Who's Going to Help them

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  

–  John 13:34-35

A Polar Vortex has descended once again upon the country of America.  From coast to coast, people are experiencing record-setting low temperatures, freezing rain, and ice storms.  As I watch the news, I recall a memory from when we had just moved to Florida, years ago. I had just left the office.  It was late, probably well after 11 PM, but I had put the final touches on the presentation, and the meeting in the morning was going to be a slam-dunk.  I had been working on the project for well over 8 months, and finally, we were ready to reveal it to the executives, and if they approved it, we would get our funding.  As I walked out the door into the parking garage, I noticed it was darker than I expected and much colder.   Having not worn a jacket this day, I was freezing by the time I reached my car.  It was one of those nights when you could see your breath as it seemed to hang just in front of you.  This didn’t change, even when I shut the door and started the engine.  It had been 60 degrees that morning, but a Nordic cold front had moved in the temperature dropped to the 20’s.  Yes, it even gets cold in Florida in the winter months, nothing like we are all experiencing now, but cold nonetheless.

I sat in my car for a few minutes waiting for the temperature to warm up.  Finally, the vents were blowing full blast, and warm air started to ease the shivering.  I proceeded to leave the work campus out onto the service drive next to I-4.  As I drove under the highway, I couldn’t believe my eyes.  Where did all of these people come from?  At least a hundred people were lying close together under the highway with cardboard, plastic bags, and newspapers covering them.  The only protection they had that night from the bitter chill in the air was whatever they could find lying on the ground during the day.  They lay close together so their body warmth would help, but even then, they had to be freezing.  I was frozen just walking 5 minutes to my car; these people had to endure this weather for the next 8 to 10 hours until the sun came up.

Do you ever have one of those moments when you come to realize just how unbelievably blessed you really are?  There are millions of people every day living on the streets around the world.  The homeless population is not going down, but just the opposite, it’s getting worse.  This includes those that are in shelters, but the number of beds in shelters is pretty static, and therefore, the number of people on the streets is increasing dramatically.  Many reasons cause homelessness, including violent and abusive relationships, financial hardship, drug addictions, mental illness, and teenage runaways.  In many cases, the individuals on the streets are not there because they chose it; they are there because of a series of events that left them without financial means and no ability to recover.

Regardless of the reason for their arrival in this situation in life, we have an obligation to love them.  Their status, their lack of home ownership, or their ability to have a job does not differentiate them from you and me in God’s eyes.  His love is indeterminate and immutable.  It has no condition and cannot be changed.  The love that is given to You from God the Father is equally available to the person without a home to lay their head.  Consider the fact that Jesus Christ never owned a home {Matthew 8:20}.  He was taken in by those around Him every night, or slept under the stars, I imagine.  We must be able to look at the homeless living around and amongst us and find ways to bring them comfort, peace, and love.

How do we demonstrate God’s love to those who have no internet, no TV, no bible and are often ignored and forgotten?  We must go to them.  They are not inclined to come to your door and ask for help, and the shelters can only hold so many.  Showing God’s love is the one thing we can do by simply reaching out to them in their environment.  

Here is my recommendation.  If you have the means, put 4 to 5 blankets in your trunk, and a few bags of non-perishable, easy-to-open food items, along with some hygiene products and feminine products.  Keep this supply of items in your car, so that the next time you drive by a homeless person, you can do something to share God’s love.  Hand them the blanket or bag, give them a blessing from God (as simple as “God loves you and wanted me to give this to you”), and then, most importantly, pray for that person.  Then replenish the supply in your car for the next opportunity that comes along.  We can all make a difference in the lives of those around us simply by taking the time to do something.

Love One Another

 “Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God” – 1 John 4:7

When the crying had stopped, the little girl managed to tell her father just what had happened.  Apparently, there had been an argument over a toy, and the young boy had gotten somewhat aggressive with the little girl.  Both kids were prone to fighting and arguing from time to time, as all brothers and sisters do.  But this time, the tears in his daughter’s eyes were much more real, and the situation she described was far beyond the average spat between siblings.  The boy had lost his temper and physically hit his sister, who was 2 years older, but still much more fragile.  The father quickly analyzed the situation and had to make a prompt decision.  He could scold the boy, discipline him, and try to enforce their policy of peace rather than violence, but this wasn’t the first time, so obviously it didn’t work before.

The father called the boy into the room.  As he stood by the door, head hung in shame and guilt, the father called him closer.  “Joey, did you hit your sister?” the father asked.  “She pushed me and wouldn’t give me the game,” he replied.  “That is not the answer to the question I asked you, though is it?  Once again, did you hit your sister? Yes or no.”  “Yes”, Joey said with defeat in his voice.  “Joey, tell me the bible story about Jesus beating up the men in Jerusalem who arrested him.  Is that in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John?”  Joey thought a moment and answered that he couldn’t.

“Oh, come on, there must be a story of Jesus beating up someone.  After all, they arrested him, beat him, spit on him, called him names, nailed him to a cross, and killed him.  You mean he never raised a hand against them?” 

“No, sir.” 

“Well, he must have cursed them from the cross, right?” 

“No, sir.” 

“Well, tell me what he did to those men who beat him and spit upon him and nailed him to the cross?”

“He forgave them.”

“Really, just like that, he forgave them?  Wow.  Now tell me, what was it that your sister did to you that made you think you should hit her so hard that her arm is bruised and she had to come to me crying?”

How often do we overreact when someone wrongs us?  It is common for us to seek some sort of revenge when we are taken advantage of or hurt in any way.  God teaches us throughout the scriptures that vengeance is His and that we are to love our neighbor.  Who is our neighbor?  I propose that it is all of those you come in contact with throughout the day.  It is not only those who live on your block, but those who live on the earth.  The need for God’s love to be shared is not limited by the physical address you happen to live at.  If you wander across the railroad tracks to the “other” side of town, your neighborhood just doubled in size.  If you are traveling abroad, your neighborhood just expanded by thousands of miles.  God’s love is for all mankind; who are we to decide who is and is not worthy of receiving it?

The key is to seek the love of others as if God Himself were looking through your eyes.  There may be times when you find yourself beyond control, so look to Him for the strength to forgive and love them.  God has given everything for you and asked that you give everything for Him in return.  Who is it that you need to forgive today?  I think it’s time, take that step, won’t you?

You're Lovable None the Less

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are conquerers through Him who loved us"  Romans 8:34-37

The rose drops petals when left uncut.  The bold redness fades to black, and they wither before they become disjoined from the stem.  Eventually, the stalk is bare and naked of its radiance and beauty.  But is it still a rose?  If not, then what is it?

The child wakes angry at his or her parents for their authority and strictness.  Friends whisper in their ear that they don’t need the parents, or the rules, or judgment.  The child packs a bag, takes a few $20 bills from Dad’s wallet, and walks out the door, hops in a car, and is gone.  No note, Tweet, text, or call – just gone.  Is he or she still the child of those parents?

Tell me then, at what point in our lives can we stop being children of God?  If our spirit dies within us, and the fire is burnt out, has the love of our Father changed?  If we have chosen the wrong path and done unmentionable acts of unrighteousness, is the redemptive act of Christ’s death and resurrection unattainable?  Tell me of the sinful action that you have determined is beyond God’s grace and mercy. 

The Pharisees and Sadducees lived their lives as if they could abide within God’s law.  Even in their education, discipline, and strictness, their hearts and arrogance exposed their unrighteousness.  Jesus Christ came as the new covenant between man and God, not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it with perfection.  His life portrayed the will, the love, and the spirit of God Almighty.  Through His perfection, He introduced us to God’s expectations of His children.  The problem this created, though, is that mankind is incapable of living this life because of our inherent sinful nature.

The fact that we are born of mankind, the blood of Adam runs through us.  The sinful nature over millennia of time has not washed clean and never will.  Jesus Christ was not born of man’s blood, but born of the Holy Spirit, through Mary.  The fact that in His perfection and holiness, He took our sins upon Himself and provided complete redemption for all of our iniquities.  The blood He shed upon the cross was a pure sacrifice from the lamb of God and sufficient for any sin that had been, or would ever be.  His life and His blood are all that He could give, nothing more.  If it is not sufficient to redeem the sin that dwells within you, then it is insufficient for any sin.  God did not send His Son to die for some, but for ALL who believe in Him.  Otherwise, John 3:16 might read something like this: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that some of you who believe in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”  You know that is not what it says, you know this verse by heart, and you know it says “…that whosoever believes …”

You either believe it or you don’t.  If you don’t, then you are stating you don’t believe that God’s word is truthful and authentic.  It indicates that you believe you know more than the Creator about the rules and guidelines for eternal life.  Here is the reality of the situation.  You are dealing with human guilt, pressed down upon you by your own feelings, not from God.  You see, God cannot love you more than He does.  He gave you everything you need to enter eternal life with Him in heaven.  There is no second round of redemption coming; Christ’s death and resurrection are sufficient.  This love of the Father is infinitely greater than anything our human mind can conceive and therefore cannot be increased, nor can it be decreased.  It is unchanging, immutable, and consistent.  Nothing you can do can separate you from His love?  It is strictly your choice whether you want to accept it or not.  Just as your child will always be your child, whether they are happy with you at the moment or not, you were created by Him and for Him, and you can’t undo that.

Nothing, no Nothing

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

 

The morning sun was just peaking over the horizon as he rolled over.   The first thing he noticed was that he was not in his bedroom.  It took a moment or two for him to recall what had happened and how he had ended up in this place.  His vision was very blurred, and breathing was difficult because a tube was coming from his mouth and taped to his cheek.  Despite his attempts to move his body, he couldn’t.  It’s as if his muscles couldn’t react to his brain's commands.  Through his squinting eyes, he saw the IV bag hanging and tubes connected to his arm, wires connected to his forehead, and a myriad of machines with numbers, making beeping sounds.  He noticed that his chest and abdomen were wrapped in white bandages, and there was a large circle of red and black right in the center of the bandages.  Suddenly, his mind began recalling what happened.  As the memories began to fill his mind from the night before, a pain overtook him, and he felt himself drifting back into a state of unconsciousness.

His mind did not stop, though.  He felt as if he were floating above his physical body and looking down upon himself.  He saw the hospital bed, the equipment and monitors, the blood-stained bandages, and his mother in the corner crying.  Then his eyes were captured by the tattoos covering his arms and shoulders.  The naked nymph that he had gotten in Mexico, the skull and crossbones, the knife blade dripping blood, the snake wrapping around the shoulder, the tattoo of the gun and bullet entering through the eye of a child.  The tattoos caused his mind to roll through his life history.  Small glimpses from his youth through today began to fill his vision in his unconscious state.  The life of partying, drugs, and violence; the people he had hurt, the pain he had caused others, all began to be revealed to him.  He saw all the women he had used and abused.  He saw the children now addicted to crack cocaine because he sold them their first joint.  He saw his mother’s tears as he slapped her and slammed his bedroom door in her face when he was just a boy himself.  He saw his dad taking his own life in their bathroom at home.  Then he saw himself as a small boy playing baseball and riding his new bicycle after school.  He saw his best friend, and he was laughing and playing with Hot Wheels and GI Joes.  The sky was blue, the sun was bright, and the grass was green as he saw himself learning how to ride a tricycle.

Suddenly, his eyes moved to the machine in the corner the beeps were slowing and the line had very few bars on the screen.  Something was happening as he looked at his body in that bed.  His chest was barely rising and falling any longer.  A bright flash of light and he was back in his dream like state.  He saw himself as a twelve year old boy walking down the aisle in church.  He recalled the large cross with Jesus hanging at the front of the sanctuary as he made his way down the long aisle toward the minister standing by his dad’s coffin.  As he touched the hard cold wood, he felt a hand on his shoulder.  Looking up it was Jesus Christ looking down into his eyes, with more love than he had ever felt before.  He said four simple words, “I’ll always love you.” 

A blur flashed before the man’s eyes and he was now standing in the same church, except the church was empty, dark and cold.  His eyes lifted to see the cross on the wall, Christ hanging there still.  In his vision, the man began weeping bitterly at the choices he had made in life since the last time he knelt on these steps.  Then a hand was on his shoulder and looking up, Christ stood before him, looking down upon him with incredible love.  “I’ll always love you.”, He whispered.  The man raised his arms showing his tattoos and scars from the needles and from the time he tried to take his life.  “But Jesus you don’t understand the things I’ve done, and people I’ve hurt”, the man cried out.  “I LOVE YOU.”, Jesus replied.  “No.  I raped that girl and I stole that woman’s purse.  I was in prison for shooting that kid in a fight.  I robbed the liquor store and beat that old man.  I haven’t stepped foot in this church in 20 years.”, the man argued back.  “I LOVE YOU.”, Jesus replied, and then raised the man to his feet and embraced him.  The man saw his own arms as Jesus lifted him and they were wiped clean, the tattoos were gone as was the bandages. 

“Nothing you do can separate you from Me and My love for you.”, Jesus said as He placed a kiss upon the man’s forehead.  He was swept away through the blurry darkness back to the hospital room and then total darkness.  His eyes opened once again, blurry looking up at the ceiling and the tubes and wires coming from his body.  Shifting his eyes to the side, he saw the monitors and the line was normal once again.  There were two doctors saying he’s stable now.  He saw his mother standing by his bed.  Her hand touching his face as tears flowed from her eyes, she smiled and said, “Welcome back.  We thought we lost you.”

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You may feel that you have done terrible things in your life up to this point.  I want you to know that despite those choices, those actions, God’s love for you has never changed.  He loved you when you were born just as much as He loves you now.  His love is unchanging and just when you think you’re beyond His grace, He will lift you up, clean off the past and carry you forward to a new day.  Perhaps today is that day for you to receive His offering of grace and love.  If so, please pray this prayer with me, and invite Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior today.

Come, Jesus, Come

Revelation 22:7-21

And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.  Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.  Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Jesus revelation through John’s vision concludes with the promise that Jesus Christ is coming soon.  He is bringing with him the reward for every person that they deserve.  As the Alpha and the Omega, He is the Creator and the fulfiller of all time and space.  At this conclusion, the end has come upon mankind, and the eternal state has been designed and finalized for each based upon their decisions in life.  But in this eternal space, there is no time, and it will be separate from sin, evil, sorcery, sexual immorality, murderers, idolaters, and those who practice falsehood, lawlessness, and deceit.   

Are you prepared to participate with Jesus in this new kingdom, this new earth, and reside in the new Jerusalem as promised?  If you believe you are, then you must live as if you believe it wholeheartedly.  Those of us who have decided to follow Jesus and His teachings, and call Him Savior and Lord, must wake every day ready for Christ to return.  If we are to claim that we belong in this group, then we must also accept the responsibility that comes along with it.

If we claim we are blessed and worthy to be with God one day in this eternal heaven, we must ask if our walk every day represents the characteristics and truth of Jesus Christ.  None can be perfect, not one can live without sin (other than Christ himself), no, not one is worthy of eternity with God.  We may consider our life to be good, some may even consider it to be great, and righteous, when we compare it to those around us.  But, how does it stand up against the life of Jesus Christ?  He is our bellwether, not your neighbor.  Grace offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the payment for your sins.  His blood is the sacrificial blood to atone for your iniquities and transgressions.  For without His death and resurrection, you are just like those who, throughout Revelation, experience the unstoppable wrath of God, the Father.

All throughout Revelation, John has shared with us the vision that Jesus allowed him to share.  He has instructed that it is not sealed up, but shared and spread to all believers, so that they will know what is required and will obey.  He instructed that it not be changed, nor added to, as some have done over time.  This is a sure way to determine if a prophet is of God or not.  If God tells John that nothing can be added or changed from what has been written, yet some spiritual leaders claim that they have additional scriptures beyond the Bible, we can immediately question their authenticity and discern their truth.  This book in the Bible has given you a full understanding of the end times.  We are told to read, study, understand, and live as if Christ returns tomorrow.

As the bride, we must be dressed in our white garments, full of anticipation for the bridegroom’s return.  If you are living outside of His obedience and righteousness, now is the time to carefully consider your walk and get right, fix it to align with His truth and commandments.  The 10 Commandments were not written for a period of time, but for God’s children for all time.  This should be your guidance, along with the truth’s shared in the book of Revelation to abide and follow His teachings.  It’s not just a fairy tale, it is the true written Word of God and needs to be taken seriously.  We can observe around us that we are nearing the end times, and we must be sincere with those we love to make sure they are aware and prepared as well.  

We need to stand and be able to say “Come, Lord Jesus, Come”

New Jerusalem - Final Home

Revelation 21:9-12,22-27

Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”  And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,  having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.  It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed

(22) And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.  And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.  By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,  and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.  They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.  But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The eternal living space for God’s children is the new Jerusalem.  Over 2 million square miles with 200-foot walls, larger than the countries of France or England as we know it.  No sun, no moon, no night.  The Lord’s light will shine eternally, and there will be no reason for a sun or moon to provide light.  God and the Lamb will be dwelling with mankind in this new realm.  We will be in His presence always; there is no need for a Temple, a synagogue, a holy of holies to seek God.  

Recall, if you will, the veil in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem tore from top to bottom when Jesus Christ was crucified.  This veil was the separation from God’s presence in the temple and was restricted to the high priest only.  When the veil was torn, it opened up access to God through Jesus Christ directly.  In this new Jerusalem, there is no temple, no veil, no holy of holies; we are in the presence of God and Jesus at all times.

No evil, no unclean presence, or detestable thing will be in this realm.  God’s perfect presence is protected from all unrighteousness and impurities.  It will be a realm of holiness and righteousness only.  Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be accepted in, filled with goodness and love for each other and God, the Father.  Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians 15:44, that our new resurrected bodies will be “spiritual” and capable of being in God’s presence and perfected glory.  Unlike our current existence, which is filled with original sin and unrighteousness.  We must be resurrected into our heavenly bodies to co-exist in the presence with God and the Lamb.

It is quite conceivable that nations will still exist in the new Jerusalem.  The definition of the design calls out 12 gates, one for each nation, tells us that there will at least be 12 nations in the new realm.  Also, we read in Revelation 12 that the promised Messiah “will rule over the nations”, and in Revelation 22, we will see that God talks about the leaves of the tree of life will heal all the nations.  

Much like the previous story of the Bridegroom going and preparing a place for Himself and the bride to live, Jesus told the disciples, in John 14, “I am going there to prepare a place for you . . . And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  This new Jerusalem is the place which Jesus, the Bridegroom, has prepared for you and me.  He will return, just as He said He would, one day to take us there, where we will live eternally with Him.  Jesus Christ is the Light of the World (John 8:12) and will provide the unquenchable light for all eternity in this new realm.

These are the promises by which we hold onto.  The truth that God has a better plan for us than the world in which we live today.  Read Revelation 21 completely for an in-depth description of this new Jerusalem, and you will be amazed at the beauty and eloquence of detail provided in John’s vision from God.  We are destined to live in luxury eternally with God, the Father.  So when we say “do not store up treasures on earth, but rather in heaven where moth and rust and thieves cannot destroy or steal” (Matthew 6:19-21), this is what we refer to.  Your heavenly realm will be unbelievably beautiful and plentiful with God and the Lamb forever.

New Heaven and Earth

Revelation 21:1-8

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.  The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.  But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.

Genesis 1: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

The Creator is the only real authority.  The same God who created the earth and the heavens also created you and me.  He alone is capable of determining when the earth and heavens will be extinguished, despite the global warming and climate control authorities’ intended message.  Also, recognize the statement “the sea was no more.”  In this context, John is not referring to the sea as a body of water, but rather the place where the “beast” came up from.  Refer back to Revelations 13:1 – “Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads…”.  

John’s vision here is a new Jerusalem, prepared to be the dwelling place of God with man.  This is going to be our eternal resting place with God amongst us.  Being in His presence forever and ever more will be the reward.  This new realm will be the perfection of God, without fear, suffering, death, mourning, crying, or pain.  Those things that resulted from the evil in our world will not exist in this new world.  God’s love will be overwhelming at all times.

Because God is the Alpha and the Omega (beginning and the end), He alone controls all things.  Life, death, and eternity are within his purview and authority.  He was there when you were created, He was there when you were afraid, He was there when you did that stupid thing, He was there when you were angry, He was there when you were sad and felt lost, He was there when you fell in love, He was at the wedding, He was at the childbirth, He was at the job interview, He was at the funeral when you’re best friend died, He was even there when you hated Him for that season.  You see, He never left your side.  He knows all that you have been through, and He has been through it with you.  God is omnipotent, sovereign, and ever-present, there is nowhere you can go and nothing you can do without His knowing.  Read Psalm 139 and reflect on the fact that God knows you completely.

In Revelation 20 we saw God’s eternal judgment poured out upon those who continued to deny and reject Him.  John refers to them again here: the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, liars, and the like will be cast into the lake of fire.  Having died once physically, this death (second death) is eternal.  There will be no opportunity for them to repent and come back from the bottomless pit to join us in the new realm with God the Father.  Eternally, they will be separated.

Let’s reflect for a moment on those who have passed away with faith and belief in Jesus Christ.  We are comforted to know that they are no longer in pain, no suffering, no tears, no fear, no torment, or worry.  This is warming to the very heart of those of us still here.  We long for them, for their voice, their hug, their laughter, their love, their smile, and their presence, but we know they are in a much better place.  We trust that we will one day stand side by side with them and our Creator again in this new world.  This is hope.  This is our longing and our expectation, because we are promised by the Creator.  

If those you love and cherish do not have a faith or belief in Jesus Christ, there is an eternal fate for them, but it will be separated from you and the Father.  Please take seriously every opportunity to share the truth and the gospel with them.  If you love them at all, you want nothing but the eternal best for them.  You may feel it is not your business, but you are wrong.  Yes, it is a private decision that every person must make, and God gives each of us the free will to make it. However, you have the opportunity to share your decision and ensure they have the full story to make an informed decision themselves.  Don’t let another day go by; do something for the ones you love today.

The Lamb's Book of Life

Revelation 20:11-15

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.  And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.  And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.  Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.  And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Yes, there will be a day of judgment, and there is only one judge of all.  John is back in God’s Throne room, where he is given the vision of God’s final judgment for those who had died during the millennial reign.  Recall that Jesus separated the righteous from the unrighteous after the Great Tribulation (Matthew 25 – sheep and goats).  The righteous (sheep) were judged and will go with Jesus into the 1000-year reign, while the unrighteous (goats) will be cast into the lake of fire.  So, the Great White Throne judgment is of those who died having turned from Christ during the millennial reign.  There will be one point of evidence in this judgment event, the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Either your name is in it, or it is not.

I know this is somewhat confusing, but think about the people groups over time.

Righteous 

1. Believers in God from before Jesus’ death and resurrection (OT saints raptured)

2. Believers who have died before the Great Tribulation with faith in Christ as Lord (Church age saints raptured) 

3. Believers (alive and those who were martyred) from the Great Tribulation (return with Jesus during the Millennial reign)

4. New believers converted or born during the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ

Unrighteous

1. OT enemies of God before Jesus

2. Those who died having denied Christ prior to the Great Tribulation

3. Those who denied God during the Great Tribulation despite His signs, plagues, and wrath (many were swept away during the reaping in Revelation 14, others still were burnt up during the battle of Armageddon, birds ate their flesh). Any remaining were separated (goats from Matthew 25) and judged by Jesus before the 1000 year reign began.

4. Those who enter the new Millennial reign of Christ, but turn away from Christ and follow Satan after the Millennium (joined forces with Satan, Gog, and Maggog and were burnt up in the final battle)

These unrighteous are now brought before the Great White Throne for judgment by God alone.  The sea (bottomless pit), death in unrighteousness, and Hades (death before Christ) all gave up their dead to be judged a final time. This judgment will establish their eternal destination in the lake of fire.  Each of these people had a first death (physically), and now has experienced the second death and permanent separation from God the Father, just as they wished.  God does not wish that any shall perish, but those who of their own free will choose to be separate from Him will be granted their desire permanently.   

So, as a believer, are we without judgment?

No, in Romans 2:6 we are told God “will render to each person according to his deeds.”, So yes, we will be judged, again, reference Matthew 25 when Jesus judges the sheep and the goats.  Those who follow, believe, and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are His sheep and have their names written in the book of life.  The judgment of our eternal fate is contained in that alone.  Yes, the sinful actions of our lives are outside of His righteousness and recorded in the books, but are redeemed by His sacrifice, death, and God’s grace.  It is only through Jesus blood that we can be accepted as righteous on that day.

Satan Is Gone

Revelation 20:1-10

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain.  And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.

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.  The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea.  And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

When a non-named angel comes down from heaven with the keys and a chain to bind Satan….hmmmm, makes you wonder, just how powerful is Satan anyway.  It’s not the Lamb of God, not Michael, not Gabriel, just an angel.  But, then again, is any angel “just an angel”?  I think not.  God’s army of angels is powerful and given authority when He deems necessary.  Keep in mind that Satan (Lucifer) was one of God’s angels, from before Genesis, but was cast down from heaven because he wanted to usurp God’s power and authority.  All he had to do was humble himself, and God could have given him great authority, but no.  Satan is bound and cast into the bottomless pit, the abyss, for 1,000 years.  

The angel will lock the pit and seal it.  Satan’s deceptive power on earth is taken away for a time.  Some say Satan has already been bound, and we are in the middle of the 1,000 years in the pit.  This can make no sense.  His evil is very evident today, and his minions, demons, and spirits are working daily in all of our lives.  This alone proves that He has not been bound yet.  

We must realize that there will be people who make it through the Great Tribulation and still live on earth.  They will carry on just as they have, with sinful natures, just as we are today.  They will have a righteous leaning, based on decisions to follow Christ, but still living temptation and a sinful nature.  Some will also have survived the tribulation, but not have committed to Jesus Christ yet.  They may be leaning that way, but still on the fence.  There will be a judgment of those who are still alive on earth (Matthew 25:31-34 ~ sheep and goats), and in Revelation 20, we are introduced to the thrones and judgment seats.

Seated upon the thrones are those given the authority to judge the souls of mankind.  These could very likely be the saints, referenced in 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 from Paul (those who die as believers), or it could be the elders referenced in Revelation 4, but it is unclear in the scriptures.  Either way, alongside them are the saints from the Great Tribulation, the martyrs who avoid falling to Satan and the antichrist.  Those who were killed for their resistance will now rule and reign alongside Christ on earth, while Satan, antichrist, and the false prophet are absent.  The unsaved dead are referred to as the “rest of the dead” and will not come before Jesus and the saints to be judged until after the 1,000 year millennia.  

The first resurrection is that of the saints.  This is why he says, “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection.”  These cannot be killed again; there is no power in death for this group.  They will be priests of God and reign with Christ for a thousand years.  But, as for the unsaved dead, they will experience the second death when they are cast into the lake of fire.  Woe to those who denied Christ when given every opportunity to follow Him.

Why was Satan set free after 1,000 years in solitary is a question that has been debated and discussed for centuries.  First, let’s imagine a world without Satan, the antichrist, or the false prophet.  There will still be sin because of our original sin nature, but it will be significantly diminished.  Jesus will reign and rule over the entire globe.  No Presidents, no Prime Ministers, no Dictators, no governments, all authority comes from Christ.  People living through that period, maybe even those born during the Millennial period, will have a strong firsthand experience of who Jesus truly is.  They will have every opportunity to follow Jesus and to give their life to Jesus of their own free will.  

What we find out in verse 8 is that there will be those who still rebel against Jesus, even though they have lived with him during that time.  Mankind’s sinful nature will still build up a rebellion and depravity that does not want the authority of God for eternity.  When Satan is unbound and released back into the world, he immediately brings together an army of millions if not billions, for a final battle against God.  Ezekiel 38 talks of Gog and Magog attacking God’s people in the end days.  Here again we see a reference to Gog and Magog as joining forces with Satan.

God allows this to happen in order to finally purge and eliminate every hard-hearted person ever to be upon the earth.  From Satan down through the least of his minions, they attack the people of God.  They encircle the camp of Jesus and the saints from all sides, and it appears as though they could be victorious, but God. 

God puts an end to it all.  He will rain fire down upon them, such that before the battle even begins, they are consumed and overwhelmed, so none shall escape.  Satan is then cast into the lake of fire (hell), along with the antichrist and the false prophet, forever and ever.  There they will be tormented forever, because they refused God.

Return of the Christ

Revelation 19:11-21

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.  His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.  He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.  And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.  From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.  On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.”  And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army.  And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.  And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.

What a glorious day for those who believe in Jesus Christ, and what a terrible day for those who do not.

John’s vision, as captured in Revelation 19, shows us how Jesus will return after the Great Tribulation, seated upon a white horse.  If you recall the Passover story captured in the scriptures, Jesus was riding into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-11), as prophesied in Zechariah.  Why is this important?  When Jesus entered Jerusalem, he came as a humble servant king, knowing that it was not the time for the final battle with Satan.  If his entry into Jerusalem had been upon a horse, it would have made a statement of royalty, kingship, and coming war.  Now, here in Revelation, we see Jesus coming back to earth as the groom to fetch His bride, riding upon a white horse of authority, power, and war, as shown in Daniel 7:13-14.  He comes in righteousness to wage war and judge mankind.  

His return is to bring the final battle upon Satan, Antichrist, False Prophet, and their followers, and to establish his rule on earth forever and ever.  The armies of heaven with him, clothed in white of righteousness, and also riding white horses.  This army is those who have given their lives to Him and His righteousness.  This body of faithful witnesses, overcomers, saints, believers, and martyrs will abide with Him through this battle.

Jesus, His eyes aflame, a crown of many diadems, clothed in a white robe dipped in blood, with a name written upon Him that no one knows, but his name is called the Word of God, with a sharp sword coming from His mouth, with a rod of iron, and written on His robe and thigh the words, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”.  Wow, what an image John portrays for us to imagine.  Literal or figurative is irrelevant.  The reality that this powerful, righteous conqueror and judge will come to battle Satan here on earth.  He alone will posses all power and authority over the earth, and Satan with his armies will stand no chance.  Jesus comes with a sword from His mouth to strike down the nations of Satan.  We know from Ephesians 6:17, that the Word of God is a mighty sword.  As a weapon of destruction in the spiritual world, we can see that this weapon in the hands of Jesus is a mighty weapon, and the only one He needs.

Babylon has fallen; now Satan and his armies gather to battle Christ and His army.  The antichrist (beast), and the false prophet are captured and cast into the lake of fire.  The abyss, Hell for eternity to be burned up by sulfur and endless fire.  Jesus treads the winepress (refer to Rev 14) to rain the fury of wrath from God upon those who still remain.  This figurative winepress to crush those who defied God (grapes), despite the many signs, and chose to follow the antichrist.  They were slain by the sword (the Word) and the birds above will gorge themselves on their flesh.  As we saw in Revelation 14, the blood of this battle will rise to the bridle of a horse for nearly 200 miles.

The world will then be cleansed of evil, except for Satan himself.  We will discover that outcome in Revelation 20 and 21, so stay tuned.  Satan doesn’t go away quietly as some might expect, but he is no match for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  

The final battle between these armies has a foregone conclusion for those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  If you do not, you may be reading this as a wonderful science fiction thriller.  I can assure you that the testimony of the saints, the believers for over 2000 years, is evidence of the truth of these scriptures.  If you would like to discuss this in a deeper context, please feel free to reach out to me directly, and I would be happy to have a conversation.  It is the most critical decision you will make in your entire life.  Do not make it flippantly because someone told you it was a children’s story.  Every reader is in my prayers for a deep relationship revelation with the Holy One – Jesus Christ.

Rejoicing in Heaven

Revelation 19:1-4, 6-9

(1) After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,

“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her immorality…

(6) Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”
—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

The great prostitute, Babylon, has been destroyed.  This causes great celebration in heaven, rejoicing, and praising God Almighty.  Her abominations, fornications, and immorality are extinguished.  The martyred saints, slain for the word of God, have been avenged.  

If you refer to Revelation chapter 6:9-11, the breaking of the 5th seal, a loud cry went up to heaven from those who had been killed for His name, asking, “How long, Sovereign Lord, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood”.  These saints during tribulation held onto the Lord’s word and were beheaded because of this.  Those who refused to take the mark and bow down to the beast, the antichrist.  With the removal of Babylon, the Lord has avenged them.

A marriage in heaven?  Well, let’s first look at the custom of the Jewish marriage in Jesus’ day.  The process of marriage consisted of an arrangement between the parents of the children.  Sometimes this happened very early, but generally it would have been when they were in their teens.  The son’s father would pay a dowry to the daughter’s father.  This could have been land, livestock, or money that had been saved up by the son’s father for this betrothal.  There would be a celebration at the betrothal (engagement) where the families would dance and have a feast for the bride and groom.  A contract was signed between the families, very much like a marriage license today.  It was a legal, binding agreement of a future together.

With the betrothal behind them, the young couple would then begin preparations for their life together.  This included readying a place to live.  They would separate until such time as the wedding would take place.  The groom would go with his father to prepare a place of residence, an additional room for him and his bride, often times, attached to his father’s house.  The bride would stay with her family, preparing the wedding clothes, and mastering the skills required for homemaking and raising children.  

At an unappointed time, sometimes months, sometimes years, the anticipation would come to an end.  The groom, having spent his time preparing a residence, would look to his father for the timing to go and get his bride.  The father would give the approval for the timing, and only the father.  As much as the son would want to accelerate the schedule, the father was the only one with the knowledge and authority to say, “Yes, now.

The bride and her family would be on constant alert for the coming of the groom.  Often, with great celebration in the streets, she would hear him coming when the time was finally approved.  She needed to be ready at a moment’s notice for he could come at any time, day or night, once the father provides his approval.  The groom would come to the door of the bride’s family’s house and knock on the door to fetch his bride.  This would be followed by a great celebration and feast in the streets by all of those in both families.

I think it is very obvious that the story of Jesus Christ (as the groom) and his followers as the bride is a direct parallel to this custom.  Christ was sent by His Father to earth, all in preparation for an eternal relationship.  The dowry was paid by the Father, in the death of His one and only son (Matthew 22:1-4).  Jesus then ascended from the Mount of Olives, outside of Jerusalem, to be with the Father and prepare a place for his bride (John 14:2-3).  We are the bride, awaiting his return.  Just as Jesus told of the parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25, and the Wedding feast in Matthew 22, we are to be prepared when he returns.  We are to keep oil in our lamps, symbolic of remaining faithful, and spiritually ready; and to be clothed in white garments, referring to our walk with Christ to be in line with His righteousness, not dressed in rags and self-dependent or self-righteous.  We are to be patient in knowing that He will return for us, because through His blood, He has made a contract as such.  Just as in the parables found in Matthew 22 and 25, there will be those who are not ready; they have become self-righteous and indignant toward the groom, and there are those who have let their lamps run dry, their faith grow weary.  These will not be ready when He returns, and they will be left behind when He does.

Only the Father knows when the Son will return.  As portrayed in the Jewish wedding process, the time will come when the Father says, “Go, fetch your bride!” and with great celebration and fanfare, Jesus will come for you and me.  The bible tells us it will be like a thief in the night, as we discussed in Revelation 3:3, Jesus will return at an unknown time.  It is important that we remain vigilant, sober-minded, and prepared, for it could be at any time.  Please understand God’s timing is not ours.  He is outside of space and time, with an eternal perspective. Therefore, when we look at a watch, a calendar, or a lifetime, it is nothing more than a blip in his perspective.  He has an appointed time for Christ to return and “fetch” the bride.  Be prepared daily with your study of His word, your actions of love to your neighbor, and your faithfulness to share His gospel with all that you meet.  Actions won’t get you to heaven, but they may help others get there.  Be blessed as we await that hour.

The Economic Collapse in End Days

Revelation 18:1-2, 9-11, 20

After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory.  And he called out with a mighty voice,

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!

(9)And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning.  They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say,

“Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon!  For in a single hour your judgment has come.

And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore

(20) “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!”

In Chapter 17, we saw the fall of the One World Church under the new 8th kingdom, overtaking Babylon, the prostitute.  Likewise, we now see that a single world economy has come to be, under the great prostitute – Babylon.  All economic trade requirements will fall under her control.  She has lured mankind into materialistic possessions, living in abundance and luxury, and power associated with wealth.  The people will be intoxicated with an idolatry of those with plenty, and reach for that over the call and love of God, the Father.  God calls His people out of Babylon, and the addiction that exists within this materialistic society.  His wrath and plagues will fall upon Babylon in those days, just as they did upon Sodom and Gomorrah in the Old Testament.  God warns His people to leave before the wrath falls upon them.

Many believe that the Spiritual fall of Babylon will take place in the first 3.5 years of Tribulation, while this fall of the Economic World system will happen in the second 3.5 years of Tribulation.  God’s plague of burning will fall upon the great city of Babylon, to the point where the economic system they had built will be useless to all of those involved in trade during those days.  None will purchase their merchandise anymore, and the luxuries will fall as their wealth is lost.

This economic collapse will impact the entire globe, and people will be thrown into extreme poverty and want.  What they have done to acquire their wealth will be gone.  The immoral and unethical actions that allowed them to gain wealth will be taken away.  The kings (referenced in Ch 17) will remain afar and watch as the people suffer the results of the economic collapse.  The kings remain covered in wealth, separated from the merchants and masses.  Today, we see the separation of the great wealth and the rest of us.  But, alas, there will come a day when even those who are wealthy by trade, by investment, and by hoarding their materialistic treasures will be swallowed up in the collapse, as well as the suffering.  In one hour, God can take it all away.

The realization that these material possessions do not last will become very real.  We are told to store up our possessions in heaven and not on earth.  This grants you eternal prosperity rather than wealth here on earth.  God will avenge the injustice of wealth on the earth in the end days.  Our focus needs to be on living for God, and not for wealth in this life.  Living for God means spreading His grace, His love, His salvation, and His promise to those in need.  We are called to step away from materialistic livelihood and sinful, self-righteousness to humility and servanthood to help others step away from sin.  The great harlot Babylon will one day be thrown down, and all of those who are tied to her seductive ways with her.  The economic wealth and power will not last in an eternal perspective.  It's not say that God detests wealth.  No, He owns it all, and can distribute in the best manner for His Kingdom growth.  Using these things for His purpose is the way to true wealth.  Wealth that extends beyond these worldly causes.  Focus your efforts there.

The Great Babylon - One World Order

Revelation 17

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.”  And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns.  The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.  And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.”  And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus

Revelation 17 and 18 discuss the evil that is coming upon the earth through the harlot – Babylon.  Without getting into a debate on if the reference to Babylon is literal, as in an actual city on earth, or if it is symbolic.  There are certainly plenty of references throughout the scripture on Babylon and the evil that comes out of that city.  This evil is antagonistic to God’s authority, and during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar (605 – 562 BCE) it was seen as an impenetrable city of grand temples, gardens, culture, arts, and luxury.  Nebuchadnezzar built Babylon, and leveraged his power against Jerusalem in 587 BCE.  His intent to set himself and Babylon as the true authority on earth has left an imprint even unto today.  Saddam Hussein in the 1980’s sought to reconstruct Babylon in what we know as Iraq.  Wanting the same power and perceived authority, he even minted coins with his image and Nebuchadnezzar together.  Of course, we know that his desire and intent came to an end after the turn of the century, but the influence of power and authority continues in the hearts of many of his subjects.

John’s vision continues as he is introduced to the great prostitute.  She represents Babylon, a corrupt system of nations and people, indulging in idolatries, immorality, and decadence.  In Revelation, she is seen as the prostitute, luring mankind away from God and towards worldly values, impurity, abominations, sexual immorality, and blasphemy.

The scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns carries the woman.  Their power sits under hers as we enter into Revelation 17.  The seven heads represent seven kings, or empires.  Later in the chapter, we see that five of these kings/empires have fallen, and historically, we can see the following 5 that have fallen: Persia, Greece, Assyria, Babylon, and Egypt.  It also references 1 kingdom that has yet to fall, which we see as Rome during the biblical days, and one that will yet come into place that we understand to be a revived Roman empire to be led by the antichrist.  All of these have been focused on worldly power, autonomy, and controlling the system on earth.  In the end days, the antichrist will work to establish a collective empire, seen as the 7th king, but will eventually rise above the 7 kings as the 8th king, a single global empire defying God through political power and authority.  

The ten horns are seen as 10 earthly kings who are established under the harlot’s authority.  A confederation of nations to 10 kingdoms, for a short period of time, with the antichrist.  The reality is that despite their perceived power and authority, they are simply executing what God has put in their hearts to carry out for His purpose, and the kings’ result in handing over their power to the antichrist, the scarlet beast.

With the antichrist in position as the head, they will first destroy the prostitute and establish the antichrist as the pre-eminent power and authority on earth.  With all of the shifting power on earth in those days, the people fell into line beneath the antichrist.  With such power, the antichrist and his kings will then make war on the Lamb of God.  

This vision of John paints a picture of rising spiritual war that is brewing in our world today.  We can certainly see kingdoms around the globe working towards a single global power, an aligned authority over all nations.  We’ve seen this in several ways: the European nation, the alignment of countries against Israel, and even in liberal and non-biblical policy changes within the Vatican.  It's not too far-fetched to see an aligned perspective on a single spiritual entity that is accepting of all worldly religions.  With the softening policies within many of the Christian churches today, we are pushing the biblical truth to the side and creating truth more relevant and acceptable in today’s social circles.

The day will come when the world will accept a single spiritual church as the way.  This will not be of God, but will be presented as such by those in authority, the antichrist and his kings.  There will be blasphemy against the true God, and abominations in the holy temple.  This will be applauded by the masses and revered as truth.  You can see in meetings between leaders around the globe an attempt to put our differences to the side and “live and let live” philosophies being adopted.  Nowhere is that biblical.  We are to stand firm on the foundation of Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and acknowledge that He alone is the only way to eternity with God, the Father.  Softening of this message is becoming widespread today as we attempt not to hurt others’ feelings.  To quote an old friend, this isn’t about your feelings; it’s about your eternity.  We need to stand firm on the foundation Christ built, not the foundation built by the world.

The Final Bowl is Poured Out

Revelation 16:17-21

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!”  And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake.  The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath.  And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found.  And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.

The finality of the bowl judgments and plagues upon the Earth in the last days of tribulation.  This vision of John’s in the Throne Room of God details the final bowl being poured out by the seventh angel, bringing cataclysmic destruction through natural events.  Lightning, thunder, and earthquakes shake the globe to its very core.  Mountains and islands disappear, and the city of Jerusalem is divided into three.  In Ezekiel 38, there is a reference to great earthquakes in Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives when the Son of God returns, stating His foot will land on the Mount of Olives as the city is split into two.  Hailstones will fall and bring death upon people who have rejected God throughout the final days.  His final plague of destruction and devastation will once and for all show His power and authority over all things.

The wrath presented here in Revelation 16 is very similar to the prophecy in Ezekiel 38, describing the end of days.  Both discuss the great wrath of God being poured out upon those who oppose Him.  Both discuss the mountains being thrown down, earthquakes as never before, pestilence, disease, and great hailstones.  Ezekiel 38 presents the foe of God to come from the North and West, whereas Revelation 16 presents the battle being formed in the Valley of Megiddo between the Lamb and armies from the East.  God’s word through the Prophets describes what John also sees in his vision.

God has no pleasure in bringing death to the wicked.  He desires that the wicked will turn from their evil ways and return to Him.  Throughout the scriptures, God expresses His love to His people and wants that none should perish.  Unfortunately, right up to the end of the Tribulation, Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet will have a stronghold on many.  These are the ones that will join in the battle against the Lamb of God in the coming verses.  They are following the liar, the deceiver, into battle, without recognizing the ending is already written.  

For these people have access today to the scriptures, to the prophecies, to the Word of God, and yet choose to ignore or deny its authenticity.  You may know someone or many who are like this.  They live in denial that God is sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient, and the Creator.  They enjoy living outside of God’s authority because it allows for their sinful nature to go unchecked and unrepentant.  Mankind, in general, does not want to align with a supreme authority and desires only to live within their own self-autonomy.  This self-centered, prideful, arrogant, and debased lifestyle that so many have decided to follow will only lead them to the destruction described in Ezekiel 38 and Revelation 16.

God is intentional with each of us to reveal His truth and plan.  He has given each of us the free will to accept or reject Him, though, and this will lead to many being subject to the Great Tribulation and the final battle with Christ in the last days.  It is my prayer that anyone reading this will come to realize that there is a God in heaven who loves you enough to send His only Son as a sacrifice for your sins.  Accepting this and putting your faith in Him is the only way to avoid the inevitable death and destruction identified here.  You are all in my prayers for this revelation to hit home.  Be blessed today with the good news. 

Frogs in Armageddon

Revelation 16:8-16

The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire.  They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.

The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.

The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east.  And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs.  For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.  (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)  And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

Global warming on an extreme scale.  When the Creator decides to end the world, it will become very evident who is in charge of the climate, the elements, and the universe.  God alone, controls the end of time.  Mankind can make bad decisions, and often does, but destroying the planet is not within our purview or authority.  God created the earth, the sun, the moon, the planets, the stars, and the cosmos (ref. Genesis 1) and knows exactly what can/cannot destroy them.

In the seven bowl plagues outlined in Revelation 16, we see God’s control over the sun, the waters, Satan, and even the demonic spirits.  Again, these plagues resemble the plagues in Exodus when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.  Fire from heaven, sores on their bodies, frogs, and dried-up river beds are similar, but on a global scale.  All of this is to set up the final battle between God and Satan over mankind.  This battle will take place in the valley of Megiddo (Armageddon), in the north of Israel between Mt. Carmel and Mt. Tabor  

Since biblical times, the Euphrates has been a major waterway separating the Middle East from the Far East.  A major trade route and a sustaining water source for the inhabitants of that region.  Today, we see reports about the Great Euphrates River drying up.  Global Climate supporters blame this on global warming and mankind’s abuse of natural resources for political gain.  This has a significant impact on those in the region; farmers, wildlife, livestock, and health concerns are making headlines throughout the region.  In this, we still see mankind even denying the sovereignty and authority of God over all things.  Scientific communities and the media will tell us that these are all natural events caused by man’s abuse of the Earth’s resources.  Some of this is true, but why they refuse to see the biblical connection remains a mystery to me.

John’s vision in the great throne room paints a picture of a hard-hearted community.  Refusing to grasp ahold of the mercy and grace from the Father, they align their loyalties to Satan and his forces.  God grants these remaining individuals what they wish for – eternal separation from Him and instead an eternity of pain and suffering.  The plagues will fall upon them in these last days, and in their anger, they still curse God and deny His authority and sovereignty.  A debased mindset that only sees evil as good.  God’s sovereignty reaches as far as Satan’s throne room and the army he is building in the end days.

Satan’s call goes out to the kings all around the globe to join forces against the almighty Creator.  The stage is being set today as we see the political landscape leaning away from God in all reaches of the globe.  Succumbing to worldly desires, leaders around the globe push agendas focused on removing God from the spotlight and putting themselves into the spotlight.  We are living through the decline of the church age and nearing the entry into the tribulation years.  I hope you are remaining alert and ready for the return of Christ.  Again, we see Christ’s words that His return will be “like a thief in the night, just like in Matthew 24:43.  We must be prepared and ready on that day.

What this means for you and me is to be in the Word.  Daily walking with the Lord, so when He returns to call His children home, you know Him.  Jesus makes himself available to all of us through studying the word, prayer, and loving others.  He is not absent, though many would think so, because they haven’t met the real Jesus yet.  That’s where we come in.  Share your story, tell others about His love, His sacrifice, His grace, and His promise for eternity.  Be active in helping others know who your Lord and Savior is, and why they need to know Him as well.