Revelation 8:1:
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
There is a great event to occur and we must learn to wait on it and stop jumping the gun.
Revelation 8:2:
And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
Revelation 8:3:
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Revelation 8:4:
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
Revelation 8:5:
And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
Revelation 8:6:
And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
In these verses I see that God never ignores the prayers of His saints but rather commissions angels to insure they are heeded and attended to. Since it has always been my position that Jesus is the One that has inspired all of the bible to be written it is also important from that position to pay close attention to the context of the message. The Saints, spoken of here were identified in the fourteenth verse of the last chapter they are named to be those that have died for their testimony, likely, during the first three and a half years of the Tribulation.
I say that looking at verse 5 because it looks to me like the censer being cast down and the Angels with the trumpets will mark the beginning of the last three and a half years of this period of time.
Revelation 8:7:
The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
Revelation 8:8:
And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
Revelation 8:9:
And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
Revelation 8:10:
And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
Revelation 8:11:
And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
Revelation 8:12:
And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.
These four Angels, it will appear to them that are remaining on the Earth, have just about destroyed everything! What I find of particular interest is the truth that in recent days we have seen near misses with asteroids and that NASA Scientists are busy making plans, in cooperation with their Russian counter parts to destroy one that has been tracked and will soon impact the Earth. I do not know if it is true but I have seen some on the WWW that call it Wormwood.
During this time, life on the Earth will be harsh and I am left to wonder if, then, the people will realize they have been found in the hands of a Just and Wrath filled God? All I have heard, for most of my life, is that if the Judea/Christian God ever did live then He is dead now. With the oceans, lakes and rivers flowing as blood over a third of the earth, will they finally awaken and fall down to worship?
Revelation 8:13:
And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
And after all of this, there is more to come and without the Bible to study from they will not even know it.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Revelation 7
Alright, we are now at the point in The Revelation of Jesus, the Christ, that just about everyone, including many of the Lost, wish to discuss, the Rapture!
Revelation 7:1:
And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
I, once more, will tell you that I refuse to be dogmatic in my teaching on the prophecy recorded in the book of The Revelation, except for that which has already happened. But, as I live out my last days I watch the world, the events that are taking pace, daily, and I am, on the personal level, marking this period to be the one noted here in 7:1. It is by faith that I have accepted the belief that these four Heavenly Servants are either in place, right now, or will be, very shortly.
Some will ask, in astonishment, ¨How in the world can you, dare to, walk out on that limb when it is already half cut through?¨ If, or when, we read the scriptures we see that God never brings calamity (punishment) on His children without waring them first! And then as we read the word from God through the prophets we find the markers for the time, just before The Day of the Lord and it is my earnest opinion that we are seeing the Birth Pains, right now and the Fig Tree, Israel, blossomed in May of nineteen and forty-four. The Season is now!
Revelation 7:2:
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Revelation 7:3:
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
So, the Rapture, in the opinion of the Mid-Trib believers has just occurred and it is now time for twelve thousand, from each of the twelve tribes of Israel to be sealed as belonging to the LORD.
Revelation 7:4:
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
There is so much foolishness being taught today, concerning this and the next four verses of the scripture. I´ll guess that the best known is the position of that, Satanic lead cult, the Jehovah´s Witness¨ where it is their position that the 144,000 are already saved, residing in Heaven, right now, leaving the rest of us with no hope of ever ascending to Heaven. All the while verses 4-8 are crystal clear, leaving no need of interpretation, these are descendants of the children God promised, never to aandon or forget, the children of Jacob! (Duet. 7:9, Exo. 20:6 and Psa. 105:8)
Revelation 7:5:
Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
Revelation 7:6:
Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
Revelation 7:7:
Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
Revelation 7:8:
Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
Revelation 7:9:
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Now, I have been taught the Preterist, Mid-Trib and Post-Trib positions and while I do agree with the Mid nor with the Post-Trib positions I do not teach against them because I can see how they arrive at their positions. On the other hand I cannot understand how the Preterist can believe as they do. The Church has been raptured, caught away, and now we see the throngs of converts at the Throne that were murdered for their conversion, during the Great Tribulation. It is my position that if the Preterist is correct that we are doomed... The government is not murdering people yet!
Revelation 7:10:
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Revelation 7:11:
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Revelation 7:12:
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
As I read these verses I recall the past examples of true Worship illustrated for us in this book. It is, one more time I say it, always important to pay attention to what we read in the Word of God and any time a thing is repeated, it gains important, for in this manor, emphasis is given. We must learn to not sit there and to sing during Worship Service, we need to learn to submit our very being to God and to worship prayerfully.
Revelation 7:13:
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
Revelation 7:14:
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
The Holy Spirit has left the Earth with the Church and, perhaps, is then present as He was in the Old Testament (only as He is needed) and still some, perhaps your neighbor that watched you every day, are losing their heads for the cause of Christ because they realize what has happened because we left the mark of the Christ on them.
Revelation 7:15:
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
Revelation 7:16:
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
Revelation 7:17:
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
The Wedding of the LORD to His Bride, the Church has taken place and the Wedding Feast is on going and yet more are being saved. These, it appears, are serving the LORD forever in His presense because of their willingness to die for Him.
Revelation 7:1:
And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
I, once more, will tell you that I refuse to be dogmatic in my teaching on the prophecy recorded in the book of The Revelation, except for that which has already happened. But, as I live out my last days I watch the world, the events that are taking pace, daily, and I am, on the personal level, marking this period to be the one noted here in 7:1. It is by faith that I have accepted the belief that these four Heavenly Servants are either in place, right now, or will be, very shortly.
Some will ask, in astonishment, ¨How in the world can you, dare to, walk out on that limb when it is already half cut through?¨ If, or when, we read the scriptures we see that God never brings calamity (punishment) on His children without waring them first! And then as we read the word from God through the prophets we find the markers for the time, just before The Day of the Lord and it is my earnest opinion that we are seeing the Birth Pains, right now and the Fig Tree, Israel, blossomed in May of nineteen and forty-four. The Season is now!
Revelation 7:2:
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Revelation 7:3:
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
So, the Rapture, in the opinion of the Mid-Trib believers has just occurred and it is now time for twelve thousand, from each of the twelve tribes of Israel to be sealed as belonging to the LORD.
Revelation 7:4:
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
There is so much foolishness being taught today, concerning this and the next four verses of the scripture. I´ll guess that the best known is the position of that, Satanic lead cult, the Jehovah´s Witness¨ where it is their position that the 144,000 are already saved, residing in Heaven, right now, leaving the rest of us with no hope of ever ascending to Heaven. All the while verses 4-8 are crystal clear, leaving no need of interpretation, these are descendants of the children God promised, never to aandon or forget, the children of Jacob! (Duet. 7:9, Exo. 20:6 and Psa. 105:8)
Revelation 7:5:
Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
Revelation 7:6:
Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
Revelation 7:7:
Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
Revelation 7:8:
Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
Revelation 7:9:
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Now, I have been taught the Preterist, Mid-Trib and Post-Trib positions and while I do agree with the Mid nor with the Post-Trib positions I do not teach against them because I can see how they arrive at their positions. On the other hand I cannot understand how the Preterist can believe as they do. The Church has been raptured, caught away, and now we see the throngs of converts at the Throne that were murdered for their conversion, during the Great Tribulation. It is my position that if the Preterist is correct that we are doomed... The government is not murdering people yet!
Revelation 7:10:
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Revelation 7:11:
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Revelation 7:12:
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
As I read these verses I recall the past examples of true Worship illustrated for us in this book. It is, one more time I say it, always important to pay attention to what we read in the Word of God and any time a thing is repeated, it gains important, for in this manor, emphasis is given. We must learn to not sit there and to sing during Worship Service, we need to learn to submit our very being to God and to worship prayerfully.
Revelation 7:13:
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
Revelation 7:14:
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
The Holy Spirit has left the Earth with the Church and, perhaps, is then present as He was in the Old Testament (only as He is needed) and still some, perhaps your neighbor that watched you every day, are losing their heads for the cause of Christ because they realize what has happened because we left the mark of the Christ on them.
Revelation 7:15:
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
Revelation 7:16:
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
Revelation 7:17:
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
The Wedding of the LORD to His Bride, the Church has taken place and the Wedding Feast is on going and yet more are being saved. These, it appears, are serving the LORD forever in His presense because of their willingness to die for Him.
Revelation 6
Revelation 6:1:
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
Remember, Christ, the Lamb that was slain, has just taken hold of the scroll and has now opened the first seal. It is also important that these ¨beasts¨ are in the ranking of the hierarchy of the Angels. These are the four that guard the Throne of God, forever, and one has just invited John to approach the Throne to see what is in the scroll.
Revelation 6:2:
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
There are many thoughts put forth that this white horse is the same horse and rider we will find in the nineteenth chapter, I tend to disagree. I know that Jesus is there opening the scroll and I accept that these things are to happen in the future but for this rider, on this white horse, to be Jesus, I would need to forget the truth of the work He did on the cross. His ¨work¨ is finished until He sets foot on the Earth to rule! This rider has gone forth conquering and to conquer. Having attempted to conquer I know for the truth that this is a deadly serious work.
Revelation 6:3:
And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
John appears to have either stepped back or is very involved in watching the events caused by the rider of the first horse and rider and when the LORD had opened the next seal another angelic being had to call his attention back to looking at the scroll. I believe that it is essential to remember that the present, the future and the past are all current in Heaven and to remember that John, alive in the first century s viewing events that will, very likely, occur in the twenty-first century and very soon.
Revelation 6:4:
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Anything is possible in Heaven because the power of God is without limit but I have never seen red horse and I do feel that God used these, vividly different horses for, likely, many reasons and the first thing I see is an example of the unlimited spectrum of God. So we see the character on this horse is going forth with a sword, an implement of war and he will bring war to the earth. I´ve seen some that teach the idea that this war, here, is to be a limited war with perhaps twenty or thirty percent of the world, to include, certainly, Israel... I disagree! In the mid-sixties I read a book titled ¨The Haj¨ and it peaked my interest in the Muslim World. Although I was disagreed with by my peers in the military I saw the civilized Nations at war with the Arab Nations and in a religious war with them, I see the events of today going there. It is a World War and we are, in my opinion watching the beginnig of it right now and they are moving in all of the world.
Revelation 6:5:
And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
If we have kept the commandment to study to show ourselves approved I feel that everyone of us know the scripture that assures us that a single meal will cost a full days wages and that is what we see here.
Revelation 6:6:
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
Continuing: This Black Horse represents a terrible dark time. When the disciples walked with Jesus, they learned to walk in the light. Over the span of the centuries the Light we are to walk in has grown darker and darker as we have twisted the words of the writers of the scriptures, giving them the meaning we wish to live with. The scale represents judgment!
Revelation 6:7:
And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
Revelation 6:8:
And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
I do not know if I should agree or to disagree but some see this Pale Horse as a very light, almost white, green. Regardless of the exact color of the horse, it had the correct affect on John. Riding this horse is an Angel of Death and he has been given the duty of bringing a living Hell to a fourth part of the world. The time of the Day of the LORD will be a terrible time for a great number, at least 1.5 billion people.
Revelation 6:9:
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
I have been taught, all of my life, that these are the ones, after the Rapture, that took the LORD for their Savior and were killed for it.
Revelation 6:10:
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
Revelation 6:11:
And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
It appears that we should read the News more often because if we do so, to study, we find examples, even today, of great Church growth. In the 1990s there was a great persecution of Christians. Daily, hundreds of believers were savagely murdered by the Muslims from the north of Sudan. (The simmering war we are experiencing everywhere today) As these were being murdered, the Church there grew by hundreds and thousands a day. (Could this be what will happen during the Great Tribulation?)
Revelation 6:12:
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Revelation 6:13:
And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
Revelation 6:14:
And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Revelation 6:15:
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Revelation 6:16:
And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
Revelatio 6:17:
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
I am certain that I do not ever wish to live through this time, The Day of the LORD. Once there was a very large bond fire and, before it was illegal to do so. There were rubber tires thrown into the fire so that the smoke was a thick black plume. As I watched the fire consume everything I could see the Sun. It was dark red and not inviting at all.
In these last verses, before the Seventh Seal is opened, we see all the people of the Earth, the live ones, trying to hide from the Omnipotent God. The sky has rolled back as a scroll, the Stars are falling to the Earth and killing everything and people are scared to death, this is a time you do not want to be unsaved.
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
Remember, Christ, the Lamb that was slain, has just taken hold of the scroll and has now opened the first seal. It is also important that these ¨beasts¨ are in the ranking of the hierarchy of the Angels. These are the four that guard the Throne of God, forever, and one has just invited John to approach the Throne to see what is in the scroll.
Revelation 6:2:
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
There are many thoughts put forth that this white horse is the same horse and rider we will find in the nineteenth chapter, I tend to disagree. I know that Jesus is there opening the scroll and I accept that these things are to happen in the future but for this rider, on this white horse, to be Jesus, I would need to forget the truth of the work He did on the cross. His ¨work¨ is finished until He sets foot on the Earth to rule! This rider has gone forth conquering and to conquer. Having attempted to conquer I know for the truth that this is a deadly serious work.
Revelation 6:3:
And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
John appears to have either stepped back or is very involved in watching the events caused by the rider of the first horse and rider and when the LORD had opened the next seal another angelic being had to call his attention back to looking at the scroll. I believe that it is essential to remember that the present, the future and the past are all current in Heaven and to remember that John, alive in the first century s viewing events that will, very likely, occur in the twenty-first century and very soon.
Revelation 6:4:
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Anything is possible in Heaven because the power of God is without limit but I have never seen red horse and I do feel that God used these, vividly different horses for, likely, many reasons and the first thing I see is an example of the unlimited spectrum of God. So we see the character on this horse is going forth with a sword, an implement of war and he will bring war to the earth. I´ve seen some that teach the idea that this war, here, is to be a limited war with perhaps twenty or thirty percent of the world, to include, certainly, Israel... I disagree! In the mid-sixties I read a book titled ¨The Haj¨ and it peaked my interest in the Muslim World. Although I was disagreed with by my peers in the military I saw the civilized Nations at war with the Arab Nations and in a religious war with them, I see the events of today going there. It is a World War and we are, in my opinion watching the beginnig of it right now and they are moving in all of the world.
Revelation 6:5:
And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
If we have kept the commandment to study to show ourselves approved I feel that everyone of us know the scripture that assures us that a single meal will cost a full days wages and that is what we see here.
Revelation 6:6:
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
Continuing: This Black Horse represents a terrible dark time. When the disciples walked with Jesus, they learned to walk in the light. Over the span of the centuries the Light we are to walk in has grown darker and darker as we have twisted the words of the writers of the scriptures, giving them the meaning we wish to live with. The scale represents judgment!
Revelation 6:7:
And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
Revelation 6:8:
And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
I do not know if I should agree or to disagree but some see this Pale Horse as a very light, almost white, green. Regardless of the exact color of the horse, it had the correct affect on John. Riding this horse is an Angel of Death and he has been given the duty of bringing a living Hell to a fourth part of the world. The time of the Day of the LORD will be a terrible time for a great number, at least 1.5 billion people.
Revelation 6:9:
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
I have been taught, all of my life, that these are the ones, after the Rapture, that took the LORD for their Savior and were killed for it.
Revelation 6:10:
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
Revelation 6:11:
And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
It appears that we should read the News more often because if we do so, to study, we find examples, even today, of great Church growth. In the 1990s there was a great persecution of Christians. Daily, hundreds of believers were savagely murdered by the Muslims from the north of Sudan. (The simmering war we are experiencing everywhere today) As these were being murdered, the Church there grew by hundreds and thousands a day. (Could this be what will happen during the Great Tribulation?)
Revelation 6:12:
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Revelation 6:13:
And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
Revelation 6:14:
And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Revelation 6:15:
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Revelation 6:16:
And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
Revelatio 6:17:
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
I am certain that I do not ever wish to live through this time, The Day of the LORD. Once there was a very large bond fire and, before it was illegal to do so. There were rubber tires thrown into the fire so that the smoke was a thick black plume. As I watched the fire consume everything I could see the Sun. It was dark red and not inviting at all.
In these last verses, before the Seventh Seal is opened, we see all the people of the Earth, the live ones, trying to hide from the Omnipotent God. The sky has rolled back as a scroll, the Stars are falling to the Earth and killing everything and people are scared to death, this is a time you do not want to be unsaved.
Revelation 5
Revelation of John 5:1:
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
We read in the beginning of Chapt. 4 that John saw a throne and here we are in chapt. 5 to discover that there is a scroll in the right hand of Him that sits there. The right hand or to be at the right hand side of God is the symbol of Absolute Power!
Revelation of John 5:2:
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
There is an issue to be decided here. It is delineated by an Angel. It is very important to understand that, aside from God, Angels are the most powerful beings in all of creation. As we study the Bible on a regular basis I, at least, can be no less than dumbfounded at their power. They will, in the future, turn the oceans to blood and they will kill most of humanity before the Tribulation is over. But this Angel here, able to destroy the world, cannot open the seals on this scroll.
Revelation of John 5:3:
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
As I have spent my study time over the past 21 years reading and rereading the scriptures it has left me a gasp! We, the saved humans will rule over the Angels of Heaven (1Cor. 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels?) and yet neither man, nor Angel could open the Seven Seals.
Revelation of John 5:4:
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
John, though he is privileged to visit Heaven, in the spirit, is distressed and upset!
Revelation of John 5:5:
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
This, from the human stand point, is, likely, best understood by men who have been in a hopeless situation in a Combat Zone. I´ve known men that were trapped, surrounded, some for days, and had just admitted, to themselves that they would not escape this time and they have always been so thrilled and pleased that they could not stop buying shots and beers, for anybody. I also have known that feeling and until the Elder spoke to John, everything was lost and there was no hope.
One might, correctly, conclude that when the Son of God, the Lion of Juda, Jesus, came forward, there were tears of joy and relief in the eyes of john.
Revelation of John 5:6:
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
As he looks this over he notices some things about Jesus he had never seen before, the horns of power and the eyes of pure wisdom, and here He is in the midst of the four beasts that, continuously guard the Throne of God.
Revelation of John 5:7:
And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
Jesus, being worthy, because it is He that completed the work on Earth that neither man nor angel could, steps for in all of His majesty and takes the scroll from the hand of God, His Father.
Revelation of John 5:8:
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
Have you felt like your prayers just hit the ceiling and bounce back onto the floor? Always remember this verse of scripture. Now, I know that this book is written in symbolic language but any time that God mentions anything it is important. If the LORD emphasizes anything by mentioning it twice it is being emphasized and prayer is discussed more than 114 times in the scriptures and here we see that the four beasts and the twenty-four elders that are seated around the Throne of God have them for a sweet odor in viles to keep them.
Revelation of John 5:9:
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
They are singing a new song here praising Jesus for His work on the cross and I have, of late, seen many different takes on the matter of Salvation and, just, who is eligible for it. It has been my position, ever since I was called to teach that every soul born on this earth is eligible and this verse sure does seem to make that clear, doesn´t it?
Revelation of John 5:10:
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
There are millions of Christians, I believe, that have never seen ths verse in the scriptures. Folks just get upset with the idea that we will reign under but with Jesus on the world, but we will!
Revelation of John 5:11:
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
In Matthew 26:53 we are taught that Jesus could have called twelve legions of angels to do His will and yet folks have the strange idea that Heaven is not all that large. When we do the math here we see that there are better than one hundred million angels in Heaven. Heaven is not going to be, Heaven is the most awesome place we can consider.
Revelation of John 5:12:
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Many times today I am informed that this or that particular person naming the name of the Christ as their Savior owe God nothing! The scripture, here, is very clear, the Saved Person owes everything to God! None of us were or ever will be Worthy of the glory we receive or will receive because of Jesus.
Revelation of John 5:13:
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
In the last three verses of Matthew we find the duty we are commissioned to perform, not to earn our Salvation but rather because we should feel that we owe it to our Redeemer. And we need to understand that the Kingdom of God is right now and begin to serve like the Bond Servants, Slaves, we are.
Revelation of John 5:14:
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
And so should every single one of us, not on Sunday, no, every second of every minute of every day we live.
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
We read in the beginning of Chapt. 4 that John saw a throne and here we are in chapt. 5 to discover that there is a scroll in the right hand of Him that sits there. The right hand or to be at the right hand side of God is the symbol of Absolute Power!
Revelation of John 5:2:
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
There is an issue to be decided here. It is delineated by an Angel. It is very important to understand that, aside from God, Angels are the most powerful beings in all of creation. As we study the Bible on a regular basis I, at least, can be no less than dumbfounded at their power. They will, in the future, turn the oceans to blood and they will kill most of humanity before the Tribulation is over. But this Angel here, able to destroy the world, cannot open the seals on this scroll.
Revelation of John 5:3:
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
As I have spent my study time over the past 21 years reading and rereading the scriptures it has left me a gasp! We, the saved humans will rule over the Angels of Heaven (1Cor. 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels?) and yet neither man, nor Angel could open the Seven Seals.
Revelation of John 5:4:
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
John, though he is privileged to visit Heaven, in the spirit, is distressed and upset!
Revelation of John 5:5:
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
This, from the human stand point, is, likely, best understood by men who have been in a hopeless situation in a Combat Zone. I´ve known men that were trapped, surrounded, some for days, and had just admitted, to themselves that they would not escape this time and they have always been so thrilled and pleased that they could not stop buying shots and beers, for anybody. I also have known that feeling and until the Elder spoke to John, everything was lost and there was no hope.
One might, correctly, conclude that when the Son of God, the Lion of Juda, Jesus, came forward, there were tears of joy and relief in the eyes of john.
Revelation of John 5:6:
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
As he looks this over he notices some things about Jesus he had never seen before, the horns of power and the eyes of pure wisdom, and here He is in the midst of the four beasts that, continuously guard the Throne of God.
Revelation of John 5:7:
And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
Jesus, being worthy, because it is He that completed the work on Earth that neither man nor angel could, steps for in all of His majesty and takes the scroll from the hand of God, His Father.
Revelation of John 5:8:
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
Have you felt like your prayers just hit the ceiling and bounce back onto the floor? Always remember this verse of scripture. Now, I know that this book is written in symbolic language but any time that God mentions anything it is important. If the LORD emphasizes anything by mentioning it twice it is being emphasized and prayer is discussed more than 114 times in the scriptures and here we see that the four beasts and the twenty-four elders that are seated around the Throne of God have them for a sweet odor in viles to keep them.
Revelation of John 5:9:
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
They are singing a new song here praising Jesus for His work on the cross and I have, of late, seen many different takes on the matter of Salvation and, just, who is eligible for it. It has been my position, ever since I was called to teach that every soul born on this earth is eligible and this verse sure does seem to make that clear, doesn´t it?
Revelation of John 5:10:
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
There are millions of Christians, I believe, that have never seen ths verse in the scriptures. Folks just get upset with the idea that we will reign under but with Jesus on the world, but we will!
Revelation of John 5:11:
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
In Matthew 26:53 we are taught that Jesus could have called twelve legions of angels to do His will and yet folks have the strange idea that Heaven is not all that large. When we do the math here we see that there are better than one hundred million angels in Heaven. Heaven is not going to be, Heaven is the most awesome place we can consider.
Revelation of John 5:12:
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Many times today I am informed that this or that particular person naming the name of the Christ as their Savior owe God nothing! The scripture, here, is very clear, the Saved Person owes everything to God! None of us were or ever will be Worthy of the glory we receive or will receive because of Jesus.
Revelation of John 5:13:
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
In the last three verses of Matthew we find the duty we are commissioned to perform, not to earn our Salvation but rather because we should feel that we owe it to our Redeemer. And we need to understand that the Kingdom of God is right now and begin to serve like the Bond Servants, Slaves, we are.
Revelation of John 5:14:
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
And so should every single one of us, not on Sunday, no, every second of every minute of every day we live.
Revelation 4
Revelation of John 4:1: (KJV)
After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
In Rev. 1:10 and here, once more we see that although it is a much debated issue, John, himself, states that he was in the spirit. We must be very careful when we run off and pretend that we can interpret the scriptures, we can not do that! In 1Cor. 4:1 we see that we, who have devoted ourselves to the service of God hold the key to the scriptures, therefore the Bible is a mystery to the Lost Man. On the day I converted to Christianity I was overcome by or with the Holy Spirit of God and that night, as I read the book that had befuddled me so much before, made perfect sense to me. Without the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to understand, let alone translate the meaning of a verse of scripture.
Revelation of John 4:2:
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3:And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4:And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5:And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
I have not had the need for a precise need for an explanation of just who the twenty-four elders, seated around the throne of God are and I´ll not try to pull your leg and lie to you, I don´t know, nor do I need to know. God does not request that we have faith, He demands it! And here I´ll elect to leave this for the future, when and if God chooses to reveal it. The fact of the matter is that we see here that Heaven is a beautiful place beyond all we can imagine.
And in verse 5 we find that seven lamps mentioned before are before the throne, the seven Spirits of God. During my twenty-one years as a Christian I have witnessed the lamp being removed twice from Church Bodies, it is a terrible event, the church just drifts without clear direction. Just as we see in Daniel, when he fasted and prayed himself, almost to exhaustion, God´s messenger was delayed fighting the Prince of Persia, this is a Spiritual Being, a human cannot delay an angel. Every nation, church, Mom & Pop Store and person has a Spiritual Being guiding and protecting them. These are either from God or from Satan but it is just as the scripture teaches, we war against Spiritual Beings. We must, everyone of us learn to bow our knees to our LORD and Master... now!
Revelation of John 4:6:
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
7:And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
8:And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
We must learn, and I say once more, must learn, to properly worship God. I have never seen these beasts but I do find the fact that they worship God in all they do to be an important example of what we are to model our lives after. Since the event of my indwelling with the Holy Spirit of God, all I have done, I have done with Him in mind. So many today go to church on Sunday and they play Church and then live like Hell the rest of the week.
If a man or a woman is saved they are indwelt with the Spirit of God. They become Carnal, as I understand it, when they quench that Spirit. They, however, might not be quenching the Spirit at all, they might not be saved! It is at this point that one must do a Spiritual Inventory, seemingly, the most dreaded action one can undertake today. Do we fear the truth?
Revelation of John 4:9:And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10:The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11:Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Often today, when I teach on why I sign my signature with Bond Servant, I am informed they they, any number of folks, owe God nothing, they are saved by grace! This has also, often, left me shaking my head, side to side! There is not a thing that we have that God did not create the materials it was made from, it all, all of it belongs to God and that includes my body! It is my glory that I am His Bond Servant.
When we study the scriptures we find that Bond Servants (Employees) were common in Bible times and if they lived better than when they were free, they had an ear pierced with an awl to mark themselves as a willing servant to their Master. We do not that custom today but if my LORD were to ask it, I would proudly have it done. We must learn to submit and we must do so completely.
After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
In Rev. 1:10 and here, once more we see that although it is a much debated issue, John, himself, states that he was in the spirit. We must be very careful when we run off and pretend that we can interpret the scriptures, we can not do that! In 1Cor. 4:1 we see that we, who have devoted ourselves to the service of God hold the key to the scriptures, therefore the Bible is a mystery to the Lost Man. On the day I converted to Christianity I was overcome by or with the Holy Spirit of God and that night, as I read the book that had befuddled me so much before, made perfect sense to me. Without the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to understand, let alone translate the meaning of a verse of scripture.
Revelation of John 4:2:
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3:And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4:And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5:And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
I have not had the need for a precise need for an explanation of just who the twenty-four elders, seated around the throne of God are and I´ll not try to pull your leg and lie to you, I don´t know, nor do I need to know. God does not request that we have faith, He demands it! And here I´ll elect to leave this for the future, when and if God chooses to reveal it. The fact of the matter is that we see here that Heaven is a beautiful place beyond all we can imagine.
And in verse 5 we find that seven lamps mentioned before are before the throne, the seven Spirits of God. During my twenty-one years as a Christian I have witnessed the lamp being removed twice from Church Bodies, it is a terrible event, the church just drifts without clear direction. Just as we see in Daniel, when he fasted and prayed himself, almost to exhaustion, God´s messenger was delayed fighting the Prince of Persia, this is a Spiritual Being, a human cannot delay an angel. Every nation, church, Mom & Pop Store and person has a Spiritual Being guiding and protecting them. These are either from God or from Satan but it is just as the scripture teaches, we war against Spiritual Beings. We must, everyone of us learn to bow our knees to our LORD and Master... now!
Revelation of John 4:6:
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
7:And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
8:And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
We must learn, and I say once more, must learn, to properly worship God. I have never seen these beasts but I do find the fact that they worship God in all they do to be an important example of what we are to model our lives after. Since the event of my indwelling with the Holy Spirit of God, all I have done, I have done with Him in mind. So many today go to church on Sunday and they play Church and then live like Hell the rest of the week.
If a man or a woman is saved they are indwelt with the Spirit of God. They become Carnal, as I understand it, when they quench that Spirit. They, however, might not be quenching the Spirit at all, they might not be saved! It is at this point that one must do a Spiritual Inventory, seemingly, the most dreaded action one can undertake today. Do we fear the truth?
Revelation of John 4:9:And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10:The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11:Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Often today, when I teach on why I sign my signature with Bond Servant, I am informed they they, any number of folks, owe God nothing, they are saved by grace! This has also, often, left me shaking my head, side to side! There is not a thing that we have that God did not create the materials it was made from, it all, all of it belongs to God and that includes my body! It is my glory that I am His Bond Servant.
When we study the scriptures we find that Bond Servants (Employees) were common in Bible times and if they lived better than when they were free, they had an ear pierced with an awl to mark themselves as a willing servant to their Master. We do not that custom today but if my LORD were to ask it, I would proudly have it done. We must learn to submit and we must do so completely.
Revelation 3
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
It is increasingly important that we keep our minds refreshed with the Word of God, not just the Revelation, but the entire Bible. As we look into this chapter, it will do most a god turn to review the letters in chapter 2. These letters are addressed and speak to seven Church Families in Asia but as they are read today a man walking with God should also, immediately pick up that these also apply to the church today for a Guide Line for our walk with the Christ. These have been described by some as representing the Church Age Periods from the first century until now. I do not teach that but the Church Universal is mighty like the last in this string of letters. The third verse is very solid advise for any Christian, at any point since our Chris left on the cloud.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
In class today we around and around with a gentleman about what I am about to say here and he is the only one in the class that never got it, that left me and all the others praying for him, it´s serious not to relate to this. In the eyes of God, you, I and every Christian we collectively know were given robes of the purest white, the very moment we were saved and have been dressed in them ever since. Those that remain faithfully serving the Master will have less stains on our garmets than the Carnal Christian. Some, better than 95% or the North American Church Family never have had a spiritual robe on, if the Barna Church Survey of the mid-eighties is correct. That makes the inside of our own churches a mission field white unto harvest.
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
We find here that we can hide nothing from our God. We also see that he or she that is faithful and true to the Word of God has the door into Heaven opened to them. This scripture flies straight in the face of much of the errant theology being taught in the ear tickling churches today. This promise is conditional, they kept His Word and had not denied His name.
9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
With this passage I have always found that the Human Earth Worms always wiggle the worst! It is the Jew that is called out here and a study, completed by myself, over fifteen years ago illustrates why the Christians are not, seemly, included. When the First Century Church sprung up we were recognized as a Jewish Sect. Like it or not, we are still that sect from the Jewish Faith! As a Christian today, you are included in this warning. These conditions spelled out here were once, withing my life time, taught in the churches. It is a mark of just how far we have fallen.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
You see here that Jesus is stressing the conditions and the reward. I admit it, I am sick of seeing people, mistakenly, through ignorance of the truth and sometimes intentionally lying to people to fill their buildings. Just knowing Jesus has and will never save a single person. You cannot work or earn your way into Heaven but neither is it unconditional. You must learn to never qustion and to always obey.
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
There is no possible worse pronouncement than this and because I do believe we are very close to Jesus on the cloud, it is not only my contention that we are in the Laodicean Church Age but that all these charges are cumlative and the Church, in general, is guilty and guilty of all of it! Better than 85% of the people in your Church Family are not doing a single thing for the cause of Christ and better than 95% do not believe He will Rapture them out. Without faith there is nothing, read your Bible just like the book it is.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
The United States Of America is in such a dangerous position today! The man living under the Freeway Bridge is among the top 10% of the wealthiest people in the world. We have so much material wealth that we have no Spiritual eyes to see our poor and wretched position! Some of you are so blind that these words will enrage you and you´ll never do a Spiritual Inventory.
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Does God see you dressed white, Spiritual White?
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Is Jesus your Master? Do you obey Him?
It is increasingly important that we keep our minds refreshed with the Word of God, not just the Revelation, but the entire Bible. As we look into this chapter, it will do most a god turn to review the letters in chapter 2. These letters are addressed and speak to seven Church Families in Asia but as they are read today a man walking with God should also, immediately pick up that these also apply to the church today for a Guide Line for our walk with the Christ. These have been described by some as representing the Church Age Periods from the first century until now. I do not teach that but the Church Universal is mighty like the last in this string of letters. The third verse is very solid advise for any Christian, at any point since our Chris left on the cloud.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
In class today we around and around with a gentleman about what I am about to say here and he is the only one in the class that never got it, that left me and all the others praying for him, it´s serious not to relate to this. In the eyes of God, you, I and every Christian we collectively know were given robes of the purest white, the very moment we were saved and have been dressed in them ever since. Those that remain faithfully serving the Master will have less stains on our garmets than the Carnal Christian. Some, better than 95% or the North American Church Family never have had a spiritual robe on, if the Barna Church Survey of the mid-eighties is correct. That makes the inside of our own churches a mission field white unto harvest.
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
We find here that we can hide nothing from our God. We also see that he or she that is faithful and true to the Word of God has the door into Heaven opened to them. This scripture flies straight in the face of much of the errant theology being taught in the ear tickling churches today. This promise is conditional, they kept His Word and had not denied His name.
9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
With this passage I have always found that the Human Earth Worms always wiggle the worst! It is the Jew that is called out here and a study, completed by myself, over fifteen years ago illustrates why the Christians are not, seemly, included. When the First Century Church sprung up we were recognized as a Jewish Sect. Like it or not, we are still that sect from the Jewish Faith! As a Christian today, you are included in this warning. These conditions spelled out here were once, withing my life time, taught in the churches. It is a mark of just how far we have fallen.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
You see here that Jesus is stressing the conditions and the reward. I admit it, I am sick of seeing people, mistakenly, through ignorance of the truth and sometimes intentionally lying to people to fill their buildings. Just knowing Jesus has and will never save a single person. You cannot work or earn your way into Heaven but neither is it unconditional. You must learn to never qustion and to always obey.
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
There is no possible worse pronouncement than this and because I do believe we are very close to Jesus on the cloud, it is not only my contention that we are in the Laodicean Church Age but that all these charges are cumlative and the Church, in general, is guilty and guilty of all of it! Better than 85% of the people in your Church Family are not doing a single thing for the cause of Christ and better than 95% do not believe He will Rapture them out. Without faith there is nothing, read your Bible just like the book it is.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
The United States Of America is in such a dangerous position today! The man living under the Freeway Bridge is among the top 10% of the wealthiest people in the world. We have so much material wealth that we have no Spiritual eyes to see our poor and wretched position! Some of you are so blind that these words will enrage you and you´ll never do a Spiritual Inventory.
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Does God see you dressed white, Spiritual White?
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Is Jesus your Master? Do you obey Him?
Revelation 2
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
Many are they that will report that the messages to the seven churches of Asia, now known as Asia Minor, has nothing of value today but for the sake of history. My Eighth Grade Teacher, Miss, C. C, Allen (also Charles Swindol´s History Teacher) started the new class, each year, with, ¨ Those, who do not learn History, must relive it.¨ I heard Chuck report on day that he had found Miss Allen´s statement to be true and I tell you that it is absolutely true! Today, the world has taken Matt. 7:1 out of the context it is spoken in and has shut the mouth of the Church, that is tragic. In the context we are taught to judge in the same manor we wish to be judged in but to always judge!
In the passage above, from the KJV, we see that Jesus/God is making note of their works and in verse 4 we will see that this is not a problem for that church, rather it is held up for comparison to the problems He finds with them.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
So few, today, can give a testimony for the time and date of their conversion. I, and all of the elderly men in my class can tell you where we were, what we were doing and exactly how our lives changed in that moment. If you or one you know has performed the ¨duties¨ required for Salvation and there is no visible change you might need to council with them.
For those of us that are secure in our salvation, we need to do a Spiritual Inventory! Remember the fire of the moment when we were saved? Does it hurt your heart (your inner being) to see thousands of Lost Men and Women walking around you every day? In Matt. 28:18-20 Jesus called us to the Great Commission and to nothing else! How many people have you asked to receive the LORD in the last month and how many Babes in Christ have you Discipled (Mentored) to Spiritual Maturity?
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Here is another is another commendation for this Church. It is uncertain what the Nicolaitans taught but I will suggest to you that it was probably some form of ear tickling. When was the last time you heard an Old Time Fire and Brimstone message on the prizes of Hell? Just as was foretold by our LORD there are few today that can eat (hear and reason with) the Meat of Scripture. I believe there are churches (Buildings where the Church meets) that contain not a single Christian today.
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Here we find the reward for faithfulness. This is not the reward for the person that got his or her Sunday School Pin for faithful attendance! No, this is for those that have been found faithful and have overcome the temptation to sit in front of the Idiot Tube, to become saturated with the latest novel, to know the latest and complete stats of the Houston Texans. This reward (Crown) goes to him or her that has continually returned to the LORD´s service.
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
I am a proud American Veteran and I know that the man living under the bridge on the way into town is among the top ten percent of the wealthiest people in the world. In my latter years I have found that it concerns me that I can no longer be a wealth contributing member to the nation I live in but, at the same time, I now have the time to do greater works for the LORD than I have ever done in the past, I am richer in my poverty than I ever was in my wealth. I find new ways to help my Church Family (the Church) than I ever had the time to discover in the past.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
What a sweet promise! Think about what Jesus has just said in the fashion of a parable. When we look back, just before the Millennial Reign is finished, these seventy to hundred years or so will be but a wisp in time. As a Christian, my time of trouble is very short but for those that never call upon the LORD for salvation will still be suffering ten thousand years from today. They will suffer the Second Death every day, all day long.
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
The most important thing of all to remember is that the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the Christians is neither stupid, nor is God blind. There is a rule for the beginning of understanding scripture, ¨Never attempt to understand any verse or group of verses with out the light of all scripture shinning upon it.¨ When we allow the world to influence our teaching, the way we have in the matter of judgement, as per Matt. 1, we are teaching the doctrines Satan wants for us... a doctrine of Balaam? It is not of the LORD. In Mal. 3:6a we learn that God never changes.
Any time you can listen to or read a teaching that is contrary to what God has taught in the past and it does not line up with the Word of God without bending something... it is not from God, no matter how much it tickles your ears or warms your heart, it is a lie and not from God.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
One contention I have always taught and frequently rebuked for is that the instructions to all of the churches in Asia is cumulative and additionally, is applicable for instruction to all Christianity. The evidence for this position is found in the pluralization of the word church in the cautions of these passages.
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
A Christian, a name to commonly used today, or a church can do multitudes of good works and all of it amount to nothing if it is performed under the wrong circumstances. In the passage above we find that a woman named Jezebel has proclaimed herself a Prophetess is teaching in the church and leading them into fornication. We need be very careful with this term here. It is a practical requirement that one come to an understanding of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament of our modern day Bibles) before the Revelation of Jesus, as given to John can ever begin to be understood.
Here fornication can mean two and perhaps more things. The first is the obvious one involving a man and a strange woman. The second, as defined in the scriptures is God´s people, having given themselves to Him, also seeking to serve other, lessor, gods. In my understanding of this passage I have not been led to discard the first entirely but rest most heavily on the Children of God playing with their idols/other gods.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
It is a terrible thing to ne found in the hands of a Wrathful God!
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
A Spiritual Inventory is a good thing for any man or woman to do of themselves, your very position in Eternity depends on it.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
I do not know why the translators were led to break here and to let the next churches messages begin a new chapter but with all that is within me I know that they were led of the LORD to do so and for that reason and none other this study will wait on next weeks teaching.
Many are they that will report that the messages to the seven churches of Asia, now known as Asia Minor, has nothing of value today but for the sake of history. My Eighth Grade Teacher, Miss, C. C, Allen (also Charles Swindol´s History Teacher) started the new class, each year, with, ¨ Those, who do not learn History, must relive it.¨ I heard Chuck report on day that he had found Miss Allen´s statement to be true and I tell you that it is absolutely true! Today, the world has taken Matt. 7:1 out of the context it is spoken in and has shut the mouth of the Church, that is tragic. In the context we are taught to judge in the same manor we wish to be judged in but to always judge!
In the passage above, from the KJV, we see that Jesus/God is making note of their works and in verse 4 we will see that this is not a problem for that church, rather it is held up for comparison to the problems He finds with them.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
So few, today, can give a testimony for the time and date of their conversion. I, and all of the elderly men in my class can tell you where we were, what we were doing and exactly how our lives changed in that moment. If you or one you know has performed the ¨duties¨ required for Salvation and there is no visible change you might need to council with them.
For those of us that are secure in our salvation, we need to do a Spiritual Inventory! Remember the fire of the moment when we were saved? Does it hurt your heart (your inner being) to see thousands of Lost Men and Women walking around you every day? In Matt. 28:18-20 Jesus called us to the Great Commission and to nothing else! How many people have you asked to receive the LORD in the last month and how many Babes in Christ have you Discipled (Mentored) to Spiritual Maturity?
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Here is another is another commendation for this Church. It is uncertain what the Nicolaitans taught but I will suggest to you that it was probably some form of ear tickling. When was the last time you heard an Old Time Fire and Brimstone message on the prizes of Hell? Just as was foretold by our LORD there are few today that can eat (hear and reason with) the Meat of Scripture. I believe there are churches (Buildings where the Church meets) that contain not a single Christian today.
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Here we find the reward for faithfulness. This is not the reward for the person that got his or her Sunday School Pin for faithful attendance! No, this is for those that have been found faithful and have overcome the temptation to sit in front of the Idiot Tube, to become saturated with the latest novel, to know the latest and complete stats of the Houston Texans. This reward (Crown) goes to him or her that has continually returned to the LORD´s service.
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
I am a proud American Veteran and I know that the man living under the bridge on the way into town is among the top ten percent of the wealthiest people in the world. In my latter years I have found that it concerns me that I can no longer be a wealth contributing member to the nation I live in but, at the same time, I now have the time to do greater works for the LORD than I have ever done in the past, I am richer in my poverty than I ever was in my wealth. I find new ways to help my Church Family (the Church) than I ever had the time to discover in the past.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
What a sweet promise! Think about what Jesus has just said in the fashion of a parable. When we look back, just before the Millennial Reign is finished, these seventy to hundred years or so will be but a wisp in time. As a Christian, my time of trouble is very short but for those that never call upon the LORD for salvation will still be suffering ten thousand years from today. They will suffer the Second Death every day, all day long.
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
The most important thing of all to remember is that the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the Christians is neither stupid, nor is God blind. There is a rule for the beginning of understanding scripture, ¨Never attempt to understand any verse or group of verses with out the light of all scripture shinning upon it.¨ When we allow the world to influence our teaching, the way we have in the matter of judgement, as per Matt. 1, we are teaching the doctrines Satan wants for us... a doctrine of Balaam? It is not of the LORD. In Mal. 3:6a we learn that God never changes.
Any time you can listen to or read a teaching that is contrary to what God has taught in the past and it does not line up with the Word of God without bending something... it is not from God, no matter how much it tickles your ears or warms your heart, it is a lie and not from God.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
One contention I have always taught and frequently rebuked for is that the instructions to all of the churches in Asia is cumulative and additionally, is applicable for instruction to all Christianity. The evidence for this position is found in the pluralization of the word church in the cautions of these passages.
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
A Christian, a name to commonly used today, or a church can do multitudes of good works and all of it amount to nothing if it is performed under the wrong circumstances. In the passage above we find that a woman named Jezebel has proclaimed herself a Prophetess is teaching in the church and leading them into fornication. We need be very careful with this term here. It is a practical requirement that one come to an understanding of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament of our modern day Bibles) before the Revelation of Jesus, as given to John can ever begin to be understood.
Here fornication can mean two and perhaps more things. The first is the obvious one involving a man and a strange woman. The second, as defined in the scriptures is God´s people, having given themselves to Him, also seeking to serve other, lessor, gods. In my understanding of this passage I have not been led to discard the first entirely but rest most heavily on the Children of God playing with their idols/other gods.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
It is a terrible thing to ne found in the hands of a Wrathful God!
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
A Spiritual Inventory is a good thing for any man or woman to do of themselves, your very position in Eternity depends on it.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
I do not know why the translators were led to break here and to let the next churches messages begin a new chapter but with all that is within me I know that they were led of the LORD to do so and for that reason and none other this study will wait on next weeks teaching.
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