4 commends them for their holy living. They will refuse to be defiled with women, choosing chastity over lustful and vulgar behavior. They will be those who keep their thoughts and actions pure as righteous prudes. Prude is a good word in the sight of God Almighty. They also will not marry, offering all their efforts to the cause of Christ.

These holy men will follow Christ the “Lamb wherever He goes.” The chaste lives of these men will far surpass most who have lived; whereby, they will be blessed in such a way as to walk with Christ in Jerusalem. What a miraculous sight to gaze upon during the millennium! These Christians will be tremendously blessed with the described eternal benefits that arise from obedience. This verse reemphasizes the fact these believers will be “purchased from among men as the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.”

Now, James 1:18 states that believers “are a kind of first fruits among His creatures,” which is honorable; however, these men seem to surpass even this wonderful title awarded to us, as they are “the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.”

They will have established themselves as good soldiers of Jesus Christ who suffered hardship, and who did not entangle themselves in the affairs of everyday life so they could win the prize, competing according to the rules; 2 Timothy 2:1-5.

As superior soldiers of Christ, these Jewish redeemed ones, will not tell one single lie; verse 5. In United States history, lying was viewed as a very vile thing. Most Americans believed people should be taken for their word. This was when the Bible held great importance in our nation as penned, not reinterpreted to conform to man’s sinful desires and community trendiness. Our original legislative laws and decrees arose from Biblical commands to maintain honesty and moral uprightness in our land. This is political and historical correctness.

We recognize no sovereign, but God, and no king but Jesus. – John Adams and John Hancock

It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
– Patrick Henry

In regards to this great Book [the Bible], I have but to say it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this Book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here and hereafter, are found portrayed in it.  
- Abraham Lincoln

What students would learn in American schools above all is the religion of Jesus Christ.   
- George Washington

The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools. – United States Congress 1782

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Verse 5, back in Revelation chapter 14, states that they will be “blameless.” All Christians are to walk in a blameless manner, holding a good reputation. 2 Peter 3:14 commands that we “be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.” Always walking in obedience to Scripture assures us of such a reputation. This places responsibility upon us, to be diligent in our study of the Bible, showing ourselves approved unto God, speaking correct interpretation, never needing to be made ashamed of our lack of knowledge (2 Timothy 2:14-16 and Hebrews 5:11-14). We must also ensure that we perform the teachings of the Word, not being merely hearers (James 1:22). This sets us in a blameless state.

Verse 6 moves us into a new section that sets our sights back on the sinful earth. It is clearly evident that Jesus Christ still wants to save mankind and will forgive anyone who comes to Him.

We confirm this by the fact, another angel will fly in midheaven, being assigned to preach the eternal Gospel of Christ to all the inhabitants of the earth—“to every nation, tribe, tongue and people.”

This preaching angel will proclaim, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, worship Him who made the heavens and the earth and sea and springs of water.” This is a command not a suggestion. God is not in the business of giving suggestions. If people do not repent as commanded by this angel, they will receive a non-return ticket (in a sense) to the lake of fire.

Notice God is attempting to set their minds on those things that are lovely and pure that He has created for them. Earth’s inhabitants are instructed to recognize the omnipotence of God through His creation, which would result in their worship. They need to give Him glory for their created blessings, which would lead them to give glory to the Creator, Christ the Savior, who desires to save them. God makes things simple—His message is simple to understand, but few desire to heed His simple message of salvation, whereby He performs the work as they repent. There are grave consequences to not following the Artisan of all natural splendor.

The hour of His judgment has fallen upon unrepentant humankind—who wants to do as he pleases and reason things as he pleases. Man desires to make himself a god unto himself and interpret things the way he chooses. This is the rebellion of Satan lived out in fleshly man who always wants to be his own little god for his own personal gain and elevation. When I confront this, challenging with word-by-word, verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter study, believers are angered because of God’s simple, obvious truth. The inerrant Word of God never unveils their personal imagined, confusing doctrines and they hate it. They want Scripture penned according to their pursuits.

God does not desire to cast man into the lake of fire, therefore, He offers the eternal Gospel. This being life forever in paradise. What more could God hold forth to men? It is beyond me why man would want to slap God in the face when He offers the perfect gift, being beyond what man can imagine in the realm of glory. Man on earth is so diluted, living in the lies of the facade that is presented before him through the main avenue of debase entertainment. This eternal deadly street only races the flesh for a season.

Verse 8 refers to what will take place in the future, and it is coming man’s way. The desired city of styling Babylon will fall, and all its previous facades.

In this verse, it states Babylon is the “great.” In my last chapter review, chapter 13, I covered why she will be the city that will surpass all cities in grandeur and sensual desires.

Continuing in verse 8, we note she will make all the nations drink of the wine and passion of her immorality. We know this kingdom will not have any Bible churches preaching the true Gospel, at least visible structures. No one will be allowed to live who follows Christ, as they will be the ones who refuse to take the mark of the beast—Revelation 13:15-17. There will be no moral fiber existing within this city of repugnancy. Wickedness will be running down her streets in uncontrollable waves. No nation will be innocent in this matter.

Another angel follows, verse 9, the one cited in verse 8, offering the wisdom of abstinence. He will state, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he will drink of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and the presence of the Lamb.”

The LORD pleads with men to repent, knowing it is far better to be killed for righteousness sake, than suffer eternity in hell. God teaches that we are to fear Him above all else, as He can throw the eternal soul into the fire that burns with brimstone. We are to fear Him who can torture the body and the soul; Matthew 10:28 and Hebrews 10:31.

We are to seek after Christ and fellowship with those who own the chaste heart of the arriving 144,000 male virgin Jews. I mean, in the sense, of wanting to be with those who desire to conform to Biblical obedience and holiness. Of course, I do not mean that we shun those who are married or who want to marry. I am married.

The torment of the wicked who worship the beast and take his mark does not stop in verse 10, but continues into verse 11—“And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, they have no rest day and night!” Mark 9:45-46 refers to the unsaved being cast into hell, “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” We are to fear and tremble before God and these verses should cause us to be frightened unto obedience knowing there is a fiery hell and continual torture. We are to test ourselves to make sure we are truly in the faith and not following watered down doctrine that does not present the true Christ of Scripture; 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Returning to Revelation chapter 14, verse 12; we understand that our perseverance—keeping the commandments of God and holding to our faith in Jesus—is an assurance of true salvation. The Bible teaches we will know true Christians by their fruit of righteousness, Matthew 7:15-20, and thus, will be able to discern the antichrists—false teachers and false believers.

Positive assurances are given to true believers in verse 13, as those who will die in the LORD at the time of the tribulation will be blessed, this being stated by the Spirit. They will obtain rest from all their labors, for their deeds follow them. They will maintain a godly, pure reputation in this sinful, immodest and lusting world.

We enter a new section at verse 14, the section where we glimpse God’s wrath upon sinners. We see a white cloud and Christ sitting on it, wearing a gold crown. He is the true King of the universe. He has a sharp sickle in His hand for reaping the evil ones. We know this is Christ Jesus as He is “like a son of man.” Whenever we see this phase in the Bible, it refers to Christ. We note this from Revelation 1:13f. (See also Daniel 7:13,14; Matthew 8:20, 9:6, 10:23, 12:8, 13:37,41, 16:27,28, 17:9,12,22; John 1:51, 5:27, 12:23, 13:31, etc.)

This scene is also disclosed in Isaiah chapter 24, verses 6f. This text states the inhabitants of the earth are burned and only a few men are left. It reveals the turmoil that will come to the earth in these days when Christ reaps with His “sharp sickle.”

Christ also addressed this time of reaping judgment in Matthew 24:37-43, discoursing His return. He educated the people, illustrating the tribulation as it “will be just like the days of Noah,” when the flood came unexpectedly. They were all being merry—drinking, eating, and marrying. Christ wanted the people to discern that good times witnessed today does not mean good times are held for tomorrow. These future earthly inhabitants will have no idea that their moment of doom is teetering above them. They will be thinking only of fun. They will be adhering to a surface, self-seeking pleasure mentality like most folks today.

Christ continues His revelation, as He is the One who ordained what lies in the future, thus exposing for print, the arriving scenario. This concluding tribulation scene reveals there will be two men in the field, one will be taken, and one left. There will also be two at the mill, one left and one removed. Christ will maneuver like an unsuspected thief, taking the evil ones when they least expect it to their appointed judgment. Those who remain on the earth will be those who will enjoy the millennial rule of the Messiah as His righteous ones.

The rapture will precede; whereby, we will meet Christ in the air in a glorious manner; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. It appears Christians will not suffer the tribulation or the time of God’s wrath, being we are not appointed unto wrath; 1 Thessalonians 5:3-9. The tribulation falls upon the earth as its inhabitants have continually rebelled against God. This is God’s wrath—the fierce wrath of God; Revelation 16:19, Matthew 3:7-8, etc.

Ephesians 2:3-5 refers to the fact believers were children of wrath before being delivered from sin. God instructs the church of Philadelphia, in Revelation 3:10, clarifying they will be kept from that hour which is about to fall upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth.

Christ, in Matthew 24:44-51, discloses the fate of the evil ones judged at the end of the tribulation through the illustration of a slave. The slave cited will go to glory if he stays obedient. If not, he will be classified as an evil slave, and will be cut in pieces and assigned to “a place with the hypocrites (those who pretended to be Christians), in that place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” He will be sliced with a sharp sickle and removed from the earth. This adds to our revelational foresight and the sad plight of those who remain in a Christ-rejecting state.

Joining again with Revelation chapter 14, we see an angel appearing who comes out of the heavenly temple; verse 15. (Verse 17 informs us this is the heavenly temple not the Jerusalem temple.) This angel cries out with a loud voice to the gold-crowned One who is sitting on a cloud.  The angel informs the LORD Jesus that it is time to apply His sickle to the earth and reap the evil ones who deny Him. The harvest is ripe! God the Son, who owns a submissive heart to the Father, obeys this mediator’s command.

In Genesis 15:13-16, we witness the patience of God in regard to the people that inhabited the Holy Land region previous to the nation Israel. God speaks here to Abram. Because God desired that the Amorites (Also referred to as the Canaanites and Hittites) who lived in the Holy Land region repent, He allowed the Jews to be held in Egypt 400 years. Not until God’s preordained time were they allowed to journey to their Promised Holy Land. The LORD stated that the iniquity of the Amorite was not yet complete and prophesied concerning the descendants of Abram and their oppressive Egyptian captivity and their future release. This was preordained according to God’s perfect chronometry scale. When the Jews arrived in the Promised Land, under Joshua, many of the wicked Amorites perished in war. God permitted the Jews to prevail victoriously, permitting them to obtain their God-given headquarters consisting of lot parcels, divided twelve ways according to the sons of Jacob.

God has been completely patient with this old sinful world. He could have dissolved the entire earth at the time of the flood or at the time of Sodom and Gomorrah. God has been deeply agitated at various times during global history; and I am sure He is angered with what He observes within our daily worldly scene. God could destroy the entire universe in less than a second, but He has His designed plan that He will carry out. He loves man and desires that every person acquire a repentance mode. He is longsuffering toward us.

In verse 16, we behold Christ swinging His sickle over the earth “and the earth was reaped.” Yes, this is deadly serious and will be a stress point in time for earth’s inhabitants. This is why we must snatch people out of the lake of fire; yet, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh—Jude 23.

Now, there is another angel that comes out of the heavenly temple and he too has a sharp sickle; verse 17. Another angel appears in verse 18 who has the power over fire. Fire can never harm this being. This is a super angel that is powerfully equipped. This lofty one comes from the heavenly altar. (The altar is representative of Christ’s sacrifice on the tree of crucifixion. All the animals that were sacrificed on the altar in the temple of Jerusalem in the Old Testament spoke of the sinless sacrifice that was to come.)

This fire angel commands the use of the sickle that is being held in the hand of the angel who came out of the temple. The sickle-bearing angel gathers the vine clusters representing sinful mankind and throws them into the winepress of God. Earth’s rebellious populous will meet face to face with the wrathful sickle of God one day. We must be praying for witnessing opportunities and a heart to witness.

The blood of these people arising from the winepress of God will flow upward, as high as the horses’ bridles, for a distance of two hundred miles outside the city of Jerusalem. Those who have persecuted God’s chosen people, the Jews, and forcibly stole their city from them, will pay the consequences in a dreaded manner. They will be crushed and tortured for eternity.

All that we see in these verses will take place previous to the events of Revelation chapter 19, prior to Christ’s thousand year rule on the earth.

Revelation Chapter 15

The Song of the Lamb

© Val J. Lee

Entering chapter 15, we see verse 1 deals with the completion of the wrath of God, this being a great and marvelous sign—the seven plagues or bowls filled with the fury of God. The initiation of these bowl judgments are unveiled in chapter 16. When these bowls are unleashed by seven designated angels, it will mark the end of God’s wrath and the destruction of Mystery Babylon. This sensual-driven culture will meet its end and our holy, innocent, undefiled High Priest—Jesus Christ, who is separated from sinners (Hebrews 7:26), will sit on His world-dominating throne from Jerusalem. As world regent, He will reign in with a righteous rod of iron, destroying His enemies before seated on His throne. He will rightly rule as an uncompromising, undefiled, truthful and humble dictator (Revelation 2:27). He will be feared and we are called to fear and tremble before Him (Philippians 2:12). The earth will be filled with only peace because all will desire to serve the LORD. No locks will be needed on any home, as no one will desire to harm his neighbor.

At this time, Christians will be completely elated! All sin will be made absent from the world and God’s people will live lives completely pleasing to Christ.

We are again reminded in verse 1 and following that John the apostle is observing and recording all that is disclosed in the book of Revelation. He is explaining to you and me what is set before him in this heavenly setting of chapter 15.

In verse 2, He tells us he sees something resembling a sea of glass mixed with fire, and standing on the glass are those who have been victorious over the beast and his image. These overcomers stand with harps in hand. (Remember, harps are the only musical instruments we observe in heaven implemented for worship. Harps present a lovely and pure sound, and we are to dwell on those things that are lovely and completely innocent—absent from cultural tainting.) These believers will be the uncompromisers who will not yield to cultural methodologies, terminologies and activities. They will be all about their Savior alone.

They will refuse to do what everyone else will do—take the mark of the beast so they can buy and sell, by which they can achieve prosperous lives. They will not buy into the prosperity false gospel that promises you can have all if you simply do this or that in the name of religion; so taught by false teachers (1 Timothy 6:8-11).

These children of God will hold no desire to be grooving and moving with the world. Every unclean and perverted way will be detestable to them. They will be those who are willing to die for Christ and the truths found in His holy and inerrant Word. They will be pronounced the victorious ones—holding victory over the flamboyant and charismatic antichrist who will lead the multitudes to eternal damnation. The Judge of judges will charge antichrist’s followers with sinful lawlessness. Their crimes will include not believing in the Biblical God and His Word, which leads to practicing abominations.

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_Heart

And yes, as we have noted, antichrist’s religious civilization will encompasses the forever-false satanic design of accumulating and consolidating beliefs, which will be totally lived out in the time of the tribulation; 9:20-21. There is nothing new under the sun in religious deception. It is simply to sound stupid-post-modern. They will commit idolatry (worshipping things made by man’s hands such as idols and whatever or whomever they fancy, which walks hand in hand with witchcraft). They will be liars (today many pastors lie without a second thought; I have heard them far too often) and adulterers (few will preach against divorce and remarriage today and many so-called Christians approve and justify). They will not maintain themselves in shamefacedness (dressing and acting in bashful purity) in the realm of sexuality. The destination for these visually unredeemed ones will be the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8 and 22:15).

Moses is mentioned in verse 3, as his song will be sung in heaven. Moses was God’s true “bond-servant” and his hymn of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) will be uplifted in this day and time. Moses will not be hated in heaven, being one who stifled women’s rights in his day and age. Many restrictions were allotted to women in Moses’ day; far more than today, but all by the design of God. This day, some women in the church cast hate toward Paul, but will rarely or never mention Moses. Yes, funny-strange. Of course, Moses and Paul wrote the Words of God in vivid reality. Women’s libber hate is in fact directed at God who wrote His inerrant Word—the Bible in its true, accurately translated text. The fact is, true female oppression is found in false religions. Plus, it is beyond belief that many in the women’s lib movement stand with the Muslim religion that justifies all crimes against women. Total confusion lies with libbers, and God Almighty is not a God of confusion.

The complete songs of Moses can be located in Exodus 15, Deuteronomy 32 and Psalm 90. Moses may have written more Psalms, as some of the Psalms have no listed author. In the Deuteronomy 32 song, verse 11, we note it speaks powerfully of the love of God for His Hebrew people, proclaiming:

“Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them in His pinions.”

Verses 41-43 appear to be directed at the time of tribulation and God’s final judgment of the earth:

“If I sharpen My flashing sword, And My hand takes hold on justice, I will render vengeance on My adversaries, And I will repay those who hate Me. I will make My arrows drunk with blood, And My sword will devour flesh, With the blood of the slain and the captives, From the long-haired leaders of the enemy.’ Rejoice, O nations, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, And will render vengeance on His adversaries, And will atone for His land and His people.”

These songs of Moses address God’s equitability in fulfilling His Word. Moses sung of the securing omnipotence of God who is forever faithful to His people. Verse 10 of Psalm 90 is faith-precious, stating, “we fly away,” referring to the finale of believers. We ourselves can pray and sing the words of Moses as well as countless verses in Scripture. We can worship in past tense as well, regarding God fulfilling His stated words to us in the past. We can give thanks for the various times God delivered the Jews and fulfilled His Word to them in the past. When we repeat Scripture to God, we know we are always praying or praising in the will of God. Paul left us examples of intercessions such as Colossians 1:9-14—that includes imploring God for spiritual discernment and for the power to walk in the way that pleases Him in every manner.

Here is one of Moses’ most powerful songs “The Song of the Lamb,” which uplifts Christ as King of the nations—all kingdoms will come and worship before Him and fear Him.

This will be strum on lovely harps held by those who will not yield to the antichrist or any false way.

The Song of the Lamb:

Great and marvelous are thy works,


Lord God Almighty;

Just and true are thy ways,


Thou King of saints.

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.

~

This extolling segment is reminiscent of Revelation chapter 5, verses 11-14.

Following this interlude of rightful praise, John tells us the temple of the tabernacle will open in heaven; verse 5. It is unveiled to present before us seven angels clothed in clean and bright linen, with their chests girded with sashes of gold (these are the same angels stated in verse 1). Unquestionably, the bright linen represents the righteousness of God and the gold—His despot royalty. Heaven is a sinless realm where there is no spot or wrinkle and all continually glorify God Almighty. These angels walk out of the temple to perform all God’s commands in the way of ushering in His final judgment plagues.

We next observe through John’s unerring eyes, one of the four living creatures providing the seven angels with the seven bowls of the wrath of God; verse 7.

To conclude this ceremony, the temple is filled with smoke from the glory of God, revealing His supreme dynamism. From this moment, no man  will be able to enter the temple until these closing plagues conclude.

Remember God’s judgment began with the seven seals that were to be poured on the earth beginning in chapter 6. Following the six seals, we were presented with the trumpets of judgment, which were introduced by the seventh seal. The segments of seven can assist us in capturing the overall exposé of this book.

Revelation chapter 16

A Global Warming Like No Other

© Val J. Lee

And Armageddon

The previous chapter prepared us for the arriving seven bowl segments of the wrath of God to be poured upon the earth. These are also referred to as the seven plagues; 15:1. In the previous chapter, we saw the glorification of a holy God who hates all sin, which will result in a time of judgment.

Through the earth’s eschatological trials, we witness the majority of its inhabitants refusing to repent and worship the living and true God who never lies nor does His holy Word, the Bible.

Amidst the tribulation dispensation, His omnipotence is going to be revealed as never before. It is a wonder that mankind will be completely hardened. You would think all would fall down before God when His judgment marvels are unleashed everywhere.

In verse 1 of chapter 16, we note John the apostle hears a loud voice from the heavenly temple. It does not address him, but the seven angels assigned by God to perform His holy bidding—“… pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”

We have noted already that all of God’s holy angels obey without question, being observed throughout the Word of God. The first angel pours the first bowl of wrath on the earth. As this plague hits the earth, all mankind receives a “loathsome and malignant sore.” This painful, harming sore (can also be translated wound or ulcer from the Greek—”helkos”) will be placed on all Satan’s followers who receive the mark of the beast and worship his idol—his talking statue; 13:14-15. (Many statues are worshipped today in the world but none give speeches. Hosea 13:1-3 reveals that idol worship = death and this is what we see here as well, eternal damnation for idolatrous endeavors.)

Proceeding this first bowl of wrath, the second celestial being moves on cue and pours his bowl into the sea. The contents of this container causes the sea to turn blood red. It is human blood and, of course, all aquatic life perishes.

A third angel then enters the scene, and furthers the action of the sea angel. His bowl enacts blood contamination of “rivers and the springs of waters.”

When these bowls of wrath actually strike in the future, there will be no more fish markets. All diving, fishing and boating excursions will halt. All water commerce will halt. No pollution safeguards will prevent this bloody calamity.

In the Old Testament, in Hosea 4:3, God stated that He was going to make “the fish of the sea disappear.” Fish is a main staple for Israel and this was a grievous consequence of sin. God’s red judgment in the future will be a grievous consequence as well.

We cannot even begin to imagine how this will effect global civilization! All water comes from God; it is a blessing that sustains life. It is remarkable in design, holding organisms so minute they can be only observed through a microscope:

Life in a Drop of Water:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwgGJaNlGKM&feature=related

Earth’s inhabitants are going to pay the consequences for not being thankful to God for every drop of water that He graciously provides for all. Instead of worshipping God in thanksgiving, men will cling to their images and false teachings—no different than any time in history, exactly as we observe from Romans 1:21-25. It will not change during the apocalypse when no one will question the existence of God. They will know every plague is being thrown from His Hand.

In verse 5, we learn there is an angel of the waters. I might assume this angel of watery position oversees all the oceans, rivers and lakes of blue by God’s dictates. We all enjoy the majestic loveliness that encompasses a vista of endless waters. In Job 38:8 we learn God has enclosed the sea with doors—His framed borders. All waters are marked off by His overseeing omnipotence. He is the perfect surveyor and sustainer.

This angel may also oversee the rain, hail, and snow stored in Christ’s treasure houses, which are initiated at God’s command. We acknowledge from Scripture that it is the breath of God by which the waters are frozen. He creates each snow crystal in unique design and none repeats. This is additionally true of every human who has ever walked the earth. There has been no clone reproduction of any individual.

“Righteous are You, who are and who were, O Holy One, because You judged these things.” Revelation 16:5 should be our praise, knowing these bowls of wrath will fall upon our world. This will be the praise of the angel of the waters!

Verse 6 simply does not fit into Christianity today and its fit every shoe attitude. It would be kept outside the doors of tolerant motivated churches. Why? “They deserve it” is unabashedly proclaimed. This is in reference to the blood judgment placed on rebellious mankind. Mischief is not allowed and these bowls of wrath will fall on a God-hating society one day. This is why the Gospel must be proclaimed before it is too late. The warnings of Revelation must be sounded everywhere. There will come a day when God will say enough is enough.

We see in this verse that Jesus Christ does not turn His back when the blood of the church is spilt.

Recently I read the heart-touching story of Miriam who lived in Turkey. Her parents, Tillman and Susan, moved to Turkey from Germany when she was age 8 in the 1990s. They arrived with the hope of winning Muslims to Christ. On one particular Sunday, Muslims attended their church pretending to be interested. On another Sunday, they dismantled their pretense and beat the believers in attendance. Three Christians, including Miriam’s father, went home to be with the LORD.

Miriam grieved and held anger in her heart. However, she noted the peace that surrounded her mother who was not resentful and voiced her attitude, “Because the LORD forgave me so much, I have to forgive them.” This enabled Miriam to view things in a fresh and bright light.

Upon being changed in heart, Miriam decided she wanted to visit the attackers in jail. “I want to see them,” she announced. “Maybe they will become believers. Then they can go to heaven. In heaven they can tell Daddy they are sorry.”

______

Many husbands and fathers have been slain for their faith in distant lands, leaving grieving ones behind. I often hear of widows and children who are in tremendous pain and turmoil. Sometimes Christians shun the brokenhearted survivors because they fear for their own lives. The survivors become isolated, which furthers their ache. The persecuted church needs our prayers. Torturing of believers will continue until Christ’s takes His earthly throne in Jerusalem.

We are living in the time that men can still be reached for Christ. Though hearts seem to be growing harder and colder, souls are still being accessed, even in the thousands, being recently witnessed in Venezuela where a Bible distribution took place. God desires that all be saved. We do know men will be saved in the tribulation, but most will be hardened.

Verse 7 turns us to the altar of the temple in heaven. In chapter 6, we noted the souls of those who had been slain for their faith were under the altar, representing the fact they had spilt their blood for the cause of Christ. The altar represents blood sacrifice as seen in the Old Testament where animals were offered for sin. It was large and had no stairs as God forbade any form of nakedness (Exodus 20:23). It was a holy place representative of Christ our LORD who is perfect innocence and undefiled. Christ was our final blood sacrifice, placed on the altar of a hewed tree.

This verse ascribes further praise to our LORD from “another,” from the altar of sacrifice. Since the subject matter of these verses is angels and this verse refers to “another,” I believe he is most likely the angel of the altar as previously seen in 14:18. This angel revealed himself to be commanding, as the angel who has the “power over fire.” It would make perfect sense that it would be the angel of fire making this proclamation as the next bowl involves scorching men with fire. This fiery angel proclaims, “Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments.” No one can question God when He brings forth His wrath, knowing He is righteous all together and He does no wrong.

In verse 8, the fourth angel pours out his bowl of wrath upon the sun, so it would scorch men with fire. Our LORD is going to cause the sun to operate out of the norm to execute His flaming judgment on those who refuse to repent of their transgressions. These defiled and detestable ones will be scorched with fierce “fire.” The earth is going to experience a global warming like no other!

Men will be “scorched with fierce heat”—the result of cursing God; verse 9. They will unashamedly blaspheme His holy name. If a Jew blasphemed God in the Old Testament, the death penalty by stoning was the unquestioning judgment—Leviticus 24:16.

(It is important to observe that we had the angel of the waters praising God in verse 5, following the two water judgments of blood and the angel of fire praising God previous to the blazing judgment. Almighty God is perfectly synchronized in all things.)

We are reminded here that it is God who is bringing these plagues and He has power over them. Yet, in this future time, men will still be lovers of self. They will not desire to praise the omnipotent God who manages the universe His way with wonders to behold.

The next plague reminds me of the book of Exodus that tells its readers of the time when God brought “thick darkness” upon the land of rebelling Egypt; Exodus 10:21f.

In verse 10, back in Revelation, we observe the fifth angel pouring his bowl upon the throne of the beast, the antichrist, resulting in his kingdom becoming darkened. He gnawed in pain along with his pals.

This is noteworthy in light of the fact that the darkness seen in Revelation is the precursor to the battle of Armageddon. Following the darkness poured upon the Egyptians and the death of the firstborn, the Egyptian army came against God by trying to overtake His Hebrew people.

The battle of Armageddon is prearranged and prepared as we survey in verse 12. The six angel pours out his bowl and the River Euphrates is made bone dry. This “great” flowing river will become waterless when the sixth angel pours out his bowl. This will enable easy passage for the enemies of God to arrive from the East and battle the Jews in this last conflict before Christ’s millennial rule. The prelude and war will be staged within the hand of God so to speak. God will allow it for His honor, glory and omnipotent display. We know the end of the story—all Christ’s battling enemies of all the opposing nations, will be destroyed. The nation Israel will be triumphant! This rises above any other happy ending penned within the books of men.

Focusing in on the Euphrates tributary that will be dried before battle, it is interesting to heed that it is key to life within the sun-baked terrain of the Middle East. This will be the first time it will be waterless in the history of our world.

This river was referred to afore in chapter 9, verses 14-15. It is a main point of revelation happenings. We perceive the Middle East is where the major end-time events will occur. I stated before that ancient Babylon rested on the Euphrates banks in Iraq, and it would not surprise me if arriving Mystery Babylon does too. We know it will not rest on ancient Babylon as God announced, it would never be rebuilt. The Euphrates has also changed course over the centuries and it is no longer adjacent to ancient Babylon.

(The Euphrates River is the largest river in SW Asia and the deepest freshwater river in the world—750 feet deep. This waterway is composed of 94% of the melting snows of the Turkey highlands. From Turkey, it rides a mostly smooth, slow, southeastern course through Syria and Iraq. Its longest flow, courses through Iraq, meeting its end when it plunges into the Persian Gulf. We see from Genesis 2:14 that the Euphrates first claim to fame was in the Garden of Eden. This clues us into the fact that the Garden of Eden was in the Middle East.)

Zechariah 9:9-10 aids our millennial information at this point, communicating to us that the dominion of Christ will be from sea to sea and from the “River Euphrates to the ends of the earth.” Christ will rule from Jerusalem, being the beloved of the Jews. Perfect justice will be His acting covenant with the world.

In verses 13-14, back in Revelation, we read of the vileness of the dragon (Satan), the beast and the prophet. Both the beast and the prophet will be Satan’s puppet rulers. We have read of the ugliness of their ways, being full of demons and performance minded—entertaining the world through great marvels.

I know there are unclean spiritual activities in our churches and I have even witnessed it in so-called Bible and Baptist churches. This includes amongst pastors and other leadership. Very sad times indeed—very apostate times. It is also important to note that charismatic famous pastors will speak with normal voices and demonic.  I have witnessed this on You Tube footage of church services.

This is a frightful thing, but people are following various Pentecostal famed leaders who are leading multitudes astray, down the path of vile spiritualism. Many churched people do not seem to care about the warnings of Scripture in this regard and do not ensure everything spoken by so-called pastors is perfectly verified with the Word of God. Pentecostals and others falsely prophesy continually, and no one appears to care when their predictions are proven false. One forged prophesy proves they are of Satan, knowing our God never lies.

When one claimed to be God’s prophet in the Old Testament and their prediction or predictions proved to be false, they were sentenced to death; Deuteronomy 13:5. Today such people need to be put out of the church. False teachers are not allowed in the true church of Christ.

We also see within the pentecostal movement and others, ministers and ministries having no problem receiving money from unsaved people. However, Christian ministries are not to take money from the unsaved—those who have not been born again through Jesus Christ. We know from 3 John verse 7, that true ministers accept nothing from the Gentiles—the unsaved. We know true witnesses, as they will only receive monies and gifts from believers.

In verse 14, of Revelation 16, we observe the vile ones, under the directives of the beast and anti-christ, coming together to plan war with God Almighty and the Jews at HarMagedon, also known as Armageddon. This will take place in the valley area of Mount Carmel.

This is the Jezreel area in Israel—Megiddo—home of:

MOUNT CARMEL NATIONAL PARK:

“Endless tracks in a setting of wild cliffs, lush vegetation of forests and woods, magnificent views of valleys and peaks, with the backdrop of the sea. Mount Carmel has been known since antiquity as a symbol of beauty, it is now also recognized as a cyclists paradise.”

Mount Carmel Park Fact File:

• It is Israel’s largest national park covering an area of about 21,000 acres.
• A third of the park is a Nature Reserve.

• The highest peak is 546m above sea level.

• The slopes to the west and sea are gradual, to the east very sharp.

• The area receives a higher average of rainfall than any other in Israel. The climate, geographical structure, and the soil, ensures the park is ‘evergreen’ all the year round.

• Access to the park is from four directions: Atlit in the west, Elyaqim in the south, Haifa (University) in the North, Nesher in the east. Park Information Points are located at all the entrances except for Nesher.

_____

It is a long stretching plane that includes Mount Carmel and Megiddo. All this engulfs the tribulation warfare area. The union of nations will be there; Zechariah 12:3 and Revelation 16:16. The ecumenical church that believes Israel has no more relevancy will be there.

It is a compelling fact that much of this area is a national park; what a great place to hold a battle. Mount Carmel was where Elijah met with the false prophets Baal—chief of the false gods. It was a pagan fight to the death and God won; 1 Kings 18. The LORD will be deadly, victorious again at Armageddon—most apropos for this concluding war with the proud, religious ones of the earth.

Zechariah, chapter 12, provides significant details regarding this time and place. “God is going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around. … It will be a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured.”

During Armageddon, the LORD will strike every horse with bewilderment and his rider with “madness.” God will watch over the house of Judah and He will strike every horse of the opposing nations with “blindness.” This conflict will be fought on horses, perfect for the treacherous terrain of Megiddo. With all the earth’s destruction, there may be no oil reserves to power military vehicles. Whatever the case, God will somehow make sure this battle is fought with horses. The other nations will not have a chance when they combat the God of the universe who will ensure the Jews will dwell again on their own sites in Jerusalem; Zechariah 12:6.

(The word machine or engine is used in Scripture, in the Old Testament—2 Chronicles 26:15. We know God could have well stated the battles will be fought with machines or inventions; however, He did not and Armageddon will be fought as forecasted.)

Returning to Revelation, verse 17, we note the seventh angel pouring his bowl upon the air. Thus God proclaims—“It is done.” This bowl signifies the end of God’s judgments on the earth and the end of war. Christ’s millennial rule will be introduced.

When we get into chapters 17 and 18, we will observe the falling of the kingdoms, including Babylon. God will teach us more of the details that brought us to “It is done.” It will be eschatological history come to pass. Yes, this all is mind-boggling. Nonetheless, it will fully consummate in the future.

We note at this point that God’s power is unleashed in praise to His omnipotence through lightening, thunder, and a “great” and “mighty” earthquake. This earthquake’s velocity will surpass all that God has sent upon the earth. Haiti’s 2010 earthquake was quite devastating, but the one described here will target a great deal of the earth; though we know, Israel will be fully protected. This quake will be the one that breaks all seismic records. No seismograph will be adequate in capturing the devastation brought by these waves in the earth.

In verse 19, we see this earthquake will result in the great city (Mystery Babylon) being split into three parts as she receives “the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath.” Jeremiah 25:15 foretold that God’s great wrath would be cast on all the nations that followed false religions during the era of ancient Babylon. This wrath was also laid upon ancient idolatrous Babylon after she annihilated many nations; Jeremiah 51:6-10, 49, etc.

Jeremiah 51:49 is enlightening, as it states Babylon will fall for the slain in Israel. This is history; yet, it will reiterate when Mystery Babylon arises and persecutes Israel. It too will fall heavily for all the Hebrew blood spilt.

Back in Revelation, we see at the time of this earthquake, every island will flee away and the mountains will not be found. There will be no place that will not be affected, there will be no hiding.

Now this is not the end of God’s disasters; He will send hailstones, about 100 pounds each upon men—all those who will blaspheme Christ the LORD.  All those will be hit who did not care to reference and fear God, but cursed Him. This final plague will be “extremely severe” and we do not know the death toll. We learn from Job 38:22-23 (the first book penned in the Bible) that this hail has been reserved through the ages of earth’s calendar for this very moment in future time. The Egyptians experienced a glimpse of this arriving hailish moment, explained in Exodus 9:18f. But this hail did not cover the earth nor were the hailstones a 100 pounds each; however, it was killing hail and it had fire flashing within continually.

Here ends the seventh bowl of wrath or plague. God’s vengeance will be put to rest at this time.

~

Review of Seven Bowls of Wrath: 

First bowl poured: A loathsome and malignant sore is placed on mankind; 16:1-2

Second bowl poured: The Sea is turned to blood; 16:3

Third bowl poured: Rivers and Springs become blood; 16:4

Fourth bowl poured: Men scorched with fire; 16:8-9

Fifth bowl poured: Beast on throne experiences great pain and his kingdom is darkened; 16:10-11

Sixth bowl poured: The Euphrates River dries up so the kings of the East can fight against Christ during the battle of Armageddon; 16:12

Seventh bowl poured: Lightening, thunder and an earthquake occur, and the destruction of Mystery Babylon; 16:17f

Revelation Chapter 17

Whore City

We departed from chapter 16 while it was hailing outside. No, not usual hail, but 100-pound hailstones that concluded God’s “Bowls of Wrath.” We were informed the day of doom had arrived for all the godless and it even was poured upon the antichrist in the way of scorching heat of a “fierce” magnitude—the fifth bowl of wrath.

Opening this new chapter, we observe the seven angels who dispersed the seven bowls of wrath conversing with John the Apostle. They desire that he witness the judgment and extinguishment of the “Great Whore”—“BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” Yes, we can envision all kinds of vulgar filth regarding this title, though we should be careful. We are to keep our minds pure and not deliberately set any evil thing before our eyes.

Verses 5 and 7 emphasize that she is an arriving “mystery” city with no disclosed name.

This “whore” label does not proclaim chastity before marriage! It certainly does not uphold marital fidelity for life. It does not represent the purity God commands in mankind.

A remnant in this country grieves over America and her vulgarity. She has fallen and she has fallen hard into the pit of degradation.

You do not have to move very far or fast to identify this. Historically, the Bible established America’s morality, and sinful activities were considered a bad choice. The Bible was the norm of teaching in our public schools. From 1690 to 1900, America’s youth learned their ABCs with a Bible verse associated with each letter. How marvelous! The Bible established our laws as well. Though sin, of course, existed, the Bible was a respected book and considered the anchor of American life. In the 1960s a minority of people in society began to rebel against this blessed haven; not the majority, mind you. Government turned an ear to the liberal and rebellious voice and godless court decisions arrived in 1962 and 1963 that rocked the nation. The United States Supreme Court thrust God out of schools in 1962 in a major way, through a decision that ended sanctioned prayer in public schools in the case of Engel v. Vitale. In 1963, the court moved to prohibit mandatory Bible reading in public schools in the case of Abington School District v. Schempp.

In 1980, the 10 commandments were shattered once again when the government ordered their removal from public schools in the case of Stone v. Graham. Deuteronomy 8:11 and 19 warns, “Beware that you forget not the Lord, in keeping His Commandments, … And it shall be, if you, in any way, forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you will surely perish.”

When Biblical principles were extracted from America’s public schools, unwed birth rates doubled in girls 15-19 years of age. Pregnancies increased 553% for girls below the age of 15. Divorce rates from 1963 to 1983 went up 117%. Prior to 1963, divorce had been declining. Since 1963, single families with children increased by 160%, and unmarried couples living together went up 353%. Violent crimes escalated by 544%.

Following our government slapping God in the face through various accounts of assault, immoral havoc raced across what was once a great land. Within a short period, evolution theology became accepted as the religion of America. People coveted the idea of immoral lawlessness justified through evolution. Obviously, the evolutionary theology caters entirely to the untamed or unregenerate man.

Biblical morality, with its direct right and wrongs, became more distasteful to secular society. A hatred for ethics also struck the church. Some churches have come to the place of accepting theistic evolution. Billy Graham is open to it, so why not?

Satan has his hands tightly held onto the reins of this world to a significant degree. But not forever! Through Revelation and other Bible texts, we know his kingdom is going to cease. When Christ rules, holy obedience to the laws of God will be the only way. There will be no compromise, period!

The apostasy headline in Revelation broadcasts that every vile and deviant, selfish way will be encompassed in this arriving city. It will advertise everything in the way of desire and exploitation. The religious palaces of the universe will be its core support.

Ancient, styling Babylon rested on the Euphrates River, whose ruins can be still visited today if you travel south of Baghdad.

Verse 2 is quite vivid, exposing the low moral state of the chiefs of state within this time frame of future facts. If people want to commit the vilest of sexual sins, this is the place they will vacation. It will be the new Hollywood of the world … full of desire, fame, and fortune. World leaders will not hesitate to rest their feet in this cosmopolitan monstrosity. “The world will be made drunk with the wine of her immorality.” Today even so-called Christians drink from the sensual outpouring of the vile liquor of Hollywood. They would fit right in with Mystery Babylon.

John is carried away to the wilderness, in the Spirit, following this disclosure; verse 3. An unpleasant setting of arriving reality is placed before his eyes. He observes a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous or swear names, having seven heads and ten horns. We see “scarlet” additionally mentioned in 18:16, being it depicts the wealth of Mystery Babylon. Many people will bath in the riches of this world capital city that will be “clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet; and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls.” They will also swear without a second thought when something goes amiss.

Yesterday, I was dealing with a computer tech person on the phone from India. When he recognized how complexing my web issues were, he became quite agitated (not with me), and blasphemed saying, “Holy Christ.” I quickly inserted, “Christ is holy.” It stopped him in his tracts and he humbly agreed with me. May he come to truly consider Christ and be saved.

Mystery Babylon will be full of godless people, who will swear using God’s name in vain, breaking God’s command. They will blaspheme Jesus Christ to no end. It will be a most vile place where there will be no restraints when it comes to disrespecting the true and living God who can save them.

We see here that John is exposed to other wicked powers, represented by “seven heads and ten horns.” We find the key that opens the door to understanding these monstrous heads and horns in verses 9-13.

The seven heads and horns represent world power authority. The heads are seven mountains, or countries in the world and each nation owns a king. Therefore, we have seven countries with seven kings all under the power of a licentious and unnamed city that will rule the world. By the time we reach verse 10, five of the kings and their kingdoms will have fallen from power for some reason, possibly military. These powers could be China, Russia, Sweden, Colombia, Great Britain, etc. We simply do not know though some assume they represent nations of ages past, but I personally see no specifics of names in regard to this approaching era. We have observed within the few decades, nations changing their names to state they are different from before in government representation. There may be many nation name changes and territorial changes during this time of great tribulation power struggles. So-called ethnic cleansing could produce titles of new languages; plus, signify changing cultures.

Examples of nations exchanging names:

Northern Rhodesia – Zambia
Southern Rhodesia – Zimbabwe
Nyasaland – Malawi
Bechuanaland – Botswana
Dahomey – Benin
Gilbert Islands – Kiribati
British Honduras – Belize
British Guiana – Guyana
Kampuchea – Cambodia
Burma – Myanmar
Transjordan – Jordan
The Trucial States – The United Arab Emirates
East Pakistan – Bangladesh
Ellice Islands – Vanuatu
French Sudan – Mali
Upper Volta – Burkina Faso
French Somaliland – Djibouti
Abyssinia – Ethiopia
South West Africa – Namibia
Basutoland – Lesotho
Dutch Guiana – Surinam
Formosa – Taiwan
Tanganyika & Zanzibar – Tanzania
Siam – Thailand
Persia – Iran
Burma – Myanmar
Zaire – Democratic Republic of Congo
Bechuanaland – Botswana
Batusoland – Lesotho
Spanish Sahara – Western Sahara
Turkmen SSR – Turkmenistan
Tajik SSR – Tajikistan
Kirghiz SSR – Kyrgyzstan
British Malaya – Malaysia
British New Guinea – Papua New Guinea
Dutch East Indies – Indonesia
Portuguese Timor – East Timor

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One of the seven kings is to come and the other one left, still remains in authority at the time doom draws nigh.

The ten horns are kings who do not rule over official countries as of yet. They obviously own kingly power, but quite limited at this time. They may serve in governor roles. Eventually they receive power over nations on our globe for an hour. There is a purpose in that hour in which they rule with the beast. It is definitely political in nature.

If you walk your eyes backward a bit and read verse 6, you will see that the Babylonians and the antichrist are blood thirsty savages.

They crave the shed blood of Christ’s children—the Jews and whoever else who is saved at this dreadful time. It will be a killing spree extravaganza like no other. These happenings appear to occur in the area of the former Babylon region—Iraq (another country name change). We recognize the inhabitants presently refer to themselves as Iraqis, but I call them Babylonians here to match their accredited entitlement.

From this verse, we note that the world’s populace will hate anyone who preaches against sin and the need for a Savior. This is because the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart; Hebrews 4:12. God will preserve a number of Jews who will be present on the earth when Christ rules Israel and the world. They will love the Word of God down to every jot and tittle = punctuation.

We know there are ruthless rulers in our world today who would love to have countries simply turned over to them without one shot of war. The ten kings (horns) will receive kingdoms from the beast without a blink of the eye and all because they follow him in blind loyalty.

Looking again at verse 6, we see John wondered greatly over the beast and every detail of the vision. The angel sensed this in John and began to promptly explain it all. It must have been most distressing to John to recognize that the antichrist will use this gigantic city to shed the innocent blood of God’s children. It will sit proudly above all others as the God hater.

Eventually, a totally contrasting city will rise in power over the world. It will be holy Jerusalem transformed into perfection. Its inhabitants will be the God lovers. It will not be a cool, sensual, metropolis city. It will be about people coming to Jerusalem in humility to worship and bow down before God alone.

John further ascertains from the angel, verse 8, that the antichrist will arrive from the “abyss.” We easily understand this is referring to his resurrection, when he returns from the dead after receiving a terminal wound in battle—knowing the military struggles of this day, this is how it appears from chapter 13.

The antichrist’s followers will wonder at the fact that he was and is not and will come. The miracle will cause them to follow in blind obedience. Supremacy then takes shape through the 17 heads of power placed within the antichrist’s authority.

The angel kindly lets John know this dreadful time will meet its end, when the religious beast goes to “destruction” and all his worshippers.

This verse also speaks to predestination. All true Christians were chosen beforehand to follow Christ, being preset before the formation of the world; Ephesians 1:4-5. However, we also know Christ died for all and anyone who calls upon His name will be saved. As believers, we will understand this lofty mystery fully when we arrive in heaven. God’s thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than our thoughts, ways and understanding. He is inexhaustibly omnipotent and this statement reveals this to an incomprehensible degree. God knew before the world was formed who would receive Him as Savior, and their names are penned in the “book of life.” He could rightly place the names of those who would be redeemed in this book before earth’s foundation was laid. He knew, of course, whose names would not be written in this book.

Satan translates this destiny doctrine in various forms to try to confuse and derail. It must be remembered Satan and his followers always sound confused and are continually changing with the confused world. They like to make people believe the Word of God is too difficult to grasp and too out of step with the neo culture. The truth is, it is better to accept the Word of God by faith and stay faithful to the God of creation who never changes or wavers; Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17, etc.

Christ stated regarding the false religious leaders of His day that they kept religion complicated by their traditions (men implemented beliefs) and by such they invalidated the Word of God; Mark 7:13. This is exactly what is taking place today via contemporary religious leaders. They invalidate the Word of God with their personal teachings and interpretations that confuse the readers of Scripture. It makes today’s believers very confused to see one thing laid down in an accurately translated Bible, and then hear it refuted from the pulpit. This is a continuous happening. (See also Colossians 2:8)

Thrusting ourselves forward to verse 11, we see there are actually eight “heads” governmentally involved in the Mystery Babylon kingdom. The resurrected religious antichrist will rise to be a kingdom ruler over the seven kingdoms and their kings. He makes eight. The seven kings will be his subordinates. He will own their territory. They will be puppet kings, so to speak, until things falter and five fall; most likely due to military defeats due to poor strategy. We already noted from the book of Daniel that there will be many territorial wars during the tribulation. Rulers will covet larger boundary lines of command. Key players will rise and fall as a result. It will be a bloody time and human life will be the pawns offered in the war games.

When it nears the end of the tribulation, the antichrist will have won the game of human chess. No one will possess more regency. He will own the souls of earth’s inhabitants.

When it nears the end of the tribulation, the antichrist will have won the game of human chess. No one will possess more regency. He will own the souls of earth’s inhabitants.

God reassures us in the conclusion of verse 11, that He is still on the throne and the antichrist’s power will falter. He will be thrown into the Lake of Fire when all is said and done. We need happy-ending reminders continually in this fallen world whose majority of inhabitants are dead in trespasses and sins.

In verse 12, it appears that everyone is pleased with the beast. The ten men who have ruling authority, but not actual kingdoms, will be awarded power by the antichrist to rule as kings for an hour.

We note from Daniel chapter 7, verse 24, the ten horns become ten kingdoms for the sake of military strategy. These ten kings are puppets of the antichrist and the eleven will subdue three kings, awarding a greater amount of the earth to the antichrist. Because the antichrist owns supernatural powers and the world’s majority, this future account will be consummated in the space of an hour. Amazingly, the defeat of these three kings are not the main event of this one hour lapse of time.

As we enter verse 16, we see there is going to be a disruption in the commerce of Mystery Babylon. For some reason, the antichrist will come to hate this monstrosity of power he created. Perhaps he will come to despise the governors and state heads. Maybe they will grow tired of him, and will become jealous and not rule perfectly under his feet in clone submission. Perhaps they will meet in closed sessions and conspire military strategies behind his back. As I stated previously, there is much going on in the way of power seekers during the tribulation that is played-out in the book of Daniel.

Nero ruled the Roman Empire from 54 to 68 AD with a black heart, and Nero means “black” in Italian. He was a homosexual, totally perverted in every lewd way. He continually participated in orgies and even incest. He had many sexual relationships with boys, men and women. He relished “the arts” and considered himself gifted in all of them. “The arts” were most glorified in the days of Rome.

(Isn’t it interesting that in our day and age even churches emphasize “the arts.” This extends to including a position entitled “pastor of the arts.” It all stems back to the worshipping of things made by man’s hands, which God hates. It is God alone who is to be uplifted and adored. His artisanship in creation is to be viewed in awe of Him. He is the only one we are called upon to adore, and the works by His hands are to bring us to our knees in worship of Him.

During the time of the major and minor prophets, Israel was ecumenical and idolatrous. The Jews worshipped at the temple like good little churched children and gave immense tithes and gifts. Unfortunately, it was all a lark as their allegiance during the week was to idols. They put on the emergent face to please the world’s religions, believing God was not looking. Social acceptability was first on their global agenda. These God-forsakers loved to worship things crafted by man’s hands as explained in Acts 7:41, Isaiah 2:8 and 17:8-9, Jeremiah 1:16, etc.)

Nero enjoyed parading himself like one of the Roman gods and he demanded worship. He erected a huge idol of himself. This is not unusual as various rulers have done this; even in our age. In Turkmenistan, there is a massive golden statue of Saparmurat Niyazov that revolves. Saparmurat was part of the “Cult of Personality.” In this cultic mentality, everything evolves around the dictator of a particular nation by personal decree. The dismantling work to his statue began in 2010:

http://www.rferl.org/content/Turkmen_Leader_Orders_Predecessors_Statue_Removed/1932837.html

North Korea is another nation that worships its falsely glorified leaders. It is demanded of the people that they worship the current ruler, Kim Jung II and his dead father, Jim II Sung. A father-son cult religion. The late Sun’s title is “eternal president.” There are 500 statues of him. The most famed is 66 feet tall and very wide and thick—simply overtaking. It is made of bronze, originally gold, but the gold was found to be impractical. Koreans continually bow before it in worship.

From nursery school, children are taught to worship Jung and Sung, which includes worship songs. The whole nation must worship them or there are deadly penalties.

Photos of statues of various “Cult of Personality” dictators:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8167890.stm

Let us review at this point: We already understand Mystery Babylon, “The Mother of Harlots,” will surpass every vast kingdom that ever was. Every other anti-Christian Reich will entirely fail in comparison in wealth accumulation and annihilation accomplishment. The blood of the saints will be spilt as never before; verse 6. Hitler murdered 2 million Christians and 7 million Jews so we know the blood of the saints will flow in extreme immenseness. It will be a most grievous era. The antichrist will thrive on the blood of Jewish believers. He and his crony czars will act like wild drunks at their destruction. They will glory in provoking the God of heaven with their murderous antics performed in the name of religion. Christians will be sought game. We know this will be the case, as the populous of the world will be worshipping Satan and his antichrist; thus, global inhabitants will loathe all the convicting Christians who live contrarily. The conformers will also worship the talking idol of the antichrist; 13:15. If world citizens do not worship his statue, they will be annihilated.

In my eyes, the three main historical Reichs (Scandinavian word for realm) of evil power consisted of: The first Reich being ancient Babylon. The second, the Roman Empire under Nero and other dictators. The third, Germany, under Hitler. (The authorized three Reichs are: “The Holy Roman Empire, or First Reich, from 962 to 1806; the German Empire, or Second Reich, from 1871 to 1919; the Weimar Republic, from 1919 to 1933; or the Third Reich, from 1933 to 1945.”) I might add that the Weimar democratic constitution remained in place under Hitler; though, of course, it was completely ignored.

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In 1 Peter 5:13, Peter refers to Rome as Babylon. At least this is what scholars believe and it makes perfect sense. Much of the world was ruthlessly ruled from Rome at this time. Nero ruled from Rome when this letter of Peter’s was penned—around 62 AD. Rome exposed many of the same wicked markings as Babylon.

Nero eventually lost popularity and a senatorial conspiracy was plotted in 65 AD. Whenever he caught wind of a man’s treason, he ordered the conspirator’s execution or forced him to commit suicide.

Due to dissatisfaction within the government regarding Nero’s blunders and knowing his end was on the way, Nero slit his own throat. He declared with a cry before applying the blade, “Alas, What an Artist is Dying in Me.”

The antichrist and his ten fellow conspirators who are given power as kings for one hour will destroy the depraved city of Mystery Babylon. These conspirators will accomplish this in the space of an hour. The fact of this matter is reconfirmed in 18:10. Because of some type of surprise attack, perhaps something akin to 9/11, but on a gigantic scale, the antichrist and his ten fellow heads of state will bring this sexually depraved city to rubble in one hour. The city will not own the time to plan a defense; let alone determine who the enemy is. Everyone will be taken by surprise. No one will be suspect of a secretly contrived conspiracy by their beloved fuehrer.

This will be much like Nero burning Rome.

In verse 14, we observe the antichrist and his ten kings are going to wage war with the Lamb—Jesus Christ who died for the sins of the world that men might be saved. Jesus Christ of the entire Bible is LORD of lords and King of kings.

Satan has always wanted to conquer God to obtain His power that rules over every created thing on the earth, in the cosmos and in heaven. The antichrist and his ten kings are going to fight Jesus Christ for the rule of all.

Another key is set before us in verse 15; God informs us that the waters where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. “Babylon the Great,” will be a kingdom of vastness. We know the planet will be controlled by this sensually, enslaving power.

Verse 16 is a mystery. As I mentioned previously, it is a guess as to why the antichrist turns against his own kingdom and joins with ten kings who also hate mystery Babylon. To some of us it appears President Obama became president to take America down the road of self-destruct. The media and other liberal voices can easily represent the ten complying kings.

The great hatred for the “Great Whore” is revealed by the words of verse 16. The antichrist and the ten kings will be happy to make Babylon desolate, naked and will delight when the gigantic city and its inhabitants are burned with fire. It is no wonder that Satan turned his power over to the antichrist, as he was no compassion in his entire being, not even for the evil ones who worship him. He will thrive on lies, dishonesty and murder, akin to communist and socialist leaders in world history.

While the antichrist and his ten kings believe they are doing their own bidding, they are actually doing God’s. It was His purpose placed in all their hearts. They all unwittingly bring worthy judgment on “Mystery Babylon.”

This powerful destruction of the “whore” will arrive when the longsuffering of God is tried. God desires all to repent, but when it is obvious they will not, He brings judgment as viewed throughout the annals of time.

Verse 18 is another key in understanding Revelation; for the woman in verses 1-6 is the great whore city that reigns over the kings of the earth. She will be “Mystery Babylon.”

This metropolitan municipality of desire is no longer going to sell sexy, alluring dresses that reveal chests and thighs. It is no longer going to broadcast nasty, visual sells pitches. Her pornography will cease with her. Every vile living style will come to an abrupt end. Her drunken parties will dry out. There will be no more gambling, fraud, embezzlement, high taxes, slavery and swindling. When it comes to the emergent movement, every false religion and false teacher will be silenced.

God has judged!

Revelation Chapter 18

The Detailing

In this Bible chapter, we see the details surrounding the doom of the wicked city “Mystery Babylon” or the “Great City.” In chapter 17 verses 16-18, we glimpsed its demise and learned it was all part of God’s plan. The sensual wickedness that dwells within her will be far beyond what we can focus on since capital cities of today are so minuscule in comparison to what will be the massiveness of her in square miles. Every city that exists today is far less wicked than she will be. Not simply because of lack of size, but also by the fact, Satan will be exerting more power than in any time past, and his main corrupting focus will be within her.

This Great City will be contrived and built by Satan, and the religious and political antichrists. She will also be annihilated by them and all in the name of ruthless power and hate. Satan holds no love in any form for anyone or anything. Everything reminds him that the LORD God created all and not him.

This ruthless creature will push any agenda that enslaves people to evil. He takes pleasures in man’s dependence upon drugs, alcohol, sexual promiscuity, crime, gambling, and on and on, because they all lead down two roads. One of the road signs displays “Self-destruction” and the other “Destruction of Others.”

Satan’s apocalyptic rulers will be all out for themselves, craving world power, including global possession of everything. Even in America’s economy, we witness powerful people wanting to own everything through government control. They advertise their agendas in a smooth manner and tell the people they can have everything without paying a dime, including medical aid. The government simply has to remove the wealth from the prosperous and hand it over to the less affluent. The alluring motto preaches, simply give your government complete power over every cent you own and all your dreams will meet reality. It is all so easy! Oh, and by the way, new government mandates will also maintain complete control over every person. Please remember, we need a new constitution to fashion Utopia Land. (Consider, Hitler suspended Germany’s democratic, republic constitution to reign in world horror.) The old is archaic and will never do. The revised document will be timely and will get the job done to everyone’s liking.

In verse 1, of this chapter, we are reminded God is still on His throne during this sinfully grotesque time and His glory will fill the entire earth when all is said and done. The fall of Mystery Babylon is the last major event on heaven’s calendar that precedes Christ’s arrival on the earth.

Subsequent to Babylon’s fall, God will send an angel from heaven who maintains “great authority.” He will be magnificent beyond words, beyond what our minds and eyes can grasp. “The earth will be illumined with his glory.” We know his glory arises from God. This angel, God’s heavenly creation, will beam with holy magnificence and dynamism. Every angelic heavenly creation is full of righteous splendor.

I might add, regarding these powerful angelic ones, that they desire to understand salvation’s plan. They long to grasp what believers have experienced. Redemption through Christ’s shed blood is beyond them. We are advised of this in 1 Peter 1:12.

The glory and work of angels is mainly disclosed through the book of Revelation. Glimpses are displayed elsewhere in God’s Word, but not to the measure viewed in this forecasted disclosure.

Considering the bright sun, we may wonder how much glory will this angel display? I believe his illumination will be different from the sun, as it will be holy glory. The Greek word used here is “photizo” which simply means to give light. His global radiance will project wonderment. (It is interesting to note that the X in X-ray, means unknown, referring to an unknown ray. “The presence of some unknown ray was deduced from its effect on photographic film/plates when sealed in light tight containers. Hence “X” for unknown. Hard X-rays can penetrate solid objects.”)

Smithsonian on light of Hope Diamond:

The 45.52-carat blue diamond puzzles scientists because of the fiery red glow it gives off for several minutes after being exposed to ultra-violet light. Scientists refer to this phenomenon as phosphorescence. “It looks like a glowing orange coal in your barbeque grill,” explains Post. “It has been described as one of the unique properties of this unique diamond, something special to the Hope Diamond.” No comprehensive studies on the nature of the phosphorescence exist, which has made Dr. Jeff Post question the impressive glow for years. “There didn’t seem to be a lot of consistency, or certainly no quantification of the nature of the phosphorescence,” Post says. Thus, he and a team of researchers took on the challenge to dispel the deep dark secrets of the Hope Diamond…”

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There is so much that is incomprehensible in this complicated universe of vast design. Many evolutionists hate to admit there are intricate creations that are beyond mental grasp.

We know this glow that will flow to the earth will be like no other ever seen. In heaven, many creation wonders await believers.

What a remarkable time to look toward—this being the introduction to the kingdom of God on earth. Time is continually pushing us toward that day.

This heavenly being has been assigned by God to proclaim a message of hope. In His mighty voice, he will announce, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great …” He manifests the truths of her vile sins, as John the Baptizer disclosed the immoral sin of Herod the Great.

There will be much more to expose in the case of Babylon. When it comes to fashion, Paris will no longer be the place for the women of the world to view progressive creations pranced on a bright runway, but the Great City will be the place that walks the hottest of sexy clothing for the most immoral population that arrogantly clicks its dazzling high heals.

The great ones of the earth will play with her. Babylon will be the pleasure palace of the globe. The rich and famous will glory in living here or vacationing here. This will be the destination for countless political and business meetings. Corporate costs for her luxury and perks will be of little consequence. Many will partake in her propagated wealth until she is no more.

You can understand why she will be pined by the world’s businessmen when they view her remains from afar.

When she plummets into the dust, she will become the place of demons and of every unclean and hateful bird. This is what transpired with historical Babylon when she fell by God’s hand as seen in Jeremiah 50:39-40, 51:37 and Isaiah 21:9. These passages explain that ancient Babylon held no good or worthwhile thing as will arriving Babylon. She will be the center of idolatry, debauchery and demons as was former Babylon. We know from Scripture that when people worship any false deity they are in reality worshipping Satan who is the pope of all false religious systems.

As God called Lot out of Sodom, God will call His people out of this alluring Great City. When it comes to the days of the tribulation dispensation, believers are not to live in the world’s capital city that God has dubbed Babylon! The LORD wants no temptation overtaking Christians at anytime and at any place. Tribulation believers are not to be caught living or dealing within Babylon when God’s judgment destroys this city of commerce envy; verse 4-5. God explains that her sins will be piled as high as heaven and He will remember her iniquities.

The Holy One of Israel wants His people, the Jews, pure, as He is pure. He calls all believers to be pure as He is pure—1 John 3:2-3. He calls us to come out from the world and be separate and not to touch the unclean; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

In today’s dispensation of the church age or the New Testament of Christ’s blood age, we are to go everywhere with the Gospel, proclaiming it within all nations. This must, however, be performed in the wisest of manners and implementing the kindness of humble manners; 1 Peter 3:15. We should not go where temptation can take hold of us due to any weakness. Some are weaker than others, therefore prayer coupled with insight plays a foremost part in global evangelism for Biblically qualified missionaries.

Coming out and being separate, may involve detaching ourselves from questionable activities and the places where they occur. We are to flee temptation. Joseph is a perfect example of this as seen in Genesis chapter 39. As a slave, he had to live in iniquitous Egypt where he was forced into sensual temptation. Upon that moment, Joseph rightly responded from his established pure heart, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God.” He had set his heart not to sin in this fleshly nation and he was imprisoned as a result … falsely accused of wrongdoing. However, sustained purity is worth any earthly consequence. (I must add, some believers are raped; and at times, this involves being violated for being pure in behavior. They, of course, are still viewed as innocent and virtuous in the eyes of God.)

We must also guard the children:

“U.S. News and World Report revealed that teens who watch sex on TV are more likely to start having intercourse (USNews.com, 9/7/04).

Researchers at the RAND Corp., the study referenced in the US News and World report above, found that it didn’t matter if kids watched sexual behavior or if people just talked about sex on TV; the result was the same—kids who watch TV shows with sexual content are more likely to be sexually active.”

You may well ask, how do we then reach the unsaved in this perverse world? It must be done through chastity of heart, mind and action. If we feel ourselves being tempted beyond reason in our environment, we must vacate the premises.

I know I need to be always mindful of what surrounds me so I am pleasing to my LORD. I need to turn my eyes and my head away from the questionable and outright wrong.

~

Back to our chapter, we read in verse 3 that all the nations of the earth will partake of the evil of this giant metropolis. There will be temporary satisfaction for her consumers, as all will become rich from her wares.

There will be no concern for the eternal consequences of dealing with this debased mighty power that is antichrist in all its agendas. Today our nation and others shake hands and do business with nefarious powers of this globe, but a day of reckoning for the populous will arise.

I feel the need to state again, America itself now represents a corrupt power being countless sins take place within, including baby murder or abortion. Infanticide is the number one killer in the US, and 33% of baby butchery is paid with our tax dollars. One out of three women commit murder via abortion, and one half of those commit infant slaughter again.

Homosexuals will perform lewd sexual acts in public during their parades and fairs in various states because they own protected status rights according to police.

You will even find so-called famous Christians now joining in and standing with these rights in the name of not judging. This false justification is counteracted by God with numerous Scripture passages, and Christ commanded in John 7:24 that we judge according to righteousness not appearance. Righteous judgment says this activity is to be hated. It is not man’s judgment, but God’s, and His Biblical judgments must be continually preached.

“Should Children Attend Lewd ‘Gay Pride’ Parades? LaBarbera Asks Biased Chicago Tribune Reporter”

“Gay Pride Parades Good for Kids? That’s the strange thesis of the Chicago Tribune, which placed a photo and caption alongside its biased puff-piece about Chicago parents who pushed to include their children’s elementary school in the city’s annual “gay pride” parade (which takes place this Sunday, June 28). Below right is one of AFTAH’s photos from the 2007 “Pride” parade, in which open nudity was allowed to be flaunted without any punitive action by police or parade organizers. AFTAH’s Peter LaBarbera also witnessed two men engage in a revolting “gay” sex act directly in front of police (on the street) at the 2004 Chicago “gay pride” parade. Police did nothing to stop the illegal public sex act.”

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Daniel 4:17 provides insight into general government and lofty representation. “… The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes, and sets over it the basest of men.” Few men and women who have ruled in world governments have been completely honest and Biblically-minded.

America was reputable for honoring goodness and punishing evil. Cohabitation was illegal in every state until 1970. In contrary fashion, in 1968 fair housing laws were enacted, causing landlords to lose their freedom of being able to rent to whomever they desired. They were told they could no longer exercise their freedoms to rent or lease to only married couples. They had to rent or lease to fornicators as well. Now renters believe they must rent to homosexuals. Most sad! Proprietors in various states have fought in the courts to maintain their moral exercise.

This statute was cited in a 1997 Michigan case

http://caselaw.findlaw.com/mi-court-of-appeals/1128483.html

to uphold the rights of landlords (a married couple) who refused to rent to an unmarried couple:

The public policy of this state, as reflected in our laws. Under Michigan’s Penal Code, unmarried cohabitation  28.567 provides: 750.335; M.S.A. § M.C.L. § remains a misdemeanor.  Any man or woman, not being married to each other, who shall lewdly and lasciviously associate and cohabit together, and any man or woman, married or unmarried, shall be guilty of open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not more than 1 year, or by fine of not more than $500.00. Prosecution shall be commenced under this section after 1 year from the time of committing the offense.

Technically adultery is still illegal in America. There are countless statutes that reveal God’s holy heart influenced America’s laws and many are still on the books:

“In the United States, laws vary from state to state. In those states where adultery is still on the statute book (although rarely prosecuted today), penalties vary from life sentence (Michigan)[38], to a fine of $10 (Maryland), to a Class I felony (Wisconsin) [39]. In the U.S. Military, adultery is a potential court-martial offense.[14] The enforceability of adultery laws in the United States has been / is being questioned following Supreme Court decisions since 1965…”

The American public once comprehended how infidelity and premarital sex destroys lives. Rightful laws and incurred jail sentences were implemented in the past.

Prudishness was a treasured attribute at one time. Chastity before marriage was the only option for men and women in the eyes of the law-abiding. Women were encouraged to be homemakers and husband honoring. They were to love and discipline their children as Biblically commanded. Of course, America was never perfect in obedience, but it far surpassed other nations.

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Believers should know what city God is referring to when the showcase of Mystery Babylon arrives. It will be obvious if believers know their Bibles. At that future hour, there will be a one world government and one capital city (Mystery Babylon) where legislation originates. It appears governing laws will be signed into legislation by the antichrist who will be the most sinister dictator the world has ever witnessed.

Washington DC bears the closest resemblance to this incoming government chamber for Americans. It would be London for Brits. However, these seats of sovereignty rest on a tremendously tiny scale in comparison … Mystery Babylon will be way beyond their leagues. Imagine how large a capital city would have to be to govern the entire globe and to own the most prestigious enterprises the world has ever glimpsed.

We know through the revolving archives of time that God authors judgment on nations. He sanctions wicked leadership that oppresses stiff-necked people. God deals with sinful nations in various manners and some are simply destroyed quickly as with Sodom and Gomorrah.

Verse 6 reveals the Scriptural truth—we all reap what we sow. If we plant iniquity in our lives, we will reap consequences even as believers. For instance, if an unwed pregnant woman becomes a Christian, she still bears the consequences of her pre-Christian actions. Of course, Christ will lead and guide her in His love and bestow wisdom through it all. She will be eternally enriched with blessings for having turned to the Savior who completely washes our sins away and grants us the power to live purely.

Mystery Babylon will be provided with many chances to repent as we have seen; yet, she will refuse. She will not pursue the course of ancient Nineveh during the days of the prophet Jonah. Nineveh was an “exceedingly great city” and the tremendously vile capital of the Assyrian Empire, full of barbaric murderous ways. She displayed every sin imaginable, but she did repent in the days when Jonah preached repentance to her. Nineveh was 250 miles north of ancient Babylon, both being in what is called Iraq today. (My husband and I viewed many remnants from this capital city when in the British Museum in London.)

Later in history, Nineveh was destroyed, as she did not humble herself when the repentance message arrived again, one hundred years later. She arrogantly refused to turn from her sins that incorporated all forms of witchcraft, idolatry, harlotry, murder, lies, thievery, treachery, injustice, and on and on. She was proud unto death—please study the Old Testament books of Jonah and Nahum.

God will not be happy with sinful New Babylon and He will make sure that she is paid back “double” for her deeds that she has chosen. Her comeuppance will be mixed—“mixed” twice as much. This is because she has glorified herself (not God) and “lived sensuously.”

Very few read Revelation in complete faith, including pastors. May all pastors and congregational members who partake in postmodernism be brought to their knees in repentance. May I be brought down in fear of God if I ever take part to any degree!

Verse 7 speaks to the heartbeat of Mystery Babylon. This is a city that loves to be number one on the global scene. It will swell with pride and arrogance as did Nineveh and ancient Babylon.

Her glorification in sensuality is emphasized again in verse 3. Her sexiness will be key in understanding her capital motivation.

Due to arrogance, this chic city’s inhabitants will believe its astonishing buildings of display will never be doomed. I guess they will forget history and 9/11. The Twin Towers or World Trade Center were viewed as nearly indestructible.

“New York’s World Trade Center Twin Towers were designed to withstand fire and hurricane-force winds. Some engineers believed the Twin Towers could even survive the impact from a Boeing 707.”

The towers were considered miraculous and everlasting. They were the captivating pieces of famed architecture. However, they were created by the hands of sinful and flawed men.

It will be believed Mystery Babylon will never see mourning, unlike New York City. But who could have forecasted New York’s fateful day? Americans were caught unawares when the unbelievable sorrow outreached to us all. I know it broke my heart for several months.

When the Twin Towers crumbled to the ground, I assume there were some investors who mourned more over their financial losses than over the lost lives. Hard to believe, but man is a greedy scoundrel apart from God.

If you turn to Isaiah 47:5-9, you read ancient Babylon was viewed as the queen of the kingdoms and she viewed herself as an empress forever and she would never be widowed or lose any children. The arriving great one of utopia will view herself as queen of the world as well. Ancient Babylon believed she would always stay intact with no shifting or variation. This will be how Mystery Babylon will view herself. No terrorists will slay any of her enterprising citizens. If you read verse 9, you note that ancient Babylon was removed in one day and this is further verified in Daniel chapter 5, when the Medes and Persians took control of the territory of Babylon in one evening. King Belshazzar was slain and Darius the Mede received the kingdom. The transfer of power could have occurred in the space of one hour, and it will be in one hour that Mystery Babylon will hit rock bottom. She will be leveled to ground zero; verses 8 and 17 of Revelation chapter 18.

Malachi 3:13 and 4:1 refer to the arrogant heart of men. Sinful men believe the arrogant are blessed and they call them blessed. God says a day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and evildoers will be chaff, “and the day is coming that will set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts.” It is God’s job to humble all people.

We certainly see this fulfilled in verse 8 when Babylon “will be burned with fire, for the LORD God who judges her is strong.”

It certainly appears that the merchants of this period will bemoan their personal business liquidations. They will also lament over the fact the places where they sought sensual pleasure will simmer in a new way. Judgment will arise on the impure of heart who roamed this city.

This will all come about in one day. It is stated that history repeats itself and it will certainly be proven true in this case. What is stated in verses 7 and 9 are repetitive phrases from the Old Testament in reference to ancient Babylon and will fully apply to Mystery Babylon. We have noted that both of these great cities are distanced in time, but these sinister twin sister cities are one in heart and mind when it comes to playing out their roles.

In one day, Mystery Babylon will be filled with plagues, pestilence, mourning and famine. This destructive terrorist plot instigated by the ten kings and the antichrist will run smoothly with no obstacles, as I explained in the last chapter. They will burn this city of desire with fire; Revelation 17:16-18. However, their own judgment will come to pass quickly and they too will be judged and placed in the Lake of Fire; 20:10.

Many merchants, no doubt, will go bankrupt. It is easy to assume that mega companies will hold branches of business throughout the city and their elegant board rooms will be burned within one day. You can see why there will be countless tears shed over her fallen state.

Taking a peak further into this passage, we learn from verses 18-19, the merchants will actually be “crying out” as they see the “smoke of her burning.” They will be wailing in their tears, “What city is like the great city.”

Merchants will be throwing dust on their heads because Mystery Babylon will be a great port city—she will manage the great shipping industries of the globe. “No one will buy her cargoes anymore.” Cargo laden ships of her splendor, ready to spread abroad, will never depart from her docks again. No one will reap the benefits of her shipping assets forevermore.

Can you imagine what would happen if New York City’s shipping industry came to an abrupt end or any major megalopolis for that matter? However, no harbor city will be able to compete with Mystery Babylon in the area of shipped wealth. There will be many less vessels in the Persian Gulf when she meets her judgment.

This will be such a distressing time for the godless who engage in commerce, who feel they have lost it all. To the smallest of degrees it could resemble the American Stock Market Crash of 1929. Though, of course, New York was not demolished. (However, 9 years previous, Wall Street did experience a bombing where 30 people were killed. The plot was designed to kill J. P. Morgan. His building and treasury were damaged, but he remained unharmed. Although, one of his sons was wounded by shattered glass. No suspect was apprehended, but it is believed the Italian Anarchists schemed the terrorist attack.)

The market crash involved corruption within the big dogs. Wealthy buyers and sellers deceived common players to their eventual total ruin.

The commoners played with money that was nonexistent. They gambled their money, as the deceivers were so good at deception. The foolish compliants were willing to gamble the full dollar when they only owned 10 cents of every dollar of stock bought at margin from a broker and no regulations prevented it. A person could purchase $10,000 worth of stock and own $100,000 worth on paper. Buyers would then pay the remaining 90 cents of very dollar spent through monthly installments.

Joseph Kennedy, father of John F. Kennedy, was a banker, movie producer, and mega stock market player. He was also anti-Semitic. Kennedy acquired mammoth profit after prohibition through his lucrative booze.

New World Encyclopedia:

“After Prohibition ended, Kennedy amassed a large fortune when his company, Somerset Importers, which became the exclusive American agent for Gordon’s Dry Gin and Dewar’s Scotch. Anticipating the end of Prohibition, he assembled a large inventory of stock in Canada, which he later sold for a profit of millions of dollars when Prohibition was repealed in 1933…

Kennedy removed his monies from the Stock Market before it crashed due to a tip. Previous to, he reportedly partook in the dishonest ‘Bear Raids’ that took money out of pockets of stock holders and placed it in his.

Joseph Kennedy manipulated the stock values of companies in cooperation with a pool of investors up or down depending on the position of the pool at the time.”

Nothing in the way of American financial decline has matched the 1929 fall to this day. The New York Stock Exchange represented everything for countless Americans, but it tumbled in worthlessness because God allowed it, because America needed to repent. Our nation, as a whole, has always been greedy and has paid the consequences throughout its prosperous and unprosperous history. Babylon will be the commerce and investing center of the world and it will tumble to the ground with no recovery. Observing financiers will note that the Great City was in reality a castle made of sinking sand. God can destroy any economy, any nation, at any time, due to its greed and sensual transgressions.

Up to the 1929 devastation, the roaring twenties had been in full swing, in full worldly rebellion against God. Partying and the high life was what many people were living for. Even though alcohol was banned in America from 1920-1933, people obtained it through different means including speakeasies. There were over 100,000 in New York City alone. Sins were simply swept undercover.

Everything evil seemed to fuel our nation for the entrance into the Great Depression. It is estimated that 12 to 15 million died due to a lack of food and medicine resulting from joblessness.

The 30s, 40s and WWII despaired Americans. God rules the world and He allowed every woe, I believe, to wake people up and cause them to consider Him. He never wavers or crashes and many Americans turn to Him when the bottom falls out. I believe our nation has been preserved because people will still rush to churches when a catastrophe strikes.

The fall of the Great City will bring men to tears and hopelessness; unfortunately, it appears no one will turn to God, as hearts will be totally hardened by this time. There is no indication that this central collapse in government and commerce will bring men to their knees in repentance.

~

I have discussed previously the location of the Great City. One might ask, “Will Mystery Babylon sit where Euphrates meets Persian Gulf due to its shipping enterprises?” No one in the world knows the answer to this. Currently, Umm Qasr, a harbor town, rests in this local today. This is what is planned for this port city:

Investment Opportunity article:

“Construction of 13 multi-purpose 
concrete berths for commercial use, 
including equipment, transportation 
links, offices and warehouses. The
 berths will include regular cargo 
berths, container berths and Ro-Ro
berths.
 There is a specific requirement for 
the construction of four containers 
berths each with capacity of 500,000 t/yr to increase the port’s capacity by
 2 million t/yr. The planned total
 increase in handling capacity is 4.25 
million t/yr.
 In July 2008, the Ministry of Transport
 selected a US-based specialist 
consulting company, Cornell Group, to
 assist it in restructuring and
 concessioning the port of Umm Qasr
to appropriate and qualified
, international investors for port 
development and operation.
The port is well connected to the
 road and railway network. It is also 
well-provided with services and 
energy supplies.”

______

The Euphrates is unequipped for seaworthy vessels, being shallow in various places.

It might make sense that Mystery Babylon would be located close to the Persian Gulf where the Euphrates enters the gulf, since there will be significant water commerce.

We get a glimpse of the wealth of the “Great City” from verses 12-14. As I stated in previous chapters, it will surpass the Persian Gulf/Arabian Gulf city of Dubai epically! It will possess countless gold, silver, and precious stones. It will sell pearls, every exotic perfume, luxurious silk and linen textiles and on and on.

The illustrious master chefs of the earth will be sizzling the finest array of palatable delectables—cuisines to salivate for. Whatever men desire in the way of extravagance, it will be located here. Everyone will look to the Great City for every imaginable hungering.

Men will also be able to buy slaves so they can implement the cheapest of labor for their greedy exploits and exports.

No one knows when the Great City will first hit the world scene of notoriety. We do not know when it will become the largest city in the world, and will be the main stage of happenings during the tribulation.

Large mega cities have always drawn home seekers due to their fame and lucre promises. The crowds of metropolises are always seeking premium services and goods. People are counseled to head their tires toward New York and Los Angeles to obtain wealth and prestige. Even Boise, Idaho was listed as one of the ten top US cities to gain means.

Verse 18 reiterates there will be no city nor has there been a city like the “Great City,” past, present and future. I will reemphasize that the true great city will be Jerusalem when Christ rules from her. No city celebration will compete with what is to come for Zion when Christ takes the Davidic throne.

When the Great City of Babylon tumbles to the ground, the godless will moan in sorrow. Nevertheless, the heavens will “rejoice” in her demise. Everyone who has been born again will “rejoice.” This means every true believer (saint) who has ever lived. This includes the Jewish apostles and prophets. God will command all to “rejoice;” verse 20. There will be total elation when God passes judgment on this sensually minded local.

Verse 21 reiterates the fact that the sensual Great City will be overthrown by violence.

A strong angel provided a visual aid for reenactment for the apostle John by throwing a millstone like boulder into the sea saying, “So will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer.”

Flour grinding stones are large and heavy. I believe this illustration makes it clear the end of bread making in Babylon has arrived through violence that demolishes like a hefty boulder thrown on every inhabitant of the wicked Great City. The next verse states no millstone will be heard in her any longer. This spells the end of her universal commerce as we see by the vocations listed.

Today millstones are viewed as the best way to grind wheat into flour. Formed round, flat stones enable the grain to maintain its great taste and natural vitamins and minerals. King Author Flour, considered the best by chefs, continues to use millstones in processing; it has since 1790. Millstones are also implemented in coffee grinding.

Verse 22 addresses the melodious entertainment aspect of the Great City. No more tickets for musical concerts will be purchased. Orchestras, bands, individual voice and instrumental solos will not be heard within her acoustical range. None of the renowned global stars of stage and screen will walk in her theaters of the arts again.

This verse also addresses those God has gifted in the way of craftsmanship. God graciously gifts everyone, even the wicked, with abilities to earn a living out of His compassion. No more workers will be attending to their trades who lived in Mystery Babylon. They will be dead. All will be dead who once thrived within her. This is all viewed as we look into her future of life and death. We are viewing the future, but at the same time, we are viewing it looking backward. Though she does not yet exist, we are looking at the rewinded story of her fall from the aftertime that is not yet.

Verse 23 explains further the fact she is dead and no light from any room will be seen after judgment reaches her. She will be leveled.

Those who were engaged to be married will not have a chance to speak their vows of lasting love. Countless couples will be married in this gigantic city, but in one hour, all the elaborately designed ceremonies will vanish in the dust.

Everyone must say, where have all the joyful couples gone? I cannot hear the celebrations that foster laughter, words and song.

We also learn from this verse that all the renowned executives will be no more. Their names with their capital figures will no longer appear in fortune bent magazines.

Revelation Chapter 19

Hallelujah Glory

We concluded chapter 18 with the amazing razing of Mystery Babylon—the Great City. This vile mecca of exploitation will come and go. Evil monstrosities never last forever. Every world power has met its earthly termination; whereby, others have stepped in for good or evil. After Babylon and the antichrist fall, Christ will step in for eternal good as world regent in all regalia splendor.

What is so wondrous regarding Babylon’s conclusion is it spells the dissolution of ecumenicalism, where every religious farce will never arrive in anyone’s heart again. No more idols, no more witchcraft or mysticism, no more New Spirituality (formerly New Age Spirituality), no more religiosity of any kind. It will be all about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ the Creator, and the fact He is the Word of God made manifest; verse 13 of chapter 19.

John explains in verse 1 of chapter 19 that, “He heard a loud voice like a great multitude in heaven.” This heavenly speaking chorus will uplift God Almighty by stating, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” One of many Hallelujah chorus’.

This true unadulterated doctrine continues to convey to each one of us that His judgments are righteous. His judgment of Mystery Babylon, the “great harlot,” will be performed in perfection, the precision of truth and righteousness. Everything the LORD performs encompasses perfection, truth and righteousness.

Babylon will be judged because evil must be judged. God does not turn His back on anything deviant to Him and His Word! A day of reckoning is arriving on schedule. No one can wish it away. A happy ending only awaits those who have been truly washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. Everyone who has been truly born again has their name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life; 13:8. They need not personally fear the Lake of Fire.

It is God’s desire that all repent and come out and be separate from the world and its savvy, sticky and wacky ways. It is Satan’s desire that none repent and that all are cast in the Lake of Fire. He is a friend to none, foe to all. Wicked rulers are ruthless and a friend of none. They might pretend to care, but their heart is full of slaying blood, and they would plot the murder of their grandmother for power.

We see this with atheist George Soros—the man without a conscious—who financially supports the Democratic Party; referred to as, the “the one who owns the Democratic Party.” He, our president, and the Democratic Party walk as one or so it appears.

President Obama has been the voice box for many of George Soros’ agendas. Soros mostly hides behind the curtain.

This revealed in a November 2008 interview with Spiegel:

Soros: “I think we need a large stimulus package which will provide funds for state and local government to maintain their budgets—because they are not allowed by the constitution to run a deficit. For such a program to be successful, the federal government would need to provide hundreds of billions of dollars. In addition, another infrastructure program is necessary. In total, the cost would be in the 300 to 600 billion dollar range [in addition to the $700 billion bailout which the government already had given to the financial industry] …. I think this is a great opportunity to finally deal with global warming and energy dependence. The U.S. needs a cap-and-trade system with auctioning of licenses for emissions rights. I would use the revenues from these auctions to launch a new, environmentally friendly energy policy. That would be yet another federal program that could help us to overcome the current stagnation.”  

On an MSNBC news video (no longer available), Soros explained away Obama as being no longer the man who can fulfill the vision of the democrats. The president has failed. This is so reminiscent of what we read in Revelation and in the book of Daniel regarding the gaming factor of manipulation in regulating a charismatic person or lofty power—the pawn—for political and financial gains and then throwing the game piece away when it is deemed no longer playable. The antichrist will use Mystery Babylon’s political and ecumenical religious system for as long as it is convenient then he will destroy her. He will destroy everyone he used within her. He will follow the dog eat dog mentality. Soros has no problems using nations for his financial gains and then throwing them to the dogs, as his track record has proven within France, Russia, England, Thailand and Malaysia.

Canada Free Press:

In 1997 Soros almost destroyed the economies of Thailand and Malaysia. At the time, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, called Soros “a villain, and a moron.”  Thai activist Weng Tojirakarn said, “We regard George Soros as a kind of Dracula. He sucks the blood from the people.”

France has upheld an earlier conviction against Soros, for felony insider trading. Soros was fined 2.9 million dollars.

Recently, his native Hungary fined Soros 2.2 million dollars for “illegal market manipulation.”  Elizabeth Crum writes that “The Hungarian economy has been in a state of transition as the country seeks to become more financially stable and westernized [Soros’] deliberately driving down the share price of its largest bank put Hungary’s economy into a wicked tailspin, one from which it is still trying to recover.”

December 2002: Soros found guilty of insider trading in France. “A Paris court found Mr. Soros guilty of profiting from inside knowledge of a 1988 takeover bid for Societe Generale, a French bank,” BBC notes. See:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2594273.stm

Wikipedia: … Finally, the Bank withdrew the currency from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, devaluing the pound sterling, earning Soros an estimated US $1.1 billion. He was dubbed, “The man who broke the Bank of England.” In 1997, the UK Treasury estimated the cost of Black Wednesday at €3.4 billion.

http://www.gocurrency.com/articles/retire-forex-swings.htm

http://educate-yourself.org/cn/georgesorospostmodernvillian31aug04.shtml

Soros was a member of Hitler’s Jewish slaughter machine as a youth. He admitted to this in a 60 Minute interview (transcript follows this chapter commentary). He holds no remorse!

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Soros

“Soros was thirteen years old in March 1944 when Nazi Germany occupied Hungary. Soros worked for the Jewish Council, which had been established during the Nazi occupation of Hungary to forcibly carry out Nazi and Hungarian government anti-Jewish measures. Soros later described this time to writer Michael Lewis …”
______

Though Soros is Jewish, he is pro-Hamas. Remember, The Bible declares the antichrist will turn on his own people; Daniel chapter 11. Insight is also provided in Zechariah 11:13, 16 and 17. In verse 13 we read the prophecy of Judas who sold the Savior for thirty shekels of silver. He was a pre-antichrist who resembled the arriving antichrist. We read this in verses 16 and 17. This disclosure reveals the true antichrist or false “shepherd” will rise up in Israel and he will pretend to be in union with his fellow Jews (Daniel 11:23-24) seeking peace. This arriving agent of Satan will eventually reveal his true dark colors of antisemitism. He will “devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear their hoofs;” verse 16.

American Thinker April 2007: In mid-March George Soros wrote his latest broadside against the “Israel Lobby”-calling for the Democratic Party to “liberate” itself from the influence of the pro-Israel lobby and stating that America should be dealing with Hamas, the terror group that is now the governing authority of the Palestinians.

It was not by accident that Jerusalem was not mentioned in the 2012 Democratic convention nor was God. It was deliberately planned that way. Of course, due to bad press regarding these matters, this plot was overturned to the anger of many democrats.

Regarding all illegal drugs, Soros pushes for their legalization; and, of course, supports drugs being smuggled over our borders by illegal aliens. Soros and his democrat comrades do not want the borders protected. They do not want human life protected. Soros desires drugs arriving so he can continue to increase his millions from illegal and lethal dope. He will not pursue an agenda unless it holds a huge personal kickback for him.

President Obama does his best to open our borders for ruthless drug dealers, and has even handed them murdering weapons, as seen through “Fast and Furious.” No doubt, Soros is one who pulls his strings in this regard.

Soros sells his pro-drug directives in an advertisement that is posted on youtube:

Newsbites on Soros: “The British-agent billionaire’s hand in Colombian and related drug banking, beginning in 1994, when Soros employed his vast offshore funds to shore up the Cali cocaine cartel and its allies against a determined U.S. government effort to shut down the dope.”

“He bankrolls a meeting on Oct. 8-9, 1997 in the Colombian city of Medellín, for the purpose of pushing drug legalization, at the same time as Human Rights Watch/Americas, another major beneficiary of his funds, attacks the national forces deployed against the drug cartels as ‘human rights violators.’ It should be noted that the pro-drug guerrillas in Colombiaare known to be bloodthirsty kidnappers and murderers, who terrorize the nation.”

_____

Rachel Ehrenfeld, author of books exposing the drug problem, wrote, “Soros is a key member of a worldwide network of people and groups that is working to end the criminal penalties attached to the sale and use of currently illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine and LSD. … Most Americans are not aware of how serious and determined these efforts are.” 

______

Soros, who is dead of heart, accumulates power play money by destroying people’s lives in the name of corrupt drug currency.

From Newsmax: Soros provided the following definition of an open society in his article, “The Capitalist Threat,” in the February 1997 “Atlantic Monthly”: “Societies derive their cohesion from shared values . . . religion, history, and tradition. When a society does not have boundaries where are the shared values to be found? . . . the concept of the open society itself.” In the intervening years, his more-than-generous financial support of a society without boundaries has contributed to the current open-borders immigration crisis being experienced by the United States, his adopted homeland.

Soros supports Marxism and preaches the “redistribution of wealth.” Please watch video at this website:

http://gulagbound.com/8994/george-soros-tells-us-especially-obama-how-to-govern-the-marxist-way-even-better-than-the-soviets

The world media uplifts Soros like a god. He is a progressive hero in the seat of liberals. They proclaim every negative statement is fabricated regarding Soros. They declare him the good guy even though the videos of his statements remain. Of course, these same people want the internet and all media sources controlled by them and every conservative voice drowned.

George Soros is a perfect example of calling evil good.

Videos:

Soros supports genocide and admitted to not offering aid to his mother. He was willing to kill her. See Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Soros

______

You can see in Wikipedia and other sources the fact he fathered “Project on Death in America.”

http://www.larouchepac.com/node/10305

He promotes the agenda that families should be able to kill patients, he stressed, even without the patients’ consent to save resources (and to land inheritance in the hands of greedy family members sooner).

Quote: The Soros Project on Death in America (PDIA) immediately took the lead in a partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson foundation and others to promote euthanasia, assisted suicide, doping in place of curing, etc. As the project itself explained, “In 1995 the PDIA joined forces with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, the Rockefeller Family Office, and the Commonwealth Fund to form Grantmakers Concerned with Care at the End of Life.”

“In his 1994 New York address, Soros coldly propounded the two halves of the genocide agenda: euthanasia, and the doping of the population to accept its own death.”

~

Soros’ wicked workings are endless or so it seems, and I have become fatigued investigating this convicted felon. He should been imprisoned with the death penalty long ago for his Hitler atrocities and countless other criminal acts.

~

The beasts described in Revelation and Daniel will be crooked and ruthless monarchs who will not have a loving bone in their bodies. It will be all about them and their power to control everyone. They will do this through the Great City until it is demolished in one hour.

Verse 3 states further praise of holy accomplishment, “HALLELUJAH! HER SMOKE ARISES UP FOREVER AND EVER.” These words, in all caps, quote Isaiah 34 where God forecasts His tribulation judgment on the earth. Verses 9 and 10 of this Isaiah chapter explain the streams will be turned into pitch and loose earth into brimstone, and its land will become burning pitch.  It will not be quenched night or day; Mystery Babylon’s smoke will go up forever and ever.

Why we do not sing hymns regarding future Babylon and her sin and demolishment is beyond me. Such hymns should include Israel’s glorification under Christ, being this is certainly part of the arriving story. Of course, Handel’s Messiah covers a great deal in this regard, but where are the hymns that should be often sung in the church that praise God for this future phenomenon?

Verse 4 introduces us to the lofty praise of the twenty-four elders and four living creatures (representing animals and a man, full of eyes in front and behind; 4:6-7) falling down before God. Amen and hallelujah are the expressions of their hearts. They offer continual praise as we studied in chapter 4.

The command goes out in verses 5 and 6 for all who fear the LORD to praise Him, the small and the great. The voices of this colossal multitude will be akin to many waters and like the sound of peals of thunder. Everyone proclaims—“Hallelujah! “For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Adjoin this to verse 16—“KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” and 11:15—“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our LORD and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever!” This speaks the most famous chorus of all time—Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” Every being in heaven who loves Jesus Christ will proclaim the worship vocabulary of Revelation in heaven! These chorus proclamations will be unmatched in composition and execution! It is sinless perfection.

This all is preparatory to the Jewish nation being united with Jesus Christ. The church, along with the believing Jewish community, is His bride and she has made herself ready through her holiness, the exact opposite of the Great City. Here are more verses regarding the church and Israel being Messiah’s bride: Ephesians 5:22-24, 2 Corinthians 11:1-3, John 14:1-3, Hosea chapter 3 and 2:19f.

The true bride makes herself ready for this marriage feast by coming out from the world and living a separated holy lifestyle. She represents chastity and modesty as any innocent bride who only has eyes for one. Christ is to be the utmost love of believers.

The true church of God the Son has been delivered from the sensuous world of license—anything goes in the name of “fun.” The true saints are preparing themselves for their union with Christ through their righteous acts; saintly acts of holiness that come from separated living.

The true believer’s dress will be fine linen that is bright and clean. It will not display spots that represent compromise. Christ’s bride is not to be spotted or wrinkled by society so she is holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:27). The linen is the righteous works of the acts of believers (verse 8), representative of Biblical obedience performed with completely pure motives, in total humility. These are not the acts secular man considers “good works.” Being externally spiritual is not a righteous act.

There is only one way to receive this pure linen and that is to be washed in the blood of Jesus Christ the Lamb who died for every sin. Anyone who calls on Jesus Christ of the Bible can be saved. It is wonderful to feel the cleansing that comes from being forgiven through the Savior.

A person who examines the Bible must rightly acknowledge that believers own the legality to question those who claim to know Jesus Christ, yet compromise with the philosophies, teachings, and lifestyles of culture and religions that contradict. There are listed sins characteristic of the so-called Christians that we are command to separate from; 2 Timothy chapter 3, Jude, 1 Corinthians chapter 5 and 6, 2 Corinthians chapter 6, the book of Proverbs, etc. This list includes those who are filled with self-love, who covet things, who boast or brag, and those who are proud. It goes on to include those who blaspheme and those who are unthankful and unholy; also those who do not have natural affections, and those who are traitors—these are those who act like they believe in God and His inerrant Word and are kind to believers; but inside are traitors. They will perform all they can behind the scenes in an attempt to discredit a genuine believer. They are the type of people who would, if they lived in a Christian-hating nation, secretly turn true believers over to authorities.

I have had traitors turn me in. I have been turned in for complying to the entire Word of God and refusing to follow the false teachings of men. I have known many people who have turned out to be traitors, betraying Christ and me through their unbiblical beliefs that form into cruel actions of attempted faith destruction. They pretend to be all so righteous and then, at some point, they disclose they are not what they appear.

Such people are the pretenders, doing all they can to turn people away from the path of truth—the inerrant and immutable Word of God. Church enforcers execute this in the most hateful of behaviors to place fear in people so they have no choice but to comply or so they believe. These pretenders step in to perform the work of their father, Satan. He hates everyone who stands on the Word of God without question, and so do his pretenders who want Christians to question the Bible. (Please read 2 Peter 3:16-17)

In fellowships, many impressive stage roles can be displayed. There are countless great actors who perform off stage.

Continuing in Revelation, we read in verse 9—“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb; These are true words of God.” Anyone who is truly born again has been invited to this supper that every believer longs for.  We have our invitation and received it when we were reborn of the Holy Spirit.

At this point, we see John taking wrong action. He desires to worship this angel that is holy and impressive; verse 10. He wants to worship this being who proclaims the words of God.

John knew he was only to worship God, but he was so filled with the awe and majesty of this angel that he took a step to transgress.

He was kept from sin, delivered from the temptation by the angel who corrected him.  It is always a blessed thing to be delivered from evil and temptation through the power of God, and believers who are bold enough to confront us.

Isaiah 58:13-14 addresses and condemns those who seek to speak their own words not God’s words and perform their own pleasure, not delighting only in the LORD.  If we speak God’s Words and perform only His will, this produces inward delight; whereby, we “ride on the heights of the earth.” What more could one ask for? John chose to be kept from sin and he rode on the heights of the earth through countless blessings awarded him from above.

This angel of impressiveness tells it like it is that he is simply a fellow servant of God. He does not place himself above John or any believer in Jesus Christ who is faithful and true. He states John and all believers are only to worship God.  We do not bow down in worship before any angel or any being. We do not bow before an image or pray to anyone who is alive or dead. It is demonic and evil for any person to perform any such thing; 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, 2 Corinthians 6:14f. It results in demonic bondage.

The last phrase of this verse relates entirely to Revelation and the fact “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy.” Of course, we know this would include all Old Testament and New Testament prophesies regarding Christ Jesus who may be called by His Hebrew name Yashua Ha Mashiach, which means Yahweh is salvation and anointed by God, when ruling the earth.  Today Israeli Jews do speak Hebrew, their original language. The LORD, when on the earth, was most likely called “Yahushua.” The names, Christ or Messiah, means anointed by God. Of course, Christ has many names being viewed throughout Scripture and all are appropriate to call Him. He is called the Lamb of God, Light of the World, the Branch, Bread of Life, Lion of Judah, and on and on.

The most wonderful of texts begins in verse 11!  Christ is coming to take dictatorship rule of the earth. This is the moment true Christians have all been awaiting.

The marriage supper of the Lamb is the perfect prelude to the forthcoming events.

John views heaven open; and a white horse appears with Christ Jesus sitting upon it. Of course, the white represents His purity, innocence—this fact is totally undefiled. He has no spot, He has no wrinkle. He is perfect cleanliness, perfect righteousness, perfect God.

We run into two more names for Christ—”Faithful and True,” in verse 11. He in righteousness judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire. He rightly displays many diadems (crowns) on his head. “He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.” We do not know if we will ever learn of this name. Time will tell.

This King of the world died for the world and He appropriately is clothed in a robe dipped in blood. No doubt, this is the blood He sacrificed on the tree and it still exists in the heavenly realm.

Verse 13 exposes the reality that the Bible in its original text is not tainted, as it is the Word of God.  We see another title listed for Jesus Christ, “The Word of God.”  He has made sure the Bible texts have been preserved through the centuries, the untainted Hebrew and Greek texts. The oldest manuscripts that have been preserved are true to the Words of God. We have no right to question the Scriptures or to make excuses for not obeying them when properly translated. If we have questions regarding Biblical texts, we can always do word searches of the Greek and Hebrew. You can easily access text research at Strong’s Concordance webpage:

http://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html

Simply type in a verse or passage in the first box and then click “Search;” and when you arrive at the text, click the number in blue to the right of the word you want researched. The Hebrew or Greek meaning will appear.

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Christ is not coming to the earth alone; He is bringing His army of angels.  We also read of this in Jude 14 and 15. This coming of Christ was prophesied way back in the seventh generation from Adam by Enoch.  Christ is arriving with many thousands of His holy ones to execute judgment upon all. These are angels. This is revealed in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 and Matthew 24:30-31.

These angels are clothed in white fine linen as true believers will be. The angelic ones will be on white horses and will follow Christ the LORD. It is He who will lead everyone. This is just the beginning of His rulership over the earth from Jerusalem.

We witness again the sharp sword that proceeds from His mouth, as we first read in 1:16.  This sword will be used to strike down all the nations, all those who hate Him and His righteousness and His nation Israel. Psalm chapter 2 explains Christ “shall shatter them (His enemies) like earthenware,” like clay-fired dishes. He will tread the wine press of the fierce wrath of God the Almighty. God is completely amazing and has disclosed this day throughout the Scriptures.

Isaiah 11:6-9 addresses this day and it offers the warning of fearing God: “He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth. With the breath of His lips, He will slay the wicked.”

Other verses in this passage deal with His rule on the earth as a righteous and compassionate judge. He will deal fairly and faithfully.

Peace will be everywhere present! We know the wolf and lamb will dwell together. A little boy will lead the animals once found dangerous and those that were always manageable. A nursing child will play by the hole of a cobra.  None will “hurt or destroy” in Christ’s “holy mountain,” which is Jerusalem, also called Zion, being verified in various places in the Word of God, including Revelation 21:10-11, Isaiah chapters 11 and 2, Zechariah 8:3, Joel 3:17, etc. “The earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” This is a hope that is absolutely sublime.

Verse 15 of Revelation 19 continues, “He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.” Our God does not play games of indulgence with the world and these verses verify this. The apostate church of today sets in a place of indulgences and presents an indulgent god that is a false god. Buyer Beware. False christs abound, but only the Biblical Christ of the entire Bible, including Revelation, will get you to heaven by faith.

“KING OF KINGS, AND LORDS OF LORDS;” yes, hallelujah! This title is written on Christ’s robe and on His thigh; verse 16.

Now, John sees “an angel standing in the sun.” I have stated before, the elements of creation that harm us do not harm God and His holy angels. Standing in the sun (not below or above) does not affect this multi-functional, formation creation.

This heavenly magistrate commands carrion birds to feast on those who thought they were supreme—kings, commanders and mighty men. The vultures are to consume all men and their horses without partiality, the important and unimportant. Of course, we know the death toll will encompass the unsaved. They are the Christ rejecters.

These pompous ones, “mighty men,” will come down on this day. The apostle Paul stated he was a nobody; 2 Corinthians 12:11. We must always be in prayer for humility and lowliness of heart and mind, as well as all Biblical callings that speak contrary to the contemporary and psychological mindset of self-elevation.

Black Vultures @ Val Lee

We read here in Revelation that the small and great will be consumed by the eaters of the dead—vultures; verse 18. When a person has been in a desert thirsting for water, vultures circling overhead can appear as the scariest of aviating beasts. The LORD assured this raptor’s appearance matched its ugly task. His scavenger birds of dead prey with hooked beaks function as the ultra-cleaners of the earth.

The USA Peregrine Fund, located just south of Boise, Idaho, in 2006 discovered why vulture numbers were declining in the nation of India that depends upon vultures for clearing the dead. Vultures were dying from kidney failure that arose from an anti-inflammatory drug administered to cattle. Upon this discovery, the drug was outlawed in order to reestablish vulture numbers. In this pagan land where animals are worshipped as sacred, many people die of starvation. Hindus cannot eat meat.

(My father was stationed in India during WWII working as a lineman with the rank of sergeant. He told of the large carts that were wheeled through cities every morning to pick up the accumulated dead who had starved because heathens maintain a meatless diet. Today one-fifth of India’s population is chronically hungry—200 million people. This land is not abundantly blessed of God because these people refuse to worship their Creator. Instead, they worship cows and other animals that the LORD created to sustain them.)

Black Vulture @ Val Lee

Vultures sense of smell for locating the decaying is astonishing, and they can spot a three-foot long animal carcass four miles away, depending on topography. Their talons do not lock so they are limited in killing power. Large thriving game is out of the question. They are able to hunt and kill small prey. I viewed a clip where a gang of vultures slaughtered kittens for a snack.

Droppings of vultures are disease-free due to the make-up of their digestive system. There is nothing that their stomachs cannot digest, including bones. They are not ones to leave leftovers for doggie bags.

God did not gift them with beautiful voices like songbirds, they only grunt and hiss.

They soar higher than eagles. They are perfect gliders and rarely have to flap their wings. They display a tremendous wingspan and lofty, aerial abilities. In 1973, a vulture collided with a commercial aircraft off the Ivory Coast. At the time, the plane was flying at 37,000 feet. The plane was able to land safely with one engine.

August 2010: “Warnings were issued to air traffic over Scotland and England yesterday after a vulture, which is capable of soaring at heights of more than 30,000 feet, escaped during an air show. Britain’s air traffic control group issued the warning. ‘We made pilots aware of the possibility of seeing this bird as it has a three-meter wingspan and can fly at altitudes used by commercial aircraft,’ a British air traffic control spokesman says to the Telegraph of London.”

There are a couple attractive vulture species in the world. The Griffin Vulture (Old World) that is not bald, displays beautiful fluffy white head feathers.

Vultures can be synchronized in their eating habits. Many African species of vultures dine on the same carcass, arriving and feeding at various times, employing regimented dismemberment tactics. The powerful White-headed Vultures usually arrive first on the scene, cautiously approaching the carcass before tearing apart the tough hide. White-backed Vultures arrive soon after, assisting in exposing the carcass’ entrails. Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures may be next in the chow line, thrusting their long necks into the open carcass to obtain pieces of soft flesh. Lappet-faced Vultures typically feast last, eating the remaining skin, tendons, and ligaments. Bearded Vultures feed on bone marrow by breaking open large carcass bones by flying them high into the air, hundreds of feet, and dropping them onto rocks.

God is astonishing in correlating prey animals for remain disposal.  Of course, bug life can take care of any tiny, unsightly leftovers.

Vulture species mate for life by God’s design. Both parents incubate the eggs and they both nurture their young. Vultures feed their young regurgitated carrion (dead meat), a vile smelling substance that is also used to repel nest raiders. The entire family remains together throughout the summer.

There are at least 25 species of vultures and God will call them all to eat His enemies.  He may call other prey birds as well to assist in the feast of human flesh.

It is the responsibility of Christians to share their faith, taking every opportunity, so fewer experience the wine press of the wrath of God. Many will choose not to believe. Nevertheless, all need to be told, as some will come to the knowledge of Christ. The harvest is plentiful and we need to be taking part.

Moving forward in the passage, we see the beast and the kings with their armies assembling to make war. This is Armageddon or Har-Magedon (Hebrew) also referred to in 16:16 and Zechariah chapter 12. These kings will have the audacity to fight their Creator and sustainer. Because it is all about them, they do not consider that every breath they take is a gift from God. Their five senses, mobility and all that it takes to live every second of the day are life gifts from Jesus Christ. When people hold the attitude “It is all about me,” they cannot see past their nose, and they bypass the fact their nose declares, what a wonderful Creator.

Of course, Satan runs in self-deception and he actually believes he will bring an end to the Creator of the universe.

One must wonder what America will resemble in ten years as it cruises down the sea of greater self-deception. Our churches are not increasing in righteousness and holiness nor do they seem to desire to do so. Fellowships are making war with God in their own way. Our pastor stated this Sunday that preaching against sin is no longer in vogue or something to this effect. Pastors who admonish change and repentance are becoming scarce.

Recently, I read a disturbing, demonic article in a Christian publication—Voice of the Martyrs. A Publication I no longer support due to the fact I learned it uplifts idolaters and those who introduced apostasy to Christianity. Its recent editor, Tom White, had no problem with child rape until he was discovered. He committed suicide rather than face the judicial consequences. Soon following, his organization issued a statement all in sympathy over Tom White, never stating his crime was worthy of death, nor bearing sympathy for the little girl. One man, who knew Mr. White, stated, he was not surprised by the charges.

Formerly, I desired to support their ministry due to the fact it assists the persecuted church; however, I do not want my money going to support idolatrous people and churches who lie about the Bible, not to mention those who justify pedophilia.

The published article, that I mentioned above, was about Madame Jeanne Guyon who was a Catholic mystic (mysticism and idolatry controls Catholicism) involved in demon worship. It even referred to her strange prayer activities. It does not say she prayed according to the Bible, but she prayed with her techniques. It does say she went through the Psalms, or the many prayers of Scripture that are found throughout the Word.  She prayed according to her philosophy called “Quietism.” We do not pray according to the way of men and women, we pray as Biblically commanded. This article was obviously penned to promote her doctrines of demons; 1 Timothy 4:1.

I did write to Voice of the Martyrs and Todd Nettleton responded. He and other VOM staff basically justified the article.

So-called Christians and organizations are heartily approving of this demonic Catholic lady who never presented a Biblical Gospel and there is no indication that she was saved from the Lake of Fire, being she felt salvation came from within self. Her religion basically speaks the demonic rhetoric of our day—”It’s how I interpret theology.”

http://logosresourcepages.org/Believers/guyon.htm

“She experienced what she thought was union with the essence of God. She had mental delusions or demonic visitations such as envisioning ‘horrible faces in blueish light.’ She went into trances, which would leave her unable to speak for days. During some trances, she wrote things that she believed were inspired (Guyon, An Autobiography, p. 321-324). She claimed that she and Pere La Combe (another Catholic mystic) could communicate with one another for hours without speaking verbally … She started from that point forward, looking within herself for God and truth.’”

True Christians understand evil dwelt within before being born again. God does not enter us until we come to Him as sinners who need a redeemer. We must be washed and cleansed in the blood of Jesus Christ to be saved. Fellowship cannot take places until we are born again of the Holy Spirit.

We are as filthy rags before God and can have no fellowship apart from being born again.

What is additionally disturbing is the false teaching by Richard Wurmbrand (1909-2001), situated above the Guyon article. Wurmbrand, the founder of Voice of the Martyrs, lied in his teaching, stating no one could denounce Babylon openly as it was too dangerous, referring to the book of Jeremiah. The truth is Jeremiah was not fearful of denouncing Babylon and did so repeatedly, using its name without fear.

Jeremiah continually pointed out the sins of Babylon. He would not have been a prophet if he had been a man-pleasure or a nation-pleaser.  Wurmbrand speaks heresy! Simply reading the prophets enables you to recognize they could care less what a wicked nation thought; they feared God and God alone as commanded. For verification, simply link to Strong’s Concordance—

http://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html

and type in “Babylon” and you will see the continuous references to it in the Old Testament, including the many in Jeremiah.

Richard Wurmbrand himself was a crusader for the cause of ecumenicalism resulting in false and strange teachings in his writings. I do not recommend them. I had ordered some copies of one of his books to give away as gifts not knowing what a wild heretic he was until I began reading the book. Being quite disturbed, I investigated further, doing computer searches and found the undesirable concerning him. I did trash the books.

As a Lutheran minister, he took it for granted that people did not study their Bibles from cover to cover and would believe anything presented by someone who had experienced extreme persecution in the name of Christ. Of course, what he had to endure was horrendous, but nothing excuses false doctrine.

People must research every sentence they read and hear with Scripture so they are never caught in disguised snares.

From an editorial:

“Death of a Prophet:” Richard Wurmbrand did not believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, “placing them on the same level as the writings of Shakespeare and other religions (p. 101), quoting the Talmud and the Kabala as frequently and as authoritatively as the scriptures … But if skeptical of the scriptures, he confidently asserts his own opinion, in his defense of atheism, that the Bible is wrong when it considers all atheists fools. Stating that those who pass from a belief in God to becoming God (pantheism) have achieved a religious atheism that is a higher form of Christianity, he declares that those who deny God may be closer to the truth than those who don’t (pp. 131-133) … Much of Wurmbrand’s theology can only be classified as weird. His writings teem with fables and legends, with mysticism and superstition, with Mariolatry (pp. 30, 35-37, 79) and veneration of saints (pp. 67, 72), and even a pagan Hindu deity (p. 169). But of the heart of the Christian gospel, in keeping with his social gospel, Wurmbrand denies the sufficiency of Christ’s blood atonement (p. 156).

Wurmbrand shows his bent heresy in his statement: “The Bible is a wonderful book. It is the truth about the Truth. It is not the Truth. A sermon taken from the Bible can be a wonderful thing to hear. It is the truth about the truth about the truth. But it is not the truth. There have been many books written about the things contained in the Bible. I have written some myself. They can be quite wonderful to read. They are the truth about the truth about truth about the Truth. But they are NOT the Truth. Only Jesus Christ is the Truth. Sometimes the Truth can be drowned in a multitude of words.”

Jesus Christ is the Word of God, the Word of Truth and the Word of Life; John chapter 1, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 3:2, 2 Timothy 3:16, Proverbs 3:6, Romans 1:2, etc. No author wrote on His own accord, only as the God the Spirit instructed. Jesus, when on the earth, continually quoted Scripture because it is His Words. He used it as His armor against Satan. He is our example of armor implementation.

I also wrote to Voice of the Martyrs regarding the lying article penned by Wurmbrand, but I never received a response.

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As we reach verse 20, we are blessed to see all those who will follow the beast, who will received his mark and will partake of his ecumenical ways, will be thrown alive into the Lake of Fire for their sinfulness. The beast and false prophet will partake of the same fate. They too will be seized and will be thrown into this area of watery fire which burns with brimstone. Praise God!

Everyone else who will partake in tribulation evil will be slain with a sword, which will extend from the mouth of Christ Jesus. All prey birds will be filled with their wicked flesh. Justice will be served and no being will have to endure the sinfulness of the wicked again. Christians will no longer be sickened in heart and stomach by vile abominations. For a thousand years, there will be no more murder, lying, thievery, dishonesty, sexual lewdness, etc.

In chapter 20, we enter the millennial rule of Christ on the earth from Israel. He will govern the entire earth from this local. This will be prophecy fulfilled from the Old and New Testament.

~

Postscript:

Here is a partial transcript from an interview with George Soros by Steve Kroft for CBS’ “60 Minutes” on December 20, 1998:

(Vintage footage of Jews walking in line; man dragging little boy in line)
KROFT: (Voiceover) These are pictures from 1944 of what happened to George Soros’ friends and neighbors.
(Vintage footage of women and men with bags over their shoulders walking; crowd by a train)
KROFT: (Voiceover) You’re a Hungarian Jew…
Mr. SOROS: (Voiceover) Mm-hmm.
KROFT: (Voiceover) …who escaped the Holocaust…
(Vintage footage of women walking by train)
Mr. SOROS: (Voiceover) Mm-hmm.
(Vintage footage of people getting on train)
KROFT: (Voiceover) …by–by posing as a Christian.
Mr. SOROS: (Voiceover) Right.
(Vintage footage of women helping each other get on train; train door closing with people in boxcar)
KROFT: (Voiceover) And you watched lots of people get shipped off to the death camps.
Mr. SOROS: Right. I was 14 years old. And I would say that that’s when my character was made.
KROFT: In what way?
Mr. SOROS: That one should think ahead. One should understand and–and anticipate events and when–when one is threatened. It was a tremendous threat of evil. I mean, it was a–a very personal experience of evil.
KROFT: My understanding is that you went out with this protector of yours who swore that you were his adopted godson.
Mr. SOROS: Yes. Yes.
KROFT: Went out, in fact, and helped in the confiscation of property from the Jews.
Mr. SOROS: Yes. That’s right. Yes.
KROFT: I mean, that’s–that sounds like an experience that would send lots of people to the psychiatric couch for many, many years. Was it difficult?
Mr. SOROS: Not–not at all. Not at all. Maybe as a child you don’t–you don’t see the connection. But it was–it created no–no problem at all.
KROFT: No feeling of guilt?
Mr. SOROS: No.
KROFT: For example that, ‘I’m Jewish and here I am, watching these people go. I could just as easily be there. I should be there.’ None of that?
Mr. SOROS: Well, of course I c–I could be on the other side or I could be the one from whom the thing is being taken away. But there was no sense that I shouldn’t be there, because that was–well, actually, in a funny way, it’s just like in markets–that if I weren’t there–of course, I wasn’t doing it, but somebody else would–would–would be taking it away anyhow. And it was the–whether I was there or not, I was only a spectator, the property was being taken away. So the–I had no role in taking away that property. So I had no sense of guilt.

Revelation Chapter 20

Persecution 

Long live the King! Long live the King! Regent Christ Jesus reigns forever and ever! No previous kingly lollapalooza will match this! The golden chaplet will be viewed resting on the only One who deserves to be king; 14:14. He will be the first errorless dictator. He will not have to consult men for decisions. He will be in no need of czars to direct His path.

Yes, the LORD will place men in authority, including the apostles, but He will not be in need of consultants. He required no counselors when He first walked the earth, and He will not be in need of them in the millennial. He is God Almighty. Isaiah 40:13 declares, God has never been in need of advisors!

The LORD Jesus through “His suffering of death” is “crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone;” Hebrews 2:9.

In our hearts, we, as believers, desire to crown Him the King of kings every moment; He who triumphed over the grave, recounting the glorious hymn.

Believers who anticipate the heralded announcement of the coming of Christ disclosed in Revelation and throughout the Word of God reside in the exultant hope that all evil will one day be eradicated.

In our previous chapter lessons we learned unbelievers will weep when Christ makes His triumphant entry into Jerusalem or Zion. Revelation 1:7 states, “BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be, Amen.” Zechariah 12:7-14 additionally explains that this includes all the Jews who rejected Him; the ones who sought His death on the cross and pierced Him; verse 10. Every Jew from every tribe will “weep bitterly over Him” as one would for an only son or firstborn who has perished. Christ teaches readers in Matthew 24:30: “that all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.” He will descend with His mighty angels “in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ;” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9. Every knee will also bow before Him and every tongue will confess Christ as LORD; Philippians 2:9-11.

Riding the range again, we will do a petite review of various facts:

There are so many spectacular green nuggets to graze on including believers partaking of the marriage supper of the Lamb. We gloriously observed Christ destroying every enemy that He might come to rule the earth with those who love Him. He rode in on a white victory horse as the ultimate good guy. He lassoed every bad guy, in a sense. He murdered every opposer to His name and fed their carcasses to the birds. (This passage is a sister passage to Zechariah chapter 12.)

~

The first event in Revelation chapter 20 involves Satan being arrested by an angel, not using handcuffs but a great chain (what a mind picture). This quickly occurring at the beginning of chapter 20. This is the major event on the clock of arriving time of this chapter study. An angel hurls this great red dragon (Revelation 12:3) into the descending fiery abyss without a bit of remorse and seals the trap door above him. Praise God, he is bound for a thousand years. Dreadful demonic locusts also dwell in this fiery pit of the abyss; revealed in chapter 9. Satan is the angel of the bottomless pit where arrested demons dwell; 9:11. I must repeat, we must be thankful God did not allow all the fallen angels to plague the earth since the fall of mankind.

When Christ destroys His enemies, He also defeats the dragon and the false prophets.

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Every Revelational happening provides a glimpse that assures our hearts that end times may not be afar or at least is closer than yesterday. We also cannot help but notice men making Satan out to be more of a fellow good guy so to abstractly speak. I heard a famous Bible teacher trying to explain why Satan has to be cast into the Lake of Fire on a video, as if it was unjust treatment in the eyes of so-called Christians. He had to present an apology for God or so it appeared. Of all things! This is total insanity, and no one, 50 years ago, could have imagined such a mentality arising in mankind.

Man’s sinful heart wants evil to work out for prosperity. This fact represents men in today’s dispensation (time period) and in the tribulation dispensation. Failed returns from evil are always subnormal cases in men’s eyes. This certainly is reminiscent of today’s normalcy bias. If it is normal in society, then it must be right. Wrong is legalized by spokespeople who begin to preach an evil activity is normal. The masses are slowly weaned to believe it. This is what normalcy bias represents. It has even made its way into negative politics. As the world increases in evil and is less productive, politicians command that people get used to the new norm.

Consider the secular world and all the vastly educated, perverted people who are puffed-up in the crippling pride of their wayward ways and agendas for success. Their confusion of lifestyle rarely baffles them, even when the torrent of their comeuppance tumbles them to the ground.

Recall uncovered corporate heads in headline news who shrouded their financial inconsistencies until investigators locked the doors on them. In their eyes, they are always pronounced innocent no matter the charges. The excuse makers have a great following, and there is one for every sin in the book.

Think upon all the ravaged families that became that way because parents and children were seduced by the philosophies of media’s well-dressed advisory teams. Even when all the lies fail, they still follow to the bitter end.

Many have received a prison sentence because their parents were afraid to spank them as children, which resulted in them never turning from their rebellious hearts. Parents are afraid to disappoint the media and educators that command that they not spank.

All the lavish stages of misconceptions held in high ratings by men, succeed in continually tripping the masses.

Confusion is loved by all. Biblical wisdom is sought by few. Isaiah addresses this madness in chapter 59, verse 4: “No one sues righteously and no one pleads honestly. They trust in confusion and speak lies.”

When it comes to the earth’s future judgment, there are plenty of respected teachers in Christendom who deny Scripture foretelling. They willfully ignore the presentations or change the passages through false interpretation. All because the forecasted, future destructive calamities are not known normalcy acts. Many in churches now doubt Revelations’ predicted horrors because of the multitudes of false teachers who rip out these portions of Scripture. They think, “How can this be? This cannot be.”

Many people in the world have acquired the disease—the normalcy syndrome, because they want to view all things through the eye of present self-experience. They consider the possibilities of consequence as abnormal.

The antichrist will push the normalcy bias agenda thesis until his last say, just previous to Revelation chapter 20 that speaks his end for a thousand years.

Proceeding the thousand-year reign of Christ, Satan is released and allowed to deceive the nations once again. He will devise evil upon the earth in a climactic attempt to annihilate Christ. He will persuade every nation to incite war upon Jesus Christ and every Jew, in the battle with Gog and Magog; 20:8. (Gog and Magog represent the name of the four quarters of the earth from which Christ’s enemies will arise. Gog means “mountain” and Magog “the land of the people.”) Satan will mastermind the nations, implementing their armies, drawing from every famous, brilliant machination to surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city—Jerusalem, for the battle of Gog and Magog. The nature of sin will once again mount up in self-deception leading to self-destruction, once Satan is let loose to deceive the nations.

We know how quickly men can be deceived by Satan once his agendas are mimicked by attractive, educated and respected people who are placed before a camera. It will not take long for the nations to fall prey once again to his evil presence when he pets the fleshly nature of man. The Scriptures make it clear that it is after a thousand years, at the time of Satan’s release, that the nations are deceived; 20:2-3. Of course, it will be the choice of these nations to be deceived. They will be without excuse.

All future revealing in Revelation will unfold, including fire coming down from heaven which will devour the warring nations from Gog and Magog, whose numbers resemble the “sand of the seashore.” (Revelation 20:7-9) This will come to fact following Christ’s millennial reign. The number of deceived and confused combatants, who will be charred, because they took a wrong turn in their military duty, will be beyond count and comprehension. Satan will feed them lies of success. We might well ask, “How stupid can men be to believe they can conquer the God of the universe?” However, every day men swear and blaspheme the Creator of the universe, never considering there will be a day of reckoning. Their bodies too will be fed to the eternal fire if repentance is not allowed to penetrate their hearts.

This battle is described in further length in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. “Gog” is specifically referenced in 38: 2,14,16, 18, 39:1, 11 and “Magog” in 38:2, 39:6.

We read in Ezekiel 38:16 and 18 that the nations will come up against Israel, God’s people, like a cloud to cover the land. Chapter 39, verse 28 explains in vivid vision, the beasts or animals will “drink the blood of the princes of the earth.” World armies (“many peoples”) will surround the “beloved city,” Jerusalem. God’s “fury will mount up in” His “anger;” 38:15. We identify this as part of the apocalypse because never in history have we observed many nations coming against the Holy Land at one time in battle. Moreover “on that day” and “last days” (38:16 &18) always refer to revelation happenings.

All armed men and animals will shake at God’s presence and rightly so. Hailstones, fire and brimstone will hail upon trembling troops. We know this too has not found a place in history books. Nowhere is it archived that God rained hailstones, fire and brimstone on the nations of the earth that encamped against Israel and God.

Earthly disasters will rage as part of the conflict. God will magnify, sanctify and make Himself known in the sight of many nations through this judgment! All will know He is the LORD; 38:20-23. They will know He never lies nor does His inerrant Word.

God will send fire on Magog so His holy name is never profaned again. He will be acclaimed as the Holy One of Israel by all the nations; 39:6-7.

Israel will burn the weapons from all the defeated countries to cleanse the land. For seven years they will burn; 39:9-12. All the nations, including Israel, will come to know that Jesus Christ is the LORD of all the nations through this last battle fought on the earth; 39:21-22.

Many verses throughout Scripture address the wondrous era of the millennium and post millennium. This is the desired time of perfection on the earth. His scepter will be used to enact justice for all; yet, He will be cloaked in the royal robes of humility.

Zechariah addresses the millennial era in chapter 2, verses 10-12. In the day of Zechariah, following the Babylonian captivity of God’s people, Zechariah calls the Jews to sing for joy and be glad in the fact the Messiah will dwell in the midst of Zion or Jerusalem. The Jewry was to rejoice even though it would not arrive straightaway and still has not.

We know Zechariah is speaking of millennial years because many nations will join themselves to the LORD in that day, and He is going to dwell in the midst of Israel. We know this is not a statement of history. Never has man witnessed many nations at one time joining themselves to God, becoming His people.

Every believer today can rejoice in the fact Christ’s millennial rule will occur! The world will be at perfect peace for a thousand years. As I love to say repeatedly, “Our book has a happy ending.” Rejoice, yes rejoice, oh children of God! We can shout (Psalm 35:27) in praise to our God every day because of this blessed hope.

We view another form of judgment in Revelation 20:4-6. We are informed of the first resurrection unto life. These verses refer to a piece of the millennium when thrones will be set up to judge the atrocities executed in opposition to God’s faithful children. This sets in place the climax to all persecution. It is time to judge those who beheaded believers for their faith. In the tribulation, believers will be beheaded. These holy ones, the beheaded, will be with Christ during the millennial. “Blessed and holy is the one who has part in the first resurrection.” The second resurrection, specified for the unsaved, does not arrive until after the millennial. Revelation 20:14 teaches the Lake of Fire is the “second death” of the unsaved.

It is obvious that having part in the first resurrection is a glorious endeavor. No other resurrection of the saints is stated anywhere. Please also consider 1 Corinthians 15:20-23. This passage deals with resurrection hope. Verse 23 specifically reports that we, His first fruits, will be resurrected at His coming, not after.

Turing our pages forward to Revelation, we observe the wicked, in bodies, standing before the throne of God in verses 11-15; following the battle of Gog and Magog and the judgment of Satan. They will be cast into hell’s fire for rejecting the Savior.

We know many Christians will be murdered in the tribulation because they will not worship the image of the beast; 13:15. A true and sad fact! These who refuse to worship the beast and his image will become the privileged awarded ones, recognized by Christ for their testimony unto death; 20:4.

We noted back in 6:9f, those who will be slain in the tribulation because they remained faithful to the LORD. They will be beneath the heavenly altar calling for justice. They are told to await justice until all who will be murdered for their faith arrive in heaven. What we witness here, in chapter 20, is the fulfillment of their desires for justice.

Today, believers suffer death as well. The comfort in this is the eternal hope of salvation offered to all believers.

News from Associated Press:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/schoolgirls-beheaded-in-grisly-indonesian-attack/2005/10/29/1130400398091.html

“October 29, 2005: Three teenage Christian girls were beheaded and a fourth was seriously wounded in a savage attack on Saturday by unidentified assailants in the Indonesian province of Central Sulawesi. The girls were among a group of students from a private Christian high school who were ambushed while walking through a cocoa plantation in Poso Kota subdistrict on their way to class, police Major Riky Naldo said … Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim nation.

Beheaded girls were Ramadan trophies.”
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“By Stephen Fitzpatrick, Jakarta correspondent, The Australian – November 09, 2006, They apparently severed the heads in a ‘cleanly’ manner, placed them in plastic bags with the note, ‘Wanted: 100 more Christian heads, teenaged or adult, male or female; blood shall be answered with blood, soul with soul, head with head.'”

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I viewed some disturbing photos of the heads of Christians beheaded for their faith. One Muslim was holding up a head of a young boy. Unbelievably, he was so proud to have that photo shot of him with his little victim. Beheadings are occurring in various parts of the world. This seems to be one of the ways Muslims dispose of believers in Jesus Christ.

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Note in verse 6, that those who take part in the first resurrection, “will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.” Yes, this includes us. Christians are part of the first resurrection unto eternal life in heaven. We are informed that the second death has no power over them—believers. We know death has no power over any true Christian. God refers to death of believers as sleeping; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18. This is the only resurrection whereby death has no power. Believers will reign with Christ as “priests of God and of Christ;” 20:6.

Now these few verses, 4-6, can seem perplexing through the translation of verse 5. In my opinion, which isn’t much, the phrase, “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed,” should be in parentheses. And “This is the first resurrection” should be placed within verse 6. This must be true as those of the first resurrection reign with Christ. We learn from John 5:29 that there is one resurrection of the righteous and one of the wicked. When it comes to the resurrection of the saints, it is always singular not plural. Christ tells us in Luke 14:14, there is one “resurrection of the righteous.” You never see it stated, the resurrectionsof the saints. (Chapters and verses were added to the Bible to assist in referencing in the sixteenth century.)

In Revelation 7:10, we see believers from every nation and from every tribe of people standing before the throne of God the Father, and before the Lamb, Jesus Christ, His Son. In this future episode of truth, these children of God, are those who come out of the great tribulation; 7:14. Multitudes beyond count will be saved amidst the great tribulation. No doubt, the 144,000 male, virgin Jews who will not compromise (14:5) will have a significant part in the salvation of these multitudes. These too will be present for Christ’s rule on the earth. All believers who have died will take part in the first resurrection.

No doubt, the ushered in millennial includes those who will be raptured—a glorious removal of living believers from this sin-filled earth; explained in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Those who are alive in this segment of events on the earth are raptured or caught up in the air to meet Christ in the sky. They will be caught up with Christ in the clouds. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 teaches Christians are not destined for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our LORD Jesus Christ. The LORD stated to the Philadelphia church in Revelation 3:10, “Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth.”

There certainly seems to be plenty of ground to believe in the rapture. The tribulation is a preordained time for the outpouring of God’s wrath on those who have rejected Him.

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1 Corinthians 15:44 informs us that our natural body will be raised a spiritual body. 2 Corinthians 5:1 explains that our earthy tent (body) which will be torn down eventually, will give way to a new building from God, a house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. In our present bodies, we groan because we long to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven. We desire our perfect dwellings that will never sin.

When we studied Revelation 19:7-9, we observed a marriage taking place and the marriage supper. This will be with the Lamb of God when He receives His bride, the church. Why would our bodies not be resurrected for this feast for us? We will have made ourselves “ready.” Please observe, we are made pure, being bright and clean in our new bodies clothed in white fine linen. All the defilements of the earth have been shed for this glorious union. Of course, spirits of believers ascend to heaven as soon as death arrives.

When Christ ushers in His millennial kingdom, the angels will gather together God’s elect from all over the earth, from the four winds to one end of the sky to the other. This will be those who are believers on the earth when Christ returns or so it appears. They will be with Him in Jerusalem. Evidently, this is not the bodily resurrection of believers. The passage never refers to those who are in the earth. However, only God knows for sure.

At the second coming of Christ, He will arrive on the ground in Jerusalem to defeat the invading enemies of the Jews. This is Armageddon that is also explained in chapter 12 of Zechariah, Revelation 16:16, chapter 19, Psalm 2, etc. He then ushers in His Millennial kingdom in the Holy Land with the Holy Land people, the Jews. This is also explained in Zechariah 14:1-9. The LORD arrives to defeat the enemies of the Jewry and His enemies. He then takes His place as King.

Of course, to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD. We will be with the LORD in spirit until we gain our new bodies. We simply have to rest in the fact that God knows what He is accomplishing. It is always for our best; 20:5.

Reading the next verse, we note this is confirmed by our LORD. Those of the first resurrection are blessed and holy. The second death will not have power over true believers who died before the tribulation. They will not be cast into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone. They will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years. Our bodies will be raised and we will be changed; 1 Corinthians 15:42-57 and 2 Corinthians chapter 5.

Revelation 20:11 sets us in front of God the Father who will terrify every sinner when they are placed before His white throne of judgment. This will be a terrifying placement of men. They will not want to be here. Here, they will awake to the malfunction of the normalcy bias in a shocking way.

These dead shocked sinners, brought back to life, have come from the hot center of the earth, a holding tank for the wicked or so it appears from Scripture. Various sources suggest Sheol is one of the holding places of the dead, located in the center of the earth. One side of Sheol, was the wonderful side, referred to as “Abraham’s bosom;” and the other is the fiery holding tank. It is not the hell of the final judgment or “second death” that will someday own and hold those who have refused Jesus Christ.

In Ephesians chapter 4, we observe Christ descended to the lower parts of the earth following His crucifixion. In 1 Peter 3:19 we note, the Savior went and preached to the spirits now in prison. After Christ arose victorious over the grave, He was able to rescue the souls from Abraham’s bosom or the wonderful side of Sheol or Hades. He took them to heaven with Him; Ephesians 4:8-10. He released these captive ones.

This all makes sense as the soul of the thief who was crucified beside Christ went to heaven. Christ said to him, “This day you will be with me in paradise;” Luke 23:43. Christ’s spirit also arose to paradise when He died. He was bodily resurrected the third day. After He perished, He rescued the Old Testament saints’ souls from Sheol, including Abraham.

1 Samuel 28:13f addresses the fact that dead souls were in the earth. When the witch of En-dor called up Samuel, she was amazed that it was not a demon of impersonation. To her shock, Samuel’s “divine being” actually came up, “out of the earth.” This was not by her doing but by the hand of God for the judgment of Saul. Departed Samuel let Saul know he was going to die at the hands of the Philistines who would be the Palestinians today. Saul’s time was up! God’s patience with this unrepentant man was exhausted.

Every believer must recognize that only God can resurrect the dead. Demons impersonate the dead for Satan’s glory when séances take place and other such activities.

Revelation 9:2 refers to the abyss or bottomless pit, from which fiery smoke ascends when its door is propped opened. The abyss is where the dragon (also referred to as the “devil,” “Satan,” “deceiver of the whole world” and “serpent of old”) is hurled; 20:2.

These wicked ones now standing before the throne of God, will want to try to hide when the reality of their filthiness set before a holy God, strikes home. It is amazing to contemplate all the people who have ever lived on this earth, beyond count, all standing before their Creator. Heaven is a massive place! Of course, the universe in its immensity, with every creation marvel, boggles the mind. God is fully able to resurrect every soul, including all those who have been cremated. The cremated who were scattered here and there are going to be quite surprised when their ashes are reassembled for judgment.

It takes 8 to 80 years for a person to totally decompose in the ground. Despite this fact, from whence they were buried or scattered, they will be brought up.

Only the darkest black can signify the sinfulness of these unredeemed, resurrected ones as they stand or flee before the LORD. They will try to hide, but there will be no cloaking device for them. God will open His books and the dead will be judged according to their deeds. This is what the unsaved desire.

Today most lost ones will say they will get to heaven by their good works. A Presbyterian lady told me this a few days ago when I graciously tried to set forth the true Gospel for her salvation. She ended the conversation by letting me know she had no interest in born again Christianity. We kindly exchanged goodbyes. I have prayed for her. People do change their minds; often needing to hear the Gospel more than once.

Please note God has “a book of life” amongst the books that have recorded everyone’s life down to every detail. If we are truly born again by God’s Holy Spirit, our names will be listed in this book of life. Eternal death in the Lake of Fire awaits anyone whose name is not found in this book. This should invoke us to think more about witnessing to the lost.

Other verses where we find the book of life or the Lamb’s book of life include Revelation 3:5, 13:8, 17:8, 21:27, 22:19 and Philippians 4:3.

Revelation 3:5 commands us to stay steadfast even unto death so our name is not blotted from the book of life. Christ will confess us before His father and His angels if we do not neglect to confess Him before men, even if it requires our death.

Revelation 13:8 and 17:8 refer to believers names being recorded in the book of life from the foundation of the world. This should make every believer feel totally special. Revelation 21:27 speaks of the fact nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination, and lying shall enter into heaven. Only those whose names have been written in the book, and who have been made clean through Christ’s blood, will arrive in this wonderful place of holy glory.

Revelation 22:19 informs us that we cannot add or subtract from the book of Revelation. Man cannot add his own interpretation. He is not to change anything. Unfortunately, countless people have penned their own stories loosely based on Revelation, and some have even made a great deal of money from their books. God will judge them. This is why I must always be in prayer and study as I comment on this glorious book that holds no lies or misconceptions.

There is a saying about our detailed lives flashing through our minds at a point of near death. Well, every detail of every life has been recorded by God. You can imagine the embarrassment everyone will face with the facts. Every wicked word and every wicked action from childhood through adulthood will be placed before them.

I must say, I have never heard a works-minded person mention their bad works that would keep them out of heaven; their evil thoughts and deeds. They do not want to consider all the times they were cruel and dishonest to others. God knows if our thoughts are on evil continually. He accuses men by their thoughts. Also the things that issue out of the mouth arise from the heart that expresses itself in thought; adulteries, premarital sex, thefts, lies, speaking against others wrongfully, etc. (Matthew 15:18-20) Christ stated, “Every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned;” Matthew 12:36-37.

This certainly makes me think about the words that come out of my mouth. I do not think God wants me speaking in silliness or stupidity. Ephesians 4:20 commands us to let no unwholesome word proceed from our mouths, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. We are never to speak filthy communication.

Providentially, we are not saved by works of righteousness, but by Christ’s mercy and grace. We would never make it to heaven for we all sin. No one is free of wrongdoing! Being born again has its countless benefits. Believers are made white like snow through God’s forgiveness; Isaiah 1:18. Actually, whiter than snow; Psalm 51:7. Those who are worthy will walk with Christ in white; Revelation 3:4.

White signifies purity and believers will be donned in white in heaven. At the transfiguration, Christ’s clothing was white as light, brighter than any launderer could make them; Matthew chapter 17 and Mark chapter 9. After Christ’s resurrection, an angel appeared in clothing as white as snow at the tomb; Matthew 28:3. Holy angels also represent the holiness of God. Jesus Christ is completely pure in every way and believers will be like Him in this glorious aspect.

We will stand before the LORD regarding our deeds; 1 Corinthians 3:11-19. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; 2 Corinthians 5:10. Our works will be tried with fire to see if we bore precious metals or worthless dross; 1 Corinthians 3:12-13. It will be very sad if our lives on earth proved to be fruitless and meaningless as believers. Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit so they are equipped in power to live godly in Christ Jesus.

Revelation Chapter 21

No More Sea

In review of the last chapter, we learned the millennial era will engage perfect world peace through the Prince of Peace! All weapons of war will be extinguished and all of Christ’s enemies. Global citizens will love one another as commanded by the King of kings. Jerusalem or Zion will be the world capital city from which Messiah (Jesus Christ) will rule; and all the nations will stream to it. The kingdoms will resort to the root of Jesse; Isaiah 11:10. (Jesse was King David’s father and Christ was a descendant of David, arriving through an earthly birth of purity.) Emmanuel (God with us) will stand as the signal or flag for the Peoples.

The population of the world will say, come; let us go up to the mountain of the LORD so we can be instructed in God’s ways. Planet law will proceed from Christ at Zion. Naturally, everyone will worship their Redeemer! Deep abiding love and respect will dwell in their being for the perfect One. Emmanuel’s authority will never end.

In these arriving days, ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” (Zechariah 8:23)

“The nursing child will play by the hole of a cobra” and place “his hand on the viper’s den;” Isaiah 11:8. A wolf will dwell with the lamb and the leopard with a goat. Carnivorous animals will be no more. God’s curse will be lifted and every created thing will be at peace. What a wonderful day that will be. And yes, this will come to be.

God-fearing inhabitants of the earth, who will be alive when this comes into play, will not have to worry about their children for an instant. Millennial mortals will be granted long lives for their obedience to Christ.  They will all live to be a hundred years of age; Isaiah 65:20. They will be married and generate offspring. When they perish, they will be resurrected with new, glorified bodies.

Believers who previously perished will be in their resurrected, holy, perfected state and will rule with Christ over global inhabitants; 20:5-6.

Chapter 20 concluded with justice fulfilled regarding those who had rejected Jesus Christ of the entire Bible. Evil man was cast into the Lake of Fire.

The curtain of chapter 21 separates, revealing heavens’ glory. True believers await the day when righteousness will rule the universe; when sin or wrongdoing will be extracted. A new heavenly body awaits us; whereby, we will be equipped to worship and serve God perfectly. There will be no such thing as a “struggle” at this future date.

A new heavens and a new earth are on the horizon. This ideal universe will be worth the long haul, and the trials of past life will flee from mind.

I listened to this true story about a week ago and believe it fits with the Christian’s yearning for their heavenly home:

Looking longingly into the distance from a ship’s deck on the Saint Lawrence River in Canada, a man expressed his thoughts aloud. “I am homesick for home.” His wife, standing beside him, attempted to comfort him by assuring him they would be home in England in a few weeks. He kindly explained he did not mean England. He longed to be joined in heaven with his LORD Jesus Christ. His heart was glued to the Savior and not to this dirty old world. That night he slipped from his earthly tent and joined his LORD in paradise. As God knew of Enoch’s heart that never wanted to leave the LORD as recorded in Genesis 5:21-24 and Jude 14-15; He also knew of this man’s heart. Both these men were suddenly no more, being transported to Beulah land—their Savior’s land.

(The man in this story was a pastor attending a pastors’ conference in Canada)
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This approaching brand new universe will be a spectacular abode, retaining total righteousness. Because this will come to pass, we must be diligent to be “found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless;” 2 Peter 3:13-14. To accomplish this, we must be diligent in prayer, Bible study, confession of sin, walking by the Spirit and not by the flesh. Additionally, we must daily don the full armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-18, to conquer the temptations of the evil one.

Strong believers need to be discipling new believers and weak believers. Godly leaders must be full of caring charity that they might uplift struggling ones. When people come to Christ it is as if they have entered Christian kindergarten. Learning the Bible and Christianity is akin to first learning one’s ABCs. All patience must be accorded as new Christians move in baby steps.

Regarding the “new” subject matter of the arriving heavens and the earth, we note something that may be disturbing. One of the lovely things earth dwellers desire to focus their eyes upon is the beauty of the sea. However, we learn from verse 1 that there will no longer be any sea. It does seem odd to our persons not to have any sea on the new earth. Of course, God knows best and He has His perfect reason. When this time arrives, Christians, being united in mind with the LORD, will understand that this is part of His faultless orchestrated plan and we will not miss it.

Verse 2 informs us of the New Jerusalem descending from heaven. We know the galaxies are endless; no astronomer could attempt to count what treks on forever. How far into the heavens, John was able to peer as he watched New Jerusalem’s descent is unknown. It appears that this holy city might hover below heaven and above the earth. If this be true, it will be viewed from the new earth. It never states that it will be set on the new earth. However, we do not know for sure. Simply because it does not say it rested on the earth, does not mean it will not.

It would be awe-inspiring to observe this immense perfect city in all its exquisiteness sitting in the heavens from anywhere on the earth, just as we now view God’s sun, moon and stars. The New Jerusalem will be most vivid with the light of Christ, the Lamb, that it will not require the sun or moon to illuminate it; verse 23. It simply seems it will be positioned in such a manner that all can see it like a diamond in the sky. This verse causes me to believe its appearance may be reminiscent of a suspended cubed sun that never sets, though I could be wrong, of course. I certainly do not want to appear as an expert on that which gives no conclusion of its resting place.

The New Jerusalem, a heavenly place, where believers will eventually dwell, is also referred to as the bride of Christ; verses 9f. This is a mansion for Christ’s bride. It appears believers will be located in the New Jerusalem, in heaven or on the new perfect earth. It will all rest in our service to Christ. We will serve the Lamb of God and time will reveal what all this entails in regard to these locations.

(I want to inject a note regarding the informing angel of this verse. He will be one of the seven angles who will pour out his bowl of wrath on this sinful earth; 16:1-14 and 17-21.)

The church is the chaste bride of Christ. When Christ painted positive pictures of marriage, they dealt with virginity, including the virgin greeters in Matthew chapter 25. A large marriage ceremony is to celebrate two people who have abstained coming together as one for the first time, and committing to a lifetime covenant. The white wedding gown always was a symbol of purity; now such purity is a saddening joke in many cases. Of course, many people become Christians forsaking their former lifestyles, and marry in renewed purity. The church is to be a picture of prudishness set before the LORD. Believers are called to innocent, chaste behavior outside of the marriage bedroom.

We have already studied the two temples of Jerusalem that were destroyed. This city holds a history of destruction.

Wikipedia: “During its long history, Jerusalem has been destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times.”

Within both temples was the perfectly cubed Holy of Holies. The New Jerusalem, transported from heaven, will be a perfect cube, like the Holy of Holies in the earthly temples.

A third earthly temple will one day appear on the scene with a Holy of Holies. There may be a fourth temple built for the millennium period. Zechariah 6:12-13 refers to the Millennial time when Christ, who is also called the “Branch,” will build a temple in Jerusalem. He will bear the honor and will sit and rule on His throne as King. He will also be the High Priest ruling on His throne. His “counsel of peace will be between the two offices.”

It does seem probable that the third temple may be done away with; and a perfect temple will replace it, built by the perfect hands of Christ for His millennial reign. On that perfect day, everything will be revealed. All events in Scripture that are to come to pass will unfold before the eyes of true believers in God’s faultless timing. All the pieces will fit perfectly together like a puzzle, with no gaps.

The New Jerusalem will be made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. Many men have built elaborate homes for their brides, but none will compare to the New Jerusalem mansion. It will be the perfect adorned home for the bride of Christ, the church. It will be a spectacular house of worship.

New Jerusalem will experience no trials or tribulations. It will not have to swallow any painful and sinful history.

At this point, I want to jump you forward to verse 10. I trust you do not mind too much having to take this leap. I will return you to the in between subject matter when we complete the New Jerusalem synopsis. I promise.

Can you imagine being carried away in the Holy Spirit to a great and high mountain so you can see a heavenly holy city, the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven and then possibly suspended in the sky above?

The apostle John was privileged to actually view this holy city in the future from the past. New Jerusalem’s anticipation should be held dear to believers’ hearts, though it has not actually arrived. However, it did arrive for John’s viewing. John witnessed the future in the past. God can orchestrate anything at will including placing arriving events before a frail creature for record sake, for our sake.

We learn from John that the brilliance of the New Jerusalem will be like a very costly stone, resembling a stone of crystal-clear jasper. This may be referring to a transparent form of yellow jasper. The walls too will be of jasper; verse 18.

“Picture or landscape jasper creates scenes which resemble desert landscapes. It occurs in combinations of brown, tan, black, blue, and ivory.”

Jasper Video:

Because New Jerusalem’s composite will be pure gold, this jasper brilliance might resemble yellow. “Jasper” means speckled stone. Earthly jasper is opaque and not clear. God’s heavenly jasper will be crystal-clear and will not arrive from the present cursed earth. Everything that is of heaven is perfect; nothing of this present earth is perfect. Christians well acknowledge that all things set before them are cursed. Earth’s corrupt state arrived due to Adam and Eve’s original sin.

New Jerusalem will expose “a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates will be twelve angels; and names will be written on the gates, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel.” (Verse 12) These gates will be crafted in honor of the Hebrew race, through the designation of each tribe, whereby every Jew descends, according to the twelve sons of Jacob, the grandson of Abraham.

There will be three gates in each wall of the city; three for the north-facing, three for the south-facing, three for the east-facing and three for the west-facing. It will be a spectacular sight. The 12 gates will be 12 pearls and each gate will be a single pearl; verse 21.

The city itself will be 1,500 miles high. These will be massive pearls hand fashioned by God Almighty in flawlessness.

Internet pearl info:

An ugly mollusk is responsible for such pearl beauty by God’s hand:

“Most jewelry is fashioned out of precious metals and jewels that are found buried in the Earth, but pearls are found inside a living creature, an oyster. Pearls are the result of a biological process — the oyster’s way of protecting itself from foreign substances.

Oysters are not the only type of mollusk that can produce pearls. Clams and mussels can also produce pearls, but that is a much rarer occurrence. Most pearls are produced by oysters in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Oysters are bivalves, which means that its shell is made of two parts, or valves. The shell’s valves are held together by an elastic ligament. This ligament is positioned where the valves come together, and usually keeps the valves open so the oyster can eat.

Anatomy: The two hard, rough-textured shells are attached by a muscular hinge (the adductor muscles) at the narrow end. The shell is generated by the mantle, a thin layer of tissue separating the shell from the soft body. When an oyster is threatened, it closes its shells, using the very strong adductor muscle. Oysters draw in water through their gills, and extract oxygen and filter out floating algae (which they use for food).

As the oyster grows in size, its shell must also grow. The mantle is an organ that produces the oyster’s shell, using minerals from the oyster’s food. The material created by the mantle is called nacre. Nacre lines the inside of the shell.

The formation of a natural pearl begins when a foreign substance slips into the oyster between the mantle and the shell, which irritates the mantle. It’s kind of like the oyster getting a splinter.

(God teaches through the book of James and via other Scriptures that our trials and tribulations are for our betterment. We learn endurance whereby we produce fruit. Even false teachers and doctrine come our way to test us in the way of Biblical faithfulness—Deuteronomy 13:1-4. God wants to ensure that we will hold to His teachings and serve Him and cling to Him. He desires beauty perfected within.)

“The oyster’s natural reaction is to cover up that irritant to protect itself. The mantle covers the irritant with layers of the same nacre substance that is used to create the shell. This eventually forms a pearl.

So a pearl is a foreign substance covered with layers of nacre. Most pearls that we see in jewelry stores are nicely rounded objects, which are the most valuable ones. Not all pearls turn out so well. Some pearls form in an uneven shape; these are called baroque (classical art) pearls. Pearls, as you’ve probably noticed, arrive in various colors, including white, black, gray, red, blue and green. Most pearls can be found all over the world, but black pearls are indigenous to the South Pacific.

Cultured pearls are created by the same process as natural pearls, but are given a slight nudge by pearl harvesters. To create a cultured pearl, the harvester opens the oyster shell and cuts a small slit in the mantle tissue. Small irritants are then inserted under the mantle. In freshwater cultured pearls, cutting the mantle is enough to induce the nacre secretion that produces a pearl; an irritant doesn’t have to be inserted.

While cultured and natural pearls are considered to be of equal quality, cultured pearls are generally less expensive because they aren’t as rare.”
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The four walls will have 12 foundation stones and the first stone mentioned is jasper. The names of the 12 Jewish apostles of the Lamb will be inscribed on them, perhaps in the Hebrew language. A stone for each apostle. The Apostle John will have his name on one of the foundation stones for his uncompromising faithfulness. Perhaps his stone will be jasper. It is anyone’s guess. Every gem is listed in verses 19-20.

The state of Idaho has 72 types of gemstones, more than any other state. Idaho is famous for its jasper stones, as well as its gold and silver. These beauties have all been placed in Idaho by the Godhead.

The Jewish high priests’ garment displayed 12 stones (Exodus chapter 28), including jasper, representing the 12 tribes of Israel placed on the upper ephod or breastplate.

Here is another area in the inerrant Scriptures where we see the LORD’S chosen people, the Jews, elevated forever.

In verse 15, we catch sight of John with a mathematician—an angelic mathematician that is. Through means of his gold measuring rod, the angel provides John with the diameter of the city; 1,500 miles cubed. It will be 1,500 miles long in either direction and 1,500 miles high. Going north to south in this gleaming city would be akin to taking a three-day road trip from Washington, DC to Miami, Florida—1,500 miles.

Currently, the world’s tallest structure is a mile high and is the Burj Khalifa of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Burj means tower and Khalifa uplifts a sheik by that name) The building gained the official title of “Tallest Building in the World” at its January 4th, 2010 premiere opening. It rises higher than any other man-made structure. It encompasses 160 flights of stairs. Sadly, no Jews are allowed in Arab countries, though Arabs are welcomed in Israel.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGD7xX960PQ&feature=related

Please understand, this mile high building is of no comparison to the 1,500 miles arriving New Jerusalem, whose walls will be 200 feet thick.

Though this Dubai building can be magnificently bright at night, it holds no candle to the arriving New Jerusalem. This sustaining city will have no need of sun or moon to shine within, for its bright brilliance will be the glory of God and its lamp will be the Lamb. Here we note another name for Christ in relationship to Him being the light of the world. He is the “Lamp” of the arriving temple. There will be no day or night as God’s light will never be snuffed out.

The ten temple lampstands were representative of Christ. They spoke to the fact, He is the light of the world. The tabernacle and two Jerusalem temples were designed to glorify the Messiah.

“The street will be pure gold, like transparent glass;” verse 21. Here I say, “My, my.” This is where you get the saying regarding heaven, “We will walk on streets of gold.” Conversely, we are told it is one street not many.

I wonder if this transparent wide street will be to the minutest degree akin to walking on the glass skywalk that overlooks the Grand Canyon with the Colorado River flowing through; it being 4,000 feet below. As you walk on the glass (some do so gingerly), you witness the canyon and river beneath your feet.

This glass skywalk rises above the Canyon of the Colorado River—4,000 feet below.

In our frail human bodies, it seems the canyon site could be a bit scary. Of course, 4,000 feet is nothing when considering gazing downward from a transparent gold glass street from the sky to the new earth, if this be the case. Wherever situated, the New Jerusalem will be remarkable to the eye.

All will be safe and at rest in this city and with all the universe; therefore, the city gates will never be bolted with locks; verse 25.

All the nations will walk by its light, and “the kings of the earth will bring their glory and honor into it.”

“Walk by its light” may refer to its dazzling shine from above the earth. All the luminosity it emits will come from the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.

How the new earth will exactly be sectioned into kingdoms, whose citizens are God’s holy redeemed ones, has not been afforded to us. We are able to assuredly rest in the fact that it will be designed in the precision of God.

We conclude the New Jerusalem facts and figures, in verse 27, with the understanding that this city will be ideal, beyond our comprehension! Nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever enter in. Only those who have been born again; washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. This verse reemphasizes verse 8.

No, we are not concluding here. Remember, I made you hop over verses to cover the New Jerusalem. I have to move you backwards to the wonderful rewards of this postmillennial, eternal dispensation.

Verse 4 explains that God will wipe away every tear from the eyes of true Bible believers who have been born again of the Spirit. Anything that formerly produced tears, pain and death will be eliminated. All the curses that have plagued humanity throughout every generation will pass away. Hallelujah amen!

God injects at this point that all His words “are faithful and true.” He assures the hearts of believers that He is making “all things new” and we can be assured that every kind of torment will be only of the past; eventually forgotten. Isaiah 66:17 teaches that God will create “a new heavens and new earth, and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind.” What a comfort this verse represents as every painful event will disappear from mind!

All we read here, will transpire according to God’s timetable.

Verse 6 explains to us this is the completion and fulfillment of God’s Word regarding His promises to believers. This too is a faith chapter. It requires the gift of faith to accept these truths and all the exposed truths of Revelation. And without the faith to believe this, we cannot please God. We must pray for faith whenever we lack the faith to believe.

Today there are many lies being poured out in churches to destroy the faith of the saints. Leaders will angrily inform you that you are not open-minded if you only believe what you see in Scripture verse by verse. Well, God certainly wants us closed-minded when it comes to accepting any teaching that adds or subtracts from this chapter or any Bible book. Even if pastors, teachers or church attendees persecute us for not wavering from truth, we must remain strong and immovable in the faith. Even if leaders threaten to church discipline us for not being open-minded to added doctrines, societal methodologies, and a ripping, sexy church beat, we must remain firm. We must kindly oppose every false way no matter how much we are ridiculed and are despised of men.

The Holy Bible is self-explanatory and we do not need a dash of Calvinism and all those other isms, and famed teachers who are abroad that revise Revelation and the other books of Scripture.

God has removed His candlestick from many churches and they are gasping for air. They refuse to turn to the true Jesus Christ and are drowning in error.

Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He “will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.” This spiritual water flow will be everlasting. Stand the course!

The person who overcomes, following the God of the Bible, will inherit these things—heaven, the New Jerusalem, and new earth in total perfection. God will be his Father; making him one of God’s redeemed sons. This is the truth believers must convey to the world.

Verse 7 calls us to be overcomers so we can be the holy people of God; we being His children who worship only Him.

Verse 8 informs us of those who will be kept out of heaven. They include the cowardly or fearful. Many so-called Christians today are fearful to suffer for righteousness sake. They are unwilling to even think of being persecuted for standing on the truths of Scripture. They would rather be silent and compromising.

Many persons found in the pages of Scripture died for their faith, and many believers who have gone forth after them. All these were willing to suffer martyrdom, not desiring to deny Christ and His Word, looking toward heaven. They considered their lives not being their own. Their actions should represent the heart cry of every true believer when placed in similar circumstances. May God deliver me from any cowardly ways no matter the cost.

The Word of God repeats warnings, because the LORD knows how forgetful many of us can be. I know I am, and I wish I could always keep all the Words of Scripture in mind. I guess this is why I reiterate Bible warnings. Please forgive me for when I have gone too far.

Continuing the list of those who are kept out of heaven (also stated in 22:15), following the fearful or cowardly, we find the abominable (those who are foul in their activities), then murderers and immoral persons (sexually impure in any form). Also sorcerers (of course, this comprises those dabbling in New Contemplative Spirituality or mysticism, as well as any form of witchcraft or any New Age practice), and idolaters (those who worship a man contrived likeness of anything, including a statue figure; or follow any false teacher or belief system). We additionally read all liars will be shut out.

All the citizens of the earth who have ever walked in these ways without repenting through coming to God for cleansing and forgiveness will have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Also stated 20:14).

Revelation Chapter 22

If you add to the prophesies of Revelation,

beware of the fact, the plagues of this book will be added to you.

If you take away from the words of Revelation, God will take away your part

from the book of life and from the Holy City. (Revelation chapter 22, verse 19) 

Your lies will entrap you either way.   

Video of entrapment by God’s creation: 

youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7eQKSf0LmY 

We know there will be a worse consequence

and an eternal one for those who are bold enough to change God’s Words.

God’s timer has been set for the judgment day.

Chapter 22 marks the conclusion of this Revelation chapter study. Christians are on the victory side! Evil is exterminated. The glorious light of the heavenly city, Jerusalem, surrounds all. Its magnificence will abound beyond any city ever constructed by the hands of man.

Though the woes of this world seem overwhelming at times, every distress will be eradicated in this age to come.

Remember verses and chapters were placed in the Scriptures by men and we cannot let divisions disconnect us from the natural flow of the Word of God. Our subject matter does not change, as we move out of chapter 21 into 22. We are still awed by the holy city, new heavenly Jerusalem, whose glory holds no bounds.

The transparent street of gold will be gorgeous perfection, beauty beyond human perception. Imagine every step your glorified being will take on this shimmering street, created for the saints.

The first place in Scripture that addresses the lovely transparency of heaven’s abode is Exodus 24:7-10. Moses, Aaron and 72 others were privileged to partake of the glory of the God of Israel after the sprinkling of the blood of the covenant on the Hebrew people.

It is stated that these 74 men viewed God while His feet rested on what appeared to be a “pavement of sapphire, as clear as crystal itself.”

We know the Bible teaches, no one has seen God in all His fullness, including the fullness of His omnipotent power. Yet, these men received a glimpse of God’s heavenly splendor.

It is no wonder that it would happen at this time of blood sprinkling of the covenant, being we now know this was a picture of the sacrificial work of Messiah to come.

Returning to Revelation, we are further enlightened to the delightful realm of transparent impeccability. In the book of Exodus there is only a one verse glimpse of paradise. In Revelation we are afforded many upward sightings into heaven.

In verse 1 of chapter 22, the River of Life, also of crystal perfection, is presented to John the apostle. Being he has anguished through all the plagues of Revelation and the vileness of the antichrist, he is now rewarded with wet refreshment that holds no pollutants. It will be glassy-clear, majestic beyond imagination. This stream will commence “from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

Jesus Christ is our Water of Life. He supplies our needs and refreshes us. He is the only way to eternal living springs.

Christ is also the Tree of Life—the Tree of Eternal Life. We note from verse 2 that a Tree of Life will be on either side of the river, and will be amazingly productive with its 12 kinds of fruit of continual yield. We have noted in the previous chapter the number “12” representing the Jews.

Nothing will ever infest the Tree of Life. No winter snow or ice will be present to render it fruitless for any season in time. Chapter 2, verse 7, refers to the humble ones who overcome the wickedness in the ecumenical, apostate churches. This verse also refers to those who never cave into persecution, even if it costs their lives. Christ says those who overcome, He “will grant to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the Paradise of God.”

The Tree of Life’s place of prominence will be adjacent to the “River of the Water of Life.” Symbolically it represents the new life believers hold in Christ for eternity.

In the deadness of winter it might be a blessed thing for believers to remember that in paradise they will never need to don a down coat. We will not get too cold or too hot within our glorified bodies. No discomforts of soul or body will be felt.

The leaves on the Tree of Life will be representative of God’s total healing. Comparatively, Christ never healed halfheartedly when ministering on this earth. When Christ replaced the ear of the soldier that Peter severed with a sword, it was completely made whole; Luke 22:47-51. Every healing He performed on the earth was total restoration, never partial. There will be no partial remedies in heaven as well.

Tribulation saints who offered their lives for the Savior will be vanquished of all pain when Christ wipes away their tears. (7:17 and Isaiah 61:1-3) We have learned from Revelation that people will be saved before and during the tribulation from every tribe of people; 7:9.

Christ is the comforter of all believers, now and forever. (Matthew 5:4 and Luke 16:25) All saints will be made eternally whole by Christ, our Tree of Life.

In Ezekiel chapter 47, we see a slightly similar picture to this subject matter that regards the Millennial Kingdom. A scene is set in Jerusalem at the millennial temple. Water is flowing from under the threshold of the temple and is heading eastward, as the temple faces east. Water is coursing from the right side of the house, from the south of the altar. This river from the temple is sided with many trees that grow all kinds of food. As with the Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem, the leaves on these trees will produce fruit without fail.

The river will run high and will teem with life and freshness! Fish will be abundant and fishermen will be blessed with nets a full, liken to the abundant angler appeals of the Mediterranean Sea or Great Sea.

(I am grateful I was able to view the Mediterranean Sea for a week, when my husband and I vacationed in Spain. It is representative of continuous Biblical correlations.)

Photos of the Mediterranean Sea:

Mediterranean Sea/@ Val J. Lee

Barbary Monkeys peering over Gibraltar/@ Val J. Lee

This temple river will flow to “Arabah.” This is the geological depression in which the Dead Sea lies.

At this time of the Millennial Kingdom, the Dead Sea or Salt Sea will no longer be dead. It will live as Israel will truly come to life one day. Of course, many are grateful for the Dead Sea, for its abundant depositary of minerals and phosphates that are unmatched by any other salted water area.

The Dead Sea will no longer produce salt; however, swamps and marshes will assume the salt production; verse 11 of Ezekiel 47.

We have once again played a version of hopscotch to aid us in grasping the timeline of future reality. With our personal engagement, it is like we have jumped forward and then backward on the single and double scotches or squares. To reach the epoch of Revelation chapters of 21 and 22, we stand on both feet on the double scotch and get set to move from our day in present time. We lift the right foot and jump forward with the left, many single spaces in time travel, to the era following the Millennial Kingdom, thus landing with both feet on the post Millennial double scotch. To jump to the Ezekiel space, we must turn around and jump on our right foot, back many single scotches, and then land with both feet on the Ezekiel double scotch.

Remember the Millennial Kingdom precedes the prevailing period of Revelation chapters 21 and 22. The earth on which the Millennial Kingdom will be, will be no more at this dispensation of concluding words. However, there is a new heaven and earth, and a new Jerusalem. Though we are hopping forward into time in this game of illustration, we are also hopping back into books written in the ancient past.

Now we must hopscotch our minds to the farthest point in time past, to the very beginnings of global life to understand the history of the Tree of Life, of Revelation chapter 22. This, of course, entails the creation story that originates in Genesis chapter 1. There is no fast forwarding on one foot here, it is all jumping back to the every first double scotch in time. Please don’t feel too fatigued.

The Bible teaches God created the heavens and the earth; then the sea and land were brought forth. The LORD then filled the topography landscape with numerous animals, placing the water adapted in seas, rivers and ponds. He then fashioned Adam to rule over the earth, specifically in the Garden of Eden. God, the omnipotent Creator, accomplished all in six days, and chose to rest on the seventh.

Peering into the second chapter of Genesis, we view the Tree of Life situated in the plush garden planted by God for Adam. The Tree of Life that we encounter in Revelation chapter 22, can be traced back to the very beginning of Creation.

God had placed many trees in the garden for Adam to partake of. He also enjoyed companionship with the critters. God had blessed Adam with life’s abundance.

Of course, we know Adam could not locate among the fauna a creature of like mind. None could fill his manly needs.

God, who is omniscient or all-knowing, understood this too and crafted a woman from one of Adam’s ribs. This intricate surgery was administered while Adam slept. Adam verbally expressed his approval for God’s creative ways of making a beautiful female companion that was a part of him.

The romantic paradise garden provided the perfect honeymoon spot for Adam and Eve.

These beautiful newlyweds had it all, including a personal relationship with God, their holy Creator.

No, this is not all of the story, though it sounds like a perfect “The End.”

Now don’t be too surprised when I tell you there is a villain in this story, a real bad guy. He believed he knew a lot about the true character that lay behind Eve’s immaculate, wifely appearance. He banked on the supposition that he could make Eve sin. He sought to bring a tragic ending to this perfect love story.

This sinister snake predator was probably beautiful at the time he approached Eve. He most likely chose a snakeskin that would appeal to Eve’s eye. (There are many serpents that bear gorgeous skins such as the Eastern Coral Snake, Blue Racer Snake, Milk Snake, Rhinoceros Viper and the Sunbeam Iridescent Snake.) He possibly walked up to Eve, being this all transpired before the snake was cursed and made to slither on its belly; Genesis 3:14. We know it was transformed into a scary, venom-filled beast. (The word “serpent” in Hebrew relates to its “hissing” and signifies venomous, biting snakes, excepting in the disguise of Satan. The LORD God created over 3,000 varieties of serpentining, live rods.)

In the gorgeous garden, animals walked in perfect harmony with man and each other or so it appears. This perfect, relational situation will be viewed again throughout the millennial reign of Christ.

Eve’s acquired, sly, viper friend was quite the crafty salesman when it came to making God look bad and he looking good. He falsely presented the LORD God as one who wanted to withhold a wondrous product from Eve, a tasty bit of fruit that would immediately grant her the knowledge of good and evil.

She and Adam were not permitted to eat of this fruit that promised death. However, upon finding out about God’s selfish nature, Eve was determined not to be swindled out of anything. She bought it all; signing on the dotted line for goods that had a death, poisoned, snake bite. Wanting her husband to have it all too, she offered the fruit to him with the same sales pitch. They both were duped, but only Eve had been truly deceived.

All along, the sinister, skinny serpent wanted the honeymooners to return to the dust of the ground. All because they were crafted in the image of God, the very One Satan hates with all his being. The supplanting of God has always been Satan’s goal and he works to this end every day.

Due to their willful disobedience, Adam and Eve were denied eternal life from the Tree of Life, Jesus Christ, while in the garden. They chose to be unworthy. They had to be driven from the garden so they would not find the path to the Tree of Life and partake. An angel with a flaming sword that turned in every direction stood guard, preventing their reentrance; Genesis 3:45.

Adam and Eve did eventually suffer the death penalty for their sin, though Adam was allotted 930 years on the earth. God was tremendously gracious and forgiving.

The garden sin does not mean they did not reach paradise when they suffered the death penalty. Faith in God was made evident within them.

The human race has unmeasurably suffered from the sin of this striking couple. Few have learned from their disobedience and consequence. Man continuously partakes of what has been forbidden by God. He wants nothing withheld from him, even if it means his refusal to partake of the Tree of Life, Jesus Christ.

Through the chapters of Revelation 21 and 22, we come to grips with the sin of the Garden of Eden and its lasting effects. Sin has been born in every descendant of Adam and Eve, which has resulted in their deaths; excepting two, Enoch and Elijah.

There is a second death awaiting those who have rejected the Savior. Believers recognize this as the painful, eternal death in fire. It awaits every one who has shunned the Tree of Life.

I think it is time to turn our focus to the side of encouragement, the coming removal of the curse of sin as we move further into Revelation. Our hearts cannot help but leap when we contemplate that there will be no more curse; verse 3. You will not find one person suffering from any curse of sin in heavenly paradise. All curses visible today will cease.

No consequential effects of our wicked disobedience on the earth will be found in heaven. The plagues of death, illness, physical and mental disabilities, fatigue, sadness, and remorse will vanish away. No hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires or floods will reach heaven’s door. This is simply a bit of the seemingly endless list of woes that surround this world every day due to man’s insubordination to God.

It is reemphasized in verse 3 that the throne of God and the Lamb will be in the New Jerusalem and Christ’s bondservants will serve Him. Christians will not sit around in laziness; they will be serving the LORD every way He directs. We will also be praising the LORD. We have noted harps being played before Him for holy songs of praise in Revelation; 14:2 and 15:2f. We have observed this to be holy and humble! It is all about loving and worshipping the LORD GOD!

When Christ was on the earth, He and his disciples sang a hymn following communion; Matthew 26:30. It was simple and humble. No worldly fanfare is needed or required when it comes to praising God.

In Ephesians 5:19, we are told to sing to the LORD. We are to simply sing to each other songs and hymns, making melody in our hearts to the LORD.

Of course, in apostate progressive Christianity, humility is not an option and those who desire it are considered the renegades of ecumenicalism and the New Age church mandates.

One famed New Ager spouted, “Change or die!” This statement in various forms can now be found in the contemporary church that uplifts New Age teachers that are introduced through the New Spirituality movement. If people do not change to a new way of thinking, they must leave or be forced out. Their conservative voice must die out.

Contemporary church leaders and their followers want the non-conformers out of their fellowships. Some would feel no remorse if an old-fashioned Bible believer happened to die through sickness or accident.

Rick Warren’s pastoral staff commands churches, who follow his religion, to remove those who are Biblically steadfast. He has made it verbally clear that he views Biblical fundamentalism as a major enemy of the world. Unfortunately, he is not the only so-called believer who views Christians who believe in the infallible Bible, as a negative force on our planet.

Warren promotes New Age demonism and walks as one with new ager, Ken Blanchard. Warren quote: “Ken (Blanchard) has signed on to help with the P.E.A.C.E. Plan, and he’s going to be helping train us in leadership and in how to train others to be leaders all around the world.”

Blanchard penned the foreword for Frank Metcalf’s book, What Would Buddha Do at Work? Blanchard endorsed Jack Canfield’s book, The Success Principles. This book incites visualization and meditation. Canfield explains, “I also do some other forms of meditation where I do visualizations, because they’re more intentional for a certain kind of purpose, such as if I’m trying to cleanse my aura. To paraphrase Yogananda (a man who was full of demonic powers): Life goes quickly, and we benefit by being aware of the spirit in every moment and action.” Blanchard also endorsed the book, The Corporate Mystic.

Blanchard spoke at a symposium with fellow New Ager, Barbara Marx Hubbard, who stated in her book “Co-creation:”

“Out of the full spectrum of human personality, one-fourth is electing to transcend … One-fourth is destructive … they are defective seeds. In the past they were permitted to die a ‘natural death’ … Now as we approach the quantum shift from the creature-human to the co-creative human – the human who is an inheritor of god-like powers – the destructive one-fourth must be eliminated from the social body … Fortunately, you are not responsible for this act, we are. We are in charge of God’s selection process for the planet Earth. He selects, we destroy. We are the riders of the pale horse, Death. … This act is as horrible as killing a cancer cell. It must be done for the sake of the future of the whole. So be it; be prepared for the selection process which is now beginning. We, the elders, have been patiently waiting until the very last moment before the quantum transformation, to take action to cut out this corrupted and corrupting element in the body of humanity. It is like watching a cancer grow; something must be done before the whole body is destroyed … The destructive one-fourth must be eliminated from the social body.”

Do you see her propagating her “selective” murdering process; her deeds of death? Obviously, all who do not conform to the New Age or the New Spirituality movement must be eliminated. This hatred is being bred in churches and in society that covet godless ways. This is a new spiritual reformation that is becoming less and less repulsive.

I recently learned of a church, Gardendale Baptist Church (Presently called “Real Life Campus”), in Corpus Christi, Texas. Each congregation member was requested to vote, with name provided, to determine if they would willingly partake in contemporary religion. About 165 wanted to stay Bible pure. All 165 were ousted from the church through cruel devisings. The ballot casting was a trick to simply remove those who wanted to hold to the ancient paths of the inerrant Word of God. Church leaders did not actually care if congregational members wanted to go with the new waves of Christianity or not. It was all satanic trickery of no choice.

Dealing with Resisters:

http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/04/4-purpose-resisters.htm

______

Pastors will recruit spies (loyal congregational members) to report to him regarding those who want to stay Biblically pure or unstained by cultural ways. He will also implement his loyalist gangsters to attempt to change the solid Biblical person one step at a time with liberal comments of promotion. Pastors and their followers might even incite Christians to partake in questionable activities. Some might resort to making fun of the person for being outdated. They might tell a person not to read their Bible, only books by liberal-minded men of false doctrines.

(It really is not hard for pastors to recruit spies, as many congregational members want to please their pastor so they can be viewed as prestigious in the fellowship. They may be rewarded with grandiose mentioning from the pulpit or they may be placed in a pompous position.)

As with former Glendale Baptist Church, many leaders of churches now desire that people view their fellowships as campus’. We know the church replacement name rage has been in vogue for a while. From what I have read, Rick Warren was the one who instigated the “campus” mentality for church or ministry locations. In the original Greek text, the word for “Church” is ekklēsi; meaning a separated and called out people. “Campus” does not convey this in any sense. An appropriate church name, true to the Greek, could be, The Fellowship of Jesus Christ’s Separated Ones. Yes, pretty lengthy, but it convey’s the meaning of the word. We are not to be ashamed to name the name of Christ. It should not surprise in this day of the erring church that churches are not wanting to sound too much like a church that follows Jesus Christ and His Word. The contemporary way is to ensure people never feel convicted or threatened, even down to the name of a church.

(I read some inspiring news relating to an expanding, massive church that was called a “campus.” The church’s leadership decided “campus” was not Biblical and they returned to calling their body of believers a church. Praise God! The good LORD is always penetrating hearts and minds in powerful ways.)

Rick Warren is referenced as being “America’s pastor.” He is the pastor of the hour. “The Wall Street Journal carried a front-page story reporting Warren’s church-growth methods, which include replacing hymns, choirs and pews with rock-style praise bands and laid-back sermons—were dividing the country’s 50 million evangelicals.”

These tactics are Rick Warren’s legalism implementations. No where in Scripture are these “growth methods” commanded for the church. God never decreed silly techniques for church success.

Some of Warren’s P.E.A.C.E. initiatives imitate the United Nations goals. He has spoken with leaders of the United Nations who esteem him highly. A few years ago, he was a member of the Council of Foreign Relations that promotes a one world government. (The CFR desires to manipulate the entire world through removing national borders, and its members have not been ashamed to put this in print. Secular media giants represent a few of its members.)

When Warren initiated his P.E.A.C.E Plan, his rock group performed “Purple Haze” before the congregation. These are the psychedelic lyrics by Hendrix—a dead drug addict:

“Purple haze all in my brain

Lately things just don’t seem the same
Actin’ funny, but I don’t know why
‘Scuse me while I kiss the sky.

Purple haze all around
Don’t know if I’m comin’ up or down
Am I happy or in misery?
Whatever it is that girl put a spell on me

Purple haze all in my eyes
Don’t know if it’s day or night
You got me blowin’, blowin’ my mind
Is it tomorrow, or just the end of time?”

Other secular songs were performed, written by Satan’s children to reveal how unholy his plan is.

Rick Warren appears to have no fear of God! He will work with homosexuals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHPIhI5WDM8, atheists, Muslims and all pagan religions to achieve his P.E.A.C.E. goals. Separation and scores of other righteous Biblical truths are excluded from his strategies.

It is lamentable that Warren unashamedly promotes sexy dances, using young ladies in his church! This is disgustingly exposed in Saddleback videos that men should never watch. Warren seems to display the heart of sensual Herodias who prompted her daughter to dance sexy before her uncle to please him into generosity. Herodias hated the righteousness of John the Baptizer who traveled about preaching against her and her husband’s adultery. Warren is about pleasing sensual men with female dancers for fame and numbers sake. The Herodias syndrome is the way of the decaying, apostate church.

Blog comment (no name was listed): “I just LEFT a Baptist church because of this ridiculous RICK WARREN approach. That church has become a joke. Rick Warren is not at all a Biblical guy. He twists and perverts Scripture for the NUMBERS, feel good sermons, humanistic sermons, rock concerts, comedy shows … people dress better going to work than when they roll in there … It’s shameful.”

The church for decades has grabbed onto any new phraseology that attracts teens and college attending young people.

Leaders portray the impression that they are mainly interested in the age groups that walk in the coolest ways of the world. This is how they direct most aspects of ministry. These fellowships appear to convey, if you are not young and styling, you are not important. They believe the only way to attract young people is go after what they go after, to locate what is “new” or sounds at least “new.”

This is nothing new! We read in the Bible of people who look here and there, saying, “See this, it is new.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10) This stupidity has always been! The new mindset of seeking what is “new,” is old fashioned to the most ancient degree. Every philosophy can be traced back to someone who died ages ago.

A diary that was penned in the mid 1800s, A Pioneer’s Search for an Ideal Home, spoke of “free love.” It meant unrepressed sexual expression. A man was riding through the old west teaching the “free love” heresy, using this exact term that people believe evolved in the 1960s. Of course, back then, his views were counted as wicked. He was living with a woman out-of-wedlock and a community forced him to marry her.

With most churches, you must be part of the “new” wave ways that transform you into a “change” leader or follower. I, like Jeremiah, desire to hold to the ancient paths of inerrant Scripture as commanded by God; Jeremiah 6:16.

Many Jews wanted the prophet Jeremiah dead. The “change, leave or die” philosophies did not scare him! He decided he would stand alone against the liberal, hateful, religious crowds.

Jeremiah was physically persecuted and imprisoned. By God’s grace no one influenced him to compromise, and no false doctrine can be found in his book.

Matthew chapter 23 addresses our fateful hour. This chapter reveals the attitude of the ruthless religious rulers in Christ’s day. With disregard for all, they believed they could be as wicked as they desired as long as they preached the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible scribed by Moses). The religious elite maintained that all must conform to their traditions and their interpretations of Jewish beliefs. They did not allow questioning of “their traditions.” Relinquishing one ounce of power would never do. Murder was not beneath them. They murdered the Savior who exposed their liberal, sinful hearts of “self-indulgence,” dishonesty and lies. They were the gangsters of their day.

What a praise it is to know that no one can manipulate God and heaven’s realm. No puppetry is allowed nor has it ever been allowed. God never changes nor will His kingdom above.

Verse 4, of Revelation chapter 22, reveals that we (the redeemed people from all nations) will see Christ, face to face! And His name will be on our foreheads. We will be privileged to see Him in all His heavenly splendor, maintaining all His omnipotent attributes.

While on this earth we can only peer into a dim mirror that is not providing us with an accurate reading regarding the spiritual realm. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Most mirrors in ancient yore were made of bronze. They were often round and had a handle, but provided a poor reflection in comparison to modern glass that can reflect up to 90% in accuracy. Bronze cannot furnish a vivid image of truth. If you were to peer into a polished bronze or silver piece, you might get an indication of the reflector’s ability.

We can only grasp in part in these sinful and cursed bodies. God has not told all because we could not ascertain all. Our minds can get boggled from just trying to comprehend all the complexities of universal creation.

Our deficient spiritual vision will be removed one day and be replaced with ultra clear, central vision, of eyes and heart.

It does distress us that our minds often run from spiritual truth to the silly remarks that fill this childish world. We must always be in a state of discipline so we maintain our thoughts on the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. We are not to set our minds on the things that are on the earth. (Colossians 3:2) Being heavenly-minded incites us to maintain our thoughts on the LORD Jesus Christ and the truths of His Word so we are not earthbound.

I know, I have to keep turning my mind to the LORD, as it can wander to unwanted points unknown. Disciplining myself continually, driving on Wise Street of Eternal Values, prevents me from continually exiting at the “Y” choice in the road that leads to an unproductive shore. The straight and narrow road is what provides constant blessings, no matter how old fashioned that may sound.

Some blessed day, I will not have this struggle that leads to my defeat nor will you.

Another most remarkable thing occurs in verse 4; we obtain the knowledge that we will have the Lamb’s name on our foreheads.

One thing that thrills my heart, is darkness will be cast away; verse 5. We will have no fears of the dark or of stumbling about in heavenly Jerusalem. Blackness and the dark side will not exist. When my husband would be away at work on rare occasions, during the night, I left a light on to feel more secure. God provides this notification to comfort our hearts. This fact is reemphasizing 21:23-24. The lamp of this city is the Lamb. The LORD God will illumine His people who will reign forever and ever in the light of bright security.

The validity of God’s prophets is emphasized in verse 6. No Old Testament prophet told a lie in the Almighty’s immutable Word. All Scripture arrises from the LORD. A great deal of the Old Testament deals with the events of Revelation, as we have read. God sent His angel to men who walked at various points of the Old Testament timeline to serve us the words of the Three in One.

We are struck with warning in verse 7. God will come quickly, when not expected. This is not game time, it is reality time. It will commence with a preseason judgement.

We cannot be sitting on the sideline of apathy, we must care about a lost and dying world whose judgment will be played out one day.

Unfortunately, not many today who call themselves Christians are clinging to verse 7, though it is like an alarm sounding everywhere of pending doom. It seems many have stuffed their ears with cotton.

Verses 8 and 9 reaffirm again that we must not be impulsive and worship the heavenly realm of beings. Of course, we do not encounter the holy magnificence of powerful angels who never disobey God. We have not had John’s temptation set before us.

This is the second time, or so it appears, that John desired to bow before this grand angel. (see 19:10)

I would, with little doubt, say that Christ’s angel, this angel, is one of the highest of rank, if not the highest in heaven; verse 16. Yet, this angel proclaims he is no better than any servant of Christ. Heaven represents that perfect, lowly state that we are to imitate.

We are commanded to respect angels; never are we to speak disrespectfully regarding them; 2 Peter 2:9-11.

Our worship is to be directed to the God of the Bible alone! We must never be approving of any worship outside of Him. We only have one leader and that is Jesus Christ. We are not to call anyone our father, but the God of heaven; Matthew 23:8-11.

John is instructed in verse 10 to let it be known what he has lived in this vision! The time is near and it is nearer today than it was at that moment, close to 1900 years ago.

The following verses remind us that we cannot play games and pretend unredeemed people are going to heaven. No matter how nice a person may seem, they will not enter the gates of paradise without the blood of Christ. Just as the children of Israel could not defer God’s judgment without the blood of a lamb placed above their doorway and on the posts, nor can men enter heaven without the shed blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. (Exodus chapter 12)

Those who are not washed in the cleansing blood of the Lamb are destined for the Lake of Fire. Those who choose filthiness over the righteousness of Christ will continue to be filthy in hell; verse 11. Their immoral, deviant character will not change. Their knowledge will change when coming face to face with the fact God never lied in the Bible. However, consequently, their vile lives that clung to evil deeds will remain forever with them in the Lake that burns with brimstone.

We were provided a list of the sins of the godless in chapter 21, and now again in verse 15 of this chapter. Idolaters are listed as those who will not inherit heaven. God commanded the Jews in the Old Testament to kill anyone who sacrificed to an idol (other god); Exodus 22:20. When many of the Jews chose to worship a golden calf image or statue in Exodus chapter 32, on the wilderness march from Egypt, the LORD commanded the killing of 3,000 people, which was completed in one day.

We learn from Scripture that idolatry lends itself to every imaginable transgression. Sin is not an object of tolerance before God. He is serious about the fate of sin. One way or another, everyone reaps what they sow.

About a week ago, a person representing a famed Christian organization requested financial support. I told the caller, I could not contribute because they continually uplift the Catholic faith, though they call themselves Christian. I believe they walk as one with idolaters for greater donor support. The man who heads this organization graduated from a Bible College and he knows what the Word says about idolatry.

The Bible reveals the stupidity of it all when it refers to a man using one half of a log to warm himself and the other to form an idol. Do you see why believers cannot approve of this absolute, demonic insanity? Please understand, only those who are ridiculously wicked can take an ecumenical position.

Another classification of the sin of human “dogs,” listed in verse 15, is sorcery. This is an essential element in the mystic movement coveted in churches, as I have made clear previously.

The list continues with those who are sexually immoral, and who sell and buy sex. The Greek word is “pornos.” It includes every sexual and deviant way under the sun, including pornography.

Murderers and liars are further classifications of exclusions. These are the activities of the unsaved who hate the God of righteousness, and who hate His children who hold to holiness. Of course, anyone who practices these things can be saved from hell through giving their heart to Jesus Christ and asking for His cleansing and changing power. God can deliver from any bondage of sin, Satan has placed a person in.

In verse 12, God says He is coming quickly! We must maintain alertness, ever ready for Him. We do not want to be found engaging in evil if we are raptured today or tomorrow, or many years from now. Everyone must stand before the judgment seat of God, and believers will give an accounting of their deeds. (1 Corinthians chapter 3)

God is the Alpha and Omega (verse 13 and 21:6), the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who heed this, whose robes are washed, and who will partake of the Tree of Life, Jesus Christ. They will enter into the gates of the holy city, heavenly Jerusalem.

In verse 16, Jesus Christ verifies that it is He who wrote the book of Revelation. He has forwarded the instructions to the churches, through His angel who testified to all these truths. John was simply the scribe and observer. All praise for everything must go to the Savior, never to sinful man or holy angels.

The nativity story, set forth in this verse, shines brightly with a few exquisite powerful words of truth. We well know Christ was born of a virgin in the line of David.

As stated here, Christ the Savior is the bright and morning star or daystar.

Venus and the Moon @ Val Lee

(Venus is both the evening and morning star. Its brightness was created by God who positioned it nearer the sun than the earth. It will never appear before our eyes a great distance from the sun. It cannot be rightly illuminated without the sun, and we cannot shine for God without the brilliance of Christ shinning on us.

At sunset, Venus might appear in the west, being an evening star. At times, it is visible in the morning sky, shining before sunrise. It far supersedes other stars, sparkling as the brightest diamond in the sky.)

Christ’s Davidic lineage is through Joseph, who loved and raised him as his firstborn. This is set forth in Matthew chapter 1. Jesus is the “root” of David, and He is the One who created David as “the root.” The kingly line came through David’s son, Solomon. Solomon’s bloodline was eventually cursed by God.

Mary’s linage is provided in Luke 3. Christ’s bloodline came through Nathan, another son by Bathsheba; 1 Chronicles 3:1-5. Nathan’s blood line was not cursed by God.

If the bloodline from Solomon had not been cursed, Joseph would have been in line to be king. However, God commanded that no one could ever sit on the throne of David, except Christ. This was due to the sins of several kings of Judah who arose from Solomon. Fortunately, a number of Judah’s kings did love and serve the LORD.

No one has been able to claim the right to be king over Israel since Jeconiah aka Jehoiachin—the last Jew to rightly sit on David’s throne according to ancestry. Jeconiah was horrifically wicked! With him God finally ended the royal line of kings that arose from David and Solomon.

Christ will one day assume His throne that was promised to Him. He has right to the throne through David, and He has right to the throne being God Almighty. God’s ways are amazing. No man can match His wisdom of design.

The emphasis of Revelation and other apocalyptic prophesies is Christ’s victory over all. He obtained victory over the grave and He will display His victory over all the earth as king one day.

Verse 17 is the Gospel of our loving LORD presented by the Holy Spirit to the church. He simply asks the unredeemed to come unto Christ that they may be joined to the church, the bride of Christ. Christ was offered for all.

We read here, that the church is to beckon the unsaved to “come” to the Savior. Those who hear this message are to freely “come.” The calling of the LORD in this verse is transparent.

Those who thirst and who wish to take of the Water of Life “without cost” are to come. There is no open invitation that is more gracious and glorious than this one. Jesus Christ made this abundantly clear to the woman at the well in John chapter 4. There is no sin that cannot be washed away by the Water of Life.

Verses 18-19 are a warning to each and every person, including me, regarding safeguarding the original meanings of the book of Revelation. No one who pens a Bible version is to add or subtract from the Greek text. If a Bible translator subtracts the scribed words, God will take away their part from the Tree of Life and from the Holy City, which are written in this book. They are doomed.

Anyone who adds their own words to the Revelation passages of Scripture, they will receive the plagues of this book, as stated at the beginning of the lesson.

May the grace of the LORD be with all who study the book of Revelation in all faith, believing every word. If you lack faith at anytime regarding any Scripture in the Word of God, ask God to increase your faith and add understanding. We all need to pray for faith at different times, or at least I do.

You have been most gracious to walk with me through this book. I would like to close this Revelation commentary with the blessed hope of believers expressed in this Hymn.

I Know Whom I have Believed

I know not why God’s wondrous grace

To me He hath made known,


Nor why,  unworthy, 

Christ in love,


Redeemed me for His own.

Refrain

But I know Whom I have believèd,


And am persuaded that He is able


To keep that which I’ve committed


Unto Him against that day.

I know not how this saving faith

To me He did impart,


Nor how believing in His Word


Wrought peace within my heart.

Refrain

I know not how the Spirit moves,


Convincing us of sin,


Revealing Jesus through the Word,


Creating faith in Him.

Refrain

I know not what of good or ill


May be reserved for me,


Of weary ways or golden days,


Before His face I see.

Refrain

I know not when my Lord may come,


At night or noonday fair,


Nor if I walk the vale with Him,


Or meet Him in the air.

Refrain

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Love in Christ’s Word sent to save men,
Val Lee

Please see: Paradise

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Some info gathered from various websites

Photos copyrighted by Val J. Lee