Revelation 14:6-13 ESV
6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7 And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”
9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”
12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
Three messages from heaven are delivered to those on earth. The time has arrived to choose between God and the beast, a last plea for the sake of mankind.
Babylon faces judgement. There is a sharp contrast between the 144,000 and those who drank from the cup of her sexual immorality. This speaks of a rejection of God. Today the flow from her cup continues and grows.
The passage goes on to refer to this misdirected worship, signified by the taking of its name, throwing their lot in with the beast. The consequence and punishment of this decision is bluntly pronounced.
During this time many will believe, persevere, and will die in the Lord. They will give witness, along with the 144,000, to gospel and glory of Christ. Their reward awaits them. Whoever confesses His name as Lord will rest before God.
1 Corinthians 2:14-15
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
The message of the gospel will remain as foolishness to the ones who are foolish. They come by it naturally.
John 12:26
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Jeremiah 2:3
Israel was holy to the Lord,
the firstfruits of his harvest.
All who ate of it incurred guilt;
disaster came upon them,
declares the Lord.”
Here we see Israel referred to as the "firstfruits of his harvest". It was this people that was first called called by God.
James 1:18
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
The Jews were given the oracles of the living God. That truth revealed and prepared us for the coming Christ. Those that believed in His name are likened to a "kind of firstfruits". This may be compared to Paul's explanation of wild olive branches grafted in a cultivated olive tree.
Jeremiah 25:15-16
15 Thus the Lord, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. 16 They shall drink and stagger and be crazed because of the sword that I am sending among them.”
Psalms 2:6-8
“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
Psalms 132:13-14
For the Lord has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling place:
14 “This is my resting place forever;
here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
Joel 2:32
And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.
It may be construed here that Mount Zion could refer to Israel and Jerusalem to the Church, the Bride of Christ. We are told elsewhere they are both of God.
Hebrews 12:22-24
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Luke 12:8-10
Acknowledge Christ Before Men
8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Word for Life in Love— Scripture Meditations By Stephen Brown
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
144,000 -Revelation 14:1-4
Revelation 14:1-4 ESV
1 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb,
The 144,000 from the tribes of Israel appear with the Lamb. They are assembled and found with Christ on the holy Mount Zion. This lets us know this is taking place on earth. They have been redeemed from the earth, as only a kinsman could do. They have stayed true to God.
Uniquely called the "firstfruits for God and the Lamb", they are able to sing a song that know one else can sing, for they were descended from a people chosen by God. God had covenanted with their fathers, which depended solely on God. God does not fail. At last the remnant begins its mission of witness.
The song they sing is of joy and worship rises to the throne above where the elders are gathered.
Ezekiel 9:4-5
And the Lord said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” 5 And to the others he said in my hearing, “Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity.
Revelation 7:4
And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
Hebrews 12:22-24
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Psalms 2:6-9
“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
Revelation 5:13-14
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Revelation 1:15-16
his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two- edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
1 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb,
The 144,000 from the tribes of Israel appear with the Lamb. They are assembled and found with Christ on the holy Mount Zion. This lets us know this is taking place on earth. They have been redeemed from the earth, as only a kinsman could do. They have stayed true to God.
Uniquely called the "firstfruits for God and the Lamb", they are able to sing a song that know one else can sing, for they were descended from a people chosen by God. God had covenanted with their fathers, which depended solely on God. God does not fail. At last the remnant begins its mission of witness.
The song they sing is of joy and worship rises to the throne above where the elders are gathered.
Ezekiel 9:4-5
And the Lord said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” 5 And to the others he said in my hearing, “Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity.
Revelation 7:4
And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
Hebrews 12:22-24
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Psalms 2:6-9
“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
Revelation 5:13-14
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Revelation 1:15-16
his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two- edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
In Jerusalem
[ESVi] Zech. 12:6 ¶ “On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a blazing pot in the midst of wood, like a flaming torch among sheaves. And they shall devour to the right and to the left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem shall again be inhabited in its place, in Jerusalem.
This might be confirming that Jerusalem is not only a city in the world, but a people, a city of God. The new Jerusalem from above is in view.
This might be confirming that Jerusalem is not only a city in the world, but a people, a city of God. The new Jerusalem from above is in view.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
To Be Marked -Revelation 13:15-18
Revelation 13:15-18 ESV
And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.
Just as the two "olive trees" gave witness to God, these beasts witness to Satan. The breath of God entered into the two slain after they lay in the street unburied. They then rise and are taken to heaven.
The second beast is able to give breath to the image of the first beast. The world marvels, but some will see through this deception and will reject the beast.
The number of its name is 666. Various individuals and entities have been identified over time, as there have been dates predicted for the second coming which have come and gone. We have seen that Scripture can speak on several levels and have multiple applications which are true at the same time. Types appear in history, yet inform us today, a shadow and prophesy of things to come.
One might get the sense that Rome represents the world empire that is forming in our headlong descent into a "new world order" and Islam continues to increase its violence and persecution of Jews and Christians alike. The idea of Jesus being the Christ, the Son of God, is blasphemy to those who kill in the name of God. It embodies both ideas of Antichrist and beast. Wiping Israel off the face of the earth is a repeated and loud call by those surrounding Jerusalem. Satan is indeed furiously waging war on the offspring of the seed, for he knows his time is short.
The number does reflect the number of man, 6, and is grouped as 3, which could represent divinity, to be in the place of God. This is what Satan is all about. A mark on the forehead represents taking the name, or following the beast. Those that belong to God take His name and become children of God, and are marked with the Spirit of the living. The Spirit leads us into the mind of Christ, renewing and transforming the believer into new creatures, a new creation. Those that follow the beast remain tied to the fate of the beast, and bear the mark of destruction, making their way down the path away from God. Those that take the mark of Christ are sealed with the Holy Spirit. This is done in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.
Revelation 16:2
So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
Revelation 20:4-5
Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.
Galatians 6:17
From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
Revelation 15:2
And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.
And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.
Just as the two "olive trees" gave witness to God, these beasts witness to Satan. The breath of God entered into the two slain after they lay in the street unburied. They then rise and are taken to heaven.
The second beast is able to give breath to the image of the first beast. The world marvels, but some will see through this deception and will reject the beast.
The number of its name is 666. Various individuals and entities have been identified over time, as there have been dates predicted for the second coming which have come and gone. We have seen that Scripture can speak on several levels and have multiple applications which are true at the same time. Types appear in history, yet inform us today, a shadow and prophesy of things to come.
One might get the sense that Rome represents the world empire that is forming in our headlong descent into a "new world order" and Islam continues to increase its violence and persecution of Jews and Christians alike. The idea of Jesus being the Christ, the Son of God, is blasphemy to those who kill in the name of God. It embodies both ideas of Antichrist and beast. Wiping Israel off the face of the earth is a repeated and loud call by those surrounding Jerusalem. Satan is indeed furiously waging war on the offspring of the seed, for he knows his time is short.
The number does reflect the number of man, 6, and is grouped as 3, which could represent divinity, to be in the place of God. This is what Satan is all about. A mark on the forehead represents taking the name, or following the beast. Those that belong to God take His name and become children of God, and are marked with the Spirit of the living. The Spirit leads us into the mind of Christ, renewing and transforming the believer into new creatures, a new creation. Those that follow the beast remain tied to the fate of the beast, and bear the mark of destruction, making their way down the path away from God. Those that take the mark of Christ are sealed with the Holy Spirit. This is done in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.
Revelation 16:2
So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
Revelation 20:4-5
Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.
Galatians 6:17
From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
Revelation 15:2
And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Another Beast -Revelation 13:11-14
Revelation 13:11-14 ESV
11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
Out of the earth rises the second beast. It is described as a lamb in appearance, but speaking as a dragon. The unholy trinity is now revealed. Satan is truly unbound and floods the world with deceit.
Without the eyes of God, the wonders performed by this minion of Satan convinces those of the earth that this creature is from God.
It turns the world from merely following after the beast to worshiping the Beast. Like the two witnesses of God, it causes fire to come down from heaven. Elijah, the man of God performed such a miracle. The disciples James and John offered to call down fire for Jesus. The power of the dragon is given to this beast.
Those who dwell on the earth, that is the unbelievers, will be deceived. They have rejected the Spirit who allows seeing through the deception of Satan. He disguises himself as an angel of light. On the inside, darkness reigns. His prophets repeat his lie and spread the word of destruction, and many drink from that cup he holds out.
Deuteronomy 13:1-4
Chapter 13
1 “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.
1 Kings 18:38-40
Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” 40 And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.
Luke 9:54-56
And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.
Matthew 24:24-28
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2 Kings 1:10
But Elijah answered the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
Matthew 7:15-19
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Thessalonians 2:6-12
And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
Out of the earth rises the second beast. It is described as a lamb in appearance, but speaking as a dragon. The unholy trinity is now revealed. Satan is truly unbound and floods the world with deceit.
Without the eyes of God, the wonders performed by this minion of Satan convinces those of the earth that this creature is from God.
It turns the world from merely following after the beast to worshiping the Beast. Like the two witnesses of God, it causes fire to come down from heaven. Elijah, the man of God performed such a miracle. The disciples James and John offered to call down fire for Jesus. The power of the dragon is given to this beast.
Those who dwell on the earth, that is the unbelievers, will be deceived. They have rejected the Spirit who allows seeing through the deception of Satan. He disguises himself as an angel of light. On the inside, darkness reigns. His prophets repeat his lie and spread the word of destruction, and many drink from that cup he holds out.
Deuteronomy 13:1-4
Chapter 13
1 “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.
1 Kings 18:38-40
Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” 40 And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.
Luke 9:54-56
And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.
Matthew 24:24-28
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2 Kings 1:10
But Elijah answered the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
Matthew 7:15-19
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Thessalonians 2:6-12
And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Given A Mouth -Revelation 13:5-10
Revelation 13:5-10 ESV
And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty- two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
10 If anyone is to be taken captive,
to captivity he goes;
if anyone is to be slain with the sword,
with the sword must he be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
The words of the dragon are given voice. The beast gives utterance to blasphemies against God. Heaven is where God dwells. He is on His throne and in the heart of every believer. The animosity against Christians in the world is evidence of His presence, just as it is evidence of Satan. One cannot believe in God and dismiss the idea of Satan. Believing in God means believing God.
Jesus overcame temptation and was victorious over death. Anyone who listens to His word and places faith in Him will have life. The choice is not predetermined, but foreseen. It calls for endurance and faithfulness.
Daniel 7:8
I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Daniel 7:21-22
As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 11:36
“And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done.
2 Thessalonians 2:2-4
not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so- called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
Matthew 25:34
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
In the story of creation God rested on the seventh day. He finished His work, the word was spoken and we partake in its fulfillment.
Jeremiah 43:11-12
He shall come and strike the land of Egypt, giving over to the pestilence those who are doomed to the pestilence, to captivity those who are doomed to captivity, and to the sword those who are doomed to the sword. 12 I shall kindle a fire in the temples of the gods of Egypt, and he shall burn them and carry them away captive. And he shall clean the land of Egypt as a shepherd cleans his cloak of vermin, and he shall go away from there in peace.
We can choose between doom and salvation, between death and life. Each path has its end, a destination. Jesus invites all to follow Him.
Hebrews 6:10-12
For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
1 Peter 1:20-21
He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty- two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
10 If anyone is to be taken captive,
to captivity he goes;
if anyone is to be slain with the sword,
with the sword must he be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
The words of the dragon are given voice. The beast gives utterance to blasphemies against God. Heaven is where God dwells. He is on His throne and in the heart of every believer. The animosity against Christians in the world is evidence of His presence, just as it is evidence of Satan. One cannot believe in God and dismiss the idea of Satan. Believing in God means believing God.
Jesus overcame temptation and was victorious over death. Anyone who listens to His word and places faith in Him will have life. The choice is not predetermined, but foreseen. It calls for endurance and faithfulness.
Daniel 7:8
I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Daniel 7:21-22
As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 11:36
“And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done.
2 Thessalonians 2:2-4
not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so- called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
Matthew 25:34
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
In the story of creation God rested on the seventh day. He finished His work, the word was spoken and we partake in its fulfillment.
Jeremiah 43:11-12
He shall come and strike the land of Egypt, giving over to the pestilence those who are doomed to the pestilence, to captivity those who are doomed to captivity, and to the sword those who are doomed to the sword. 12 I shall kindle a fire in the temples of the gods of Egypt, and he shall burn them and carry them away captive. And he shall clean the land of Egypt as a shepherd cleans his cloak of vermin, and he shall go away from there in peace.
We can choose between doom and salvation, between death and life. Each path has its end, a destination. Jesus invites all to follow Him.
Hebrews 6:10-12
For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
1 Peter 1:20-21
He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
I Will Do It
Isaiah 46:8-11 ESV
“Remember this and stand firm,
recall it to mind, you transgressors,
9 remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
10 declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
11 calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have purposed, and I will do it.
In the beginning God
In the end God
As He purposed
So it will be
“Remember this and stand firm,
recall it to mind, you transgressors,
9 remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
10 declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
11 calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have purposed, and I will do it.
In the beginning God
In the end God
As He purposed
So it will be
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