Devotional, Devotion, Prophecy, Bible Study, Bible discussion, End of Days, End Times, Enter Ministry, Underground Church, Church, Fellowship, Tribulation, Salvation, Ordained, Love, Heaven, Miracles
Author: Michael Young, Sr.
I am a practicing Christian, a disciple of Jesus, a husband of over 50 years, a father and a grandfather, a business man, a veteran and a friend to all who will have me.
I have served or am serving, at various times, as an Evangelist, a Pulpit fill pastor, an Associate Pastor of Evangelism and as Senior Pastor of a church plant. My passion is for practicing and teaching the Bible, building small groups, reaching the lost with the message of the Gospel of Jesus, recovering the straying Sheep of God and the gathering together the Called of God, in neighborhoods, business settings and in churches by equipping other Christians.
I have authored a few small books and I have a background in professional business management, finance and investments.
I am glad to meet you, even if it is virtually. Write me at any time and let's become friends.
Beyond the provocative, yet accurate and descriptive title, I will offer nothing more, except that I am providing a hyperlink to “The 10 Nation Confederation” referred to at the end of the Zion’s Hope video. The 10 Nations are not listed by name in the video, so I am listing them at the end of this page with links to a detailed article.
First, please watch and share this video (or this web page). It is a ‘must watch’, specifically for all Christians and for conservatives. A video by David Rosenthal, president of Zion’s Hope Ministries.
Below, is the Email I received as a subscriber and supporter of Zion’s Hope ministries. I am providing it for your information.
Less than 80 years removed from the murders of more than 6 million Jewish people by the Nazis during the Holocaust, it’s inconceivable that America’s prestigious Ivy League universities – along with many others throughout the country – have become hotbeds of anti-Semitism.
Make no mistake, the radical campus protests that have erupted from New York to California and from Minnesota to Texas are not based on historical facts or an accurate understanding of the war taking place in Gaza. They’re rooted in deep-seated hatred, and are largely funded by outside money and influence.
It’s no secret that many of America’s most esteemed universities have long ago abandoned their Judeo-Christian foundations in favor of humanistic, self-centered ideologies. These academic institutions now consider themselves to be the bastions of “free speech and thought”, with presidents and boards that are loathe to jeopardize their coveted liberal status and risk alienating their outspoken students, tenured professors, and corporate sponsors.
But the question must be asked, “Are there more nefarious forces at work within our universities influencing them to turn a blind eye to the hate-filled anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian ‘protests’ erupting on campuses and at graduation ceremonies?” I believe the clear, unequivocal answer is, “yes.”
I invite you to watch my most recent Flashpoint GeoProphecy Report, entitled, “The Qatar Connection: Hamas, College Campus Protests, and the Muslim Brotherhood.” In it, you’ll discover who is pouring staggering sums of money into our universities, how this financial pipeline is connected to Islamic terrorism, and how all of this may be linked to biblical prophecy and a coming clash of kingdoms.
Watch now, and be sure to share this email with your family and friends.
All for His glory,
David Rosenthal
President, Zion’s Hope
P.S.Your donations strengthen our voice as we explain the geopolitical realities of the Middle East in the context of the prophetic Scriptures. They also make it possible for us to continue touching Jewish hearts in Israel with the Gospel of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah). Thank you, beloved friend, for your support of Zion’s Hope.
Gomer, also known as (Eastern Europe-Southern Russia),
Put, also known as (Libya),
Cush, also known as (Ethiopia),
Persia, also known as (Iran),
Meshech, also known as (Modern Day Turkey),
Tubal, also known as (an area in central Turkey),
Beth-Togarmah, also known as(Georgia, Chechnya, Turkey -Armenia)
It is important you see and know more about the ’10 Nation Confederation’, I am providing this link where you will find details of these 10 Nations listed about halfway through the article “Ezekiel’s Prophecy – The Invasion of Ukraine“.
“The early Christians believed that Jesus is the very presence of God. They believed that the body of Christ, the church, constitutes a temple. When the Lord Jesus was on earth, He made some radically negative statements about the Jewish Temple.’
“The one that angered many Jews most was His announcement that if the Temple was destroyed, He would build a new one in three days! (See John 2:19-21.)
“Though Jesus was referring to the Temple that existed in the architectural sense, He was really speaking of His body. Jesus said that after this temple was destroyed, He would raise it up in three days.
“He was referring to the real temple—theEkklesia—which He raised up in Himself on the third day (Ephesians 2:6).
“Since Christ has risen, we Christians have become the temple of God.
“At His resurrection, Christ became a “life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45). Therefore, He could take up residence in the believers, thus making them His Temple, His house. It is for this reason that the New Testament always reserves the word church (ekklesia) for the people of God. It never uses this word to refer to a building of any sort.” (Excerpts within quotation marks and in blue lettering are from Frank Viola & George Barna’s book, “Pagan Christianity”, Tyndale Publishing, 2002, 2008)
“When Christianity was born, it was the only religion on the planet that had no sacred objects, no sacred persons, and no sacred spaces.
“Although surrounded by Jewish synagogues and pagan temples, the early Christians were the only religious people on earth who did not erect sacred buildings for their worship. The Christian faith was born in homes, out in courtyards, and along roadsides. For the first three centuries, the Christians did not have any special buildings!
“As one scholar put it, “The Christianity that conquered the Roman Empire was essentially a home-centered movement.”
“Meeting in homes was a conscious choice of the early Christians.” It was a coming together in a more intimate setting, a ones’ home. Very little could be hidden in such an environment.
THE DRIFT BEGINS – 391 A.D.
The Church was barely out of its infancy when the religious spiritof innovation appeared, in the late second and third centuries, and a shift occurred.
“Christians not only adopted sacred spaces, they also had created sacred objects. (They would soon develop a sacred priesthood.) It might seem they had forgotten Moses and the golden calf.
“In all of this, the second and third century Christians began to assimilate the magical mind-set that characterized existent pagan thinking.
“These factors made the Christian terrain ready for the man who would be responsible for creating church buildings. In AD 327, Constantine beganerecting the first church buildings throughout the Roman Empire, some at public expense.’ In so doing, he followed the path of the pagans in constructing temples to honor God. Augustine of Hippo (later, sainted by the Catholic church), began his work of making the Christian Movement ‘legitimate’ by government and Catholic standards.
“Interestingly, he named his church buildings after saints — just as the pagans named their temples after gods. Constantine built his first church buildings upon the cemeteries where the Christians held meals for the dead saints. (I ask, WHAT WOULD YOU CALL AN ACT LIKE THAT?)
“Constantine brought peace for all Christians.'” Under his reign, the Christian faith had become legitimate. In fact, it had risen to a status greater than Judaism and paganism.
“For these reasons, the Christians saw Constantine’s rise to emperor as an act of God. Here was God’s instrument who had come to their rescue.
“Christianity and Roman culture were now melded together.” (Again I ask, WHAT WOULD YOU CALL THAT?)
“The Christian building demonstrates that the church, whether she wanted it or not, had entered into a close alliance with pagan culture.’ As Will Durant, author of The Story of Civilization (a sweeping, eleven-volume work on world history that earned him a Pulitzer Prize), put it, “Pagan isles remained in the spreading Christian sea.”
“As one historian put it, “Church buildings took the place of temples; church endowments replaced temple lands and funds.”
“Under Constantine, tax-exempt status was granted for all church property.
“Consequently, the story of the church building is the sad saga of Christianity borrowing from heathen culture and radically transforming the face of ourfaith.
“To put it bluntly, the church buildings of the Constantinian and post-Constantinian era essentially became holy shrines. The Christians embraced the concept of the physical temple. They imbibed the pagan idea that there exists a special place whereGod dwells in a special way. And that place is made “with hands.”‘ (Once again, I ask, WHAT WOULD YOU CALL AN ACT LIKE THAT?)
“As with other pagan customs that were absorbed into the Christian faith (such as the liturgy, the sermon, clerical vestments, and hierarchical leadership structure), third- and fourth-century Christians incorrectly attributed the origin of the church building to the Old Testament. But this was misguided thinking.”
“Most Americans are struggling to clarify their identity. They tend to see themselves as unique individuals, Americans, members of their family, occupational professionals, consumers, and then as followers of Christ — in that order of priority.
“In the minds and hearts of most Americans — even those whose beliefs classify them as “born-again Christians”— their identity as a follower of Christ pales in importance in comparison to the other roles they embrace. (WHAT WOULD YOU CALL THAT MINDSET?)
“Oddly, most of the born again Christians consider themselves to be servants of God and to have been transformed by their faith in Christ.
“Clearly, there are some missing connections in this self-evaluation. Perhaps the confusion is due to the enormous number of inter-actions and responsibilities that people take on each day.
“Maybe it has to do with the disjointed, topical teaching that most of us receive from our churches. It may even be attributable to the lure of competing perspectives and images bombarding us from the ever-present media.”
Luke Chapter Nine – Ministry of the Twelve Disciples of Jesus.
Luke 9:1, Now He called the twelve (disciples) together and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and the power to heal diseases. Verse 2. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. Verse 3. And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics. Verse 4. And whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. Verse 5. And as for all who do not receive you, when you leave that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” Verse 6. And as they were leaving, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Luke Chapter 10 – The Seventy (two) Sent Out by Jesus.
Luke 10:1, Now after this the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. Verse 2. And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Verse 3. Go; behold, I am sending you out like lambs in the midst of wolves. Verse 4. Carry no money belt, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one along the way. Verse 5. And whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ Verse 6. And if a man of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him; but if not, it will return to you. Verse 7. Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they provide; for the laborer is deserving of his wages. Do not move from house to house. Verse 8. Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is served to you; Verse 9, and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ Verse 10. But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, Verse 11, ‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ Verse 12. I say to you, it will be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that city.
The Joyful Results
Luke 10:17, Now the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!” Verse 18. And He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Verse 19. Behold, I have given you authority to walk on snakes and scorpions, and authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Verse 20. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
Matthew Chapter 10 – The Twelve Disciples; Instructions for Service
Matthew 10:1, Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.
Verse 2. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; and James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Verse 3, Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Verse 4. Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who also betrayed Him.
Verse 5. These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go on a road to Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; Verse 6, but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Verse 7. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Verse 8. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Verse 9. Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, Verse 10, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is deserving of his support. Verse 11. And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city.
There have been and there are influential and powerful people in the Church who have said and will say that what Jesus did as it is recorded in Matthew chapters ten and eleven and in Luke chapters nine and ten was NOT a model for future missionary evangelism. They say it was just a record of Jesus sending His disciples and followers to the Jew only; or they say it was simply Jesus laying the groundwork for future missionary and evangelistic efforts, which, by necessity, would change and evolve with the changes in technology, social norms and advances in education.
To these ideas I say, nonsense!
WHY, OH WHY?
Why would God record ‘temporary and unimportant information or events’ in His Word (The Bible) – which is meant to be eternal? Are we just being entertained?
No. He would not, He did not and He does not.
Every word in the Bible,all scripture is God-breathed, given by divine inspiration, and is profitable for instruction, for conviction of sin, for correction of error and restoration to obedience, for training in righteousness, that is for learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage; so that the man (or woman) of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
I am a simple thinker; possibly hampered, being a linear thinker, for the most part. But I also consider myself a critical thinker. I like to try, when reading credible sources which suggest they offer insight to truth into our ever devolving world, first, to take what I read at face value wherever and whenever possible. I then try to analyze available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments in order to form a judgement by the application of rational, skeptical, analyses and evaluation.
Please note, I am telling you these things about me because I am not alone. Everyone has a standard – a believability plumbline – by which they measure and observe the things they see, hear and read for its veracity. So, everyone will be biased in some fashion to some degree. It is unavoidable if one is to form and draw their own conclusions. Therefore, some might say that I am biased because I filter all that I read and consider through the lenses of the Bible – one of the oldest and most carefully studied, critiqued and guarded documents in existence. The Bible is a record of history and of faith, which has shaped our world. I, by no means, discount secular world history, but it has been written, debated and disputed by brilliant minds who regularly disagree on many issues and points, depending on the points of view taken. Mine is the Bible.
Therefore, I refuse to stray too far from the obvious when it is framed within the context of the whole. And the obvious face value reading of Matthew chapters ten and eleven and Luke chapters nine and ten, say that Jesus called the twelve (disciples) together and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and the power to heal diseases. and to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. He told them to take nothing for their journey, (neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics), and whatever house they would enter, they were to stay there until they left that city.
“The bottom line is really quite simple: You are a priest of God, a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a member of His glorious body. Through your declaration of allegiance to Jesus and your stated desire to live with Him forever, you have a responsibility to be a functioning priest, minister, and member of the Body .
“The organized church has moved down a winding path over the past two thousand years. The only way to get it back on track is for each of us to begin prayerfully exploring the original plan that God had for His people, and then to be willing to respond faithfully to that plan. (Excerpts from Frank Viola & George Barna’s book, “Pagan Christianity”, Tyndale Publishing, 2002, 2008).
I say, “enough of this dangerous game of creative re-imaginative religious realignment.
I would like to suggest that we break the current man-made rigid religious molds. That we break these chains of manmade traditions that are binding us. I suggest that we go back to the beginning. The beginning of what Jesus taught and modeled and re-learn something old, making it new.
It is time we stopped ‘going to church’ to be served (i.e., to get what we want), and start assembling as the Church in order to serve God by finding OUR PURPOSE AS THE CHURCHby doing the works of Jesus!
Please click the following link, and begin to pray for God’s Wisdom and discernment. An invitation.
I humbly offer this after fifteen years of prayer, study, seeking God, asking for His Wisdom to know and follow His Call. I sincerely and prayerfully urge you to do the same.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young.
“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent, that is, change your inner self, your old way of thinking, live changed lives and become like children trusting, humble, and forgiving, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives and welcomes one child like this in My name receives Me.”
Matthew 18:3-5
PS: If you are searching for a ‘brick and mortar church building’, it is my opinion that if you live in the Naples, Florida area (including Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero or even South Fort Myers), that you go to the Covenant Church of Naples. It contains the Body of Christ. It is a Church of integrity and in this postmodern, post-Christian America, a church bravely staying the course while facing the stresses of these Last Days.
The Bible, is unity in diversity, expressing its unique message in a rich variety of literary forms. The literature of the Bible is an aesthetically beautiful interpretation of human experience from a divine perspective. The literary forms found in the pages of Scripture, including figurative language, narrative history, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic literature, gospel, oratory, and epistle.
The mystery of the Oracles of the Bible are hidden in plain sight, woven into parables, allegories, similes, riddles and symbols and poetry. Bible.org series page 4 – literary forms bible ).
Matthew 13:44, tells us that “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”The “Kingdom of Heaven” is the Miracle, the “field” is the Scriptures, and the “Treasure” is Key to all the miracles of God.
Throughout The Scriptures, we find the immutable and prophetic Words of God hidden in His Field.
One of the treasures to be found are Miracles. Miracles have always been sought after. Although, there are those who consider miracles little more than coincidences, and others simply doubt. Nonetheless, the idea of miracles have a powerful allure.
The word ‘miracle’ in the Old Testament Hebrew, is ‘mopheth’, pronounced, ‘mo-faith’; it is defined as a sign, wonder, a miracle; by implication, a token or omen.
The New Testament, word for miracle (usually rendered as a ‘sign’), in the Greek language is the word, ‘sémeion’, meaning a miracle, a sign, a token, or a wonder.
Oddly, the word miracle, or the plural – miracles – is used only thirty-seven times in the entire Bible. (The King James Version).
This could be attributed to the fact that God, His creation, the heavens, the earth, all the cosmos, are, of themselves, miraculous.
Separating miracles or the miraculous from the standard or the context of God, would be like running down a rabbit hole in pursuit of what has always been right in front of you.
A task, such as pursuing miracles, can be an amusing or entertaining pursuit, but miracles are only a part of a grander scheme! Creation and life, alike, are the stuff of the miraculous.
If you are a Christian, following and believing Jesus for who and what He is, then, for you to perform or create a miracle would be superfluous. You should be living the miraculous. You are standing before and in the midst of the miraculous. That is, unless you are not.
If you read a verse like John 15:7, which says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”, and you might say something like, ‘Yes, but it doesn’t mean you can really ask for “anything” ‘. The plain language of this verse says “ask WHATEVER you wish”. Just believe in Him – Ask “Whatever you wish in His Name” – He will do it. (Then, why doesn’t IT happen, “all the time”?)
Read the entire Guide. Do all of it. Try, try again! It will happen.
John 14:12“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Verse 13. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Verse 14. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
In this pursuit, I will present “25 simple keys” to realizing God’s Miracles for your life beginning with a riddle and a clue: It is not what you pursue, nor what you can do. It is whose you are that determines how far.)
The chief priests and the elders of the people came to Jesus while He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?
(Key #1) The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
(Key #2) who does not trust in an idol
(Key #3) or does not swear by a false god.
Verse 5. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.
(6 b). Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Verse 8. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Verse 9. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.”
Key #7). If you keep My commandments,
(7 a). You will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
Verse 11. “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”
CHAPTER 4. The Key Of The Mustard Seed
Matthew 7:20 “And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you,
(Key #8) if you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
(#8a) You will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.
(#8b) “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
(11 b). Believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you.
(Key #12) “Whenever you stand praying,
(Key #13) Forgive,
(If you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”)
(Key#15).Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Key #16). Ask, and it will be given to you;
(Key #17) seek, and you will find;
(Key #18) knock, and it will be opened to you.
“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Verse 9. “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Verse 10. “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? Verse 11.“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
(Key #19)“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
CHAPTER 7. The Key of Works
John 14:10 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you, I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.
(Key #20). Believe Me
(Key #21) I am in the Father and
(Key #22) The Father is in Me; otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.
(Key #23). Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.
(Key #24). Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
(Key #25) If you love Me, you will keep My commandments
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
NEXT: (coming soon). Chapter 1. By What Authority
(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes)
THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 9 – The 5th & 6th Trumpets
Episode 11
(These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Why, How and What?”, but also the question, “SO WHAT?”)
Chapter nine of the Book of The Revelation is another intensification of the pressures of God judgements of God on the earth. It gives us three indicators or woes that the end is drawing nearer.
This chapter gives us strange and difficult imagery. One might wonder if the images are actually creatures, animals and objects as they are depicted or if they are descriptions of modern things, things of these last days, as would be seen and described by an ancient people.
The Fifth Trumpet and the Bottomless Pit
Revelation 9:1, Then the fifth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I saw a star (angelic being) that had fallen from heaven to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit (abyss) was given to him (the star-angel). Verse 2. He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke like the smoke of a great furnace flowed out of the pit; and the sun and the atmosphere were darkened by the smoke from the pit. Verse 3. Then out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power [to hurt] was given to them, like the power which the earth’s scorpions have. From this pit comes smoke like a great furnace.
(Commentary break: Verses one through three describe a star, as ‘him’. And, ‘he’ it is assumed, was an angel or a heavenly being emitting a brilliance. And, he was given a key to the bottomless pit. The Bible does not tell us whether this is a volcanic chasm or the pit of hell. But it is further described as a great furnace, it is likely the pit of hell. An ominous precursor of what is to come. (End commentary break).
Verse 4. They were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but [to hurt] only the people who do not have the seal (mark of ownership, protection) of God on their foreheads. Verse 5. They were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment and cause them extreme pain for five months; and their torment was like the torment from a scorpion when it stings a man. Verse 6. And in those days people will seek death and will not find it; and they will long to die [to escape the pain], but [will discover that] death evades them.
(Commentary break: There is only one mention of the Seal of God of those who enter the Great Tribulation (after the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal), and that is the sealing of the one hundred forty-four thousand from the twelve tribes of Israel. No one else has been sealed with God’s protection. Everyone else in the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, is suffering greatly, and although they may long for the relief of death, they are not granted that longing, but must continue to suffer unthinkable horrors of pain and suffering. They still have a short time to repent and be saved. But time is running short. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 7. The locusts resembled horses prepared and equipped for battle; and on their heads appeared to be [something like] golden crowns, and their faces resembled human faces. Verse 8. They had hair like the hair of women, and their teeth were like the teeth of lions. Verse 9, They had breastplates (scales) like breastplates made of iron; and the [whirring] noise of their wings was like the [thunderous] noise of countless horse-drawn chariots charging [at full speed] into battle. Verse 10. They have tails like scorpions, and stingers; and in their tails is their power to hurt people for five months. Verse 11. They have, as king over them, the angel of the abyss (the bottomless pit); in Hebrew his name is Abaddon (destruction), and in Greek he is called Apollyon (destroyer-king).
Verse 12. The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still coming after these things.
(Commentary break: Some Bible teachers and commentators will suggest the descriptions of the locusts to be literal, but they are similes as evidenced by such wording as, “their heads appeared to be golden crowns”, “their faces resembled human faces”, “they had hair like women”, “their wings were like”, “they have tails like scorpions”, etc. We can only use conjecture when trying to determine what the ancients were seeing and describing, but the scene of the horrors comes through, loud and clear. (End Commentary Break).
The Sixth Trumpet & The Army from the East
Verse 13. Then the sixth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I heard a solitary voice from the four horns of the golden altar which stands before God, verse 14, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” Verse 15. So the four angels, who had been prepared for the [appointed] hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. Verse 16. The number of the troops of cavalry was twice ten thousand times ten thousand (two hundred million); I heard the number of them. Verse 17. And this is how I saw the horses and their riders in my vision: the riders had breastplates [the color] of fire and of hyacinth (sapphire blue) and of brimstone (yellow); and the heads of the horses looked like the heads of lions; and from out of their mouths came fireand smoke and brimstone (burning sulfur). Verse 18. A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone that came from the mouths of the horses. Verse 19. For the power of the horses [to do harm] is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and it is with them that they do harm.
(Commentary Break: The sounding of the 6th Trumpet signals the release of the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates, which represents an army. The number of the troops of cavalry is “twice ten thousand times ten thousand”, or two hundred million. Most commentators suggest this is an army of China based on the size of the army.
However, the Euphrates river is in southwestern Asia, and winds through regions of the Middle East, through northern Syria and Iraq to the head of the Persian Gulf.
It is also useful to note thatthe 10 Nation Confederation named in Ezekiel 38, in Daniel chapter 7 and 9 and again in Revelation chapter 17, as the armies of Armageddon are from the nations of:
Gog, also known as Rosh, (Russia) and,
Rosh, (Russia),
Magog, also known as (Russia),
Gomer, also known as (Eastern Europe-Southern Russia),
Put, also known as (Libya),
Cush, also known as (Ethiopia),
Persia, also known as (Iran),
Meshech, also known as (Modern Day Turkey),
Tubal, also known as (an area in central Turkey),
Beth-Togarmah, also known as(Georgia, Chechnya, Turkey -Armenia)
The combined armies described in the Book of Ezekiel, from the East. They are Russia, with an army of one million one-hundred thousand; Turkey, with an army of three hundred fifty-five thousand; Iran, with an army of five hundred twenty-three thousand, (including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard); Ethiopia’s army of one hundred thirty-eight thousand; Chechnya’s army is approximately ten thousand; the army of Georgia is approximately twenty-one thousand; Even with this abbreviated list we can count two million, one hundred forty-two thousand fighting troops.
They are being released to kill a third of mankind. (End Commentary Break).
They Would Not Repent
Verse 20. The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues,[footnote ‘a’], did not repent even then of the works of their hands, so as to cease worshiping and paying homage to the demons and the idols of gold and of silver and of bronze and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; verse 21, and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries (drugs, intoxications) nor of their [sexual] immorality nor of their thefts.
The sounding of the Sixth Trumpet marks the time when no one else will be saved from God’s Judgements. Now comes the Wrath of the Lamb and the final seven Bowl Judgements.
NEXT: (coming soon). THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 10 – The Angel & The Little Scroll – Episode 12.
I love my Catholic friends. Many of my Catholic friends, often venerate and deify some among themselves and others in the church, in addition to God.
I love my Protestant friends. Many of my Protestant friends, often esteem and think very highly of some among themselves and others in the church, in addition to God.
I love my Pentecostal friends. Many of my Pentecostal friends, often adore and put on a pedestal, some among themselves and others in the church, in addition to God.
I love my Charismatic friends. Many of my Charismatic friends often idolize and hold in awe, some among themselves and others in the church, in addition to God.
Is this just more of the ‘good intentions’ but, in reality, worldly attitudes and behaviors among Christians and among those in the church?
If we are to get anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care — then do yourself and others a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; Don’t try to rule over others; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross”.(Philippians 2, verses 3 through 8.)
“I call you my friends; my brothers and sisters. Follow Me!” – The Words of Jesus to you and to me.
Please. Let’s all be like Jesus; especially you, who are ‘the important ones’ among us.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
PS: I am working on this in my own life, because I need too. Please, let’s pray for one another as He conforms us to His image.
THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 8 – The 7 Trumpets
Episode 10
(These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Why, How and What?”, but also the question, “SO WHAT?”)
Revelation chapter eight begins with the conclusion of the Seal Judgments with the breaking of the Seventh Seal and the ‘interlude’ seen in chapter seven. Then a strange thing occurs: “there was silence in heaven for about an hour”.
The Book of The Revelation – Chapter 8 – The Text
Revelation 8:1, When He (the Lamb) broke open the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Verse 2. Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven,[footnote ‘a], trumpets were given to them.
Commentary break: Scripture does not specify the reasons for this silence, but if it is kept in context of what has already occurred, it is doubtless, an ominous sign and a deafening hush.
Here are some possibilities for the silence in heaven of half an hour. (from Got Questions website):
1) The silence in heaven for the space of half an hour is a sign of deep respect and awe in the presence of the Judge of all the earth. Just as earthly courtrooms demand silence when the judge is presiding, so does the heavenly courtroom. “Be silent before the Sovereign LORD, for the day of the LORD is near” (Zephaniah 1:7). “The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him” (Habakkuk 2:20).
2) The half-hour silence in heaven is the result of somber reflection on what has just been revealed. When Jesus Christ breaks the seventh seal, the scroll of God’s judgment is fully revealed for the first time. Now all heaven can see God’s plan to judge the wickedness of the earth, destroy the kingdom of the beast, and set things right. All heaven remains silent as God’s righteousness is on display. At the sight of full scroll and all the judgments about to fall, the denizens of heaven take their cue from Job, who, faced with God’s awesome presence, said, “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth” (Job 40:4).
3) The silence in heaven is due to the severity of the actions the Lord God is about to take. With the scroll fully open, heaven can now see the trumpet judgments (in the next verse, seven nearby angels are handed seven trumpets of judgment, Revelation 8:2) and the bowl judgments (which the seventh trumpet introduces). These judgments are more terrible than anything the world will have ever seen (Mark 13:19–20). The final catastrophes are about to befall the earth, and silence and stillness fill the time of tense expectation. “Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for he has roused Himself from his holy dwelling” (Zechariah 2:13, ESV).
In a way, the silence in heaven could be seen as the calm before the storm—the storm of final judgment coming upon the earth. The silence emphasizes the importance and impressiveness of the seventh and final seal. With the opening of the seventh seal comes a climax in the Day of the Lord. Evil has had its day; now the Lord will have His. (End of Commentary break).
Verse 3. Another angel came’ and stood at the altar. He had a golden, [footnote ‘b’], censer, and much, [footnote ‘c’], incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints (God’s people) on the golden altar in front of the throne. Verse 4. And the smoke and fragrant aroma of the incense, with the prayers of the saints (God’s people), ascended before God from the angel’s hand. Verse 5. So the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder and loud rumblings and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Commentary break: Verses 3 through 5 are ripe with significant symbolism. Please use the “footnote links” for details. However, for the imaginative mind, just read these verses as God’s opening salvos of the final war. It would be as if God were ‘softening up’ the front lines of the enemy’s forces, in preparation for His final assault and the absolute victory over the Dragon and the Beasts of the earth,
(a.) In Revelation 13, John sees a nightmarish vision of a dragon and two beasts.
The first Beast comes out of the sea and receives power from the dragon, or Satan. This beast is a true monstrosity: “It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion” (Revelation 13:1–2). Daniel’s vision of the beast is similar in many ways to John’s (Daniel 7:7–8, 19–27). Studying both Daniel and Revelation in tandem is profitable.
In Revelation, the term beast refers to two related entities.
(a .) Sometimes “the beast” refers to the end-times’ empire. The seven heads and ten horns indicate that the beast will be a coalition of nations that rises to power to subdue the earth under Satan’s control.
(b .) Later references to “the beast” in Revelation picture an individual, the man who is the political leader and head of the beastly empire.
The beast will receive a deadly wound and be healed of it (Revelation 13:3). He will exert authority over the whole world and demand worship (verses 7 and 8). He will wage war against God’s people, and he will prevail against them for a time (Revelation 13:7; Daniel 7:21). However, the beast’s time is short: according to Revelation 13:5 and Daniel 7:25, he will only be permitted absolute authority for forty-two months, (which are the three-and-a-half years that make up the second half of the Great Tribulation, also known as The Wrath of the Lamb. This will commence at or after the 6th Trumpet Judgment and will conclude at the end of the 7th Bowl Judgment.)
We believe that the beast in Revelation is the Antichrist, the one who will “oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He is also called “the man of lawlessness” and “the man doomed to destruction” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). In Daniel’s vision, the Antichrist is the “little horn” that rises from the head of the terrifying beast (Daniel 7:8). (End Commentary break).
Verse 6. Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them [initiating the judgments].
Verse 7. The first [angel] sounded [his trumpet], and there was[a storm of] hail and fire, mixed with blood, and it was hurled to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
Verse 8. The second angel sounded [his trumpet], and something like a great mountain blazing with fire was hurled into the sea; and a third of the sea was turned to blood; verse 9, and a third of the living creatures that were in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
Verse 10. The third angel sounded[his trumpet], and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch [flashing across the sky], and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of [fresh] waters. Verse 11. The name of the star is[footnote ‘d’], Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the waters, because they had become bitter (toxic).
Verse 12. Then the fourth angel sounded[his trumpet], and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and a third of the daylight would not shine, and the night in the same way[would not shine].
Verse 13. Then I looked, and I heard a solitary eagle flying in,[footnote ‘e’], mid-heaven [for all to see], saying with a loud voice, “[footnote ‘f’], Woe, woe, woe[great wrath is coming] to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpets which the three angels are about to sound[announcing ever greater judgments]!”
It is clear from the final verses of this chapter, that another intensification of God’s Judgments, the likes of which the world has never been seen before, and never will again, are about to occur. These final Trumpet Judgments and the Bowl Judgments will serve, according to the context of the Greek language, as ‘a sundering, and a separation of right from wrong’, and the ‘Righteous from the Unrighteous’.
God’s ‘beach head’ has been, is being and will be established and the final assault for a complete destruction of the enemy force, is coming.
A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – “Your sins are forgiven”, Part 38
Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional
“Your sins are forgiven”
“And getting into a boat, he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,
“Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”
“And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said,
“Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”. He then said to the paralytic “Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”
And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.”
The Words of Jesus, Matthew 9:1-7.
The paralytic in this account is a real man, lying on a real bed. He is representative of “every man” and “every woman”, for we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Ours beds are the beds of sickness, disease, infirmity, lack, want and death that come from our sin.
Jesus is speaking words of healing, health and life to you, this very moment. It does not matter how simple or how dreadful your condition. No matter the desperation of your situation, no matter how far you may have fallen, how remote your rescue and restoration may seem or how impossible your circumstances appear, your salvation is now at hand.
You will become well, whole, safe and healthy in your relationships.
You will become well, whole, safe and healthy in your family, with your spouse and your children.
You will become well, whole, safe and healthy in your career, with your employment and co-workers.
You will become well, whole, safe and healthy in your finances and all your wealth.
You will become well, whole, safe and healthy in your mind, will, emotions, body and spirit.
Take in these Words of Jesus and of the Bible and make them your own. They are the flesh and blood of Christ. ‘Eat them’ by taking them into your heart, your soul and your mind, ‘chew on them’, meditate on them, absorb them into your spirit, and become whole!
First, please don’t overlook the significance of these few words: “When Jesus saw their faith”. Jesus was moved and spoke Creative words, Causative words, Prophetic words and Instructional words when He saw their faith.
Let me say it again: faith moves God to speak. Jesus was moved by their faith, and He spoke prophetic, creative, causative and instructional words into the life of this paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”
Jesus will be moved by your faith.
Secondly, it is important to understand the true meaning and definition of ‘sin’. From the Greek word, ‘hamartía’, meaning ‘not taking a part in or a share of’ creating a loss or a forfeiture because of not hitting the target; missing the mark. This comes from self-willed behavior.
Interestingly, in old England, during archery competition, when an archer would miss the target completely, the judge would shout, “SIN”, because the archer missed the target. Likewise, when we miss the target of God’s Righteousness and of God’s standards, we sin, and we miss out, we suffer loss of God’s presence and provision by forfeiture.
In the foregoing illustration, the archer has no recourse except to ‘suffer the loss’, sharpen his or her aim and try again.
In our case, however, as Christians, we have recourse. We can call on our advocate, Jesus Christ, by confessing our ‘sins’ and by pleading our case to Him, our loss is reversed. Jesus suffers our loss as His own, and we are given a renewed life. We are restored and ‘shoot our arrows again toward the heart of the target’.
Hebrew 11:1-3, correctly instructs us that the“Faith (which restores us) is the assurance, (the absolute certainty, the title deed, a rock-solid confirmation) of things hoped for, (of things anticipated and expected by divine guarantee; this faith is proof-positive evidence) of things not (yet seen and the conviction of their reality; the comprehension as fact of what cannot be first experienced by the physical senses.) For by this (kind of) faith the men of old gained divine approval.”
“It is by (the) faith (that comes from an inherent trust, an enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God), that we understand that the worlds, (the universe, the cosmos of all the ages) were framed, (formed, created, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what is now visible was not made out of things which are visible.”
This is the faith has no conclusion and no end. It is building and growing and enduring through all the ages until the end of time.
Thirdly, the outcome of this kind of faith is visible. It brings both amazement and fear to the hearts and minds of men and women, and it brings glory to God. “When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.”
“Do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary.” (Isaiah 8:12-13)
Finally, it is by this kind of faith that God grants authority to men and women; not to do works by and of themselves, but as living sacrifices, living instruments through which and by which God does His Works.
This faith is the reason God is saying to you, this day, “Take heart, my son (or daughter); your sins are forgiven.”
And behold, even in our day and time, some of our ‘scribes’, men and women, say “this man (Jesus) is blaspheming by the way they stand in judgment on His Works and His Words”.
They call themselves interpreters, theologians, and teachers, educated in religious laws and doctrines, and in the sacred writings of the Bible, posturing with their lineage, educational degrees given by men.
Just like the Scribes of Jesus’ day, these modern day ‘Scribes’ say they examine the more difficult and subtle questions of the law; but they add to the law opinions of various kinds thought to elucidate its meaning and scope, to the detriment of The Gospel.
But Jesus, knows their thoughts, and He said then, and He continues to say today,
“Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”.
Jesus is saying to you, this day and at this moment: “Take heart, my son (your name here) or my daughter(your name here) ; your sins are forgiven.” Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”
The Book of The Revelation – The Day of The Lord – Chapter 7
EPISODE NINE.
(These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Why, How and What?”, but also the question, “SO WHAT?”)
Revelation chapter seven is a continuation of the breaking of the scroll of SEVEN SEALS, but is interrupted by an interlude of events, setting the stage and making preparation for another intensification of God’s judgements upon the world. It might be difficult to imagine how much worse could things get, after reading Revelation chapter six, but Jesus explains, in Matthew 24, verses 21 and 22, that “For at that time there will be a great tribulation (pressure, distress, oppression), such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will [again]. And if those days [of tribulation] had not been cut short, no human life would be saved; but for the sake of the elect (God’s chosen ones) those days will be shortened.”
NOTE: A question to be asked at this point is, ‘If Christians will have been removed from the earth through the Rapture, why continue this narrative. It would seem that the redeemed are now safe in heaven and those left are doomed to destruction; so there would be no one left to know these things nor to have any recourse’.
This is to let all of humanity, who are willing to know, the sequence of events to come, presumably, so we can prepare ourselves. And what is to come is nothing if it is not astounding as it will be, literally, earthshaking!
Additionally, there apparently will be some who will have the opportunity to be saved during the period between the last two Seal Judgements, and up until the 6th Tribulation Trumpet, known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord. It is perhaps for this reason the narrative continues, offering hope until the last moment.
It is at the 6th Trumpet that God’s mercy ends and no one else is to be saved from God’s wrath and destruction. “The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent even then of the works of their hands, so as to cease worshiping and paying homage to the demons and the idols of gold and of silver and of bronze and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries (drugs, intoxications) nor of their [sexual] immorality nor of their thefts.(see Revelation 9, verses 20 and 21.)
The Book of the Revelation – Chapter 7 – The text
The Interlude
Revelation 7:1, After this I saw four angels stationed at the four corners of the earth, holding back the,[footnote ‘a’], four winds of the earth so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. Verse 2. Then I saw another angel coming up from the rising of the sun, holding the seal of the living God; and with a loud voice he called out to the four angels to whom it was granted [to have authority and power] to harm the earth and the sea,verse 3, saying, “Do not harm the earth nor the sea nor the trees until we,[footnote ‘b’], seal(mark) the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”
Commentary break: Simply put, the ‘four corners of the earth’ signifies the entire earth, from north to south, east to west.
Everything comes to a stop, it seems. And, here is what would happen, (according to an article found on the weather channel), it the winds stopped blowing:
“It would rarely rain in inland locations (wind moves moist air over dry spots and falls as rain). All land not near a body of water would turn into a desert.
“There would be more extreme temperatures (the warm/cold air over the ground would not be replaced by the steady temperature air of the oceans and seas).
“The trade winds would no longer exist, and ocean stream currents would eventually stop. This would to serious climate changes. (The Gulf Stream keeps Europe warm).”
“After a few days the problem arrives. Without wind systems, warm, moist air won’t move around. Water might still evaporate, but it won’t travel, meaning anywhere away from a large body of water will dry up. Lakes might be alright as the evaporating water will fall back into them and the sea will be fine but anywhere else will get very dry, very quickly. Plants, animals and humans will slowly die from dehydration with most water inaccessible as salt water or ice. Even if we survive this, the problems don’t stop. The equator will no longer shed its heat as quickly, so it will become very warm, mountains may remain cool enough to be habitable but nowhere else will. At the same time, the poles, deprived of heat from the equator, will freeze solid.” Science is finally saying what the Bible has been saying for centuries.
This pause, apparently ends after the sealing of the bond-servants of God, according to verse 3. (End commentary).
The 144,000.
Verse 4. And I heard how many were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand;[twelve thousand] sealed from,[footnote ‘c’], every tribe of the sons of Israel:
Verse 5. Twelve thousand were sealed from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand from the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand from the tribe of Gad,
verse 6, twelve thousand from the tribe of Asher, twelve thousand from the tribe of Naphtali, twelve thousand from the tribe of Manasseh,
verse 7, twelve thousand from the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand from the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand from the tribe of Issachar,
verse 8, twelve thousand from the tribe of Zebulun, twelve thousand from the tribe of Joseph, and twelve thousand from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed(marked, redeemed, protected).
A Multitude from the Tribulation
Verse 9. After these things I looked, and this is what I saw: a vast multitude which no one could count, [gathered] from every nation and from all the tribes and peoples and languages [of the earth], standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ), dressed in white robes, with,[footnote ‘d’], palm branches in their hands;verse 10, and in a loud voice they cried out, saying,
“Salvation[belongs] to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb[our salvation is the Trinity’s to give, and to God the Trinity we owe our deliverance].” Verse 11. And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the [twenty-four] elders and the four living creatures; and they fell to their faces before the throne and worshiped God, verse 12, saying,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and majesty and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Verse 13. Then one of the elders responded, saying to me, “These who are dressed in the long white robes–who are they, and from where did they come?” Verse 14. I said to him, “My lord, you know[the answer].” And he said to me, “These are the people who come out of the great tribulation(persecution), and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb [because of His atoning sacrifice]. Verse 15. For this reason, they are[standing] before the throne of God; and they serve Him [in worship] day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will,[footnote ‘e’], spread His tabernacle over them and shelter and protect them [with His presence].
Commentary break: These are debated verses. Some will say that this is a peek, forward in time, after the one hundred forty-four thousand from the twelve tribes of Israel have completed their task of evangelizing the nation of Israel and bringing untold numbers to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
However, and first, the number of Jews, alive and on the earth at any imaginable time are certainly ‘countable’. These verses say, first, it is to be“a vast multitude which no one could count”; and secondly they say these people come “from every nation and from all the tribes and peoples and languages [of the earth]”, clearly not exclusively Jews.
Third, this is an amazing picture of the sudden appearance of “a vast multitude which, (a), no one could count, (and, b), from every nation and from all the tribes and peoples and languages [of the earth]” – A perfect and clear depiction of the Rapture!
Finally, this is spoken of as being “after these things”, referring to as having come after the interlude; again, clearly not later as seen in Revelation chapter 14, when the one hundred forty-four thousand from the 12 tribes of Israel are with The Lamb (Jesus), which is the period following the 6th Tribulation Trumpet. This is when the Angel is proclaiming the Gospel, announcing the fall and destruction of Babylon, the doom of the Beast, and the final reaping of the earth, and judgement, both for the righteous to salvation and the unrighteous for judegment and destruction. This is the period just prior to the final 7 Bowl judgements, the Wrath of the Lamb. (End of Commentary).
Verse 16. They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun,[footnote ‘f’], beat down on them, nor any [scorching] heat; verse 17, for the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of the waters of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes[giving them eternal comfort].”
Commentary break: After the gathering of “a vast multitude which no one could count, gathered from every nation and from all the tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ), dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands; and in a loud voice they cried out, saying, “Salvation to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb”,
Verse 16 tells us, IN THE FUTURE TENSE, that, “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of the waters of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” This is an event yet to come. It is found, later, in Revelation 21, verse 4.
THE GREAT FALLING AWAY (APOSTASY) & THE REVEALING OF THE ANTICHRIST, THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS.
It is important to understand the time of breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal is near, and in fact is upon us, and that you and I, as Christians, must be ready and found doing what Jesus has commanded.
All the necessary prophecies leading up to Jesus’ return, have been fulfilled, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF:
(1 .) The great falling away, the great apostasy: 2 Thessalonians 2, verses 1 through 4, “Now in regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to meet Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters,not to be quickly unsettled or alarmed either by a [so-called prophetic revelation of a] spirit or a message or a letter [alleged to be] from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] come. Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], (which is occurring now, in this 21st century, in the year of 2024),
(2. ) and, the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed], who opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God.
We have been warned. We must be prepared. We must stay ready.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
NEXT: (coming soon). THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 8 – The 7 Trumpets – Episode 10.
All of these listed subjects, the people and places are addressed, in one way or another, in the Bible, and they are being used to wage the age-old cultural and spiritual war of Good versus Evil; or more correctly stated, God versus the devil.
All the subjects, people and places listed are either being used by or are the manifestation of the evils of Paganism, Secularism, Gnosticism and Satanism. They are, in of themselves, prone to evil, which is just another way of saying that they are being used by the spirit of the antichrist, which is now present among us. (see 1st John, chapter four, verse 3).
They are being used by ‘the enemies of Christ’ to blur the message of what is right and just; transforming and calling what is good as being evil and what is evil, as being good. (see Isaiah 5, verse 20). It is a counterfeit of the Gospel – the Good News – of Jesus; and millions have been, and are being, deceived.
Why am I pointing this out? It is because more and more, Christians are coming to accept these things, at the least as alternative viewpoints, and at worst, acceptable alternative lifestyles, whether they approve of them or not. More and more Christians are seeing the manifest evils in this world in various shades of gray.
The Bible, in stark contrast, is a Book of ‘black and white’, or as the Bible itself puts it, of “Light and Darkness”. There is no variance or shadow of turning in the Bible.
According to the Bible, the outcomes of these subjects, people and places, are not only unacceptable, but are in rebellion toward and are the enemies of Christ. God clearly states that the day is coming, and is now at hand, that all these things will be judged by the standard of the Holiness of God, and any not found in submission to Jesus Christ, will be found lacking and sentenced to oblivion on that day.
Do you agree or disagree? This is important for you. If you even slightly disagree, (a shade or a shadow or a degree of turning), perhaps it is because you identify with this world’s view. Perhaps you are becoming indistinguishable from this world?
I recently heard a comment by a Christian, stating that he disagrees with the recent Hamas slaughter of Jews and the ensuing anti-Jewish, anti-Semitic riots and the hostile and violent threats against American Jews and American Jewish students at scores of American universities. But at a recent neighborhood get-together, when the subject came up and several people spoke out in favor of this violence, murder and terrorism on American campuses, he did not want to state his beliefs for fear of alienation. He just wanted to “fit in”.
On another occasion, a Christian couple did not want to leave their church when the teaching had veered from Christianity and had begun to embrace obvious and blatant anti-Christian views because ‘they had too many friends there’ and wanted to “fit in”. Imagine that: A Christian wanting to fit in with the world.
One last example is that several Christian friends follow and recommend a self-proclaimed prophet, Dutch Sheets. Sheets, who either unwittingly, ignorantly or foolishly, began to attend meetings with a ‘Charismatic style’ preacher, Todd Bentley. Bentley, who, earlier in his life, had been convicted of sexually assaulting a young boy. Later in his ministry, he was found to be having extra-marital affairs, and in his ‘ministry engagements’, began espousing heretical teachings and had become abusive toward some attendees of his so-called revival meetings, punching them, as a way of showing off his power, one can only suppose.
The problem with Dutch Sheets ‘mistakes and missteps’ is that by the very self-appointed title of being a prophet, Sheets should have known by Devine prophetic knowledge, that Bentley was a fraud. (He could at the very least done some natural, due diligence on Bentley’s background.)
I have to ask why would these professing Christians follow and recommend such a character as Dutch Sheets – whether he is truly repentant or not? Could it be that some of Sheet’s teachings agree to some of what these Christians believe? Or could it be that they satisfy some of what they would like to believe? It fits in with how the world of Paganism thinks, doesn’t it? Just imagine!
Have you not read where the Apostle, James, asks “Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a friendoftheworld makes himself an enemy of God?”(James 4 verse 4).
Use discernment. Be Berean. Don’t just imagine!
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
Imagine there’s no heaven, It’s easy if you try
No hell below us, Above us only sky
Imagine all the people, Living for today
Imagine there are no countries, It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for, And no religion, too
Imagine all the people, Living life in peace
You may say that I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us, And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger, A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people, Sharing all the world
You may say that I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us, And the world will live as one
The church seems to have a semi-captive audience, which is quite the opportunity for teaching useful, helpful and productive things into people’s lives. Right? So, I am wondering what useful things are being taught in our churches, and can we do better? I can tell you that, in many churches, they are teaching mostly good things.
BIBLE STORIES?
But even with all the good things, I still have to wonder, why we hear so much about “Bible Stories’? Are we really needing to hear stories about the Bible, or told there are stories in the Bible? (Or am I just nitpicking?)
Still, aren’t the scripture’s “breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness?” (see 2nd Timothy 3, verse 16). That’s not just a ‘story’ is it?
It seems strange to hear when pastors, preachers, evangelists, theologians and Bible teachers start their message, Bible lesson or sermon with the words, “This story is found in the book of (fill in the blank).“
Honestly, that just makes me cringe.
I think I know what they probably mean when they call a Bible passage, ‘a story’, but that word conjures up mental images of fables, novels, and fictional books. The online Dictionary defines the word ‘story’ as, “an account of imaginary or real people and events told for entertainment.”
But a review of the Bible shows that the word ‘story’ is used sparsely, just seven times (in the New American Standard version of the Bible). And, it is only used twice in the King James version – and is used there to report legends, rumors or reports about a King; and it is used only eight times in the English Standard – reporting the same things as the New American Standard version – but it adds the word ‘story’ to the book of Acts chapter 20, verse 9, to describe a multistory building.
You will find that on four instances in the New American Standard version, the Bible uses the word ‘story’ to describe a multilevel house or building. (see Ezekiel 41, verse 6 and 7. Again in 1st Kings 6, verses 6 and 8. And finally in Ezekiel 47 verse 7.)
Twice the word ‘story’ is used to report on the reputation, rumors or legends about King Solomon, his greatness and what he had built. (2nd Chronicles 9 verse 5, and in 1st Kings 10 verse 6.)
So, the word ‘story’ as it is used in the Bible, is NEVER about a ‘story’, an account of imaginary or real people and events told for entertainment, a tale, a yarn or a spiel.
The Bible just is not about ‘stories’. Still, You could say (and probably already have said) that I AM just nitpicking words. But I don’t think so.
I believe we, Christians, have been taught and have allowed ourselves to view the Bible in ways other than what it is intended.
Some of these ways in which we view the Bible can be useful and helpful for our understanding; other ways, when we use the Bible as a book of stories, are simply useful to muse about, entertain ourselves, stir our imagination and to revise what we read in the Bible, turning it into something we consider as a ‘better translation’, that which is more palatable to our tastes, that better fits our preconceived earthly and human notions.
The Bible, is the holiest of books, and describes Itself as the very Breath of God. The Bible contains 82,815 words, composing 31,103 verses, 1,189 chapters and 66 books written by 40 authors over a span of 1,500 years, and despite that complexity, it is a book that has been verified as authentic, proven itself by the hundreds of millions of changed live and has literally changed the course of world history in its fight against the evils of this world.
The Bible is God’s Prophetic Narrative of instruction and inspiration, useful to prepare His people with every good work, perfecting and conforming those who believe, into the image of Christ.
The Bible discusses issues and topics such as geography, sociology, anthropology, science, philosophy, ethics, the church, God and man, community, family, the state, law, arts and media, labor, politics, history, and race relations, instructing on these matters, but the Main Theme of the Bible is NOT about these things. Nor is the Bible a disconnected chronicle of stories, one after another, for us to read and muse about.
The Bible is about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It is about God’s plan and purpose for His creation.
The Bible iscausative, creative, prophetic and instructional, telling us to be holy as He is holy; to have the same mind in us as the mind of Christ; to complete the good works He has prepared for us ahead of time; to be made into the very image of Christ in preparation for an eternity with Him, in His Perfect Presence and with one another.
The Word of God is CREATIVE, CAUSATIVE, PROPHETIC and INSTRUCTIONAL. The entire Bible is PROPHETIC, INFORMATIONAL, INSTRUCTIONAL and INSPIRATIONAL, “profitable for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”
I say, let’s consider and treat the Bible for what it really is: The Words of God.
(And while I am at it, what’s with all the religious philosophical chatter, and the ‘academia’ from the pulpits? It is one thing to define a word from the original language of Greek or Hebrew, for a better understanding. But is it necessary to add intellectual arguments, speculations, or to add a lofty flair to the Word?
This is not meant to be critical of churches nor of preachers – at least not too critical. This, instead, is meant to point out the obvious and, hopefully, to shed some light on some short-comings and oversights in some pastor’s, preacher’s Bible teacher’s and theologian’s sermons, lectures and teachings of the Bible.
The Bible was written and is intended to be read and understood by every man and woman. It is God’s love letter of instruction, encouragement and Hope to all who will believe. But because it was written long ago, in a language most of us are unfamiliar with and about customs, traditions and rituals we don’t understand, we need the trained among us to make it understandable, useful, and beneficial to us for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness so that we, the men or women of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work. (see 2nd Timothy 3 verses 16 and 17).
Most of us are a simple people, so please, let’s speak in plain and simple terms. Then when and if it is necessary, explain the complicated things as simply as possible.
The Bible says we are to “increase in knowledge” but the Bible intends that we are to be “increasing in the knowledge of God”.
Now to my subject: “HEY PREACHER. HELP! WE ARE DROWNING OUT HERE!”, or, in other words, “please teach us the Bible like Jesus teaches the Bible”. All of us need to know the main things of the Bible which will aid, assist and lead us to thinking and behavior that will please God – and benefit us.
Here is a good example of what I am driving at: The book of Galatians, chapter 5, tells us what we should do with what we are learning:
Galatians 5:16But I say to you, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Verse 17. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. Verse 18. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Verse 19. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, verse 20, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, verse 21, envy,drunkenness,carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Did you get that? We are to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Paul goes on to say that there is something you need to know ABOUT GOD by KNOWING GOD, and that is “that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Honestly! That is something worth knowing, wouldn’t you say?
Galatians chapter 5 is a stark and dire warning of the dangers and the disastrous outcomes of sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), idolatry of any kind, sorcery, even in its benevolent-seeming forms like horoscopes, etc., hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and otherthings like these.
Now, let’s further narrow our focus to just one issue so we can simplify. Let’s talk briefly about this ‘desire of the flesh’, and gain some Knowledge that we can – and must – use.
(Now for the ‘academic’ stuff). Desire, as used in Galatians 5, verse 16, comes from the Greek words, ‘epithumia’, meaning passionate longing, lust, an eagerness for, and an inordinate desire ( for things such as sex, alcohol, drugs, pornography, anger, revenge, etc.)
And, the word flesh, as used here ‘sarx’, which means “carnal”, of human origin or empowerment. referring to making decisions (followed by actions) according to self – in other words, something done apart from and independent from God.
Now, let’s narrow our focus to just one issue found in Galatians chapter 5: drunkenness, and see what God has to say.
This might be where some of you might say, “But I don’t have a problem with (drinking) alcohol. So, you can skip this one.” That would be true if you don’t drink. Or perhaps you might say, “I just drink for the taste or for the social exchange. I never get drunk.”
Okay. But then I have to ask, how does one GET drunk? Someone gets drunk by drinking. Right? And, anyone who does have a problem with overdrinking or with alcoholism, got there by thinking “I don’t have a problem”, and by taking their first drink. No one plans or planned on becoming an alcoholic. But it happens.
Let me flatly state: If you drink alcohol, you either don’t have a problem YET, and hope you never do; or, you don’t see the problem; or, you could be contributing to the problem of someone else. Since that is not the issue here – we will move on. Although I will come back to this, later.
Now, Back On Topic What Is Your Church and What is Your Preacher, Preaching?
Let me ask you, when was the last time you heard your pastor preach on the dangers of drunkenness? (Or for that matter, on the dangers of sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, carousing, and things like these? (And now is when I say, “I thought so”?)
As a caveat, let me say that maybe he (your pastor) has an occasional drink – although I sincerely hope not. But if he does, he may not consider drinking a problem, therefore, he never preaches on it!
For example, I live in an ‘over 55 neighborhood’. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicate that approximately 20 percent of adults aged 60 to 64 and around 10 percent over age 65, (the percentages drop because people are passing away at this age), report current binge drinking. Older adults can experience a variety of problems from drinking alcohol, especially those who take certain medications, have health problems or those who drink heavily. There are special considerations facing older adults who drink, including and increased Sensitivity to Alcohol. This means that 86% of people aged 65 and older who die from excessive alcohol use die from chronic conditions as opposed to acute causes.
And from what I can see at our neighborhood functions and what I see in the street on trash pickup day, there is a lot of drinking going on. And it is a problem for so many families.
From a personal standpoint, I have lost my mother, my father and a brother to an alcohol related death. My wife lost her father and a brother to alcohol related deaths. My wife and I stopped drinking in our twenties.
Please read these statistics about alcohol abuse and alcoholism:
Alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) kill over 3 million people each year, accounting for up to 6% of global deaths.
140,557 Americans die, on average, from the effects of alcohol in an average year.
According to the 2022 NSDUH, over 61 million people ages 12 and older (21.7% in this age group) reported binge drinking in the past month (see glossary for definition of binge drinking).
This includes: According to the 2022 N.S.D.U.H, 16 million adults ages 18 and older (6.3% in this age group) reported heavy alcohol use in the past month (see glossary for definition of heavy alcohol use). This includes:
Roughly 29.5 million people in the United States have alcohol use disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Heavy drinking costs the country more than $249 million annually American Journal of Preventive Medicine) and causes 232 million missed workdays each year (Parsley, Network Open).
Alcohol also takes a human toll. Between 2015 and 2019, excessive alcohol consumption contributed to about 140,000 deaths among adults ages 20 to 64 each year. Those deaths included acute causes like car crashes and alcohol poisoning, as well as chronic conditions such as liver disease or cancer. Put another way, alcohol was a factor in 1 in 8 deaths among 20- to 64-year-olds. And in people ages 20 to 49, 1 in every 5 deaths was related to excessive drinking. (see Esser, M. B., Network Open).
The study was based on data from the CDC’s Alcohol-Related Disease Impact application, which assesses 58 conditions linked to alcohol consumption that the public health agency has examined for two decades, said Marissa Esser, the study’s lead author.
This is an epidemic taking its toll on people, their families, friends, leaving nothing but carnage in its wake, and we need help. We are drowning out here!
Alcohol consumption is a scourge. Perhaps perceived as a ‘pleasant occasion’ to a lot of folks, and has become socially acceptable, but a scourge on so many families, none-the-less.
Which brings us to the beauty of the scriptures of the Bible. They are black and white. No gray areas. No “shadows or turning”. For example:
What if you say that you want to drink? The Apostle Paul says, if you just want to drink, then go ahead and drink. For “All things are lawful [that is, those things that are morally legitimate and permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. No one should seek [only] his own good, but [also] that of the other person.” (see 1st Corinthians 10, verses 23 and 24).
In other words, Paul is asking, why chance losing your advantages over life and over sin? Why risk falling into things that are not constructive for your life? And, above all else, don’t be the reason another person might stumble, (if he or she cannot drink in moderation, for example).
Furthermore, the book of Luke admonishes us to, “But be on your guard, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation anddrunkenness and the worries of life, and that this day will not come on you suddenly, like a trap; (see Luke 21 verse 34).
The Apostle Paul also warns us not to“get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (see Ephesians 5 verse 18).
So, let me, once again ask, “just how is it one gets drunk?” (Answer: They take a drink. Then another, and another.)
Why would any Christian be so foolish, in the 21st century, to make excuses for drinking, such as ‘they drank wine in the Bible’ or ‘they drank to relax’, when other means are available in our century and when the risks are so high?
Couldn’t we, as Christians, be good examples for our families and for others?
Drinking doesn’t add anything profitable or constructive to your life. You don’t need it. So, please, think it through, and don’t drink.
Now to all you dear pastors and preachers out there. So many of you have a captive audience, and they look to you for guidance. Most of your flock trusts you. So, I am pleading with you. Don’t look for the easy way out on this. Don’t look for the exceptions in people’s conduct to excuse risky or dangerous behavior. Simply teach the way the Bible teaches: Black and White. Teach the Truth. (And, to assist, here is a link to 25 Bible verses on drinking, for you to review. Bible verses regarding drinking).
I am appealing to pastor and congregant alike. Let’s get back to the basics – the main things and the plain things of the Bible. Let’s get to the things that glorify God and that benefit us – and do them.
Given enough time, just watch what happens in, to and through your life. You will be amazed. And, watch what happens to those people’s lives who are nearest to you. You will be grateful. And, watch what can happen in the watching world. They will never be the same again!
Paganism has swept and is sweeping America, violently invading our colleges, universities, our government and is influencing the Church – and your children are their target and method for growth.
(Please note: It is not enough too just to know what you are about to read, but you need to know how it affects you, how it affects your family and our world – AND HOW TO RESPOND. I am providing this brief article with information about ‘Woke-ism” and “Paganism”, how to protect yourself and your family and what you can do about it. One thing is certain: you cannot ignore it. It is after you and your children – and it won’t stop until it has you, unless you respond.)
It may seem strange to use the word, “Pagan”, to describe someone or an entire group of people. Pagan is such a misunderstood and archaic term. But it is exactly the right word to use here.
Pagans are diverse and varied people. The term Pagan comes from the Latin word paganus, which means “country dweller”; paganism can refer to polytheism, (the belief in many (false) gods), or the worship of more than one god, such as polytheism, as in ancient Rome. A pagan is also considered to be one who, for the most part, has no religion and indulges in worldly delights and material possessions; someone who revels in sensual pleasures; a hedonistic or self-indulgent individual.
Another, more modern term is neo-paganism, which refers to some of the contemporary forms of paganism such as Wicca, and Druidry.
Modern “pagan” practices are actually similar to their ancient counterparts in that they rely heavily on hedonism—sensual gratification and self-indulgence, and the pursuit of happiness and pleasure to the exclusion of everything else. In ancient times, sexual ceremonies were a major part of pagan religions. The Old Testament references these perverted religions in such passages as Deuteronomy 23:17, Amos 2:7–8, and Isaiah 57:7–8.
Though they are numerous and varied in their practices and beliefs, pagans do hold to some similar beliefs. For example:
The physical world is a good place, one to be taken pleasure in by everyone.
Everyone is considered to be part of this Mother Earth.
Divinity reveals itself in every facet of the world.
Every being, man and animal, is a derivative of the divine. As such, all are gods and goddess.
Most pagan religions do not have messiahs.
Doctrine is superseded by one’s own responsibility.
Solar and lunar cycles are significant in pagan worship.
From a Christian viewpoint, pagans are generally characterized as those who are caught up in any self-realized religious-seeming act, or practice that is NOT distinctly Christian, whereas some argue that a pagan can be anyone with no real religion at all. It is all about the self-created beliefs and feelings of the individual.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Furthermore, since they, (pagans), did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done”(Romans 1:28).
In spite of common assumptions, most pagan ‘worshipers’ claim they don’t believe in Satan. However, there’s no question that Satan is their chief source of influence and control. Though they will deny it, they deify Satan in their worldly and sensual practices. Paul tells us plainly how Satan works in the lives of people without God, through his power, his signs, his deceit, and his lies.
Finally, Pagans can seem to be good guys, too, (but don’t let appearances fool you. If they don’t get their way, they can be an angry, violent, self-centered and vicious lot).
One of the most striking characteristics of Paganism is their dislike for an ‘absolute truth’ such as found in Judaism and Christianity. They even have a disdain for rules and regulations – particularly if the rules do not fit their personal habits, practices, belief system and worldview. In fact, saying they ‘dislike’ absolute truth is a gross understatement – they HATE it, and they will oppose it, even violently. This helps explain why so many Pagans hate Israel and traditional Christianity. (It also explains why our college campuses are aflame with the vitriol of ‘antisemitism’. It is an overt expression of Paganism.
However, let’s remember, as Christians, our quarrel is not with the flesh and blood person. Our quarrel is with root of evil, “the rulers, the powers, the world forces of darkness, the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places”. (see Ephesians 6, verse 12) It is these forces in the spiritual or the unseen realms, that directs their thoughts and actions – and this is the only place an effective and lasting offensive can be waged.)
It can be a tough distinction to make when you are face-to-face with a person who is pleasant at one moment, then suddenly and without warning becomes a quarrelsome and antagonistic person. Or when you are interacting with a ‘free spirit’ type who lives only for self-indulgence, and pleasure but finds any discipline too restrictive, beware. The outer person, so to speak, is like a shape-shifter. Appearing in the form that best suits their purposes for the moment, but always at-the-ready to reappear as a disagreeable, even violent foe. What lurks beneath the surface, behind the mask is not always what you expect.
Speaking to the Christian, Jew or to the social conservative, it is good to know that generally, Paganism, as it appears in politics, religion, education, science, medicine and in society at large, has the following opinions or policies as opposed toBiblical teachings:
Paganism advocates for the legalization of same-sex marriage, whereas God created males and females, alone, to be married.
Paganism advocates for the abolition of the death penaltywhereas The Bible allows the death penalty for certain crimes.
Paganism advocates for open and unrestricted immigrationwhereas The Bible allows for ‘borders’ but calls on believers to care for the foreigner and alien.
Paganism advocates for increased taxation on the richwhereas The Bible encourages and teaches reliance on God and equal treatment, including taxation.
Paganism advocates for Globalization and a One World Authority (Government)whereas The Bible warns of a coming, deadly, One World Authority (led by the anti-Christ and another beast-of-a-man).
Paganism advocates for the reordering of society modeled after Marxism-Communism and Socialismwhereas The Bible teaches a God-reliant government and rejects elitist authoritarianism (See the Tower of Babel).
Paganism advocates for an Elitist Central governancewhereas The Bible teaches and strongly suggests a representative style of government.
Paganism advocates for a Marxist-Communist-Socialist government control of the economywhereas the Bible teaches personal responsibility and suggests a free market style of economy.
Paganism advocates for a strong and powerful welfare state whereas The Bible teaches that the Church and Christians are primarily responsible for the widow, the orphan and the needy.
Paganism advocates that there should be no free tradewhereas The Bible encourages Free trade and entrepreneurialism.
Paganism advocates for ‘Religion’ separate and abolished from governmentwhereas The Bible teaches a system of representative government that relies on Biblical principles and reliance on God.
Paganism advocates for free and unrestricted abortionwhereas The Bible teaches protecting life, especially children and babies.
Paganism advocates for government control through a heavy and progressive tax systemwhereas The Bible sets standards of fair and equitable taxation.
Paganism advocates for the abolition of capitalismwhereas The Bible teaches the rejection of Socialist style economies.
Paganism advocates that the government should shape all aspect of lifewhereas The Bible says individuals, families and the Church should influence and shapes all aspects of life.
Paganism advocates for restricted personal freedoms as dictated by government officialswhereas The Bible teaches Jesus came to set us free for freedom’s sake.
Paganism advocates for the abolition of religion or restructuring of religion through ecumenicalism with government oversightwhereas The Bible rejects all false religions (those outside Christianity) and sets the standards for government to be run by the people.
Paganism advocates for minorities populations to be shown unbalanced favor to amend for perceived past inequities (reparations)whereas The Bible teaches true equality.
Paganism advocates that the private sector reports to government to restrict private equity growthwhereas the Bible stipulates that secular government should have no part in private sector matters.
Paganism advocates all the variations of LBGQT and transgender rights as superior to personal rightswhereas The Bible teaches loving the sinner, but that those who practice LBGQT and transgenderism as aberrant and perverse, and such will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
The Bible teaches that Christians should be at peace with all people whenever and wherever possible. But since Paganism stands diametrically opposed to Conservatism, Christianity and Judaism on almost each and every issue, it is easy to see why the Pagans among us have declared war on Judaism and Christianity. (See “The Global March to Marxist-Communism, a.k.a., Paganism”).
Finally, below here are two great articles and videos from The Fuel Project to help inform you and to guide you in a Biblical Christian response to the very real and present threat.
OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE
I will close this article saying that you and I, as Christians, are not to hate anyone, even when and if they insult you, persecute you, falsely say all kinds of evil against you or to harm you because of your Christian faith, beliefs, standards and conduct. In fact, we are to love them in return. (see Matthew 5:38-42).
Exploring The New World Order From A Christian Perspective.
The name Babylon occurs in the Bible almost three-hundred times. The majority of those references are in the Old Testament – and with good reason. It was the first great city of the world. However, Babylon is much more than this. The Bible clearly and intriguingly states that “Mystery Babylon” is also the source of all abominations of the Earth (Revelation 17, verse 5) – a fountainhead of evil that began flowing through history thousands of years ago and which profoundly impacts the world today, in ways many don’t realize. Indeed, Revelation tells us that “Mystery Babylon” will survive until the end of time, when God finally judges it with terminal violence.
This series is a walk-through history that follows the threads, exposes the idolatry, the symbolism and thought-processes that originated in Babylon. We discover its influence in all false religion, astrology, freemasonry, world-famous landmarks, the theory of evolution, philosophy, the United Nations, the European Union and much more. We discover that ever since God scattered the Babylonians from the Tower of Babel back in Genesis 11, it has been Satan’s intention to reverse the process and bring the whole world back together again under a single world system, ruled by the Antichrist. Above all we learn how to recognize our enemy so that we will not be deceived and instead live with faith, hope, love and courage in the face of Babylon’s demonic schemes.
TRENCH – The Video – A Christian Guide to the Culture War.
Covid. Globalism. Cancel Culture. Gender and Transgender Confusion. Cultural Marxism. Authoritarian Government. The Rise of China. Climate Change. Black Lives Matter. The Great Reset. Feminism. Migration Crises. Immorality. ‘Safetyism’.
In this book and series The Fuel Project unfolds a Biblical theory by which to understand all these issues and more, explain why the political left and right are so divided, and help Christians navigate the times in which we live.
The Book of The Revelation – The Seven Seals of The Scroll – Chapter 6
EPISODE EIGHT.
(These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Where, How and What?”, but also the question, “SO WHAT?”)
I said in episode one, the Book of the Revelation cannot and should not be studied and interpreted as a standalone book. Even by cross-referencing other specific prophetic books and verses, it is not possible to get an accurate, complete understanding of the purpose of this Book unless it is seen within the context of the entire Bible.
We must consider the nature of God when considering His Word. God is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent. He knows all things – even before they exist. He is present in all places at all times. He is all powerful and can accomplish all things. God’s plan is in His mind before, during and after He spoke it into existence.
In the beginning,God created. He began with the imperfect and created His Masterpiece. First in the heavens and then on the earth. His work completed in just seven days; He would allow His Masterpiece to mature for millennia until it became His Perfection. A journey of discovery and Revelation of God’s Grand Plan and Design, from creation through the End of the Age, then into a New Heaven and a New Earth.
The Purpose of God’s Eternal Plan is “Perfection”. He is maturing and perfecting His people into His image, ultimately to live in Perfect harmony with Him and with one another, in a New and Perfect heaven and earth.
And, “Because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14
Each and every chapter, verse and word in the Bible, when viewed within this context of God’s Eternal Plan of Perfection, begins to make perfect sense.
God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He purposed; from The Creation, through the Garden of Eden and the Fall of Man to the Great Flood, the Tower of Babel, the Exodus from Egypt, the possessing of The Promised Land, the Destruction of the First Temple and the Jewish Captivity in Babylon, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Destruction of the Second Temple, our steady march through time has been exactly as Bible prophecy has foretold. We have entered an era leading to the destruction and, eventually, a rebirth of the heavens and the earth.
Beginning with the book of Genesis and proceeding through all the books up to and including the book of Daniel. Then, continuing from Daniel, to Malachi, and Matthew, Mark, Luke and finally to The Book of the Revelation we trace and discover the grand purpose, design and plan of God woven throughout the scriptures, as His one cohesive, continuous and comprehensive Plan for His creation.
The Book of The Revelation, although placed as the final book of the Bible, is in reality the prologue, the body and the epilogue of all things.
These things are particularly true when studying and discussing the tribulation Seal, Trumpet, and Bowl Judgements.
NOTE: There are no ‘time-markers’ or indications of when each of these seven Seal events begin, except that they are in a chronological series. It has usually been assumed that each tribulation Seal is to be considered a future event. But a careful but simple review of history tells another story.
The Book of the Revelation – The Seven Scroll Seals – The text.
The First Seal– Political Intrigue.
Revelation 1:1, Then I saw as the Lamb (Christ) broke one of the seven,[footnote ‘a’], seals [of the scroll [initiating the judgments], and I heard one of the four living creatures call out as with a voice of thunder, “[footnote ‘b’], Come.” Verse 2. I looked, and behold, a,[footnote ‘c’], white horse [of victory] whose rider carried a, [footnote ‘d’], bow; and a crown [of victory] was given to him, and he rode forth conquering and to conquer.
(Commentary break: The important attributes of the First Seal are that it mentions a white horse, which would normally indicate peace, especially when contrasted with the following horses of red, (bloodshed), black, (famine), ashen, (death and pestilence). However, the rider is carrying a bow, an instrument of war, and a crown, a symbol of victory and he is riding forth conquering and to conquer, but without arrows. Probably suggesting a time of political intrigue or of a ‘cold-war’. Interestingly and importantly, there have been episodes of political intrigue, cold-wars and hundreds upon hundreds of ‘wars and rumors of war’, and conflicts since the time of Christ. Most notable for their scope and breadth are the
Religious Crusades (1095 – 1291, Muslims vs Latin Church, almost 2 million dead),
World War 1. (1914 – 1918, 17 million dead), and,
World War 2. (1939 – 1945, over 70 million dead).
So, how can we know ‘which wars and rumors of wars‘ Jesus is referring to, WHICH WILL MARK THE ‘END OF THE AGE’? We can know by when they were spoken and the language of the Apostle who made these announcements.
And, finally notice, that although the first Seal is the beginning of God’s Seal Judgments, it is not as severe a Judgment as those to come, as it is the beginning of events leading up to Judgments. The second Seal is the preparation to apply the coming and more severe Judgments of God. Also notice the progressive intensification. End this commentary).
The Second Seal – War.
Verse 3. When He (the Lamb) broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature call out, “Come.” Verse 4. And another, a,[footnote ‘e’], fiery red horse[of bloodshed], came out; and its rider was empowered to take peace from the earth, so that men would slaughter one another; and a great sword[of war and violent death] was given to him.
(Commentary break: Now notice, not only the intensification of the Seals effects, but that the Third Seal through the Sixth Seal have everything to do with the Judgments of God. End this commentary).
The Third Seal – Famine.
Verse 5. When He (the Lamb) broke open the third seal, I heard the third living creature call out, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse[of famine]; and the rider had in his hand a pair of scales (a balance). Verse 6. And I heard something like a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius(a day’s wages), and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not,[footnote ‘f’], damage the oil and the wine.”
The Fourth Seal – Death.
Verse 7. When He (the Lamb) broke open the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature call out, “Come.”Verse 8. So I looked, and behold, an ashen (pale greenish gray) horse [like a corpse,representing death and pestilence]; and its rider’s name was Death; and Hades (the realm of the dead) was following with him. They were given authority and power over a fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword and with famine and with,[footnote ‘g’], plague(pestilence, disease) and by the wild beasts of the earth.
The Fifth Seal – Martyrs
Verse 9. When He (the Lamb) broke open the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained[out of loyalty to Christ]. Verse 10. They cried in a loud voice, saying, “O Lord, holy and true, how long now before You will sit in judgment and avenge our blood on those[unregenerate ones] who dwell on the earth?” Verse 11. Then they were each given a white robe; and they were told to rest and wait quietly for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed.
(Commentary break: So, how are we to place these first Five Seals in our timeline and chronology?
When considering this question, we must, once again look at the words and testimonies of Jesus and the Apostles who referred to these periods and to those days as: ‘The Last Days’, ‘The Last Times’, ‘The End of All Things’, ‘The End of The Ages’, and “Jesus has appeared, once for all, at the End of The Ages’. To Wit:
Acts 2:14-17, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last days it shall be…’
1 Peter 1:20, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “He, (Jesus), was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.”
1 Peter 4:7, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “The end of all things is at hand.”
2 Peter 3:3. (the Apostle Peter), saying, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days.”
1 Corinthians 10:11, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”
Hebrews 1:2, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”
Hebrews 9:26, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “But as it is, Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
2 Timothy 3:1, (the Apostle Timothy), saying, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.”
1 John 2:18. (the Apostle John), saying, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.”
Revelation 1:9, (The Apostle John), saying, “I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation.”
Matthew 24:4-31, (Jesus), describing a panorama of the tribulation and the Last Days.
From these verses, we can plainly see that the first 5 tribulation Seals were broken and the effects had begun between the time of the birth of Jesus and A.D 95. End this commentary)
The Sixth Seal – Terror
Verse 12. I looked when He(the Lamb) broke open the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as,[footnote ‘h’], sackcloth[made] of hair, and the whole moon became like blood;verse 13,and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree shedding its late [summer] figs when shaken by a strong wind. Verse 14. The sky was split, [separated from the land], and rolled up like a scroll, and every mountain and island were dislodged and moved out of their places. Verse 15. Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the, [footnote ‘i’], military commanders and the wealthy and the strong and everyone, [whether] slave or free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; verse 16, and they called to the mountainsand the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne, and from the [righteous] wrath and indignation of the Lamb;verse 17, for the great day of their wrath and vengeance and retribution has come, and who is able to [face God and] stand [before the wrath of the Lamb]?”
(Commentary Break: It is clear from history, that the events describing the 6th Tribulation Seal have not yet occurred. Furthermore, it could be said that the Seal Judgments actually come in 2 stages: The first five Seals could be referred to as the first stage of seals, known as the “birth pains” , which “are not yet the end” – as they have been described by Jesus in Matthew 24:6.
These are followed by what we could call the second stage of tribulation Seals, 6th and 7th,, also known as the Great Tribulation Seals and The Day of Wrath.
It is plain to see that the intensity of the 6th Seal increases exponentially over the previous five Seals. This period is rightly named “The Great Tribulation” period. There is a continuing escalation of intensity as we approach the Trumpet Judgments, (The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord), and the Bowl Judgments, (The Wrath of the Lamb.)
Additionally, these three events occur during the 6th Tribulation Seal: (#1). An interlude for the sealing of the 144,000. (#2). The sealing of the 144,000 from the 12 Tribes of Israel, (see Revelation chapter 7), and (#3). The gathering of the ‘multitudes from the tribulation – also known as the Rapture. (also read Matthew 24:20-31). (End this commentary).
The Book of The Revelation – The Scrolls – Chapter 5
EPISODE SEVEN
(These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Why, How and What?”, but also the question, “SO WHAT?”)
The significance of the announcement made in this chapter cannot be overstated. It begins with an image of Jesus sitting on His Throne with the scroll with seven seals in His right hand, and a strong angel asks ‘who is worthy to open the scroll?’ and no one in heaven, on or beneath the earth is found to be worthy. Then it is proclaimed that Jesus alone is deemed worthy to break the seals of the scroll. Then all those in attendance bow before Jesus and break into praise and worship Him, and His Works. This is the opening scene to the final act of God’s Journey of Perfection! This is also our model for praise, worship, adoration and thanks to the One Who is Worthy!
The Book of The Revelation – Chapter 5 – The Scroll with Seven Seals.
Revelation 5:1, I saw in the right hand of Him who was seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, closed and sealed with seven seals. Verse 2. And I saw a strong angel announcing with a loud voice, “Who is worthy [having the authority and virtue] to open the scroll and to, [footnote ‘a’], break its seals?” Verse 3. And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth [in Hades, the realm of the dead] was able to open the scroll or look into it. Verse 4. And I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look into it. Verse 5. Then one of the [twenty-four] elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look closely, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome and conquered! He can open the scroll and [break] its seven seals.”
Verse 6. And there [footnote ‘b’], between the throne (with the four living creatures) and among the elders I saw a Lamb (Christ) standing, [bearing scars and wounds] as though it had been slain, with seven horns (complete power) and with seven eyes (complete knowledge), which are, [footnote ‘c’], the seven Spirits of God who have been sent [on duty] into all the earth. Verse 7. And He came and, [footnote ‘d’], took the scroll from the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Verse 8. And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb (Christ), each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of fragrant incense, which are the prayers of the saints (God’s people). Verse 9. And they sang a new song [of glorious redemption], saying,
“Worthy and deserving are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slain (sacrificed), and with Your blood You purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
Verse 10. “You have made them to be a kingdom [of royal subjects] and priests to our God; and they will reign on the earth.”
Angels Exalt the Lamb
Verse 11. Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and [the voice] of the living creatures and the elders; and they numbered myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands (innumerable), verse 12, saying in a loud voice,
“Worthy and deserving is the Lamb that was sacrificed to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” Verse 13. And I heard every created thing that is in heaven or on earth or under the earth [in Hades, the realm of the dead] or on the sea, and everything that is in them, saying [together],
“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb (Christ), be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” Verse 14. And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped [Him who lives forever and ever].
(End of Chapter 6 and its text).
Next, in Revelation chapter 6, (episode 7), Jesus breaks the Seven Seals of the scroll, releasing the first of seven judgements of the Great Tribulation, also known as The Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, and the coming Wrath of the Lamb, onto the earth, and into the lives of all His creation.
Please note:The books of The Revelation, as previously discussed, are not always in chronological order. So, I will do my best to refer to appropriate and relevant scriptural cross-references, at appropriate times, in an attempt to aid in a clearer understanding and of the order of these events.
For example, as previous explained in Episode 2, the tribulation seals, one through five, were opened as early as the birth of Jesus. These first 5 seals were referred to as the ‘Last Days’, ‘The Last Times’, ‘The End of All Things is at hand’, ‘The End of The Ages has come’, “Jesus has appeared, once for all, at the End of The Ages’, by the Apostles Paul, Peter, Timothy and John and referred to as such by Jesus, Himself.
In Revelation chapters 6 and 7 and 8, we will hear, read about and see the breaking of the Seals. However, scriptures show that Seals one through five were opened as early as the birth of Jesus through A.D 95. The Sixth Seal is yet to be broken (in our natural world).
I do not mean to make this any more confusing than it already seems, but, to the casual reader, it would appear that Seals Six and Seven are ‘lumped in’ with the first 5 Seals, and would be broken in a quick series – which is NOT the case. That is why it is important to know that in the book of Matthew chapter 24, references to these verses are spoken in the present and future tenses, BUT IN THESE VERSES IN REVELATION, Jesus (through John) is speaking in the ‘AORIST TENSE’. The Aorist tense combines the past, present and future into one time frame. It is a view from God’s perspective of time. Jesus is saying that these things ‘have already happened, they are now happening, and will continue to happen’, simultaneously, all while He is speaking, and until He brings them to their conclusion. It is a truly a view from above. ‘That which was, is, and is to come’.
NEXT: (coming soon). The Book of The Revelation – Chapter 6 – The End Has Begun – Episode 7.
The Book of The Revelation – What is to Come Next – Chapter 4
EPISODE SIX
(These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Why, How and What?”, but also the question, “SO WHAT?”)
Revelation chapter four marks the third and longest section of the book of the Revelation and is the point at which it considers the future prophecies to be revealed.
The phrase ‘after this’ (meta tauta in ancient Greek) as found in Revelation 1:19 is repeated twice in Revelation 4:1 and is a link telling us that these are the things that are now coming after.
Importantly, these things are also written in the aorist tense, (which God’s view of time from a heavenly perspective, looking down on earth), where the past, present and the future are all occurring simultaneously – a view from above!
This is important because it reveals the reason the Bible primarily uses the present and future tenses in the books of the New Testament – except for the Book of Revelation, which primarily uses the aorist tense, when dealing with future prophetic matters relating to the tribulation periods.
The Apostles Paul, Peter, John, Timothy and Jesus, Himself, refer to the tribulation seals one through five, which Jesus called the ‘birth pains’ stage of the tribulation, as early as A.D. 30 through A.D. 95,
The breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal, marks the beginning of the second stage of the tribulation and the beginning of Daniel’s 70th Week – also known as the Great Tribulation, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the coming Wrath of the Lamb. This period includes Tribulation seal SIX, through the SEVENTH Bowl of Wrath.
God primarily uses the aorist tense in the Book of the Revelation to reveal those things that ‘have happened, are currently happening and will continue to happen’. (I.e., “That which was, and is, and is yet to come”.)
All of these points back (to around the time of the birth of Jesus) in order to explain the present and to point to the future and to “the things that come after”.
Now to the text of Revelation chapter 4:
THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – The Text – Chapter 4
Scene in Heaven
Revelation 4:1, After this I looked, and behold, [footnote ‘a’], a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a [war] trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.” Verse 2. At once, I was in [special communication with] the Spirit; and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with One seated on the throne. Verse 3. And He who sat there appeared like [the crystalline sparkle of], [footnote ‘b’], a jasper stone and [the fiery redness of] a sardius stone, and encircling the throne there was a rainbow that looked like [the color of an] emerald. Verse 4. Twenty-four [other] thrones surrounded the throne; and seated on these thrones were, [footnote ’c’], twenty-four elders dressed in white clothing, with crowns of gold on their heads.
The Throne and Worship of the Creator
Verse 5. From the throne came flashes of lightning and [rumbling] sounds and peals of thunder. Seven lamps of fire were burning in front of the throne, which are, [footnote ‘d’], the seven Spirits of God; verse 6. And in front of the throne there was something like a sea or large expanse of glass, like [the clearest] crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living, [footnote ‘e’], creatures who were full of eyes in front and behind [seeing everything and knowing everything that is around them]. Verse 7.[footnote ‘f’]. The first living creature was like a lion, the second creature like a calf (ox), the third creature had the face of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. Verse. 8. And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes all over and within [underneath their wings]; and day and night they never stop saying,
“HOLY, HOLY, HOLY [is the] LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all], WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME [the ever present, unchanging, eternal God].” Verse 9. Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanksgiving to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, verse 10, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and they worship Him who lives forever and ever; and they throw down their crowns before the throne, saying,
Verse 11. “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they exist, and were created and brought into being.”
Revelation, chapter four, is rich with symbolism and the glory of God in His throne. It also introduces us to the place judgment comes from: God’s throne in heaven.
Revelation chapter 4 through chapter 19 is mainly concerned with God’s judgment upon the world, the period known as the “Messianic Woes” or the “Great Tribulation.” God’s judgments are announced by a seven-sealed scroll, seven trumpets, seven signs, and seven bowls.
Please Note: It is obvious from Jesus’ own words that this is a description of the tribulation periods and that they begin with ‘birth pains’ – which are not “the End”, and will progress to the blowing of the Great Tribulation Trumpet Judgments, concluding with the pouring out of the Bowls of God’s Wrath.
Please review the following words of Jesus, taken from the book of Matthew, chapter twenty-four and linked to relevant verses from the Book of The Revelation, which chronologically categorizes the tribulation from the ‘birth pains’ stage, progressing to the Great Tribulation, The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord tribulation stage, concluding with the Wrath of the Lamb Judgments:
See Matthew 24:4, And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. Verse 5. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people. Verse 6. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
These are hotly debated matters by bible teachers and theologians. There are various views on why, when and how these events will take place. The differing views are often at odds and are often contentious, creating divisions within the Body of Christ. Notwithstanding, let there be no doubt that you are dealing with serious and powerful forces at work.
A mistake in your understanding and how you prepare and respond to these events could be catastrophic. You do not want to have to experience or endure the coming Great and Terrible Day of the Lord. Therefore, I would suggest you take each prophetic word seriously, and if you are to err, err on the side of extreme caution and in obedience to the Word of God. (Also please note that there will be some of those who are not raptured prior to the breaking of the SIXTH Tribulation Seal, who can be saved up until the SIXTH Tribulation Trumpet. But what you would suffer is hardly worth the chance of waiting. Accept God’s gift of salvation through faith in Jesus, now.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
NEXT: (coming soon). The Book of The Revelation – Chapter 5 – The Scroll with Seven Seals – Episode 7.
Now that we have reviewed a summary of the Book of the Revelation, let’s take a step back and look at the most important details of this Book by taking a more complete view and the actual beginnings or the Genesis of the Book of Revelation.
(By the way, a good primer for this essay, or study, would be the brief series, “The Journey to Perfection”, which attempts to lay out God’s full Plan, from Genesis to The Revelation, complete with an explanation of His purpose and His methods.)
In the beginning,God created. He began with the imperfect and created His Masterpiece. First in the heavens and then on the earth. His work completed in just seven days; He would allow His Masterpiece to mature for millennia until it became His Perfection. A journey of discovery and Revelation of God’s Grand Plan and Design, from creation through the End of the Age, then into a New Heaven and a New Earth.
God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He purposed; from The Creation, through the Garden of Eden and the Fall of Man to the Great Flood, the Tower of Babel, the Exodus from Egypt, the possessing of The Promised Land, the Destruction of the First Temple and the Jewish Captivity in Babylon, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Destruction of the Second Temple, our steady march through time has been exactly as Bible prophecy has foretold. We have entered an era leading to the destruction and, eventually, a rebirth of the heavens and the earth.
The Purpose of God’s Eternal Plan is “Perfection”. He is maturing and perfecting His people into His image, ultimately to live in Perfect harmony with Him and with one another, in a New and Perfect heaven and earth.
To Wit: “Because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14
Each and every chapter, verse and word in the Bible, when viewed within this context of God’s Eternal Plan of Perfection, begins to make perfect sense.
Secondly, as God’s Plan and Purpose unfold over the millennia we can see the purpose of the coming Day of The Lord and the End of the Age as found in Daniel 9 verse 24 through 27. Here, The scriptures give an overview or a panorama of the timing of the events leading to the Last Days.
Daniel 9, verse 24 says, “Seventy weeks(explained in further detain in this link) have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the wrongdoing, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.
Verse 25. “So, you are to know and understand that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until Messiah the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with streets and moat, even in times of distress.
Verse 26. “Then after the sixty-two weeks, the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.
Verse 27. “And he will confirm a covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come the one who makes desolate,until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, gushes forth on the one who makes desolate.”
The Timing, Place and Purpose of Daniel’s 70 Weeks.
It is important to place the approximate timing of Daniel’s Seventy Weeks whenever possible, and the 7oth Week in particular.
The “seventy weeks” prophecy is one of the most significant and detailed Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. It is found in Daniel chapter 9. The chapter begins with Daniel praying for Israel, acknowledging the nation’s sins against God and asking for God’s mercy. As Daniel prayed, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and gave him a vision of Israel’s future.
The Divisions of the 70 Weeks
(NOTE: This section on the division of The 70 Weeks is detailed, very helpful to the serious student of eschatology but is very complex. It is intended to unravel a mystery of the chronology and timing of the final SEVEN weeks of the Great Tribulation. But if numbers and historical detail tend to confuse you or are ‘not your thing’, just skip down to the paragraphs titled ‘The Final Week of the 70 Weeks’.)
In verse Daniel 9 verse 24, Gabriel says, “’Seventy Sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city.” Almost all commentators agree that the seventy “sevens” should be understood as seventy “weeks” of years; in other words, a period of 490 years. These verses provide a sort of “clock” that gives an idea of when the Messiah would come and some of the events that would accompany His appearance.
This prophecy goes on to divide the 490 years into three smaller units: one of 49 years, one of 434 years, and one 7 years. The final “week” of 7 years is further divided in half. Verse 25 says, “From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ (7 x 7 = 49 years) and sixty-two ‘sevens (62 x 7 = 434 years).’” (Forty-nine years + Four hundred thirty four years = 483 years.) The Fulfillment of the 70 Weeks
Gabriel said the prophetic clock would start at the time that a decree was issued to rebuild Jerusalem and from the date of that decree to the time of the Messiah would be 483 years. We know from history that the command to “restore and rebuild Jerusalem” was given by King Artaxerxes of Persia 444 B.C. (see Nehemiah 2:1-8).
The first unit of 49 years (seven “sevens”) covers the time that it took to rebuild Jerusalem, “with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble” (see Daniel 9 verse 25). This rebuilding is chronicled in the book of Nehemiah. Converting the 360-day year used by the ancient Jews, 483 years becomes 476 years on our solar calendar. Adjusting for the switch from B.C. to A.D., 476 years after 444 B.C. places us at A.D. 33, which coincides with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (see Matthew 21 verses 1 through 9). The prophecy in Daniel 9 specifies that, after the completion of the 483 years, “the Anointed One will be cut off” (Daniel 9, verse 26), which was fulfilled when Jesus was crucified.
Daniel 9 verse 26continues with a prediction that, after the Messiah is killed, “the people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.” This was fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
“The ruler who will come” as referenced in Daniel 9, verse 26is a type or a forerunner of the Antichrist. Many ancient Jews viewed the actions of Antiochus Epiphanes as the fulfillment of Daniel 9, verse 27, which says, “On the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate.” But Antiochus Epiphanes was merely a forerunner to the ‘man of lawlessness’ who is to come.
The Final Week of the 70 Weeks
SIXTY-NINE of the SEVENTY “SEVENS” of Daniels 70 weeks have been fulfilled. One more “SEVEN” is yet to be fulfilled. Many scholars believe that we are now living in a ‘gap’ of time between the 69th week and the 70th week.
The prophetic clock has been paused, as it were. The final “seven” of Daniel is what we usually call the tribulation period. However, as the Day of The Lord has drawn nearer, it is becoming clear that the that the tribulation period known as the Tribulation Seal Judgements is separated into two stages.
The first stage includes tribulation seals 1 through 5, (which, as previously discussed, have been ‘broken’ or began between the birth of Christ and A.D. 95). These Seals are also known as the “the birth pains” as described by Jesus in Matthew chapter 24, verses 4 through 9. Jesus clearly says of these Seals and of this first stage of the tribulation, that “This is not yet the end”.
But at the completion of Jesus’ description of these first five tribulation seals, He says, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations,and then the end will come.(see Matthew 24, verse 14).
Jesus then continues His teaching by describing what comes at the end (of those days)in verses 15 through 28,
“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, let the reader understand; then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get things out of his house. And whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. But woe to those women who are pregnant, and to those who are nursing babies in those days! Moreover, pray that when you flee, it will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. For then there will be a greattribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again. And if those days had not been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘He is over here,’ do not believe him.For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.”
The second stage of the Tribulation inaugurates The Day of The Lord, and is also known as The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the coming Wrath of the Lamb. This second stage commences with the breaking of the SIXTH Tribulation Seal and is followed by the breaking of the SEVENTH Tribulation Seal as described by Jesus in Matthew chapter 24, verses 29 through 31,
“But immediately after the tribulation of those days, (those days spoken of in the preceding verses), the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, andthe stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then 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. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”
Daniel’s prophecy reveals some of the actions of the Antichrist, who the “ruler who will come.” Verse 27 says, “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’” However, “in the middle of the ‘seven,’. . . he will set up “an abomination that causes desolation” in the temple. Jesus warned of this event in Matthew 24 verse 15. After the Antichrist breaks the covenant with Israel, a time of “Great Tribulation” begins (Matthew 24 verse 21, NKJV).
Daniel tells us that the Antichrist will face the severest of judgments. He will rule only “until the end that is decreed is poured out on him” (Daniel 9:27). God will only allow evil to go so far, and the judgment the Antichrist will face has already been planned out.
“Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. So the LORD was sorry that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Verse 7. Then the LORD said, “I will wipe out mankind whom I have created from the face of the land; mankind, and animals as well, and crawling things, and the birds of the sky. For I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”
After the great flood God promised He would never again use a flood to destroy the earth.
However, 2nd Peter, chapter 3, verse 10, tells us that the heavens and the earth will be destroyed once again, but next time it is to be purged, cleansed and refined in preparation for our Eternal home and Kingdom with Him.
“The day of the Lord will come as a robber comes. The heavens will pass away with a loud noise. The sun and moon and stars will burn up. The earth and all that is in it will be burned up.”
This will come at the End of the Age, following the Great Tribulation which is also known as The Great and Terrible Day of The Lord.
TO MIRACLES
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