Revelation

"Verse by Verse" with Pastor Tom Luitwieler

Revelation 1:1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him (Jesus), to show unto His servants (us) things which must shortly come to pass: and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John (The Apostle John),". The Greek word for Revelation is "Apocalypse", it means to unveil (to reveal) something which was previously hidden. The Book of Revelation reveals Jesus Christ in all His heavenly glory, and it reveals the details surrounding His soon return to this earth to set up His kingdom. Our world is currently experiencing the birth pains that a woman in labor experiences as the Kingdom of God is being birthed. The pains (signs) of Jesus' return are coming more frequently and are more intense all the time. Are you ready for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? Nothing is more important

Revelation 1:2 "Who (the Apostle John (Verse 1) bore witness of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things he saw." The Apostle John heard God himself speak, he heard the testimony of Jesus Christ himself, and he saw these things with his own eyes, and he gives a faithful eyewitness account of what he heard and saw in the book of Revelation. John was taken to heaven (in Spirit (Rev 4:1-2), and was translated back and forth between heaven and earth several times during the Revelation. John also had 44 distinct visions where he actually saw these things taking place in the future. The Apostle John actually saw and heard the entire book of Revelation played out in front of his eyes and ears. The Bible says "in the mouth of two or three witnesses, the truth shall be established." So we have the witness of God, of Jesus Christ, and of the Apostle John. We can absolutely trust the book of Revelation when it comes to the truth concerning the future. Let's keep our eyes, ears and hearts open to what God wants to say to us in Revelation.

Revelation 1:3 "Blessed is he who reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things written in it; for the time is at hand." (also look at Rev 22:7) The book of Revelation is the only book in the entire Bible, which promises a blessing to those who read, hear and keep the things written in it. All three participles are in the present tense, meaning, he who keeps on reading, those who keep on hearing, and keep on keeping. Here to keep means to treasure, and to keep our eyes on with the idea of obeying. The blessing is two-fold, first we are blessed when we learn more about Jesus Christ in all his heavenly glory, and then again as we become more like Jesus Christ by beholding him in scripture (2 Corinthians 3:18). Are you ready to be blessed, read on.

Revelation 1:4 "John, to the seven churches which are in Asia; Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come (The eternal God), and from the seven spirits who are before His throne;" The "seven spirits before His throne", could be a reference to the completeness of The Holy Spirit, or to the seven angels (angels are spirits) who we see throughout the book of Revelation, who are carrying out God's orders. The book of Revelation is addressed to the seven churches which were in Asia minor at the time John wrote. The number seven in the Bible is the number of completeness, i.e. it is written to all the churches. Indeed we (the church) can take this as a personal letter from God to us. God wants to say some very important things to us (you and I) in these last days. We do well to listen very carefully, and ask Him for guidance along the way.

Revelation 1:5 "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the Kings of the earth. Unto Him who loved us, and has washed us from our sins in His own blood," As "the faithful witness" Jesus Christ perfectly represented God, as "the first begotten of the dead" Jesus is the first raised from the dead never to die again, and as "the prince (ruler) of the kings of the earth, Jesus is sovereign over all the earth. And Jesus Christ loves us, he proved it at the cross, and at the cross Jesus has washed us from our sins. Only the blood of Jesus Christ (God in human flesh) can cleanse us from our sins. The book of Revelation is a letter to us from God and his son Jesus Christ. Let's read it.

Revelation 1:6 "And (Jesus) has made us a Kingdom of priests unto God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." We believers will rule and reign with Jesus Christ during the thousand year reign of Christ on earth. In response to that fact, we say "unto Him be glory and dominion forever and ever". There is a hint of our pre-trib rapture here (in verse 6) because we "kingdom of priests" are in heaven singing a new song before Jesus Christ opens the seals on the scroll which triggers the seven year tribulation on earth (read revelation 5:5-10). Make sure you read it in a good translation (Kjv or Nkj) Praise God. Pastor Tom.

Revelation 1:7 "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, and they also (the Jews) who pierced Him (Zechariah 12:10); and all the tribes of the earth (Gentiles) shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. The word "behold" means pay close attention, i.e. never forget that Jesus Christ is going to return to this earth the same way he left this earth, "in the clouds" (Acts 1:9-11). The only difference is that this time every one will see His return (see also (Dan 7:13, Matt 24:30). It says people will wail (mourn) because of Him. Jesus Christ is returning to this earth at the end of the coming seven year tribulation, believers will mourn for him, and unbelievers will mourn because they literally "missed the boat" like those of Noah's day. Are you ready for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? The only way to be ready is to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-13)

Revelation 1:8 "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." How do you describe Jesus Christ, who is indescribable? Well, He is "alpha and omega", the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, i.e. Jesus Christ is all there is to say. He is the beginning and the ending, Jesus Christ is infinite. Jesus Christ is He "Who is, who was, and who is to come", eternal. And Jesus Christ is "the Almighty", the original Greek word is (autokrator) where we get the English word autocratic, meaning Jesus Christ is Sovereign over everything and everyone. Jesus Christ is everything we will ever need, forever, amen.

Revelation 1:9 "I John, who also am your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the Kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the island that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." When the Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, sixty years after the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (95 a.d.) Christians were under heavy persecution by the Roman Government. The Roman Emperor "Domitian" ordered the Apostle John's death. They boiled John in hot oil, but he did not die, so they banned him to the island Patmos, in the Aegean Sea. It was there that God gave to John The Book of Revelation. The world means to persecute Christians, but God uses it to purify us and prepare us for His coming Kingdom. Jesus said: "in this world we will have tribulation, but be of good cheer because I have overcome the world". Someday soon, we are going to rise above it all, and be with Jesus Christ, like the Apostle John did. Praise God.

Revelation 1:10 "I was in the Spirit on (unto) the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet," The Apostle John was in the realm of the spirit (as opposed to the flesh), transferred unto the "Day of the Lord" (the coming seven year Tribulation period) and actually saw the events of the book of revelation unfold with his own eyes (verse 11). What John saw was the coming judgment on planet earth, the "Day of the Lord" unfolding. The voice that John heard was Jesus Christ. I.E. the Apostle John actually saw and heard everything he wrote in the book of Revelation firsthand, he was an eyewitness to the coming tribulation before it happens.

Revelation 1:11 "Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last; What you see (remember the Apostle John was an eyewitness to these future events), write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea." The Lord Jesus Christ told the Apostle John to address and send the book of Revelation to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). These seven church were in order on an ancient postal route. All seven churches were to get the Revelation and read it. The Book of Revelation is something that every every church, every believer ought to read. It is a letter from Jesus Christ to you and I, filling us in on future events. Inquiring minds want to know, don't you?

Revelation 1:12 "And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands (lamp holders),". the Apostle John, in the book of Revelation, mentions 44 times that he actually "saw" these things. The Holy Spirit wants us to know that John was an eyewitness. From verse 20 we know that the lamp holders represent the seven churches he is writing this letter to. Notice the churches are lamp holders, and not themselves light, the Light which the church holds forth is Jesus Christ. We believers are to hold Jesus Christ up high so that the world can see him. Let's do that every day, Amen?

Revelation 1:13 "And in the midst of the seven lamp stands one like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girded about the chest with a golden girdle," Here in verses 13-16 we have the only description of Jesus Christ in the Bible. Jesus is seen in all of His heavenly Glory as God in His glorified human flesh. His clothing indicates two things, royalty and priesthood. Jesus Christ is both King and Priest. Jesus Christ is our king, and he is our High Priest. The priest's role was to represent God to the people, and to represent the people to God. Only a man can represent man to God, and only God can represent God to man, Jesus is both, God, who became a man. Who better to bring men to God than God who became a man? Thank you Jesus.

Revelation 1:14 "His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a flame of fire;" White is the picture of wisdom and purity, it also speaks of Christ's eternal nature (Daniel 7:9). His look is piercing, searching all and seeing all (Daniel 10:6 / Matthew 10:26). Jesus Christ sees everything and everyone, no one will get away with anything. The same eyes which were filled with human tears while on this earth, are now like a flame of fire. I hope you have surrendered your life to Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:15 "And His feet like fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice like the sound of many waters". Jesus' feet were like red-hot brass. Brass in the Bible often indicates judgment, as in this case. In several places in the Bible the Lord's feet are spoken of as involved in the judgment of unbelievers, (Isaiah 63:3, Revelation 19:5). Jesus' speaks with authority, his words are true and powerful, his voice is like the sound of many waters (Ezekiel 43:2). One day we will all look into the face of Jesus Christ and hear the voice of God saying "enter into the joy of the Lord" (how comforting), others will hear the words, "depart from me, I never knew you" (how terrifying). What words will you hear from Jesus? (please read: 2 Peter 3:9)

Revelation 1:16 "And He had in His right hand seven stars; and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword; and His countenance was as the sun shines in it's strength." The seven stars are the angels (messengers) of the seven churches (verse 20). They are in Jesus' right hand, the place of power and control. The two-edged sword coming out of Jesus' mouth is the Word of God (see Hebrews 4:12 and Revelation 19:15). Then the Apostle John notices the striking brilliance of Jesus' face, as the shining sun. In the book of Revelation, the churches are lamp-holders, holding forth the light to a dark world, the angels are stars, but Jesus Christ (His face) is as the sun shining in it's strength. "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all". The glory of the Lord shines in and through us (his church). The entire world is going to see him at his second coming. Hope you’re wearing sunglasses.

Revelation 1:17 "And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand on me, saying unto me, fear not, I am the first and the last; Upon seeing Jesus Christ in all His heavenly glory as described in verses 13-16, the Apostle John falls down, he is absolutely overwhelmed, frightened. John had a healthy fear of God. No one can stand before the Lord and not be shaken by His presence and appearance, He is awesome, too holy to look at in our humanity. John's human weakness is answered by God's diving touch and consolation. Jesus said "fear not", words John had heard many times from Jesus while on earth. And then Jesus says he is "the first and the last", the title of God from Isaiah 46:6. He is before and above all, and he is after all. Jesus is the source and center of all life, he is the hub of the wheel. Can you imagine being in God's presence, seeing him, God speaking to you directly, and God laying his hand on you? Wow. We need to hear from God, we need his touch, and someday we too will see him face to face.

Revelation 1:18 "I am He that lives, and was dead: and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen, and have the keys of hell and of death". Jesus Christ ("the first and last" from verse 17) is the eternal God. At a point in time Jesus (the eternal God) took on human flesh, died in that flesh, for our sins, and rose again from the dead, never to die again. Because Jesus Christ died for our sins, if we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior (Romans 10:9-13), we are Justified before God. It's (just as if we'd never sinned). And when we die physically, we too will rise from the dead, never to die again. We will live forever with Our God and savior, Jesus Christ. Notice also that Jesus Christ holds the keys of hell and of death. Jesus has complete control over the bodies and souls of all, not satan, praise God.

Revelation 1:19 "Write the things which you have seen" (in Chapter 1, the Apostle John saw Jesus Christ in all his heavenly glory, that's (the first division), "and the things which are" (in chapters 2-3 John recorded the seven letters to the seven churches, that's (the second division (which is the church age), "and the things which shall be after these things:" (in chapters 4-22 john recorded the things which "shall be after these things" meaning after the things of the church age, that's (the third division (which is all about the future, after the church is raptured). (chapter 1 is the first division, chapters 2-3 is the second division, and chapters 4-22 are the third division (all future). When we use this outline given by God, the Book of Revelation is not hard to understand at all.

Revelation 1:20 "The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand (verse 16), and the seven golden lamp stands (verse 13). The seven stars are the angles of the seven churches; and the seven lamp stands which you saw are the seven churches." There are differing views as to what the term "angels" represent (actual angels, church leaders, etc.). I believe the greater thing to focus on is the fact that the angels (i.e. messengers) are in the right hand of Jesus Christ (verse 16), and the fact that Jesus walks in the midst of the seven lamp stands, which are the churches. The churches (we) are lamp stands holding forth the light of Jesus Christ to the world around us which is full of darkness. There is no doubt, that Jesus Christ is in control of the church and it's message. Thank you Jesus.

Relation 2:1 "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things says He that holds the seven stars in His right hand (Rev 1:13) , who walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands (Rev 1:16)." In each of the seven letters to the seven churches there is a description of Jesus Christ from chapter one, which is also a clue as to what was happening in that particular church. Jesus' right hand indicates his control, and the fact that Jesus walks in the midst of the churches pictures Jesus as the central figure of the church. Is Jesus Christ in control of your life, and is Jesus at the center of your life? If not, you may have "left your first love" (Rev 2:4) and need to get back (Rev 2:5).

Revelation 2:2 "I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you can not bear them who are evil, and you have tried them who say they are Apostles, and are not, and have found them to be liars;" The church of Ephesus had a lot of good things going for it. Jesus commends them for their hard work and their labor in the things of God (they were Dedicated to the work), and Jesus commends them for their (Discernment in the work), they did not put up with sin, and they did not put up with false teaching and false teachers. They were dedicated and they were discerning, and in verse three we will see that they were also (Devoted to the work), But, the work became the focus and not the Lord Jesus Christ (verse 4). Let's not let this happen to us.

Revelation 2:3 "And you have persevered, and have patience, and for my name sake have labored, and have not become weary." The Lord Jesus Christ notices everything we do for him and for others. Do not be discouraged, be encouraged (read Galatians 6:9 and First Corinthians 15:58). Our devotion to and labor for the Lord will be well rewarded. Let's keep up the good work, It will be well worth it.

Revelation 2:4 "Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love." The Church in Ephesus was Dedicated to the work, they were Discerning and Devoted, but their love for Jesus Christ was now not as fresh and new as it used to be. It's possible to think everything between us and the Lord is o.k. because we are busy in the Lord, working hard for the Lord, etc. It's possible to love the Lord, but no longer be in love with the Lord like we were at first. Jesus deserves our passion not just our perspiration, he wants emotion not just motion. Jesus cares more about us than what we do for him. Nothing is as important to the Lord as our love for him. Is our Love for Jesus a priority?

Revelation 2:5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come unto you quickly, and remove your lamp stand from it's place--unless you repent." When we realize that we have left our "first love" (verse 4), we first need to stop and remember what it used to be like when we were totally in love with Jesus Christ. Then we need to repent, to change our minds and rekindle the flame, say no to the things which have gotten between us and the Lord. And we need to do our first works. First works are related to our "first love", it is dealing with priorities, begin doing again the things we used to do when we were in love with the Lord. Reading His word daily, praying each and every day, singing to and praising the Lord in and out of church, fellowshipping with other believers, sharing our faith with others. etc. If we don't remember, repent and do our first works, the light we once held out for Christ (our witness), will be diminished. It's sad when we consider that Islam is now the predominate religion in the area the seven churches in Asia once occupied. Let's fall back in love with Jesus Christ, Amen?

Revelation 2:6 “But this you have, that you hate he deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate”. The word Jesus Christ uses “hate” is a pretty strong word. The first thing I notice is that Jesus Christ says He hates the “deeds” of the Nicolaitans, he does not say He hates the Nicolaitans. It is a fine point, but an important one. The word “Nicolaitans” comes from two words. The word “nico” which means to conquer and the word “laos” which means the laity or the people. The word came to mean the setting up of a Priesthood, a spiritual hierarchy. A system where a spiritual leadership is created between God and people which is wrong. The Bible says: First Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”. Also interesting that what the church of Ephesus did not tolerate, the church in Pergamos eventually practiced Revelation 2:15). When we begin to tolerate things in the church it is just a matter of time before it becomes common practice. Also read Hebrews 4:16. Aren’t you glad that we can go directly to God through Jesus Christ?

Revelation 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." Jesus Christ is speaking to the church through the Holy Spirit. And though He is speaking to the entire church, only some ("those who have an ear") will hear the message and apply it to to their lives. Those who do ("the overcomers" (genuine believers) are promised eternal life, and a place in Paradise, God's eternal kingdom. The word Paradise means "garden of pleasure", it's what God has always intended for mankind. Let's listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us in Revelation, Amen?

Revelation 2:8 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things says the first and the last, who was dead, and is alive." The church in Smyrna experienced satanic opposition like few have. Christianity was not too popular in a day and age when Emperor worship was the state religion. Tens of thousands of Christians died at the hands of a government and a society which worshiped it's leader (Emperor). The name Smyrna comes from Myrrh, a resin taken from a bush like tree, when crushed releases a beautiful fragrance. Like Myrrh, the lives of those Christians when killed (crushed) for their faith in Jesus Christ, released a sweet aroma pleasing to God. How appropriate that Jesus would remind the church in Smyrna, that he was dead, and is now alive. Eternal life solves every issue of this temporary earthly life, including death. Amen! The coming Anti-Christ and his world-wide government will put to death anyone who does not worship him and his kingdom (Revelation 13).

Revelation 2:9 "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty, but you are rich; and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan". The Church in Smyrna was heavily persecuted, and represents the persecuted Church throughout it's history. We have a tendency to think that no one knows what we are going through, that no one cares, but Jesus knows and he cares. Jesus knows everything we do for him as believers (Hebrews 6:10), and everything we go through. He knows about the trials and tribulations, the persecution, and those who persecute us. He knows about the poverty some Christians suffer at the hands of their persecutors and reminds us that we are in fact rich in God, in that which really matters (Matthew 6:19-21). The early Church was especially persecuted by the Jews, those who are not really the people of God, but are tools in the hands of Satan, to persecute true believers (Read Revelation 3:9). The Lord Jesus Christ knows us and everything we are going through, and he is going to make it right, Amen? Hang in there, Church.

Revelation 2:10 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." The Church in Smyrna represents the persecuted Church. Notice where the persecution is coming from, the devil, he's behind it all. Notice that there is a divine reason behind the churches persecution, testing purifies us. It's easy to be courageous when there is no opposition to our faith, but what do we do when there is? We are given two commands, "Do not fear", and "Be faithful until death". A Christians death is not an enemy, but a friend which ends all suffering, and opens the door to eternal life. Let's remember our brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ and pray for them.

Revelation 2:11 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches; He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death". In every one of the seven letters to the seven churches, Jesus says "He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches" The truth is that not everyone in the church actually listens to what the Holy Spirit is saying to them in the Word of God. Let's make sure we take God's word seriously. The overcomers are those who believe God's word and do what it says (read First John 5:4-5). Those who do will not suffer the second death. The first death is physical death, we will all suffer that, the second death is the Great White Throne judgment in Revelation 20:11-15) which is eternal separation from God. Thank God for his promise to the church.

Revelation 2:12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, these things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:" The Church in Pergamos represents religious compromise. The Church in Pergamos was no longer standing for the truth of God's Word, and before long it was hard to tell the difference between it and the paganism around it. It's possible for the church to compromise with the world, it's also possible for individual Christians to compromise with the world around them. He who has the two-edged sword is Jesus Christ, the head of the church. The two-edged sword is the Word of God which precedes from Jesus' mouth (read Revelation 1:16 and Hebrews 4:12). The way to stem the tide of compromise in our lives and the life of the church is by reading and heeding the Word of God. God's Word keeps us from sin, sin keeps us from God's Word.

Revelation 2:13 "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to my name, and did not deny my faith even in the days in which Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells." Jesus knows everything about us, what we do and don't do, where we live, etc. He knows the spiritual dangers we face because of where we live, even where Satan is in proximity to us and what Satan is doing to try and destroy our faith. He know how strong our faith is, and will not allow Satan to destroy it. Jesus knows those (by name) who hold fast to what we believe, and everyone who dies for what we believe. We are not sure how hostile our world will become before The Lord raptures us, but like Antipas we are never going to deny Christ's name or what we believe about Christ, amen?

Revelation 2:14 "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine (teaching) of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality." The church in Pergamos had compromised by allowing false teachers to infiltrate their ranks. They eventually compromised with the pagan religious practices of the day, idolatry and sexual immorality. They lowered the biblical standard for God's people and lived like the unbelievers around them. Compromise always ends up there.

Revelation 2:15 "Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate." The name Nicolaitans comes from two words, Nico which means to "conquer", and Laos which means "laity" or the people. It means to set up a priesthood, a spiritual hierarchy, between God and men. First Timothy 2:5 says: "There is one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus." Jesus says he hates it, because he died so that all men could come directly to God through him. It's interesting that what the church in Ephesus did not tolerate (in Revelation 2:6) is now common practice in the church in Pergamos. Let's beware of Religious compromise in the church and in our lives personally.

Revelation 2:16 "Repent or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth". Five of the seven churches that Jesus wrote to are told to repent. Not only are individuals told to repent, but churches are told to repent as well. Notice the change in pronouns, "I will come to (you) and fight against (them)". The (you) are true believers, the (them) are not, they are those who hold the doctrine of Balaam (Verse 14) and those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (Verse 15). These are the tares among the wheat, who infiltrate the church and cause the church to compromise. The individuals and the churches that have tolerated these need to repent. The church in Pergamos failed to use God's Word ("the sword of his mouth") to fight against these false teachers, so Jesus will do it himself. We need to clean up our ranks before Jesus does.

Revelation 2:17 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it". In all seven letters Jesus wrote to the churches, there is an invitation to hear the message to all the churches. Jesus is the hidden manna from heaven, that whoever eats will live forever (John 6:48-51). The Romans used white stones with names written on them to grant worthy citizens admission to the games, and to receive food. They were stones of acceptance. This white stone Jesus promises true believers is a stone of acceptance into heaven, where the real food is. Let's seek after Jesus' acceptance and not worry about the world's approval. Amen?

Revelation 2:18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, these things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a fame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: The description of Jesus Christ here is taken from Revelation 1:13-14. The church in Thyatira was getting weak on the deity of Jesus Christ and needed to be reminded that Jesus is the Son of God, and he alone is to be worshipped. His eyes "like a flame of fire" reminds us that his gaze is penetrating and he sees all (see Hebrews 4:13). His feet "like fine brass" reminds us of the coming judgment. Brass in the Bible often speaks of judgment. (see also Revelation 19:15). The church in Thyatira needed to be reminded that Jesus sees all, and that when he returns he is bringing judgment. That's a good reminder for all of us.

Revelation 2:19 "I know your works, your love, your service, your faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first". Jesus knows everything we do or do not do, he knows whether our works are motivated by love or not. Jesus knows what we do for others, and he knows all about our faith. Jesus sees our patience (endurance that results from our faith). Jesus also noticed that this church was becoming more active in the things of God as time went on, and not less. In fact Jesus mentions their works four times in his letter to them. Unfortunately, this was a church that trusted in their own works for their salvation, rather than what Jesus Christ had done for them on the cross. It's possible for you and I to begin to trust in our works, like they did. It's also possible to think everything between us and the Lord is o.k. when it's not, because we are still serving the Lord. Once in a while we need to stop and take stock of things between us and the Lord.

Revelation 2:20 "Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols". The whole problem in the church at Thyatira can be summed up with this woman, Jezebel, who was teaching and seducing it's members. Jezebel in the Old Testament, was the pagan wife of King Ahab. Jezebel introduced Israel to the idol worship and sexual immorality that was a part of her pagan belief system, and this woman in the church in Thyatira is being compared to her. She claimed to speak for God, it does not say she is a prophetess; it says "she calls herself a prophetess". Like Jezebel she introduced pagan practices into the church, and they let her. It was during this time in church history that statues and relics became a part of the churches worship, It's idolatry. It's at this time in church history that celibacy was started which has caused church leaders to fall into sexual immorality. What the early church did not allow, this church was now allowing, that's how compromise comes in, it's gradual and subtle. Let's beware,

Revelation 20:21 "And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent". There was a woman in the Church of Thyatira who the Bible compares to King Ahab of Israel's wicked wife Jezebel (1 Kings 21:25 says: "But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up"). This woman Jezebel had a bad influence on the Church in Thyatira. Jezebel represents all sinful things that influence the church today, (false prophets and false teachers / false doctrine / sexual immorality, etc.). God gave her time to repent, but she did not repent. The thing we believers need to take away from Revelation 2:21 is to not allow sinful people and influences to take root in our lives or the life of the church. We need to be quick to repent of sinful influences in our lives.

Revelation 2:22 "Indeed, I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds". The Lord gave Jezebel a chance to repent and she would not. There comes a time, when after repeated warnings to repent, there is no more warning, only sure judgment. Jezebel had enjoyed a bed of sexual immorality, so the Lord will cast her into a sickbed, and if those who follow her do not repent, they will be left behind when the true church is raptured and will find themselves in the great tribulation with the rest of the unbelieving world as well (Read Matthew 7:21-23). Our Lord Jesus never brings judgment where he has not first given ample warning. We would be wise to take His warnings seriously.

Revelation 2:23 "And I will kill her children with death. And all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts, And I will give to each one of you according to your works". All of those who follow the teachings and practices of the Church in Thyatira and this woman Jezebel are unbelievers and will suffer eternal death (Read Revelation 17:15-18). Jesus knows the minds and hearts of all who profess to know God, and all who believe their own works will save them (Verse 19). Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. He knows the true condition of the heart. He knows whether or not a person is saved. We need to trust in Jesus Christ alone and what He did on the cross for us, for our salvation. Our works are a result of our salvation, they do not save us.

Revelation 2:24 "But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they call them, I will put on you no other burden". Notice where the doctrine (false teachings) come from, from Satan. No matter how bad things get, God always has a faithful remnant of true believers, in every church, in every age, and they will not suffer His judgment, praise God. God is faithful to the faithful, to the true believers in the church of Thyatira, who are not wrapped up in idolatry and immorality (verse 20) like the others, they will not suffer God's judgment (verse 22-23). God knows those who are His and who are committed to him and His word.

Revelation 2:25 "But hold fast what you have till I come". The admonition to all us believers is "Hold fast till Jesus Christ comes again". We are to stand fast, and not let go of Jesus and our faith in him no matter how difficult thing get for us. We must bear in mind that we are but, strangers and pilgrims in this world, we are just passing through, and this is not our home. Our hope is in the future, when Jesus Christ returns for us his church in the Rapture. (Titus 2:13 "Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of the great God and our savior Jesus Christ"). We are to constantly be looking up for our redemption is near.

Revelation 2:26 "And he who overcomes and keeps my works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations--". Over comers, overcome the world that is going down by trusting in Jesus Christ (Read First John 5:4-5). Jesus' disciples asked Jesus, "what must we do to do the works of God?" Jesus answered and said: "you must believe in Him who He sent". Jesus promises Over comers power over the nations. We believers will Reign and Rule alongside of Jesus Christ during the Millennium, the coming kingdom of God upon this earth (Read Revelation 5:10). We must place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross and not our own efforts for our salvation. Those who do so are overcomers. If you have not done so, why wait?

Revelation 2:27 "He (Jesus) shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the potter's vessels shall be broken to pieces'-- as I also have received from my Father;" There is coming a new world order, but not the one that the world is currently trying to set up. Jesus Christ is coming to rule and reign on this earth and He will rule the nations of this earth with a "Rod of Iron", meaning He will break those nations who do not get in line. That promise is from Psalm 2:9, it is also mentioned again in Revelation 12:5 and 19:15. Our world is currently posturing itself for a one world government, we see that reflected in the coming U.S. elections. And there will be a one world government for a short time, seven years, until Jesus Christ comes back to the earth and puts an end to it (Revelation 19:15). Then Jesus will sit upon the throne of King David and He will rule and reign on this earth for a thousand years, and we believers will rule and reign with him (Revelation 20:4). Hang in there, the best is yet to come.

Revelation 2:28 "And I will give him the morning star." Not only is the overcomer (those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ) promised a place authority and rule among the nations during the coming kingdom age (Revelation 2:26), but they will also receive "the morning Star" (Read Revelation 22:16). Jesus Christ is the Morning Star. Jesus Christ himself will be the believers gift at His return. There is nothing better that to know that we belong to Jesus and Jesus belongs to us in a special way. It's all about Jesus, Amen?

Revelation 2:29 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches". Jesus ends all seven letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation with this same admonition. Notice that though the seven letters are written to churches, only certain individuals within those churches are addressed here, "those who have an ear". Those who have an ear are those who listen to and apply the message Jesus gives to their lives. It's a sad thing that Jesus Christ speaks to the entire church, but only certain in the church are listening. Jesus give us ears to hear what you are saying to us in these last days.

Revelation 3:1 "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that says you are alive, but you are dead." How would you like Jesus to say that to you? The church in Sardis is the church in "Spiritual Apathy". Apathy means no feeling, no emotion, in this case no passion for God. Jesus has nothing positive to say about this church. Like the city of Sardis the church in Sardis was living in it's past. There was a day when they had passion for God, but that day was in the past. They had settled for being proud of their past, but there was nothing recently to be proud of, no recent growth, no victories , etc. It's easy for us to go through all the motions of being Christians and going to church, without there being any real emotion or passion for God. When that happens we need to repent and ask the Lord to rekindle the flame in our hearts for Him. We need to fall back in love with Jesus Christ. There are five things that Jesus tells them to do in order to become alive again, we will look at those in the next few posts. Meanwhile, let's make an honest assessment of our lives.

Revelation 3:2 "Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God". The church in Sardis was dead, but not totally dead. Jesus looks at them and says, there are some things that if you would do would transform you back into what you once were. They are told to "Be watchful" because they were spiritually asleep, (Read Matthew 24:42, Colossians 4:2, First Thessalonians 5:6, and First Peter 5:8). They are then told to "strengthen the things that remain", the word strengthen comes from the Greek word (ster-rid-zo) where we get the word steroid. They needed to rebuild the things that were once important, that made them alive, read and study God's word, pray, worship God, serve God, trust God for everything and tell others about Jesus Christ and his salvation. Nothing will invigorate us like doing those things. Let's throw a few logs on the fire, Amen?

Revelation 3:3 "Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you". The church in Sardis is told to remember HOW they received and heard, not when or even what, but HOW. Do you remember what it was like when we first got saved, how we were hungry for God and his word, and we could't get enough. We need to go back to that. They are told to HOLD FAST which means to be faithful, and they are told to REPENT of their spiritual apathy. To repent is a choice to change which involves our minds and wills. So we ask God to renew us in worship, renew us in our desire for Him and His word. And then Jesus warned them to WATCH, and if they did not he would come upon them as a thief in the night. The ancient city of Sardis was taken by surprise attack in the night, three different times in it's history because they were not watching, they were asleep. We need to be watching and waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, lest we be caught sleeping, amen?

Revelation 3:4 "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy". Even though many in the church in Sardis were nor genuine believers (they had defiled garments), and in fact were dead, the Lord Jesus always has some ("a few") who are genuine. Jesus always has his faithful remnant, in fact that's what Sardis means "Remnant". These faithful few are clothed in white (His righteousness) and will walk with him. Genuine believers are clothed in white (His righteousness). Those who are not genuine, are clothed in their own righteousness, and they will not make it. Thank God for the righteousness which is in Jesus Christ (Read Romans 3:21-22).

Revelation 3:5 "He who overcomes (Read First John 5:4-5) shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before my father and before His angels". Not everyone in the church in Sardis were true believers, genuinely saved. The same is true today, not everyone in the church is a true believer, and has had their garments washed in the blood of Jesus Christ, making them "white". For those who are true believers, their names will never be taken out of the "Book of Life" and Jesus will confess them before His father and His angels in heaven (Read Matthew 10:32-33). In many ancient cities including Sardis, your name could be stricken from it's rolls for a violation of it's rules, not so with the "Book of Life", our names have been written there from eternity past and will remain there for eternity future, Praise God. The important thing here is to know that your name is written in the "Book of Life". Come to Jesus Christ and Confess Him as your Lord and Savior, and you will find that your name has been written in the "Book of Life". If you chose not to come to Christ, you will find that your name is not written in the "Book of Life". Why wait, place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ today.

Revelation 3:6 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches". All seven letters that Jesus wrote to the seven churches end with the same words. Notice the singular pronouns "he" and "him" and the plural noun "churches". The point is, though the letter is written to the entire church, only certain individuals in the church will actually listen to the message and apply it to their lives. Also, each of the letters, though written to individual churches, is not just for that church, but for all the churches (plural). We call ourselves Christians, we have a name which says we are alive, but do actually have a vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Are we still excited about worship and the word of God? Thanks again Jesus, for reminding us.

Revelation 3:7 "And unto the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who holds the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens". Jesus Christ is Holy (there is no one like him) and True (faithful). What you see is what you get. When we want to honor someone, we give them the Key to the City. Having the "Key of David" means that Jesus Christ is honored above all, and is in complete control of all (Read Isaiah 22:20-22). Having the "Key of David" gives Jesus access to the royal household and treasures of King David. It is literally the Key to the Kingdom. Jesus gave the Apostle Peter the "Keys to the Kingdom" (Read Matthew 16:15-18), which is the Gospel, the key that opens a persons heart so they can enter the Kingdom. Jesus opens the door of salvation to those who receive him, and no one can shut it. Jesus shuts the door of salvation to all those who do not receive him as Lord and Savior, and no one can open it. The Key to Salvation and to the Kingdom of God is Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen?

Revelation 3:8 To the church in Philadelphia (Verse 7) Jesus says: "I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name". The Key that opens a the door of a persons heart to Jesus Christ and his salvation is the gospel message. The open door is the opportunity to share the gospel message (Acts 14:27 / First Corinthians 16:7-9 / Second Corinthians 2:12). We in America have been given an open door to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, we need to do that while we still can. The Lord opens the heart, the Lord opens the door of opportunity, but we need to walk through that door, before the opportunity passes. They have "a little strength", though we are weak, we can always depend upon the Lord's strength. They "kept His word", they were dedicated to God's word. They had "not denied his name", they were devoted to the Lord Jesus no matter what. Dependent upon God, Dedicated to God's Word, and Devoted to Jesus Christ, Amen?

Revelation 3:9 "Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie -- indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you". Throughout Church history, unbelieving Jews have persecuted true believers, and false believers have persecuted the Jews. The Jewish unbelievers in Philadelphia persecuted the true believers (the church) there. They are not Jews in the true sense of the term. They were not committed to the Jewish Messiah, their religion was only outward, external, and not from the heart. Jesus calls it the Synagogue of Satan because Satan is involved in all false religion. In the end, Jesus will honor us who are true believers in the eyes of all those unbelievers (Jew and Gentile) who have been hostile to us believers. We win in the end, Praise God.

Revelation 3:10 "Because you have kept the Word of my patience I will also keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth". The original Greek text of this verse says: "I will also keep you (out of) the hour of trial". This is a promise to those who are true believers, that they will not go through the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole earth (the coming seven year tribulation) (Read Second Peter 2:9 and First Thessalonians 5:9). The phrase "those who dwell on the earth" means to identify with the earth and is never used in the book of Revelation for believers, only unbelievers. We the church will be raptured and be together with the Lord Jesus in heaven before the coming seven year Tribulation. We will be taken out before the Tribulation (pre-trib). This is a reason for rejoicing, thank you Lord Jesus.

Revelation 3:11 "Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown". In Revelation chapter three, verse 10 Jesus promised the Church that he is going to keep them from (lit: "out of") the "Hour of Trial" (the coming 7 year tribulation period). I.e. the rapture of the Church is before the coming Tribulation (Pre-trib). Having just said that, Jesus now says "Behold, I come quickly", referring to the nearness and suddenness of his coming for the Church. It is a word of warning to us believers to be ready for his coming for us. We absolutely believe that Jesus Christ could come for us at any moment, yet it's a part of our human nature to think we have more time that we do when it comes to the rapture of the Church. When Jesus comes for us, there will not be any time to get our house in order, so we are ready each and every day. Most believe that the "Crown" Jesus is referring to is the crown of rewards. Only genuine believers in Jesus Christ, are truly watching and making themselves ready for his return, and they receive crowns. Keep looking up, Jesus is coming for us any moment.

Revelation 3:12 "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name". The overcomers are the true believers (First John 5:4). What the church is being promised here by Jesus Christ is a permanent place in heaven with Him. This is of special significance to those in the ancient city of Philadelphia (in Asia Minor), who were constantly being shaken by earthquakes. After these earthquakes the only thing left standing were the pillars in the pagan temples. Jesus says He will make us a pillar in the temple of My God. Nothing will ever separate us from our home in heaven with Jesus Christ. And on top of that to have God's Name and the name of God's eternal city "The New Jerusalem" written on us. We are God's eternal possession, and we will abide with Him eternally, and we will reflect His name (His eternal glory) forever. We have a glorious future with Jesus Christ.

Revelation 3:13 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches". Are we as Christians really paying attention to the days we are living in? Are we ready for the return of Jesus Christ? If you are reading this and are not Born Again, do not put it off another minute. Bow your head, confess your sins, and ask Jesus Christ to forgive you your sins and be the Lord of your Life (Romans 10:9-13).

Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, The faithful and True Witness, The Beginning of the Creation of God:" This is the seventh and final letter that Jesus writes to the Seven Churches in Aisa Minor in the first century A.D. Those seven Churches are long gone, but the messages to those churches still applies to Churches and individual believers today. The Church of the Laodiceans represents the last days Church, the Church whose problem is "Material Prosperity". In the Introduction to each of these Seven Letters to the Seven Churches there is a description of Jesus Christ taken from chapter one (Revelation 1:13-18). The description of Jesus Christ in each of these Seven Letters helps us understand the churches problem and the solution to their problem. The word "Amen" from verse 1 is the best known word in the world, it means something is true and we all agree to that truth by saying "Amen". Jesus is the truth of God, Amen? Jesus is the "Faithful and True Witness" The original Greek word for "witness" is martyr, meaning someone who would die for the truth they proclaim. Jesus died for the truth of the Message He proclaimed. Jesus is also the Beginning of the Creation of God" The original Greek word beginning is "ar-che", it the means by which something comes into being, the origin, the active cause. Jesus Christ is the Creator of everything because he is God (read Colossians 1:16). Jesus' introduction to the Church of Laodicea teaches us that we need to believe in and trust Jesus Christ for everything, especially our salvation.

Revelation 3:15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or Hot". Jesus says "I know your works" to every single one of the seven churches in Revelation chapters two and three. Jesus knows our works, every single one of us. He knows what we do and what we do not do, and he knows our motive in every case. Jesus says to those in the church in Laodicea, "you are neither cold nor hot". Laodicea was part of a Tri-City area which included the cities of Colossee and Hieropolis. Colossee was known for their crystal clear cold water, and Hieropolis was known for their hot medicinal waters, both useful. But, Laodicea was known for their lukewarm, putrid stinking waters, which were of no good use. Jesus says to them "I could wish you were cold or hot". The hot are true believers, the Cold are unbelievers, and the lukewarm are those in the church who claim to be believers but are not. If a person is hot they have a effect on others, if they are cold, believers can have an effect on them, but the lukewarm think they are alright when they are not. What temperature are you?

Revelation 3:16 "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold or hot, I will spew you out of My mouth". The lukewarm are those who profess to be Christians but are not. They are in the Church, but not of it. These are the "tares among the wheat" (Matthew 13:24-30), These are the "Birds which lodge in the branches" of the church (Matthew 13:31-32), the "Leaven in the meal" (Matthew 13:33), and the "Bad fish in the dragnet" (Matthew 13:47-50). Jesus says that he will vomit them out of his mouth. Vomiting is a violent expulsion of something that is making the body sick. The truth is that there are a lot of people in Churches who have never been "Born Again", who have never made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ (read Matthew 7:21-23). This is a serious message to unbelievers, and has eternal consequences. Read also John 3:16.

Revelation 3:17 "Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing, -- and do not know that you are wretched , miserable, poor, blind, and naked --". Jesus is talking to the "lukewarm", those who profess to know the Lord but do not (verse 16). They think everything is o.k. because they are being blessed financially. Some even see their financial success as God's stamp of approval on their lives. This kind of person, because of their success, has become unaware of their real spiritual need. When in reality they are wretched (sinners), miserable (to be pitied not envied), poor in the things of God, blind to spiritual truth, and naked, (not clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ). This kind of person is worse off than others, because they are unaware of their true condition. They by their own assessment o.k. These are sometimes the hardest people to reach, because they by their own admission have no need. The church in Laodicea had become just like the world around them, and were even comfortable being there. How sad. I think it wise from time to time, to ask God what He thinks about us and where we are at with Him, Amen?

Revelation 3:18 "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint you eyes with eye salve, that you may see". According to Jesus, the Church in Laodicea was "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked" (Verse 17). Jesus is counseling them to seek after spiritual riches rather than material blessing. They were wealthy, interesting that Jesus would counsel them to buy things that you can not purchase with money. Their trust was in themselves, they needed to place faith and trust in God (Read First Peter 1:7). They needed to be clothed in the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, rather than the beautiful garments that Laodicea was famous for. They needed to have their spiritual eyes anointed by God, opened to see spiritual truth, rather than anoint their eyes with the eye salve that Laodicea was famous for. Those in the church in Laodicea, who professed to know the Lord, but did not, needed spiritual riches, spiritual clothing, and spiritual vision, only God can give those things. They needed to be saved.

Revelation 3:19 "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent". The Lord loves us deeply, how about that? Because the Lord loves us, he does not let us get away with things that are detrimental to our spiritual well being. As a loving father disciplines his children, for their own good, so too the Lord, our heavenly father disciplines us. When we are disciplined by the Lord, it is a proof that we are His and He loves us. We do not spank the neighbors kids, and neither does the Lord (Read Hebrews 12:6-10). Be zealous means get hot, quit being lukewarm, and repent means to change your mind about your true spiritual condition and turn fully to God. Does the Lord love you? do you love the Lord?

Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me". The condition of the last days church is so bad (Revelation 3:15-16) "Lukewarm") that Jesus Christ is standing outside of the church, knocking on the door to see if anyone will open the door and invite him in. How sad. Jesus stands outside the door of our hearts and is knocking. Have you opened the door to Jesus Christ and invited him into your heart? When you do, he will come into your life, forgive you of your sins and have fellowship with you. Imagine that, God wanting to spend time with you and I. God loves us, and he proved it by sending his son Jesus Christ to this earth to die on a cross for our sins. Only a fool would leave Jesus standing outside of their hearts and lives knocking. I answered the door 37 years ago, and have been enjoying Jesus' presence ever since. I recommend you do the same.

Revelation 3:21 "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My father on His throne". Those who believe in Jesus Christ, those who are born again are overcomers (Read First John 5:4-5). Jesus is promising that we who believe in him will enjoy fellowship with him in the coming Kingdom and throughout eternity. But that's not all, Jesus promises that we will sit on the throne that he shares with his father (God), meaning that we will rule and reign with Jesus Christ (Read Revelation 5:10). Our Lord Jesus Christ has a glorious future planned for us, can hardly wait.

Revelation 3:22 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches". All seven letters to all seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 end with this same admonition. Evidently we need to listen to what Jesus is saying in these letters. It's worth while to go back and read all seven letters to the churches in one sitting, and listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us in each one. Notice that he pronoun "he" is singular, but the noun "churches" is plural. Though the message is for the entire church, only some will actually hear the message and apply the message to their own lives. I'm praying that I will take heed to the messages to the seven churches and I am praying that are reading these posts will do the same thing.

Revelation 4:1 "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in Heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this". Back in Revelation 1:19 we have a divine outline for the book of Revelation. The Apostle John was told to "Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this". Three major divisions of the book of Revelation. In Chapter 1 John recorded what he had sees, his vision of Jesus Christ. In Chapters 2-3 John wrote about the things which are, the church age, and in Chapters 4-22 John wrote about "the things that take place after this", after the church age. The first thing that happens after the church age in Chapters 2-3 is the rapture of the church. Several things happen in verse 1, which indicate the rapture of the church. A voice in Heaven says "come up here" to Heaven, a door is open in heaven, a voice like a trumpet, in verse 2 John found him "in Spirit". Read First Thessalonians 4:13-18. Let's do what verse 18 says and "comfort one another with these words".

Revelation 4:2 "Immediately I was in the spirit; and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne". In Revelation chapter four, verse one, the Apostle John was translated into the future and transported "in spirit" to heaven. The timing of John's translation into heaven implies a pre-tribulation rapture of the church. It is after John, who represents the church is transported to heaven that the events of the coming seven year tribulation take place in the book of Revelation. If you look at the book of Revelation according to the divine outline given by God in chapter one, verse 19 it all fits. John said in Chapter four, verse one "After these things" (the church age as outlined in chapters two and three) John saw a door opened in heaven and a voice like that of "a trumpet", called him up to heaven. It says: "immediately John was "in the spirit". The same thing happens to us at the rapture of the church, "we who are alive and remain" will be transformed and taken up to heaven (read First Thessalonians 4:13-18 and First Corinthians 15:51-53). The first thing John sees in the throne of God. We too, will be "in spirit" at the rapture, and the first thing we will see when raptured and taken to heaven by Jesus Christ is the throne of God in heaven. Hallelujah. Can't wait.

Revelation 4:3 "And He who sat there (on the throne in heaven) was like a jasper and like a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald". The Apostle John saw God on his throne in heaven. The jasper stone is a crystal clear diamond like stone which speaks of God's light, his holiness. The sardius stone is blood red in color and speaks of God's judgment. The rainbow in color like an emerald reminds us of God's mercy. God is light and in him is no darkness at all. God is judge and he will judge the world for it's rejection of his son Jesus Christ, the only provision for our sin. At the same time God is merciful, not giving us what we deserve. We too will see God on his throne in heaven when we are raptured and taken to heaven. Let's keep looking up,

Revelation 4:4 "Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads". The next thing the apostle John sees is twenty-four elders all on thrones. Who are they? Because whoever they are, they are in heaven right after the church age and the rapture of the church (Revelation chapter 4:1-2), and not on earth during the entire tribulation period depicted in Revelation chapters 6-19). The number 24 in the Bible represents a larger number (a total group) of people. Things are said about these 24 elders that are said about the church in Revelation chapters 2-3). They are "sitting on thrones" (read Revelation 3:21). They are wearing "white robes" (read Revelation 2:10). They have "crowns" on their heads (read Revelation 2:10). These things are not said about any other group of people, only the church. Our conclusion is that the twenty-four elders represent the church, and are in heaven, not on the earth throughout the entire seven year tribulation period. This proves a pre-tribulation rapture of the church.

Revelation 4:5 "And from the throne (of God) proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God". Now that the church is in heaven via the rapture, safe and out of danger (Revelation 4:1-2), the lightning and thunder signal the coming storm (tribulation) on earth. the seven lamps of fire burning before the throne of God are the seven angels which are ready to pour out God's wrath on the earth. (see Revelation 4:7, 8:2-5 and Hebrews 1:7). Judgment day is coming, we all know it, God's wrath will be poured out on this sinful, Christ rejecting world. We have had plenty of warning, yet we live as though there is no tomorrow. The only way to escape the wrath to come (the coming judgment) is to come to Jesus Christ. First Thessalonians 5:9 says that: "God has not appointed us (believers) to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ". The question is, are you saved?

Revelation 4:6 "Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back". Many ancient kings had highly polished marble floors, on which their thrones sat. The marble floors separated them and their subjects. You did not dare step on that floor unless summoned by the king. The four living beings before the throne are Cherubim, an exalted order of angels. You can read more about these four incredible beings before the throne of God in the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, chapter one. The fact that they have eyes in front and behind pictures their awareness and knowledge. They are highly intelligent and efficient, nothing pertaining to their place and duty in heaven escapes their attention. They are eternally surrounding the throne of God, singing God's praises. If we were smart, we would do the same.

Revelation 4:7 "The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf (ox), the third living creature had a face like a man, and the forth living creature was like a flying eagle". The Jewish Talmud sees these four living creatures as representing the four primary forms of life as God created them, (Wild Animals, Domesticated Animals, Man, and Birds). It's also important to note that O.T. Israel, before they settled in the land of Israel given to them by God, the twelve tribes encamped under four banners (the lion, ox, eagle and man). The presence of these four living beings around the throne of God in heaven pictures the fact that God is in the midst of his chosen people, Israel. Shame on President Barack Obama and Secretary of State, John Kerry and their recent move at the U.N. against the state of Israel. God is watching (Read Genesis 12:3) Pastor Tom.

Revelation 4:8 "And the four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!". This is a quote from Isaiah chapter 6, verse 3. These four living beings (Cherubim) remind us of God's holiness. They are constantly in the presence of Almighty God, and they see everything. Interesting that they are before God's throne day and night from the time of their creation by god, and are genuinely taken with God and his holiness. Our God is eternal, always has been and always will be, "He was and is and is to come". The thing that this scene the Apostle John saw in heaven pictures is the worship of God Almighty in heaven. Can't wait to arrive and join in.

Revelation 4:9 "And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,". These four living beings before the throne of God are heavens worship leaders. The twenty-four elders in heaven, who represented the completed church in heaven after the rapture of the church are taking their cue from these cherubim. These four living beings can not take their eyes off of God, crying Holy, Holy, Holy day and night, and when they do we also chime in "you are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you created all things, and for your pleasure they exist and were created" (verse 11). You and I were created by God to worship Him bring Him pleasure. When we seek to please ourselves, we are not answering God's purpose in creating us. It's when we seek to please god that we find our real purpose. We also find true pleasure in pleasing God. To think, that, we can actually bring pleasure to God, who loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins is something. Let's seek to please God, Amen?

Revelation 4:10 "The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:". The four living creatures can't take their eyes off of God, and are constantly crying "Holy, Holy' Holy" (verse 8). The twenty-four elders represent the completed church in heaven after the rapture of the church are continually saying "you are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and for your pleasure they exist and were created" (verse 11). The pre-occupation of heaven is worship, ascribing to God the glory He is due. In a sense, our present church worship services are all practice for the real thing. We cast our crowns (any rewards we receive in heaven) before His feet, for He alone is worthy. "Jesus did it all, all to him we owe". So it's off to heaven, we go. Amen?

Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and for your pleasure they exist and were created". The words "you are worthy" speak of the fact that The Lord Jesus Christ (God in human flesh) is the only one in the entire universe who deserves to be worshiped and praised. The words "to receive glory and honor and power" describe what the Lord Jesus Christ deserves. The words "for you created all things" tells us why the Lord Jesus Christ deserves to receive glory, honor and power. Jesus Christ is the Lord of all creation (Read John 1:3 / Colossians 1:16 and Hebrews 1:2). The words "and for your pleasure they exist and were created" tell us why God created what He did, including you and I. You and I were created by God for His pleasure, and we exist for His pleasure. When we decide to do what we were created to do, (worship Him), then God is glorified and we are edified (fulfilled). We are here for one reason, to bring glory and honor to God. Let's fulfill God's purpose for creating us and live to glorify and honor him, Amen?

Revelation 5:1 "And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals". The Apostle John sees a scroll in the hand of God. This scroll has writing on the inside and outside, and was sealed with seven seals, very unusual to us, but not to those in ancient times. Roman law required that "a will" which included deeds of property to be sealed seven times. The first seal would be broken, the message would be read, then the next seal would be broken and the message would be read, etc. This scroll in Revelation chapter five is "The Title Deed" to this earth. God created this earth and handed it over to man, to have dominion over it. Man forfeited his dominion of the earth through the fall in the Garden of Eden. Satan "the god of this age" has had control ever since. Jesus Christ, who is God, who became a man, is about to take the earth and dominion over the earth back from satan and set up His kingdom on this earth, Hallelujah. read Revelation chapter five carefully, because we (the church) are going to see chapter five played out before our very eyes, right after we have been raptured and taken to heaven. Soon and very soon, we are going to see our king, Jesus Christ.

Revelation 5:2 "Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose the seals?" In ancient Roman times, whenever a piece of property was about to change hands (be redeemed) it was announced by a public official. This seven sealed scroll (from verse one), this "Title Deed to the Earth" is about to be opened, and the announcement is not made by some public official, but "a strong angel" in heaven, probably "Gabriel" whose name means "strength". But not just anybody can open this "title deed", It can only be opened and redeemed by the person has the right and the ability to do so. As we will see there is only one person in the entire universe who has the right to redeem the earth back to Man, and that is Jesus Christ out Lord. Only God who created the earth, and gave the man who he created dominion over the earth, and then became a man himself can redeem the earth back to man. Then Jesus will set up His Kingdom on this earth. It's almost time, it's very close, Hallelujah.

Revelation 5:3 "And no man in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it". No ordinary man, whether in heaven, or on earth, or under the earth, has the right of redemption. or the power or authority to open the scroll ("The Title Deed to the Earth"), or for that matter to even look at it. There is only one Man who is able, Jesus Christ, who is a man, but not just a man, He is also God, God in human flesh. Jesus Christ is the only one able to look at and open the "Title Deed to the Earth" and redeem the earth back to man. Read Isaiah 59:16 and 63:3-4. Jesus Christ met all the requirements in order to open the scroll and loose it's seals, and He is about to do so, that's why it's called "The Day of The Lord". Jesus has done what it takes, and is about to open the scroll and release the Tribulation on this earth. There is still time to "decide" not to go through the Tribulation. Come to Jesus Christ, and be saved from it (First Thessalonians 5:9).

Revelation 5:4 "So I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it". The Apostle John who had been taken to heaven to witness future events is weeping and crying, he's torn up because of what's at stake. The scroll contains "The Title Deed" to the earth which was forfeited by man in the Garden of Eden because of the fall. Satan is now presently "the god of this world" (Second Corinthians 4:4), and is in control of it. If there is no one able to redeem this world back to man, God's original intention, the world will remain under the influence and control of satan forever. What we see in our world presently, the sin and rebellion is all there is left, if no one is able to open scroll and redeem the earth back to man, so John weeps and cries. Not to worry though, read Revelation 5, verses 5-7). Enter Jesus Christ. Stay tuned,

Revelation 5:5 "But one of the elders said to me, "do not weep. Behold, The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose it's seven seals". The only one in heaven and earth found worthy to open the scroll and loose it's seals is "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, The Root of David". Jesus Christ is the lion of the tribe of Judah. He is a descendant from the Jewish Tribe of Judah, the kingly Tribe of Israel, and as King of all Kings, Jesus is the lion of the "Tribe of Judah". Jesus is also The Root of David. Not just a descendant of King David, who is from the tribe of Judah, but King David's creator. As Jesus Christ begins to open the seals on the scroll, that triggers the coming seven year tribulation ("The Time of Jacob's Trouble") on this earth. Jesus will be in direct control of everything that happen during the Tribulation. Thank God we (The Church) will not be on Earth, but in Heaven with Jesus when that happens. Keep looking up.

Revelation 5:6 "And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent into all the earth". Literally, millions of lambs were slaughtered over hundreds of years in the Old Testament Jewish sacrificial system, all of them pointing to the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist said about Jesus when he saw him coming, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world". The scene here in heaven is of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who is in the midst of the throne of God because He is God. Jesus is also in the midst of the four living creatures because He is the creator of all. Jesus is in the midst of the Elders too, because He is the head of the church. Jesus is seen here as "a Lamb as though it had been slain" because Jesus was slain, sacrificed for our sins, yet He rose again from the dead and is alive forevermore. Horns speak of governmental power, Jesus is seen here with seven of them, seven speaks absolute power. Jesus is also seen here with seven eyes, picturing the face that He is omniscient, all knowing, He sees and knows absolutely everything. The thing that should strike us here is that when we first see Jesus in heaven (like The Apostle John here does) He is seen with the marks of His crucifixion. We did that to him, it was our sins nailed him to that cross, it was His love for us that kept him there, till our sins were paid for. Hallelujah. Are you ready to see Jesus?

Revelation 5:7 "Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne". Once the Church is raptured and we are safely tucked away in heaven with God, Jesus Christ is going to take the scroll out of God's right hand and redeem the earth back to man. What happens next is the coming Tribulation on earth. This scene is pictured in Daniel 7:13-14 "I was watching in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a Kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His Kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed". At the same time that Jesus Christ is opening the scroll, and taking possession of the earth, Jesus is dispossessing Satan of the earth. Finally all the nonsense will stop for good. Jesus is coming to take control of the earth, Hallelujah!

Revelation 5:8 "Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls foll of incense, which are the prayers of the saints". John the apostle was taken to heaven, (Revelation chapter 4, verse 1). John sees the Throne of God, and he sees a scroll in the right hand of God on the throne (chapter 5, verse 1). Then a mighty angel asked: "who is worthy to take the scroll and loose it's seven seals". And no one was found in heaven or earth. Then John begins to weep convulsively (verse 4) , and one of the twenty-four elders says to John: "do not weep, The lion of the tribe of Judah, The Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and loose it's seven seals". When John turned to see, he saw Jesus Christ, the lamb of God, the one who died for our sins (verse 6). Jesus then took the scroll from the right hand of God (verse 7). When that happens, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before Jesus Christ. The twenty-four elders represent the completed church in heaven, after the rapture. They each had harps, the number one instrument of worship in the Bible. They each also had golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Interesting this this heavenly scene of worship also involves prayers. Praise and prayers are a part of our worship. What happens next is proof that the rapture of the church is pre-tribulation. Read ahead,

Revelation 5:9 "And they sang a new song, saying: "you are worthy to take the scroll, and to open it's seals; for you were slain, and have redeemed (us) to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and nation,". The "they" is referring to the twenty-four elders from verse 8, who represent the completed church in heaven after the rapture and before the opening of the seals which triggers the coming Tribulation on earth. The completed church is in heaven, singing to "the Lamb" singing to Jesus Christ who has redeemed us out of the world by his own blood. This proves a pre-tribulation rapture of the church, because the church, is in heaven, singing to Jesus before the tribulation begins, which also lines up with Revelation 4:1-2. Some modern translations of the Bible use the pronoun "they" in verse 9 instead of "we" as if those singing the song are not singing about themselves, but someone else. The manuscript evidence for "we" is overwhelming. Don't be fooled by the modern translations use of poor manuscripts. We, the church are going to taken out of the world and taken to heaven by Jesus Christ before the Coming seven year Tribulation. Keep looking up, church, Jesus is coming for us.

Revelation 5:10 "And have made us (the church) kings and priests to our God; and we (the church) shall reign upon the earth". This, Revelation 5:10 is a quote from Revelation 1:6 which says that Jesus Christ: "has made us kings and priests to His God and father". Church age believers, that would be you and I who believe in and have received Jesus Christ as Lord and savior are going to be king and priests alongside of Jesus Christ when He sets us His Kingdom upon this earth. As Kings we will represent Jesus Christ to the people on earth, and as Priests we will represent the people on earth to Jesus Christ. The Church will play an important role in the coming Kingdom of God upon this earth. Are you a part of the earth? Do you believe in Jesus Christ, and have you received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? If not it's time.

Revelation 5:11 "Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels around the throne, the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands," Ten thousand is the highest number in the ancient Greek mathematical system. What the Apostle John is saying is that the number was innumerable. Only God knows how many angels He created, innumerable, And only God knows how many living creatures mentioned here in Revelation He has created. And only God knows how many church age believers, represented here in Revelation by the elders there are. Currently there are more church age believers, (those who have gone home to be with the Lord) in heaven than there are on earth. Church age believers have been dying and going to heaven since the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and are all currently in Heaven with Jesus Christ. And then add to that all of the raptured saints, we are talking about an innumerable amount all there in Heaven at one time. And they are all praising the Lord and worshiping to the Lord (verses 12-14). We too will be there doing the same.

Revelation 5:12 "Saying with a loud voice: "Worthy is the lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!". Power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing. Seven words are used here to describe the complete worthiness of the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ) to take the scroll and to loose it's seven seals. The four living creatures and the twenty four elders singing praises to The Lord Jesus Christ, the praises gathering momentum until the entire universe is praising Jesus Christ (Verses 13-14). The entire creation of God is unable to contain it's joy it's redemption (Read Romans 8:19-22). The best worship service ever.

Revelation 5:13 "And every creature which is in heaven and on earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to The Lamb, forever and ever!". The entire creation of god, including the spirit world will worship God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9-11 says much the same thing. Now "we see as in a mirror darkly, but then face to face". We will be lost in wonder at the Glory of God and His Son. In verse fourteen is says: "Then the four living creatures said, Amen!". all of creation will be in agreement. It will be a glorious day. Take the time to sit down and read Revelation chapter four and five again.

Revelation 5:14 "Then the four living creatures said "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever". When all of creation is worshiping God the father and His Son Jesus Christ (verse 13), the four living creatures say, Amen, then we (the church) represented by the twenty-four elders, fall down and worship. This is prophecy, now we are reading about it, but soon we will actually be there experiencing this firsthand. It's important for us (the church) to remember that what happens next is the opening of the seven seals by the Lord Jesus Christ which triggers the coming seven year tribulation on the earth. But, we will be with Jesus in heaven, hallelujah.

Revelation 6:1 "Now I saw when The Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, "Come and see". The scene is heaven, the Apostle John has been translated to heaven, and into the future to actually see and hear things happening in heaven. At this moment in the Book of Revelation, The Lamb (Jesus Christ) has just opened the first seal on the seven sealed scroll, which is the Title Deed to the Earth. This triggers the coming seven year Tribulation on earth (Read Isaiah 13:9 / Jeremiah 30:7 / Zephaniah 1:15 and Matthew 24:21). The church (believers) will be taken to heaven via the rapture, before that day comes. Jesus Christ is coming soon to set up His Kingdom on this earth, but before that happens half of this earths population is going to die. The worse part is that the vast majority of those are going to be unbelievers, and they will not make it to heaven. We can't wait till Jesus comes to take us home, but until then we ought to warn everyone that judgment is coming on planet earth. We need to get to work, once we are taken away in the rapture, it will be too late for the others.

Revelation 6:2 "And I looked, and behold, a white horse. And he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer". The opening of the first seal by Jesus Christ triggers the coming seven year Tribulation on this earth (Matthew 24:21). The rider on the white horse is the Anti-Christ, who is revealed to the world at the beginning of the Tribulation. This Anti-Christ will deceive those on the earth (Second Thessalonians 2:3-6 / Daniel 8:25). The crown given to him represents the authority and victory allowed him for a period of time by God. The Anti-Christ is a counterfeit Messiah, and the world, having rejected Jesus Christ, will believe him to be the messiah (Matthew 24:4). Interesting that the Muslim faith believes that the rider on the white horse in Revelation 6:2 is their Messiah (Madhi). The Muslim Madhi is the coming Anti-Christ. Jesus said: "Do not be deceived". The only way that a person will not be deceived (now and then) is to receive Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior. Jesus is the only one that can save us from our sins, and from the coming seven year Tribulation.

Revelation 6:3 "And when He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "come and see". Jesus Christ has just opened the second seal on the seven sealed scroll, which is the Title Deed to the earth. The opening of the first seal by Jesus released a white horse, whose rider was the Anti-Christ. This second seal releases a rider on a fiery red horse that brings war and death on the earth. This all happens at the beginning of the coming seven year tribulation. There are still five more seals judgments, seven trumpets judgments, and seven bowl judgments yet to be poured out on the earth. You can avoid the coming judgment by receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-13).

Revelation 6:4 "And another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given him a great sword". First notice that the horse is fiery red, that's the same color as the dragon, who is Satan. "A great sword" in the Bible is a symbol of military conquest and governmental authority. This is interesting when we realize that the Anti-Christ will champion a one world government., and will kill anyone who does not get in line with that government. The Anti-Christ will promise peace, but will bring war through his military machine (Read First Thessalonians 5:3, Matthew 24:6-7 and Revelation 13:2). The white horse in Revelation chapter 6, verses 1 and 2 introduces the Anti-Christ who brings a false peace through a series of peace agreements, and the red horse takes that peace away and brings bloodshed and war. Finally notice the phrases "it was granted to him" and "there was given to him". The Anti-Christ's power is a derived power, not his own. He get's his power and authority from Satan. How scary to think that the entire world's military might is at the disposal of a madman, who is energized by Satan.

Revelation 6:5 "When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "come and see". And I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand". On the heels of the Anti-Christ and his policies under the first seal (Revelation chapter 6:1-2), and the war and bloodshed under the second seal (Revelation 6:3-4) there will come worldwide famine and hyper-inflation. Overnight money will be worth a tenth of what it did the day before, yet everything will cost the same. This will bring worldwide starvation. Notice the horse is black, Lamentations 5:10 says: "Our skin is black like an oven because of the terrible famine". Jesus mentioned this in Matthew 24:7 "And there will be famines". Worldwide inflation and famine, bringing malnutrition, starvation and more death. Millions will starve to death, yet the rich will go on living as though nothing is wrong, that's wrong. What we see now in our world with inflation and famine is just a prelude to the coming tribulation period. And you haven't seen nothing yet, there are still four more seals, seven more trumpets, and seven more bowls of wrath coming. Trust me, the coming Tribulation is nothing to look forward to.

Revelation 6:6 "And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine". When Jesus Christ opens the third seal on the seven sealed scroll, there will be worldwide famine and inflation. The earth's inhabitants will all be in food lines. A quart of wheat for a denarius amounts to a days wages for a loaf of bread. Not enough to feed a family. People will be reduced to buying barley because you can get three quarts for the same cost as one quart of wheat. Barley is something we commonly feed our animals now. When it says "hurt not the oil and the wine" that means the rich, who have been able to build themselves a hedge against the inflation, will be living as they always have, in the lap of luxury. Millions upon millions will die of starvation and issues related to malnutrition, while the rich will be living it up. There are still four seal judgments, seven trumpet judgments and seven bowls of wrath to come. Welcome to the Tribulation. You do not want to be here for it.

Revelation 6:7 "When He opened the forth seal, I heard the voice of the forth living creature saying, "Come and see". As Jesus Christ opens the forth seal, the rider on The Pale horse is released. The first seal brings the false peace of the Anti-Christ. The second seal brings war. The third seal brings hyper-inflation and famine. And when the forth seal is opened 1/4 of the earths population will die. That's nearly 2 billion people. There are still three seals, seven trumpet judgments and seven bowls of wrath, yet to be poured out on the earth during the coming Tribulation. For the majority it will be too late to make a decision for Jesus Christ. Today is the "Day of Salvation". Make the decision today, before it's too late.

Revelation 6:8 "And I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on the horse was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a forth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth". When Jesus Christ opens the forth seal from heaven, one quarter of the earth's population at the time is killed. Death claims the body (the material part of man), and hell claims the spirit and soul (the immaterial part of man). These unbelieving are lost in hell until the Great White Throne Judgment, mentioned in Revelation chapter twenty, and then they are thrown into the lake of fire forever and ever. Power was given to them (the four horsemen in verses 1-8) to kill with "Sword" meaning war, and or Governmental authority. With "Hunger" Millions upon millions will die of starvation. With "Death" meaning plagues and disease. And with "The beasts of the earth". Millions upon millions of animals will invade populated areas looking for food because of the drought, and will kill people for food. In Matthew 24:8 Jesus called these "the beginnings of sorrows". The only hope we have is Salvation in Jesus Christ. Please read First Thessalonians 5:9-10.

Revelation 6:9 "When He (Jesus Christ) opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar (the Altar of Sacrifice in heaven) the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held". The Apostle John, who was an eyewitness to the events he describes in the book of Revelation, sees the souls (the immaterial part of man (the spirits and souls) of those who became believers during the coming seven year Tribulation and were killed by the unbelieving world because of their faith in Jesus Christ. They were killed because they believed the Word of God (conviction), and because they would not renounce Jesus Christ (confession) even though it cost them their lives. They were probably killed during the time of the opening of the first four seals (Revelation 6:1-8). Also read Revelation 1:9, 12:11,19:10 and 20:4. People are still going to be saved after the rapture of the church, but the majority of them will be killed by the Anti-Christ and his minion Government for their faith in Jesus Christ. Not too hard to imagine when we are seeing the World and it's Governments present hostility against Christians. My advice is to come to Jesus Christ now.

Revelation 6:10 "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How lord. O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?". The souls of those under the altar, mentioned in Revelation 6:9, are crying out to God to avenge their lives. These are those who have been killed for their faith in Jesus Christ during the Seven year Tribulation. They are not Church age saints, but Tribulation age saints. These ask the old age question "how Long?" (Read Psalm 94:3). A Question that believers have been asking since the beginning, "how long till you judge the wicked for all they have done against the righteous?". The answer comes in verse 11 "not long". When Jesus Christ returns to this earth at the end on the seven year Tribulation, he will bring judgment. (Read Second Thessalonians 1:6-9). The Lord Jesus Christ will settle all accounts when he returns.

Revelation 6:11 "And a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed". Back in verse 10, the tribulation saints, those who come to faith in Jesus Christ during the Tribulation, ask the Lord the question "how long till you avenge our blood on those who killed them. they are told to wait until the full number of them are killed. Evidently the Lord Jesus Christ knows the exact number, a predetermined number of those who are killed for their faith during the Tribulation. Not only does Jesus Christ know the exact number, but He will avenge their blood at the exact time, because He is in control of everything. More people will be killed for their faith in Jesus Christ during that seven year period that any other seven year period in human history. To tell you the truth this will be the the largest harvest of souls for the kingdom ever. They all receive white robes, indicating God's righteousness (Read revelation 7:14). They are each give rest, absolute peace with God (Read Revelation 14:13). What a blessing and a comfort for them to know that God has it all under control, and is going to make it right, and that they are going to be a part of God's kingdom. Only God can make something good out of something as terrible as the coming Tribulation. Hallelujah.

Revelation 6:12 "And I looked when He (Jesus Christ) opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood". In Matthew 24, Jesus said "there will be earthquakes in various places" but these are only "the beginning of sorrows". There are currently as many as 600,000 earthquakes a year worldwide, and they are on the increase. There are several gigantic earthquakes predicted to take place during the Tribulation (Read Revelation 11:3 and 16:18). This one happens near the beginning of the seven year Tribulation, and Revelation says that it will move every mountain and island out of it's place. In Isaiah 13:13 God said: I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall move out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, in the day of His fierce anger". Remember this happens after one quarter of the earth's population have already been killed under the first five seals. Believe me, you do not want to be here for the coming Tribulation. Why not come to Jesus Christ and escape all this?

Revelation 6:13 "And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops it's late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind". In verse 12, Jesus opens the sixth seal, which brings tremendous cataclysmic upheaval worldwide. A great earthquake, the sun becomes becomes black like sackcloth of hair, and the moon turns to blood. This "great earthquake" is so powerful that it effects the sun, moon, stars and the earth's atmosphere (Also read Isaiah 13:13, Joel 3:15, Haggai 2:6-7 and Matthew 24:29-30). Possibly combined with a meteor shower, a polar axis shift, etc. This is all designed by God to "try" men upon the earth. To turn those who will turn to Jesus Christ, and to judge those who refuse to come to Jesus Christ. Read Revelation 6:15-17. This has all been predicted by the Old Testament prophets, and the New Testament Apostles. There is only one way to escape, come to Jesus Christ and be saved from the wrath to come.

Revelation 6:14 "Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of it's place". At the beginning of the seven year Tribulation coming upon this earth to try those on the earth, Jesus Christ begins opening the seven sealed scroll in heaven (Revelation 6:1). The first seal brings the Anti-Christ. The second seal brings war and bloodshed. the third seal brings inflation and famine. The forth seal brings the death of 1/4 of the earth's population. The fifth seal reveals the souls of those who came to Jesus Christ during the tribulation and were killed because of their faith, crying out for justice. And the sixth seal brings a worldwide earthquake that moves every mountain and island out of their place. An earthquake so large that it effects the earth's atmosphere and the sun moon and stars in heavens. All of this is designed to cause those who will, to repent of their sins and come to Jesus Christ for salvation. Thank God, many will.

Revelation 6:15 "And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and rocks of the mountains," After the great earthquake that the opening of the sixth seal brings, and all of the fallout, rather than repenting of their sin, people on earth are going to try and hide from God. This great earthquake effects everyone on planet earth, rich and poor, free and slave, the weak and the mighty. When it comes to sin and man's repentance of his sin, God is going to level the playing field. Everyone will stand before God and His wrath and answer for their sin. Thank God that our sins, those of born again believers, have been paid for by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. First Thessalonians 5:9 says "For God has not appointed us (believers) to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ". Hallelujah. We are foolish if we think we can hide from God. We need to come to God, confess our sins, be forgiven, and receive salvation through Jesus Christ.

Revelation 6:16 "And (they) said to the mountains and rocks, fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!". After the great earthquake in verse 12, people on earth will be trying to find a place to hide, not only from God who is Judging their sin, but from their sin itself. Even after knowing that the wrath is coming from God, rather than confessing their sin and rebellion against God, they hide from God. This day "The Day of The Lord" was predicted by the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 2:10-22. A world full of people who are unwilling to repent will be judged by the Lord for their rejection of Jesus Christ and God's forgiveness. The world will be deceived by the the Anti-Christ because they refuse to receive Jesus Christ and they will experience God's wrath. God loves the world, and would rather not judge the world, that's why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ. Read John 3:16-21.

Revelation 6:17 "For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?". The day of God's wrath, better known as "The Day of The Lord" appears twenty times in eight different old Testament prophetic books. at also appears in the New Testament (e.g. Second Peter 3:10). People have known for a long time that things on planet earth can not continue as they are, that there is a judgment day coming and people will have to answer to God Almighty. Well, that day will come, and when it does, it will be so comprehensive that people will be asking the question, "Who can survive this?". In fact Jesus said "unless those days were shortened, no flesh would survive". The answer to that question is in Revelation chapter seven. Only those who God has sealed, believers in Jesus Christ and those who stand by the Nation of Israel will survive and be ushered into the Kingdom of God. Many who turn to Jesus Christ during "The Day of The Lord" will loose their lives, be killed by the Anti-Christ and His Government. Read Revelation chapter seven.

Revelation 7:1 "After these things (The opening of the first six seals) I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree". These four angels keep the winds from blowing, that in itself will cause untold havoc on planet earth. The winds control the weather, and the earth's hydraulic system of watering. These four angels are probably the same angels in chapter eight who blow the first four trumpet judgments after the opening of the seventh seal. Chapter seven answers the question in chapter 6:17 "Who is able to stand?", i.e. who is going to make it, who is going to survive the seven year tribulation? The answer is a multitude of people are going to survive. Some will be protected through the Tribulation (the 144,000) and others are going to be killed, but because they believed in Jesus Christ will make it into the Kingdom. These are not the church, they were raptured before the seven year Tribulation began, and are in Heaven with Jesus Christ and with each other. Also note that Revelation chapter does not advance the narrative of events, it is parenthetic. Please read ahead.

Revelation 7:2 "Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,". The earth, the seas and the trees are effected by what these four angels are about to do, and they do that under the first four trumpet judgments in chapter eight. But before that happens, before any further judgment comes which could harm the 144,000 Jewish servants of God, mentioned in verses 4-8, these angels are told to wait until the 144,000 are marked out for protection. This mark from God protects these 144,000 Jews from the judgments of the tribulation and from the Anti-Christ. Thank you for God's protection.

Revelation 7:3 "Saying , "do not harm the earth, the seas, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads". Remember after Cain killed his brother Able, God put a mark on Cain so when people saw it, would not kill him. This is much the same thing. In Revelation chapter 13 the Anti-Christ puts a mark upon all his followers, and whoever does not have this mark, can not buy or sell, and will be killed. God is going to mark out 144,000 Jews, protecting them from the judgments of the Tribulation as well as the wrath of the Anti-Christ. You can read more about the 144,000 Jews in verses 4-8.

Revelation 7:4 "And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:". During the tribulation, a special group of 144,000 Jews are marked out and protected from the judgments of the Tribulation, and from the persecution of the Anti-Christ. These who are marked out, are not the church, they are not Jehovah's Witnesses, or any other group, they are Jews. Others say that 144,000 does not really mean 144,000. All you have to do is do the math. Verses 5-8 tells us that there is 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, which equals 144,000. God has always had a remnant in Israel, His people, who believe. These 144,000 are completed Jews, who believe in Jesus Christ as the Jewish Messiah. You can read more about the 144,000 in Revelation 14:1-5.

Revelation 7:5 "Of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed;". In Verse 3, we were told that these servants of God will be "sealed in their foreheads" by the Angel. Revelation 14:1 says: "Then I (John the Apostle) looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, (this same group of Jews) having His Father's name written on their foreheads". These 144,000 Jews are believers and are protected by Jesus Christ throughout the seven year Tribulation.

Revelation 7:6 "Of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed;". Revelation 14:1 says "Then I looked, and behold, a lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His father's name written on their foreheads". That's the best kind of tattoo you can get, the seal of God. The original Greek text says: "the name of the Father, and the Son". These 144,000 Jews will be protected by God himself throughout the coming seven year Tribulation. The Church will not go through the Tribulation, we are raptured before the Tribulation. Here's a good question, "Are you a part of the Church?". You have to be "Born Again" to be.

Revelation 7:7 "Of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; 8 Of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed". Twelve thousand from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, totaling one hundred and forty-four thousand are marked out by God and protected by God throughout the seven year tribulation. Read Jeremiah 30:7 and Revelation 14:4. In Revelation 14:4 it says that these are "firstfruits to God and to the Lamb". The first fruits are the first ones, who will be saved out of the Great Tribulation, meaning that there will be many more. Praise the Lord.

Revelation 7:9 "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,". After the sealing of the 144,000 Jews, the Apostle John sees a great multitude of Gentiles standing before the throne of God and of the Lamb. These are Gentiles (Tribulation Saints) who come to Jesus Christ and are saved during the Tribulation. These are probably the result of the ministry of the 144,000 Jews. The fact that they are standing before God's throne is an indication that they have been slain for their faith and are now resurrected and standing before god in heaven. White robes indicate God's righteousness, and palm branches are typically waved in a gesture of victory. Thank God for a great harvest of souls.

Revelation 7:10 "And crying out with a loud voice, saying "Salvation belongs to our god who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!". This multitude which no one can number from all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues are standing before the throne of God, and with loud voices ascribing their Salvation to god and to the Lamb, Jesus Christ. These are the multitudes of gentiles saved out of the Tribulation. This great multitude are saved through the ministry of the 144,000 Jews who God has sealed in their foreheads in verse 3. The 144,000 Jews will fulfill God's original intention that the nation of Israel (God's chosen people) would evangelize the world, and lead them to their God and Messiah. God has a wonderful plan for anyone who will turn from their son, and turn to Jesus Christ for Salvation. Today "Good Friday" would be a good day to do that.

Revelation 7:11 "And all the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 Saying, Amen!". What we see here is all of Heaven agreeing with what "The Great Multitude" is saying in verse 10 "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb". All of Heaven is going to agree with God and thank God for saving an innumerable number of people out of the Tribulation. Isn't that just like our God to save multitudes of people during the most dangerous time in all of history to be alive? Our God is full of Mercy, not giving us what we deserve, and full of Grace, giving us what we do not deserve. Thank you God.

Revelation 7:12 "Saying Amen! Blessing, and glory and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen". All the Angels and the elders (representing the completed church in heaven) and the four living creatures are agreeing with the great multitude of those who are saved out of the Tribulation, who are saying "Salvation to our God who sits upon the throne and unto the lamb" (verse 10). And they add to their doxology, ascribing to God and the Lamb, blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might forever and ever. All of heaven stands in awe at what God did in saving a multitude of souls out of the tribulation and from judgment. Our god is all of those things and more. We, the church ought to do the same, thanking and praising God for all the souls he has saved over the last two thousand years of church history, Amen!. Thank you God, thank you Jesus.

Revelation 7:13 "Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes , and where did they come from?". The elders represent the completed church, who have been raptured and are with the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven during the entire seven year Tribulation on earth. One of them asks the Apostle John who the great multitude are, then answers their own question . One thing is obvious, The church represented by the elders in heaven, and the great multitude are not the same group of people. The church has been in heaven since it was before the Tribulation, this "Great Multitude" has come out of the Tribulation (read verse 14). This points to a pre-tribulational rapture of the church. Praise God that we the church are in heaven and not on earth during the Seven year tribulation.

Revelation 7:14 "And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb". These are the multitudes who have come to the Lamb (Jesus Christ) during the tribulation. And because believed in Jesus Christ and refused to take the mark of the beast, they are killed, but are now standing in Heaven before God and the Lamb. Each of them are given white robes, which picture the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Interesting that their robes are washed in the blood of Christ and are absolutely white. Only the blood of Jesus Christ out Lord can cleanse away sin. Thank you Jesus.

Revelation 7:15 "Therefore they (This great Multitude from verse 9) are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them". God has a special place for Tribulation Saints, those who have lost their lives because of their faith in Jesus Christ during the Tribulation, before his throne in Heaven. And the best part of it, is that God himself will dwell among them. There is no better place that near God, who loves us so much.

Revelation 7:16 "They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;" These are all things that these Tribulation saints had to deal with during the Tribulation. In the coming chapters in the book of Revelation the water is polluted, there is no rain, famine and hunger are rampant and the sun will scorch men on the earth. Those things will never happen to these Saints again, because they are With the Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven now, and He will provide for them from then on. Praise God.

Revelation 7:17 "for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes". Notice that The Lamb (Jesus Christ) is also the shepherd. This "Great Multitude" who are saved during the most difficult time in human history, the Tribulation will be blessed and comforted by God from then on into eternity. It will all be worth it. Until then, we warn people about the coming judgment of the Tribulation. It would be a lot better to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior now, and not have to go through the Great Tribulation. Which way will you go? The easy way or the hard way?

Revelation 8:1 "When He (Jesus Christ, the Lamb) opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about the space of half an hour". This half an hour of silence is the calm before the storm. So far in Revelation, there has been in Heaven, the loud worship of God, lightening, thunder, loud voices, angels crying "holy, holy, holy" and then dead silence for half an hour. This total silence in Heaven sets up the next phase of the seven year Tribulation period on earth. Total silence in heaven, but on earth there will be a huge worldwide relief effort after the first six seals have been opened in revelation chapter 6 and one half of the earth's population have been killed, and every island and mountain have been moved out of their place by a gigantic worldwide earthquake. Those on earth will think that maybe it's all over, then this seventh seal is opened and it starts all over again, only a lot worse. Once the seventh seal is opened, the seven trumpet judgments come, all in a rapid succession and there will be no escape for those on earth. Please consider Jesus and the salvation He offers to those who believe in Him. Jesus has made a way of escape.

Revelation 8:2 "And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets". Again the Apostle John tells us what he actually saw with his own two eyes. John was an eyewitness of these future events, though he was at the time a prisoner on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9-11). These seven angels in the book of Revelation are called "the seven spirits" / "the seven stars" / "seven lamps of fire" / "the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth". These seven angels before the throne of God are ministering spirits (creations of God) sent forth by God to exercise His will upon the earth, heavenly messengers (Hebrews 1:7,14). And here they are standing at attention, as it were, waiting for their instructions from God, they are ready to blow these seven trumpets which release the trumpet judgments (Revelation chapters 8-11). What an example these seven angels are to us believers, of doing God's will when asked.

Revelation 8:3 "Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And he was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which is before the throne". Every morning Israel's High Priest would take incense and put it on the altar of incense, before the Holy of Hollies and the smoke of that incense would rise. The smoke represented the prayers of God's people rising up to God. The prayers of the Tribulation saints on earth (the great multitude from chapter 7) are pictured here rising up to the throne of God, before the seven trumpet judgments are released on earth. God answers their prayers. What a blessing to know that our prayers are important in heaven, and especially important to God. He listens to our prayers, and answers them. Thank you God.

Revelation 8:4 "And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand". The smoke of the incense represents the prayers of God's people rising up heaven where God's throne is. The prayers here are the prayers of the Tribulation saints, those who come to Jesus Christ during the coming Tribulation. Their prayer from Revelation 6:9-10 is answered by God in Revelation 8-11 with seven trumpet judgments. God is avenging the lives of those who stood up for their faith in Jesus Christ and lost their lives for it. This all happens after a half hour of total silence in heaven. It's possible that this half hour of silence represents a hesitation on God's part to bring judgment. We are reminded that God answers prayers, and we are invited to petition God.

Revelation 8:5 "Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightings, and an earthquake". In this heavenly scene, seven angels are given seven trumpets. Another angel is given much incense which represents the prayers of the Tribulation saints in Revelation 6:9-10. That angel is then commissioned by God to send the answer to their prayers to the earth, via fire from the altar. And there was thunder, lightening and an earthquake. These all signal a coming storm on earth. The seven angels with their seven trumpet judgments are about to sound. All of this after the seven seals have already been opened and one half of the earth's population have already been killed. This is why Jesus called it the "Great tribulation". The only hope and escape from the Great tribulation is to come to Jesus Christ before the church is raptured, and that could happen at any moment.

Revelation 8:6 "So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound". The first trumpet destroys 1/3 of all the plant life on earth. The second trumpet destroys 1/3 of everything in the ocean. The third trumpet destroys 1/3 of all the fresh water on earth. The forth trumpet blocks out 1/3 of the suns light on earth. The fifth trumpet releases demonic locust from the bottomless pit on earth. The sixth trumpet releases four wicked angels from the river Euphrates river who kill 1/3 of the earths population. The seventh trumpet signals the end of human government on earth, via the return of Jesus Christ to set up His kingdom on this earth. And if that's not enough, there are still seven bowls of wrath to be poured out on this earth before it's over. I suggest you turn to Christ before it's too late.

Revelation 8:7 "The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up". The fact that the hail and fire are mingled with blood indicates that people will be killed by the hail and fire, both directly and indirectly. The same kind of thing happened in the judgments on Egypt at the time of Moses (read Exodus 9:23-25, and Joel 2:30). And the same kind of thing destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. In fact five of the ten plagues that God brought on Egypt will revisit the entire earth during the even year Tribulation. One third of all the trees on earth are burned up under the first trumpet judgment. Trees not only produce food, but are also essential as protection from storms and flooding. Trees also produce oxygen, and the earth's ability to produce the oxygen necessary for life will be diminished. The balance of nature will be greatly upset. Animals that depend upon grass for their survival will either die or become carnivorous. God has done these kinds of things before in a smaller way, just to show us that He can do it again. So under the first trumpet judgment plant life on earth is devastated, and the life supported by the plant life diminished. Still not too late to come to Jesus Christ and avoid the coming tribulation altogether.

Revelation 8:8 "Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third part of the sea became blood"; Under the second trumpet judgment something like a Meteorite hits the earth, destroying one third of all the marine life. The seas become blood red from all of the dead marine life. Imagine the impact of a mountain like Meteorite hitting the earth, the tidal waves, etc. This was predicted by the Hebrew prophets of the Old testament (read the prophecy of Hosea 4:3 and Zephaniah 2:3). There is currently an Asteroid belt with Asteroids up to five hundred miles in diameter floating out in space, which has Scientist concerned. There are currently two thousand Asteroids which pose a threat to our atmosphere. Scientist say that the fallout will be worse than a nuclear war. Asteroids turn into Meteorites when they invade earth's atmosphere, and they are flammable. Remember the earth has just experienced a serious three and a half year worldwide drought. Under the first trumpet one third of all the plant life on earth was devastated, now one third of marine life on earth is destroyed. Not something I want anyone I know to have to go through. Please come to Jesus Christ before it's too late.

Revelation 8:9 "And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed". Under the second trumpet judgment one third of the sea became blood, one third of the living creatures in the oceans died, and one third of the ships on the oceans were destroyed. This huge meteorite when it hits the earth is going to cause a lot of damage. With the first trumpet judgment one third of earth's plant life was destroyed. With the second trumpet judgment one third of all marine life is devastated. And with the Third trumpet Judgment one third of all the earth's drinking water is defiled. The judgments just keep coming. Thank God He has taken the church to be with Him in heaven before all this happens.

Revelation 8:10 "A third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water;". Under the third trumpet judgment the fresh drinking water is defiled, and now unfit for consumption by humans or animals. In verse 11 it says the water became wormwood. in the Russian Bible the word for wormwood is Chernoble for nuclear. Read Jeremiah 23:15.

Revelation 8:11 "And the name of the star is Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood; and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter". This great star named Wormwood which fell from heaven contaminates one third of all the fresh drinking water on earth (Read Jeremiah 23:15). The term Wormwood is talking about the judgment of god, and the bitter effect of it, it will be hard to swallow. It will taste terrible and it will be fatal. I mentioned that in the Russian Bible the name Wormwood is translated Chernoble. The first Trumpet judgment destroyed one third of all plant life on earth. The second Trumpet judgment devastated one third of all marine life in the oceans. And now the third Trumpet judgment defiles one third of all the fresh drinking water on earth. Next one third of all the earth's natural light is darkened. We are praying that many will turn to the Lord Jesus Christ before it's too late.

Revelation 8:12 "Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the mood, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened; and a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night". Read Luke 21:25-26. Again this reminds us of the judgments on Egypt. Under the fourth Trumpet judgment all natural light on earth is diminished by one third. Could this be something like a nuclear winter? When Mt. St. Helen's erupted several cities in Washington were dark at noon. Men love darkness rather than light, so God is going to give them a little darkness. This is a pre-view of "Outer Darkness" in order to turn people to God before it's too late. So far, The first Trumpet Judgment destroyed one third of all plant life on earth. The second Trumpet judgment devastated one third of all marine life. The third Trumpet judgment defiled one third of the earth's drinking water. And now under the fourth Trumpet judgment one third of the earth's natural light is diminished. This is becoming Hell on earth. There are three more Trumpet judgments coming. Turn to Christ before it's too late.

Revelation 8:13 "And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!". The word "woe" indicates an intense fear, and there are three of them because there are three more trumpets judgments coming. These three woes from the angel are a warning from God to please repent and turn to Jesus Christ. Notice that the target of these judgments are "the inhabitants of the earth". The reason they are being targeted for judgment is because they have refused to repent of their sins and come to Jesus Christ, the one who died for their sins. Each of the seven trumpets (Revelation chapters 8-11) unleashes a judgment of greater intensity that the seven seal judgments, (Revelation chapters 6-7) but not as intense as the coming seven bowls of wrath (Revelation chapter 16), which are on their way. The thing that stands out here is the fact that the warnings from God during the Tribulation are neglected by the masses. Both the old and the New Testaments say "that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" God is warning people, because he loves them (Read John 3:16).

Revelation 9:1 "Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to earth. And to him was given the key to the bottomless pit". Often in the Bible angelic beings are called "stars" and that is the case here. Notice also that this angelic being is called "he". This angel is given the key to the bottomless pit, probably by God, the one who presently has control of the bottomless pit. This angelic being who is given the key to the Bottomless Pit, is seen by the Apostle John as falling to earth, which supposes that the Bottomless Pit is on earth. Many believe the Bottomless Pit to be at the center of the earth, and because the earth is always spinning, and if you are falling and the earth is spinning, you never reach the bottom. According to Luke 8:31 it is where God has incarcerated wicked angels (demons), and it's the final abode of Satan and his demons. This angelic being who has fallen from heaven we believe to be Satan himself, the most wicked angel of all, and he is about to release a horde of demons on earth, to torment people on earth (Read Isaiah 14:12-14). This is the fifth trumpet judgment, also referred to as the "First Woe" in Revelation 8:13. This is no time to be an unbeliever.

Revelation 9:2 "And he (this fallen angel from verse 1) opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit". The fifth trumpet judgment is the opening up of Hell upon this earth, with the purpose of persuading people on earth that Hell is not the place that they want to end up in. The angel of the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:1-2) is none other than Satan himself. He is kicked out of heaven sometime near the middle of the tribulation. And the first thing he does is release a horde of demons from the bottomless pit on earth, which darkens the skies with their sin and filth. Read Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:12-17, and Revelation 12:7-12. the Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel depict the moral fall of Satan, because of his pride, and the Apostle John in Revelation 12 depicts the geographical relocation of Satan from heaven to earth, no longer having access to heaven. The fifth trumpet judgment is called the "first woe" because it's not only horrific it's also demonic. During the Tribulation, people on earth will have a choice to make, knowing full well what Hell is like.

Revelation 9:3 "Then out of the smoke locust came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power". These locust are not like any other locust the earth has ever seen. First of all they come right out of the bottomless pit, the abode of wicked angels, sort of a demonic horde of locust. It says that they are given power "as" the scorpions of the earth have power. Scorpions are known for having a sting that is extremely painful. It says that this demonic horde of locust are "given power" which means that it is a derived power, something which is not theirs naturally. All of this happens after the earth has been darkened by the smoke that arises from the bottomless pit. This first trumpet judgment, also known as "the first woe" is going to be a taste of hell on earth. One more reason to not want to be here on earth after the church is raptured and is in Heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 9:4 "They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of god on their foreheads". Throughout the Old Testament locust are a symbol of destruction. Locust normally invade cultivated areas, but these are commanded not to. These locust are not any ordinary locust, they are demonic creatures right out of the bottomless pit, and their target is nonbelievers on earth. In the plagues on Egypt, God made a distinction between his people, Israel and the Egyptians. During the Tribulation God will make a distinction between the believers, "The Tribulation Saints" and unbelievers. These demonic locust will torment the unbelievers only. God always makes a separation between those who are His and those who are not. Remember the Church has already been taken from the earth in the rapture and are with the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven.

Revelation 9:5 "And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. And their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man". These locust like demonic creatures from the bottomless pit are going to torment only unbelievers and only for five months. Their sting is like that of a scorpion, the worse kind of sting. Either the pain of the sting lasts for five months or people are continually being stung. And Like the plagues in Egypt in the book of Exodus, God is making a distinction between his people and those who are following the Anti-Christ and his kingdom. Notice also that they were not given authority to kill people, which means that their authority to kill is withheld for this five month period. Another indication that God is in charge, bringing His plan and purposes to pass. Thank God His church will not be on earth during the tribulation, but has been raptured and is safe in heaven with Jesus Christ.

Revelation 9:6 "In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them". These demonic locust from the bottomless pit, will torment the unbelieving on earth with their stings for five months. The sting of these demonic locust is so painful that people will want to die, and maybe even try to kill themselves, but for that five months death will take a holiday. What this is, is a five month long foretaste of Hell, where a person will be tormented, without the possibility of dying, and being released from the pain. It is another opportunity for those who have not yet received Jesus Christ to do so before it's too late. Our God so loves the world that he does everything he can to warn people away from the Anti-Christ and his counterfeit kingdom, which will send people to Hell. This is a five month long altar call, and an opportunity to repent and come to Jesus Christ.

Revelation 9:7 "And the shape ("appearance") of the locust was like horses prepared for battle; and on their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men". The apostle John is doing his best to describe these demonic creatures from the bottomless pit. At a glance they appear to be locust, but upon closer examination they look somewhat like horses who are prepared for battle, maybe protected by some kind of armor? Grotesque, animal like, insect like demonic creatures. The weirdest thing of all is that they have faces like men, eyes, noses, ears and mouths. And they are wearing what appears to be crowns of gold, maybe indicative of some kind of rule, some kind of demonic kingdom? These are the part of the fifth trumpet judgment.

Revelation 9:8 "They had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like lion's teeth". The Apostle John is doing his best to try and describe something he has never seen. Welcome to the coming seven year Tribulation. These demonic locust from the Bottomless Pit are the most grotesque creatures that you can imagine, and then worse than that. I am praying that no one I know will be here during the tribulation and have to endure these grotesque creatures, let alone be stung by one of them. Everyone who is not a Born Again Believer will be left behind when the church is taken out of this world, and they will be plunged into the Tribulation. Anyone reading this who is not Born Again, please read John chapter three, where Jesus Christ explains what it means to be Born Again, and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

Revelation 9:9 "And they had breastplates like iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle". In describing these demonic locust from the bottomless pit, the Apostle John has used the word "like" seven times so far, and will use it an eighth time in verse 10. These demonic locust are like scorpions in their torment, they have an appearance like horses, crowns like gold, faces like men, hair like women, teeth like lions, and their wings make a sound like chariots and horses in battle. John has never seen anything like them, so he is using things he is familiar with to try and describe them. Evidently these demonic locust from the bottom less pit also have armor of some kind and are not easily killed, if they can be killed at all. These demonic locust were predicted by the Jewish prophet Joel, Read Joel 2:4-9.

Revelation 9:10 "They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. And their power was to hurt men five months". These demonic locust from the Bottomless Pit are a part of the Fifth Trumpet Judgment, which is the "First Woe". These demonic locust will torment unbelievers on earth for five months. Lord will some of them will repent and turn their lives over to Jesus Christ. When their five month long reign of terror is over, god will return them to the Bottomless Pit where they belong (Revelation 20:1-3) and then eventually send them to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). Thank God there is an end to the Tribulation.

Revelation 9:11 "And they had a king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in the Greek he has the name Apollyon. Unlike real locust, these locust from the bottomless pit have a king (Proverbs 30:27). The apostle John uses both his Hebrew and Greek names to remind us that this demonic king and his demons from the pit are against both Jews and Gentiles. Both names mean "Destroyer". Satan is a destroyer. He is out to destroy us, especially those who stand for God. This demonic king leads this demonic horde of locust against unbelievers during the coming seven year tribulation. Another reason you do not want to be here during the tribulation.

Revelation 9:1-12 (This is the Fifth Trumpet Judgment) "Then the fifth angel sounded: And I was a star fall from heaven to earth. And to him was given the key to the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locust came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. And their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will seek death and death will not find them; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them. And the appearance of the locust was like horses prepared for battle; and on their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. And they had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like lion's teeth. And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle. They had tails like scorpions, and their stings were in their tails. And their power was to hurt men for five months. And they had a king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in the Greek he has the name Apollyon. One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things". (Please read Joel 2:4-9). The sixth Trumpet Judgment releases four wicked angels from the Euphrates River who lead an army of 200 million demonic soldiers on horses who kill one third of the earth's population, Woe! One more reason to repent of your sin, and give your life to Jesus Christ.

Revelation 9:13 "Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from four horns of the golden altar which is before God,". This sixth Trumpet Judgment is also the "Second Woe" (Revelation 8:13 and 9:12). The seven year Tribulation on earth begins with Jesus Christ himself opening the seals on the Scroll in heaven (Revelation 6:1). The first six Seals bring the Anti-Christ, war, famine and death, and great cataclysmic upheaval in the heavens and upon the earth. The seventh seal introduced the Seven Trumpet Judgments. The first four trumpet Judgments bring devastation upon the earth's plant life, marine, drinking water and it's natural light, destroying the earth's eco-system. The fifth Trumpet Judgment unleashed a demonic horde of locust like creatures from the bottomless pit upon mankind. The blowing of the sixth trumpet now releases four wicked angels who have been incarcerated in the Great River Euphrates. This is connected to the Middle East. These four wicked angels lead a demonic army of horsemen 200 million strong, who then slay one third of the earth's population at the time. One more reason you do not want to be here on earth after the rapture of the church, and the earth is flung into a seven year tribulation. It's time to come to Jesus Christ, have your sins forgiven and receive eternal salvation.

Revelation 9:14 "Saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates". In verses 13 and 14 a command is given to release the four angels who have been bound at the great river Euphrates. The first ting to note is that the command comes from God, from the four horns of the golden altar in heaven which is before God. In Revelation chapter 4 the Apostle John saw four angels about the throne of God. In Revelation chapter 7 John saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the wind from the earth. But these four angels are not good angels, doing God's bidding, they are evil wicked angels (read Jeremiah 46:10, 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6-7 and Revelation 18:2). Apparently these angels sinned in such a way (sexual immorality) that God has the bound, reserved the judgment day sometime in the future. Interesting that these four angels are bound at the River Euphrates. The Euphrates river is one of the four rivers that flowed out of the garden of Eden, where sin among man originated, where the first lie was told, where the first murder was committed, where all false religion began, and it's where Israel endured seventy years of captivity under Babylon. The River Euphrates is also the Biblical boundary to the land that God gave to Abraham, to the nation Israel. The River Euphrates is also considered the dividing place between eastern and western civilization. Is it any wonder why American troops are having a difficult time in Iraq, where the River Euphrates is? What have we gotten ourselves into? God help us now, and God help those who are on earth when these four wicked angels are released.

Revelation 9:15 "So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind". The judgments of the book of Revelation unfold in chronological order, exactly as God planned it. These four angels who have been bound at the River Euphrates are on hold, waiting for the exact timing of God for their release. This reminds us that God is sovereign and is in control of absolutely everything. God controls even who is in control on earth at the time (Read Daniel 4:17). The fact that a specific number "a third" of mankind are killed also suggests God's sovereign control. One third of all unbelievers on earth at the time will be killed. By this sixth Trumpet Judgment, which is also "the second woe" God is avenging the blood of His martyred saints, those who have come to Jesus Christ during the tribulation and have lost their lives because of their faith in and allegiance to Christ. This judgment of unbelievers is in answer to the prayers of the saints in Revelation 6:10. During the seal judgments one quarter of this earth's population are killed about 2 billion. now another one third of those left are killed, another 2 billion. At this point in the Tribulation, one half of the earth's population has been killed. Why would anyone want to be around for this? Please come to Jesus Christ before it's too late.

Revelation 9:16 "Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million, and I heard the number of them". During the Gulf War, Iraq with the world's forth largest army had all their foot soldiers, one million on duty. This army is 200 times as large. The four wicked angels who are released as part of the sixth Trumpet Judgment somehow control an army of 2000, million horsemen who kill one third of those on earth. When the Apostle John describes these horsemen in verse seventeen, they appear to be some sort of demonic riders, with extraordinary weapons, which shoot fire, smoke and brimstone. Not good for those on earth at the time. It's like these demonic horsemen run around spewing Hell all over the earth. No wonder this is called "The Second Woe".

Revelation 9:17 "And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone". This army of two hundred million horsemen riding horses is somehow connected to the four wicked angels who have been released from the Euphrates river, which is in modern day Iraq. The best way to understand what the Apostle John is describing here is to connect this to what the O.T. Joel says in Joel 2:1-7. In the last days, near the end of the seven year tribulation, there is coming an invasion of demonic locust (Revelation 9) and demonic horsemen on horse like creatures. There will be a lot of demonic activity and a lot of people dying on this earth at that time. Another reason you and I do not want to be here. Please repent of your sin, and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior before it's too late.

Revelation 9:18 "By these plagues a third of mankind was killed--by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths". under the Sixth trumpet judgment another third of mankind are killed. One forth of mankind have already been killed, which now leaves one half of the earth's population dead. It appears that the four wicked angels who were released in the Euphrates River are somehow responsible for this army of horsemen 200 million strong. Maybe these four wicked angels (demons) are leading this army. These horses and the horsemen riding them both have armor, and fire smoke and brimstone comes out of their mouths. It sounds like we are talking about some kind of military weapon, something like a flamethrower. This all happens right after the plague of demonic locust under the forth Trumpet Judgment have tormented men on earth so much so that they will want to die, but cannot.

Revelation 9:19 "For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them the do harm". Even those who are not killed by this demonic army of horses and horsemen will suffer harm by this army. not only one third of the world's population are killed by these horsemen, but can you imagine hundreds of thousands of square miles filled with injured people, and the difficulty of trying to tend to those kinds of numbers. These images all describe the supernatural deadliness of this demonic army in terms we can understand. Let me remind you that though symbolic language may be employed to help us understand what these demonic monstrosities from hell are like, they themselves are literal. Maybe God is giving people on earth a foretaste of hell so that they will decide to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and not go there? Have you made a decision for Jesus Christ?

Revelation 9:20 "But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood which can neither see nor hear nor walk". One half of the earth's population is killed and people still refuse to repent of their sins. Idolatry is placing anything or anyone before God who created us. The Bible also says that "covetousness" is also idolatry. Some believe that demons are behind our lust for "Things". One Translation wraps it up nicely by saying "They still refused to worship the true and living God". Idolatry is the worship of something other than the God, who created us. It's possible to worship the things man makes with his own hands, hence the long list of materials used for making and building things. We were created by God, in his likeness and image, to worship God. When ever man makes something, he can only make something less than himself. It's idolatry to worship something made by man's hands rather than worship God, who made us. All of this idolatry is a violation of the first four of the "Ten commandments". Things are really bad when a person would rather worship "Things", covet "Things" even when they know that they are going to be judged by God for it. Things are really bad when people absolutely refuse to worship God, the one who created them, knows what's best for them, and loves them. The Bible says: "Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength". It's only smart to love the one who loves us.

Revelation 9:21 "And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts". Even after one half of the earth's population have been killed by the Judgments in mentioned here in the book of Revelation, people still refuse to repent of their sins. These are all sins against other humans and are all of violation of the last six of the ten commandments. Violent crimes brought about by hatred in the heart, murder including murdering the unborn by abortion. Sorceries, evil practices encouraged by evil spirits. Sexual immorality includes all illicit sex, sex outside of marriage, etc. Theft is not only a national but an international problem, new ways to take what belongs to others pop up every day. All four of these sins have a demonic component to them. Allowing any of these things in our lives opens us up to evil and demonic influences, and breaks down our spiritual defenses. It will be nearly impossible for people to resist evil during the Tribulation. The only defense is to turn to Jesus Christ and be saved.

Revelation 10:1 "And I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire". Revelation chapter 10:1-11:14 is (Parenthetical), meaning that the chronological order of the book of Revelation is stopped momentarily, in order to give a bird's eye view and fill in some of the blanks. Then in chapter 11:15 the chronological order of events resume with the blowing of the seventh trumpet and it's judgment. At this point in the narrative of Revelation we are half way through the coming seven year Tribulation on earth. In the first half of the Tribulation we have seen the coming of the Anti-Christ, war, inflation, famine, death, cataclysmic upheaval of the heavens and earth, the devastation of the earth's eco-system, a plague of demonic locust from the bottomless pit, and the unleashing of a demonic army of 200,000,000 upon mankind, and one half of the earth's population have been killed. This mighty angel in chapter 10:1 comes down from heaven and the manifestation of God's glory is all over him, and as we will see he has a "little scroll" in his hand. The rest of chapter 10 is all about this "little Scroll". There is much more to come, keep reading.

Revelation 10:2 "And he had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the earth,". The seven year Tribulation on the earth begins with opening of the seven sealed scroll in Revelation chapter 6. The scroll is the "Title Deed" to the earth. By opening the scroll and loosing it's seven seals, our Lord Jesus Christ is exercising his right to redeem the earth back to himself. Now that the scroll has been opened, and at least half of it's contents have been revealed, it's smaller that it was before it was opened, and it's now described by the Apostle John as a "Little Scroll". The part of the scroll which has yet to be opened contains the judgments of the last half of the seven year Tribulation, a time known as "Great Tribulation". This "Mighty Angel" with the little scroll in his hand is most likely Michael the Archangel, who stands up for Israel in their time of trouble (Read Daniel 12:1). What is pictured by Michael standing on the sea and the earth is God's sovereign control over everything. Even in such a terrible time as the last half of the Tribulation, a time called in the Old Testament as "The Time of Jacob's Trouble" God is still in control. God is always in control. He is in control of everything which controls Israel, and /he is in control of your life and my life. Praise the Lord.

Revelation 10:3 "And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars, and when he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices". This mighty angel, probably Michael, "roars like a lion" indicates volume as well as depth. It's a very arresting voice. The roaring of a lion causes fear, often causing it's victim to freeze with fear. This roaring like a loin also speaks of god's anger at sin. Remember back in chapter 9:21 people refused to repent of their sins. What this mighty angel is announcing is God's direct intervention into human affairs. The voice of this mighty angel triggers the seven thunders, and thunder always signals a coming storm. Some very serious judgments are about to come upon the earth and those who are on earth at the time. Aren't you glad that the rapture of the church has taken us to heaven and out of harms way. Just like God removed Lot and his daughters before he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. It's time to get right with God, the one who sent His son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.

Revelation 10:4 "Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I John was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them". I seems a little unusual that the Apostle John would be told to "seal up and do not write that which the seven thunders uttered" when the book of Revelation is an unveiling of things. Evidently John understood what the seven thunders uttered, and was about to write it down, when a voice from heaven told him not to. It's possible that what was uttered by the seven thunders was referring to the suffering of God's people (the Jews) during the last half of the Tribulation, and is so terrible, that God would rather not talk about it. Remember it's at the middle of the Tribulation that Satan is cast from heaven to earth and enters the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and defiles it, and then goes on a rampage against the Jews and believing Gentiles. Will you be on earth when the seven thunders speak? You are the only one who can answer that question. If you are born again, you will not be here, if you are not you will. Jesus Christ said "You must be born again, or you will not see the kingdom of God".

Revelation 10:5 "And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his hand to heaven,". This is the second time that the apostle John mentions that this angel is standing on the sea and on the land, (back in verse 2 and now again in verse 5). Having his foot on the sea and on the land shows God's complete control over the entire earth. Though things on earth seem to be out of control, God is in complete control. I like that this angel lifts his hand to heaven. This speaks of a complete surrender to the Lord of heaven. A surrender to the authority and sovereignty of God Almighty. This is an Mighty Angel from heaven on earth proclaiming God's power over heaven and earth. It's the Lord's time, it's His moment. What this Mighty Angel is about to announce is that there will no further delay in God's judgment of those on the earth.

Revelation 10:6 "And swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer,". This mighty angel swears by Almighty God and says, that there will be no more delay. The angel is announcing the blowing of the seventh Trumpet Judgment which happens in Revelation 11:15 "Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdoms of our Lord and Hid Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!". I.E. it's time for everyone to step aside, God is taking over. There will be no further delay in God's program to judge the unbelieving world and set up His Kingdom on this earth. God himself will intervene, and will put down all human government and authority on earth and set up His own rule on earth. Tighten your seat belt, and hold on, human history as we know it are coming to an end. No longer will man be governing himself on God's earth. Man has blown every chance that god has given him to rule himself. God will step in and take over. I for one say, Hallelujah.

Revelation 10:7 "But in the days of he sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets". It says "in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel", evidently the seventh and final trumpet blows for the entire last half of the seven year tribulation. Whether or not it is audible on earth, we don't really know. The time of the end that we have been hearing about is about to be completed, finished, fulfilled. All that God has given to the prophets of the Bible is about to come to pass. All of Biblical prophecy will come to pass. All of the things that the bible has said will come to pass will come to pass, exactly as the Bible says. A mystery is something that has not been revealed, but in this case God has revealed it to His prophets, who have written about it. All of the questions about the existence of God, why He does this, why He allows that, etc. are about to be revealed to the entire world, when the end comes. When the end comes, and it will, will you be on the right side or the wrong side?

Revelation 10:8 "Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, "Go, take the Little Scroll which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth". God Himself speaking to the Apostle John, tells John to take the "Little Scroll" from the hand of the mighty angel (probably Michael the archangel). The Scroll is the title deed to the earth, which we were introduced to back in chapter 5 of revelation, only then it was not a "little" scroll because it was not yet opened. Now that the Scroll has been opened by Jesus Christ in chapter 6 and some of the seals have been broken it is smaller than it was, hence "the little scroll". Michael the archangel is seen standing on the earth and on the sea, picturing the fact that he is standing in the gap for the Nation of Israel. Michael the archangel is the one who stands up for Israel in their time of trouble (Daniel 12:1), at the last half of the seven year Tribulation. Things are going to get extremely bad on earth, especially for the nation of Israel, but thank god that God loves Israel and sends Michael the archangel to stand up for them. God is so good, all the time, even during Israel's time of tribulation.

Revelation 10:9 "And I went to the angel and said to him :give me the little scroll". And he said to me, "Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth". So the Apostle John is told to eat this little scroll. What's up with that? It helps when we compare scripture with scripture (Read Ezekiel 2:7-10, 3:1-3). Written on the scroll that God gave to Ezekiel were "lamentations and mourning and woe". The prophet Ezekiel was told to much the same thing that the Apostle John is told here in revelation. What this is, is bitter-sweet. It's great (sweet) that the Kingdom of God is coming, but it's (bitter) when we consider what the earth and people on the earth are going to go through in order for the Kingdom of God to come. In verse 10 we will see that John does what he is asked to do by the angel, he is obedient to God's will for him. We too need to do what is asked of us bu God, even when it is bitter-sweet.

Revelation 10:10 "And I took the little scroll out of the angel's hand and ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth. But when i had eaten it, my stomach became bitter". (Also read Ezekiel 2:7-3:1). The little scroll that the Apostle John is told to eat by the angel is sweet in his mouth, but bitten in his stomach. The little scroll contains the judgments of the last half of the seven year tribulation, which the Bible calls "A time of Jacob's Trouble". Sweet because the kingdom which God has promised to His people Israel is about to come, but bitter because of what Israel is going to suffer. Jesus in Matthew 24:9 told the Jews of His day, "Then they will deliver you to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for my sake". He also said in Matthew 24:21 "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been before since the beginning of the world until this time, nor ever shall be". The Jews and the nation of Israel have gone through tremendous persecution since their beginning, and since they became a nation again in 1948, but none of that not even all of that compares to what is coming for them in the future. Stay tuned in for verse 11 for the application.

Revelation 10:11 "And he said to me, "you must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues and kings". After the Apostle John had eaten the little scroll that the Mighty angel had given his to eat, it was sweet in his mouth, yet bitter in his stomach (Revelation 10:8-10). John is then told to go and tell the people, warn the nations as to what is coming. Because the Apostle John knew of the coming judgment it becomes his responsibility to warn others of the coming judgment (Read also Ezekiel 3:17-19). Like the prophet Ezekiel and like the Apostle John, we have a urgent message, and a responsibility to tell others that Jesus Christ is coming to judge the earth. The message is sweet to those of us who are saved, but it is going to be bitter for those who are not saved and will go through the tribulation. Also read Amos 3:3-8. Can we who know the truth remain silent? The message of the book of Revelation is sweet for us who believe, but bitter for those who do not yet believe. As believers, we know what is coming, and we need to share what we know with others, so they can make a informed decision for Jesus Christ and be saved from the wrath to come.

Revelation 11:1 "Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying "Rise and measure the Temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there". The Jews have not had a "Temple on the temple mount in Jerusalem since 70 a.d., but there will be a "Temple of God" built on the temple mount in the city of Jerusalem in the very near future. A temple that will be standing during the seven year tribulation (Read Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15 and Second Thessalonians 2:4). There is a huge movement today to build a Jewish temple on the temple mount in Jerusalem. There are a number of places in the Old Testament where someone is told to measure something, including the Temple of God. The idea with measuring in each case is that, that which is being measured is dedicated to God, and is dedicated to the worship of God. This Temple of God, the altar and the people who will worship in the temple (the Jews) in revelation 11 will be absolutely dedicated to the true and living god, the God of Israel. There is presently a lot of opposition to build a Jewish Temple on the temple mount in Jerusalem, but it is going to happen and very soon. God says so in His Word. A peace agreement between the Jews and the Muslims will allow for the Jews to build a Jewish temple somewhere on the temple mount next to the Muslim temple that is there now. Keep watching, it's coming, God says so in His Word.

Revelation 11:2 "But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months". According to the Bible, there is going to be a Jewish temple built on the temple mount in Jerusalem, in the last days. All the plans and all the materials are already in place and ready to go. And there is a huge movement in Jerusalem to build a Jewish temple on the temple mount. Some say that this last days temple could be constructed in 60 days or less. A coming peace agreement (Daniel 9:27) between the Muslims ("Gentiles") and the Jews will allow Israel to build this temple and guarantee peace between the nation of Israel and The Muslim world. The outer court it says has been given to the Gentiles. Jesus in Luke 21:24 said the city of Jerusalem would be "trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled". There is currently a Gentile (non-Jewish) presence on the temple mount in the form of a Muslim temple. At the middle of the coming seven year tribulation, the Anti-Christ will break this peace agreement (Daniel 9:27) setting up what Jesus called "the abomination of desolation" and forty-two months, exactly 3.5 years according to the Jewish calendar, Jesus Christ will come back to this earth and set up His kingdom, and will end the "Times of the Gentiles". When we see a Jewish temple being built on the temple mount in Jerusalem, we better pack our bags, Jesus is coming, and coming soon.

Revelation 11:1-2 I mentioned in my blog on Revelation chapter eleven, verses one and two that there is coming a peace agreement which will allow the Jews to build a Jewish temple on the temple mount in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27). It's interesting who the players are, who are trying to broker a peace agreement in the middle east, Russia, the United States, the European Union, the Vatican and Saudi Arabia. I believe what we will end up with, is a divided land of Israel, a Palestinian State within Israel, a divided city of Jerusalem, the building of a Jewish temple on the temple mount in Jerusalem along with a re-institution of temple worship, and the peace and security of Israel against her hostile neighbors guaranteed by a multi-national peace keeping force, provided for by the United Nations, of which the Anti-Christ will come from. And Jerusalem will continue to be "trodden underfoot by the Gentiles" until the end of the seven year tribulation when Jesus Christ returns to this earth to deliver His people Israel and set up His kingdom. From the day that the Anti-Christ breaks the peace agreement, you can count 1260 days until Jesus Christ returns. Keep looking up. You might even want to pack your bags.

Revelation 11:3 "And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth". In Revelation 11:2 we learned that the city of Jerusalem will be "trampled underfoot by the Gentiles for forty-two months, which is exactly 1260 days by the Jewish calendar of 360 days. And now we see that two witness will prophesy for 1260 days, exactly forty-two months. Why did the Apostle John just say 42 months again, instead of saying 1260 days? Because John is making a distinction between the two periods of time, dividing them up. The 1260 days is the first half of the seven year tribulation period, in which these two witnesses prophesy before they are killed. And the forty-two months is the last half of the seven year tribulation period in which the city of Jerusalem will be "trampled underfoot by the Gentiles". The Jewish Prophet Daniel said that the "abomination of desolation" will occur at the middle of the seven year tribulation (Daniel 9:27). There are two distinct halves of the seven year tribulation. These two witnesses are special messengers from God (Lit: "my two witnesses"). Because this is still a part of the sixth trumpet judgment, and the seventh trumpet is not blown till the middle of the tribulation, their witness must take place during the first half of the seven year tribulation. After the church is gone in the rapture, who will preach the gospel of Jesus Christ during the first half of the tribulation, these two witnesses will, and so will the 144,000 Jews who have been sealed in their foreheads (Revelation 7:4-8). The message of these two witnesses is a message of repentance. We know that because "sackcloth" which is the O.T. sign of repentance is mentioned. When John the Baptist and Jesus came preaching the gospel, their message was "Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand". The message of these two witnesses will be the same. Stay tuned,

Revelation 11:4 "These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands standing before the God of the earth". The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself. Like the Apostle John, here in Revelation 11, The Old Testament Prophet Zechariah was also given a vision of a lamp stand and two olive trees. Visions are visual aids given by God to teach us something. As in Zechariah's case the lamp stands represent Israel. Israel is to be a light the world, by bringing the knowledge of God to the world around them. The "two witnesses" from Revelation chapter eleven, verse 3 are to take the message of god to the world around them, during the first half of the coming seven year tribulation. The two olive trees in the apostle John's vision represent a never ending supply of olive oil to light the two lamps stands which represent the "two witnesses" (Read Zechariah 4:1-6, and 4:13). Here is what this all means: Just like Zerubbabel and Joshua were anointed by God's Holy Spirit to bring the people of Israel back to the worship of the God of Israel, So too the "two Witnesses" of Revelation eleven will be anointed by God's Holy Spirit at the beginning of the seven year tribulation period to bring Israel back to the worship of the true and living God, the God of Israel. Historically Zerubbabel (the civil leader) and Joshua (the religious leader) stood next to Israel and encouraged them to build the temple of God in Jerusalem and worship God. These "Two Witnesses" of Revelation 11 will stand with the Jews of the coming tribulation period and encourage them to build the temple of God in Jerusalem, in the last days and worship God. We believe these "Two Witnesses" are Moses and Elijah. More on that next time.

Revelation 11:3-4 "And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands standing before the God of the earth". The fact that God calls them "my two witnesses" has led many to believe that these two witnesses are Moses and Elijah who have been here before and have been witnesses for God. There are three places in the New Testament where two witnesses show up. Two times they are unidentified and one time they are identified, and it's interesting when and where they show up. The first time is in Matthew 17:1-3 and in Luke 9:27-36 where Moses and Elijah appear on the Mount of transfiguration, talking to Jesus about His crucifixion. After the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, two unidentified men in shining garments appeared at Jesus' empty tomb. And at Jesus' ascension back into heaven in Acts 1:10 two unidentified men in white apparel stood by the disciples as Jesus ascended. Two witnesses show up talking about Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension. Many believe that these "two witnesses" in Revelation 11 are the same two witnesses who showed up on these other occasions just mentioned. Are they Moses and Elijah? More to come.

Revelation 11:5 "And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner". In the Old Testament book of Second Kings, King Ahaziah's men are sent to harm Elijah the prophet and twice he sends down fire on them killing all of them. And now these two witnesses from god to Israel do the same thing. It's one of the reasons that we believe that they are Moses and Elijah come from heaven. This fire is God's witness protection program. These two witnesses are indestructible for three and a half years, then they are killed. Remember that Elijah the prophet prayed and it did not rain for three and a half years in Israel. God has their backs covered, until their witness has been accomplished. God has our backs until He is done with us, and then He makes us home.

Revelation 11:6 "These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire". These "two witnesses" will cause it to not rain for three and a half years, the entire time of their prophecy. Remember that Elijah the prophet did that during his time as Israel's prophet. Also remember that Moses Israel's deliverer turned water into blood in Egypt. And remember that Moses also struck Egypt with all kinds of plagues. I believe that god is giving us clues as to who these "two witnesses" are. These two witnesses have been here on earth before, and they do the same things that Moses and Elijah did while they were here on earth. When you put that together with the strange circumstances surrounding their departures from earth, and the fact that both Moses and Elijah were seen talking with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration it all fits. Strong evidence that these "two witnesses" are going to be Moses and Elijah come back from heaven. God will give the supernatural evidence they have been looking for during the tribulation, and they will have no excuse to not repent. Let's pray that they will.

Revelation 11:7 "Now when they finish their testimony. the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war with them, overcome them, and kill them". For three and a half years, the first half of the coming seven year tribulation, these "two witnesses" are indestructible. Then, once they have finished their testimony, the beast (Revelation 17:8) will make war against them, and kill them. Evidently it's going to take a lot to kill them. God sends "two witnesses" to turn people back to him before it's too late, and they kill those witnesses. I remember rejecting the witness of those who told me about Jesus Christ and his salvation before I got saved. This is no different. Satan is in the business of silencing the witness of Gospel of Jesus Christ through God's people, We Christians have a testimony, and the privilege and responsibility to share that testimony. And when we have, the Lord will bring us home to be with him, like He will do with these two witnesses. Lord, help us to be faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ and His salvation while we still can.

Revelation 11:8 "And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified". The Anti-Christ and his government will kill these "Two Witnesses" (Moses and Elijah) and they will not even give them a decent burial. They will leave their bodies laying in the streets of Jerusalem. In verse 2 the city of Jerusalem is called "the Holy City", in verse 8 it is called "The Great City", but spiritually speaking it is called "Sodom and Egypt" because the Anti-Christ has set up shop there. At the middle of the seven year tribulation the Anti-Christ enters the Jewish temple on the temple mount in Jerusalem, claims to be God and defiles it causing "The Abomination of Desolation" (Matthew 24:15, 2 Thessalonians 2:4). The Jews have fled Jerusalem, the Gentiles are treading under the city of Jerusalem (Luke 21:24), and now the city of God which should be known for purity and righteousness is known for immorality and idolatry. What happened in "Sodom" with homosexuality was satanic, and what happened in "Egypt" with all it's witchcraft was also satanic. The city of Jerusalem is called "The Holy City" because God dwelt there, and Jerusalem is called "The Great City" because of the plans that God has for it, and because God will dwell there again. The city of Jerusalem is also the city where our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified for the sins of the world. Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and had your sins forgiven, and received eternal life? If not, you need to, and right away, Jesus is coming back to claim the earth.

Revelation 11:9 "Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three and a half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put in graves". These are the same peoples of the world on earth during the seven year tribulation that the Apostle John was told to "Prophesy about" after he had eaten the "Little Scroll" in Revelation 10:8-11. The "Two Witnesses" were a last ditch effort by God to reach these people for Jesus Christ before it is too late. After the "Two Witnesses" are killed by the Anti-Christ their dead bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days. Why not just three days, why three and a half days? The Jews believe that when a person dies, their spirit hovers near their dead bodies the three days, and then after three days, it leaves for good. By leaving their dead bodies in the streets for three and a half days, there will be no question that they are truly dead. And when God raises them the dead three and a half days later in front of the entire world (Revelation 11:11-13), there will be no doubt that there is a resurrection of the dead, and an after-life. Their resurrection from the dead, will be a reminder to them of an earlier resurrection from the dead from the city of Jerusalem, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is yet another testimony to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our god is not willing that any perish, but that all would come to repentance and receive eternal life.

Revelation 11:10 "And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth". These two are first called "My Two witnesses" in verse 3. The Greek word is "Marturia" which speaks of their testimony, and the fact that they are willing to die for what they believe, and in fact do. They are then called "Two Olive Trees" in verse 4, because they are anointed by and filled with the Holy spirit. They are then called "The Two Lamp Stands" also in verse 4, because they are a light to the world around then, who are living in darkness. Now in verse 10 they are called "These Two Prophets", because they bring God's word and God's warning to people who dwell on the earth. The phrase "those who dwell on the earth" used twice in verse 10 is used over and over again in the book of Revelation, for unbelievers. People whose attachment is to the earth and not to heaven. Our citizenship as believers is in heaven, not on earth. It says in verse 10, that those who dwell on earth, the unbelieving will rejoice, celebrate and actually give gifts to each other when the Anti-Christ finally kills them. Sort of a satanic Christmas. The world is thrilled that they are dead and can no longer point out their sin and warn them about the Lord Jesus Christ's return. Thrilled that the light has been extinguished and they can go back to living in sin and darkness. But their rejoicing over their dead bodies is going to be interrupted after three and a half days. Look ahead to verse 11. I imagine that the world is going to rejoice when the church who is the "light of the world", the "salt of the earth" and the "pillar and ground of the truth" is taken from the earth in the rapture. Keep looking up, Jesus said "our redemption is drawing near".

Revelation 11:11 "Now after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them". These "Two Witnesses" Moses and Elijah who were killed by the Anti-Christ and had lain in the streets of Jerusalem for all to see rise from the dead. Can you imagine? Everyone is rejoicing over their death, giving gifts to each other, the Anti-Christ is praising himself for killing them, and these two, who everyone in the world know were dead, and have been dead for three and a half days, stand up, rise from the dead. And when it hits the news, the entire world will know that they have risen from the dead, in the same city where Jesus had risen from the dead, Jerusalem. And people will begin putting the pieces together. These two were dead, now that have been raised from the dead. There is such a thing as the resurrection from the dead, and an after-life. That means that Jesus is also alive. And then it dawns on them, that maybe the Bible is true. and then they realize that the resurrection of these "Two Witnesses" was foretold in the Book of Revelation two thousand years before it happened. What are they going to do now? They will either harden their hearts in unbelief, in spite of the facts, or they will turn from their sins and turn to Jesus Christ. That's a decision that anyone can make today, and not have to find themselves stuck in the coming tribulation. Have you repented of your sins and received Jesus Christ? I have.

Revelation 11:12 "And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "come up here". And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them". Just like Jesus' disciples saw Jesus ascend up to heaven with their own eyes, The unbelieving world now sees these "Two Witnesses" who were dead, and had lain in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days, rise up from the dead and ascended to heaven. The unbelieving world who did not see the rapture of the church, now see the resurrection from the dead. Now they either have to believe that there is a God, a heaven, a resurrection and an after-life, or deny a miracle they saw with their own eyes. Isn't it interesting that we who believe in Jesus Christ do so without ever seeing, and these who do not believe, do so even thought they actually see a resurrection from the dead, a voice from heaven, and an ascension into heaven with their own two eyes. Jesus said: "Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Also remember that Jesus said: "Even if one comes back from the dead, they will not believe" (Luke 16:31). Jesus was absolutely right. God is taking away all of the unbelieving world's excuses. It was never about those excuses anyway, it has always been that "they love darkness rather than light, and therefore will not come to the light, lest their deeds become exposed" (John 3:19). Unfortunately God is not through with the unbelieving world yet. Look ahead to verse 13. Please repent and believe the gospel, before it's too late.

Revelation 11:13 "In that same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand men were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven". Right after the "Two Witnesses", Moses and Elijah both rise from the dead and ascend into heaven right before everyone's eyes, there is a great earthquake in Jerusalem, and a tenth of the city is destroyed. In the O.T. the prophet Elijah tells God that he is the only one in Israel that believes, and God told him that there were still 7000 Jews who have not bowed the knee to Baal. And here in Revelation 11, 7000 in the city of Jerusalem are killed by a great earthquake, and the rest of the Jews in the city of Jerusalem are overwhelmed by the evidence for God, and become believers. The same earthquake that kills some, causes others to turn to God. God always has a remnant of Jews who believe in him, no matter what. Read Zechariah 13:8-9.

Revelation 11:14 "The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly". The sixth trumpet judgment, which is the "second woe" began in Revelation chapter 9:13, and is now over, and the "seventh trumpet" judgment, which is the "third woe" is about to be blown. The blowing of the "seventh trumpet", which is the "third woe" introduces the last half of the Tribulation, and is a lot worse that the first half has been, and it was really bad. Already under the "seven seal" judgments and the first "six trumpet" judgments one half of the earth's population have been killed. What is the last half of the tribulation going to be like. The best way to describe it, is hell on earth. Satan is going to pull out every stop in trying to destroy man, God's creation, and his Anti-Christ is going to do everything he can to destroy God's chosen, the nation of Israel. Jesus said "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be" And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened" (read Matthew 24:15-29). Please do not take these things lightly, your life depends on it.

Revelation 11:15 "Then the seventh trumpet sounded: and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever". This happens at the middle of the coming seven year tribulation, and half of the earth's population have already been killed, approximately 3.5 billion people. Now comes the blowing of the "seventh trumpet", which is the "third woe". The blowing of the "seventh trumpet" introduces the seven "bowl judgments". These seven "bowl judgments" are the "seven last plagues", which are far worse than what has already happened in the first half of the tribulation. That is why the last half of the seven year tribulation is called "The Great Tribulation" (Read Matthew 24:21). The Kingdoms of this world (plural) have become the Kingdoms (pluralr) of our Lord and His messiah, Jesus Christ. This is what all of the Hebrew prophets have all predicted, the coming Kingdom of God on the earth. Those on the earth at the time will hardly get a chance to breath between the pouring out of the next bowl of wrath. When these seven "last plagues" have been poured out on the world, then Jesus Christ returns to this earth to set up His kingdom on earth. That's why we Christians pray "Thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven". I hope and pray that you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior, and will not have to go through the coming seven year tribulation.

Revelation 11:16 "And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell down on their faces and worshiped God,". The twenty-four elders who represented the completed church in heaven, fall down on their faces (the supreme act of adoration and humility), and they worshiped God. The timing here in heaven is at the middle of the seven year tribulation, which means that the "they" of verse 16 is actually "we" the church, who have been raptured and are in heaven when this happens. The Greek word for "worship" in the New Testament is pros-k-neo it means to fall prostrate before a king. Throughout the book of Revelation the twenty-four elders in heaven are seen falling down before God and worshiping God. Read Revelation 4:10, 5:8, 7:11, and 19:4. The most meaningful thing that we as Christina scan do while on earth is worship God. And when we enter heaven, we will experience the greatest worship of God imaginable. All of our present worship is practice for heaven's worship. The Psalms is the Old Testament book of worship, and Revelation is the New Testament book of worship. What a blessing to see ourselves in the book of Revelation worshiping God. Church, let's make the most of our worship of God today in preparation for our worship of God then.

Revelation 11:17 "Saying: We give thanks, O Lord God almighty, the one who is and who was and who is to come, because you have taken your great power and reigned". The completed church (represented by the twenty-four elders in verse 16) is in heaven during the tribulation here on earth, and they are on their faces worshiping God and thanking Him for His power and His coming Reign on this earth. Jesus Christ our Lord is here called the "Lord God Almighty", because He is. "Who is, and was, and is to come" is an expression which points to the eternal nature of God. The Lord our God has always been, and will always be, He is eternal, praise God. The word here for "power" speaks of God's ability to do something, in this case to rule the world. Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior is about to return and take control of this earth. God's power and coming rule of this earth is a strong incentive to worship and thank Him now.

Revelation 11:18 "The nations were angry, and your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that you should reward your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth". The time of the end is near, the judgment of God that everyone knows is finally here. Those who have done evil will suffer the wrath of God and those who have believed in God and done good will be rewarded by God. God's judgment will be according to the truth. God knows the absolute truth about us, and we will be judged by God based upon that truth. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you will stand before God's judgment seat and be punished for your sins. If you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then your sins have already been judged on the cross. "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe". Thank you Jesus for dying for my sins. Jesus' offer of salvation stands, but there does come a day, when that offer no longer stands. Do not neglect it.

Revelation 11:19 "Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail". The temporary temple that God had Moses construct on earth (the tabernacle) was a model of the real temple in heaven. The Holy of Hollies which contained the Ark of the covenant was always closed, never opened. Now the true temple in heaven is opened and you can see in, and the ark of the covenant, which represents the presence of God can be seen. The ark of God's covenant is a reminder to Israel that God will keep his promises to Them, even though they are about to go through great tribulation (Matthew 24:21). The lightning and thunder signal the coming storm on earth. The lid of the Ark is called "The Mercy Seat", where man can come to receive mercy from God. God will protect his people, the true Israel of God during that last half of the tribulation, and deliver them into His kingdom as promised. God will keep His promises to Israel and He will keep His promises to us.

Revelation 12:1 "Now a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars". Revelation chapters twelve through fifteen are parenthetical, meaning that they do not advance the narrative of the book of Revelation chronologically, but they stop and add some detail to the events which are concurrent with the sounding of the trumpet judgments. The chronological advancement of events will resume again in chapter sixteen. There are seven separate signs in chapters twelve through fifteen. The first sign is "The Woman" in verses 1-2 and in verses 5-6. Some mistakenly identify "The Woman" as the church, but "The Woman" here in Revelation twelve is the nation of Israel. Please take the time to read Genesis 37:9-10. In Joseph's dream the "sun" refers to Joseph's father Jacob, the "moon" refers to Joseph's mother Rachel, and the "twelve stars" refers to Joseph's brothers, the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph's dream was fulfilled when he was sold into Egypt, became second in command to Pharaoh, and his family actually came and bowed themselves down to him. There is no doubt that "The Woman" in Revelation twelve is the nation of Israel, and not the church, and not Mary, etc. It's always best to let scripture (in this case Genesis 37:9-10) interpret scripture (Revelation 12:1).

Revelation 12:2 "Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth". We mentioned in verse one that the best way to understand the Bible is to compare scripture with scripture and let it speak for itself. So, where in the Bible do we read about a woman crying out in pain to give birth? Isaiah 26:17 "As a woman with child is in pain and cries in her pangs, when she draws near the time of her delivery, so have we (Israel) been in your sight, O LORD. 18 We have been with child, we have been in pain". Isaiah 66:7 says: "Before she travailed, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child". The Apostle John was quoting the prophet Isaiah here in Revelation 12. The women is the nation of Israel, the nation has been in pain in order to bring forth a child. Verse 5 tells us a male child. That male child is the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who will eventually rule the world. The woman mentioned here in Revelation 12 is the nation of Israel, who through much pain has brought forth the Messiah. Stay tuned for more.

Revelation 12:3 "And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads". We don't have to look very far to find out who the fiery red dragon is, we are told in verse 9. The fiery red dragon is "satan", also called "the devil". It says that he is also "that old serpent" meaning that he was the one who deceived eve in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-15). The color of the dragon, "fiery red" helps us understand something about him. His blood red color speaks of bloodshed and murder. (Read Revelation 6:4 and John 8:44). satan has always been about death, killing destruction and deception. satan is the one who energizes the beast, who is the Anti-Christ (Revelation 13:1-10), the coming new world order (Revelation 17:12), and the false religious system (Revelation 17:18). Behind a lot of human governments, world empires, world leaders, and false religions is a power and influence that few people recognize, satan himself. The seven heads speaks of the seven consecutive world powers, controlled by satan, that have been hostile to God and His people. The ten horns points to the ten divisions of the coming new world order, controlled by satan. And the seven crowns on the dragon's heads speaks of his dominion and influence over this world. satan has been creating havoc among mankind since God created man. It sure explains a lot of things that are going on in our world today. In case you are wondering, I am not capitalizing "satan" on purpose. Thank God that Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth, and will set up God's kingdom on this earth, and will rule in truth and justice. Which kingdom are you a part of?

Revelation 12:4 "And his tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her child as soon as it was born". We have already identified "the great fiery red dragon" as satan (Revelation 12:9). We have also identified "the woman" as the nation of Israel (Genesis 37:9-10). Angels are often depicted as "stars" in the Bible. Satan was a very high ranked angel before he rebelled against God, when he did he took a third of the other angels with him, and cast them to the earth. Those angels are now know as demons. It says in verse four that "the dragon" who is satan "stood before the woman to devour her child as soon as it was born". Looking ahead to verse five, we see that "the child" of "the woman" is the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was born of a woman from the nation of Israel, Mary. The dragon, satan was behind the edict and action of King Herod, who had all the baby boys in Bethlehem two years old and younger murdered, in order to kill Jesus, the Jewish Messiah (Read Genesis 3:14-15 and Matthew 2:16-18). The entire Old Testament is a story of satan's attempt to destroy the /messiah of Israel, by attacking the bloodline of the Messiah (Cain killing Abel / demonic intervention into the human race before the flood / the killing of male Jewish babies in Egypt / Haman trying to destroy the Jewish race in ancient Persia / Herod killing the male Jewish babies in Bethlehem. etc, etc. All to no avail. Jesus Christ came, died for our sins, and rose again from the dead for our justification. God won that one. Now satan is set on destroying the Jewish race in order to discredit God and the promises to the nation of Israel, but he is going to lose that one too. Praise the Lord.

Revelation 12:5 "And she bore a male child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her male child was caught up to God and to His throne". The first part of this verse is a quote from the prophet Isaiah chapter 66:7-8. The second part of this verse is a quote from Psalm 2:2-9 and Revelation 19:15-16. And the third part of this verse is a quote from Mark 24:51 and Acts 1:9-11. It's important when interpreting scripture that we compare scripture with scripture, N.T. with O.T. By doing so, we know that the "great wonder" that appeared to the Apostle John of the woman "she" of verse 5 is the nation of Israel, the male child is the messiah, Jesus Christ who will rule the world. Jesus Christ will someday soon rule and reign this world from His throne in Jerusalem, just like God promised the Jewish patriarch King David. It says that the male child was caught up to God and to His throne. The word "caught up" is the same word that the N.T. uses for the rapture of the church. Jesus Christ after his crucifixion and resurrection, ascended back into heaven to sit on His throne next to God the Father (Mark 16:19 and First Timothy 3:16). According to Acts 1:11, Jesus is coming back to this earth in what is known as "The Second Coming of Jesus Christ". Based of what Jesus told us would be true right before He came back to earth, we are on the verge of the return of Jesus Christ. It's time to get right with God.

Revelation 12:6 "Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she had a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days". "The Woman" who is Israel will be protected by God Himself for the last half of the coming seven year tribulation. After the Abomination of Desolation, which occurs at the middle of the Tribulation, God's people, Israel will flee into the wilderness, to a place God has prepared for them. Just as the Lord Jesus went to prepare a place for His church in heaven (John 14:1-3), sheltering them from the tribulation on earth, so too the Lord has prepared a place for Israel, to protect them from the Anti-Christ during the last half of the tribulation. Many believe that "the place" that the Lord has prepared to protect Israel is the ancient rock city of Petra, which is in modern day Jordan. The important thing is that God is going to protect and preserve the remnant of Israel, just like He promised. God is faithful, no matter what, Amen?

Revelation 12:7 "And war broke out in heaven: "Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,". There is presently a battle going on between good and evil, between God's good angels, and satan's evil angels. satan has been trying to destroy the nation of Israel since they became a nation, and God and his good angels have been protecting them. Right at the middle of the seven year tribulation, there is one last battle in the heavenlies, between God and satan which settles the issue once and for all (Read Daniel 12:1). The actual battle on earth against the nation of Israel is being played out in heaven, and Michael the archangel, the mightiest angel of all comes to Israel's rescue. God is going to kick satan out of heaven forever, and he is mad as hell, and he takes it out on God's people on earth. Thank God that we, the church will be in heaven watching all this take place, and not earth where satan has been cast.

Revelation 12:7 "But they (the dragon and his angels) did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer". Back in verse seven, it says that a "war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon (satan) and the dragon and his angels fought". This war that breaks out in heaven happens at the middle of the seven year tribulation on earth, and corresponds to the war that the Anti-Christ wages against God's people, the nation of Israel. At this point in time, satan and his angels are cast out of heaven for good, and they come to earth to wreak havoc. There are several scriptures that help us understand these real battles between God's good angels and satan's evil angels. Read Daniel 10:12-13, and 12:1, Luke 10:18, john 12:31, Hebrews 12:14, and First John 4:4. Up till then satan has has access to heaven, now he is kicked out for good. The good news is that satan is kicked out of heaven for good, the bad news is that he and his demons are cast to the earth, and things get real bad for Israel in the last half of the tribulation. But God is for Israel, and He will fight for them. We, the church need to stand with Israel (Genesis 12:3).

Revelation 12:8 "But they (satan and his angels) did not prevail, nor was place found for them in heaven any longer". The battle between God and satan has been going on for a long time, and it is about to end. satan has already fallen morally (Isaiah 14:12-17) and is now going to experience expulsion from heaven altogether. Up till the middle of the tribulation, satan has had access to heaven, and has been "accusing us before God, day and night". satan will never again have access to heaven or the presence of God. In verse nine we see that satan is cast to the earth. It's at this time, the middle of the seven year tribulation, that "The Abomination of desolation" spoken of by the Jewish prophet Daniel, The Apostle Paul, and by Jesus Himself takes place (Daniel 9:26, Second Thessalonians 2:4 and Matthew 24:15-20). What satan's expulsion from heaven represents is the failure of satan and his evil forces in heaven and earth to overcome the plan and purposes of God. Praise god, we are on the winning side.

Revelation 12:9 "So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him". At the middle of the Seven year Tribulation satan and his fallen angels (demons) are cast out of heaven forever and and are cast to the earth where they cause all kinds of havoc. Many believe that satan then takes possession of the Anti-Christ, kills the two witnesses from Revelation eleven, enters the rebuilt Jewish temple in Jerusalem and proclaims to be god, which sets up the Abomination of Desolation. In his fury satan then persecutes the Jews, who flee into the wilderness for protection, and he goes after them, eventually leading all the armies of the world against Israel in the battle of Armageddon. It is at the battle of Armageddon where God defeats all of Israel's enemies, including the Anti-Christ. Note carefully that satan "deceives the whole world". The Bible is constantly warning us about being deceived. The only way we are not going to be deceived is to read out Bibles and obey God. This battle in heaven is about to take place, and satan and his angels are about to come to this earth and cause chaos like the earth has never seen. If you have not come to Jesus Christ yet, please do before it's too late and you find yourself in the coming tribulation along with the rest of the unbelieving world. Jesus Christ is our only hope.

Revelation 12:10 "Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down". Chronologically this happens at the middle of the seven year Tribulation. satan and his wicked angels are finally cast out of heaven and no longer have access to heaven and to God's presence, and can no longer accuse us believers before our God. The bad news is that satan and his wicked angels are coming to earth and they are not happy. They are going to cause chaos like the earth has never seen, known as "The Great Tribulation". The good news is that the Kingdom of God is about to be birthed on earth. The Old testament is full of God's promise of a coming Messianic kingdom in which Jesus Christ will rule, that is about to happen. The only hope for our world is the coming of Jesus Christ to set up His kingdom on earth, replacing man's kingdom and rule. Let's face it, we have made a mess of things, and it's only getting worse. We had it our way, now God and His Christ are going to step in and do it their way. Those of us who know and love God can't wait. If you want to be a part of God's coming kingdom, just repent of your sins and come to Jesus Christ. Romans 10:13 "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved".

Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him, by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death". The "they" of verse eleven are the "them" of verse ten. They are the believers, (not the church) probably both Jews and Gentiles who are saved during the tribulation. The "him" is "the dragon", called "that old serpent", "the devil", and "satan". The believers during the tribulation overcome satan by the blood of the lamb, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for their sins. And by "their testimony" their believing in and confession of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The Apostle John says "they did not live their lives to the death". Evidently they were killed by the Anti-Christ and his followers for their faith in Jesus Christ. Yet they are called "overcomers", because they are now with God in heaven. That brings up a good question for us. Are we prepared to die for our faith in Jesus Christ if necessary? The only way that we could do that is if Jesus Christ is more dear to us than our temporary earthly lives. Jesus said "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). What good is it if we gain the entire world, and loose our very souls? Lord, give us the strength to die for what we believe if necessary.

Revelation 12:12 "Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time". This happens at the middle of the seven year tribulation. Heaven is rejoicing because satan has finally been kicked out forever. But the earth and the sea in in woe because satan has been cast to the earth and he is literally mad as hell. Up till then satan has worked in this world primarily through his demons, now that he has been cast to earth he will be dealing with things firsthand. Things could not be worse for those on the earth during the last half of the tribulation. Many believe that when satan comes to the earth that he actually possesses the Anti-Christ. The Anti-Christ is now not just demon possessed but possessed by satan himself. The Anti-Christ will then set up the "Abomination which causes Desolation" and will begin a fierce persecution of the Jews. No one is more anti-Semitic than satan. Read Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15-21, and Second Thessalonians 2:4) satan has lost his war in heaven, and he is about to loose his war on earth. I love where it says "he knows his time is short".

Revelation 12:13 "Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child". In The Apostle John's vision in Revelation 12:1-6 we know that "the dragon" is satan himself. We know that "the woman" is the nation of Israel, and "the male child" is Jesus Christ. During that last half of the coming seven year tribulation satan will vent all his hatred and energy against the nation of Israel and the majority of this world will join in. Things are going to be really bad for Israel. It's David (Israel) and Goliath (the entire world) all over again. Jesus said: "Unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened". Read Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15-22, and Second Thessalonians 2:1-12 again. Now read Revelation 12:14 and see how God will miraculously protect His chosen people, Israel. Also read Isaiah 26:20. Thank god for His faithfulness to Israel. Bible prophecy is all about God's dealings with the nation of Israel and their Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Revelation 12:14 "But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent". It's helpful to read Revelation 12:1-13 to bring us up to speed. Remember in the Apostle Johns vision, the woman represents the nation of Israel, the serpent is satan, also called the great dragon. In verse seven war broke out in heaven, and satan was cast out of heaven for good. The timing of this future war is the middle of the coming seven year tribulation. satan and his wicked angels are cast to the earth and are set on persecuting God's chosen people of Israel, the Jews. The Anti-Christ, satan's man of the hour has set up his headquarters in Jerusalem and has launched his campaign to exterminate the Jews from there. But "God has prepared a place" (verse 6) and is going to protect his chosen people of Israel in the wilderness. Most Bible believing Christians believe that wilderness is the rock city of Petra in modern day Jordan. A time times and half a time is another way of saying three and a half years, which is the last half of the tribulation. For more insight read Exodus 19:4, Deuteronomy 32:11 and Isaiah 26:20. How wonderful that God will protect His chosen people, Israel. Thank god for his faithfulness, his mercies are new every morning. Amen?

Revelation 12:15 "So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood". During the coming seven year tribulation, when the Jews flee the wrath of the Anti-Christ, God will protect them as they flee into the wilderness. Some believe this to be an actual flood, others believe that this "flood" represents an army. Either way satan is trying to destroy Israel. From the time that God brought forth the nation of Israel, the serpent, satan has tried to destroy them, but God has protected and preserved them. satan has always hated Israel, and any hatred of Israel there has been throughout history is inspired by satan. Israel has suffered tremendously at the hands those that hate her, but they are still here, because God loves them and has promised them an eternal existence. People who know and love God, love his people Israel. Those who say they believe in God and hate Israel do not know God. According to Jesus himself, people's treatment of Israel is an indication of their love for God or lack of, and will determine their destiny in the end (Matthew 25:31-46). In my humble estimation, those in the church who believe God is through with Israel, those who are anti-Semitic are walking on thin ice. We are told by God to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem".

Revelation 12:16 " But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened it's mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth". Whether this flood is actually water or symbolic language pointing to an army like a flood is not clear, but either way satan tries to destroy those Jews who escape the city of Jerusalem after he goes on his rampage (Read Matthew 24:15-21). God will use the earth to help Israel as they are fleeing the Anti-Christ just like He did when Israel was fleeing Pharaoh of Egypt back in the Exodus. God then used the red sea to protect his people Israel, and then used that same water to drown the Egyptian army. I like the fact that satan cannot do anything to Israel that the God of Israel will not allow. I like the fact that God helps his people. We too can count on God's help in our time of need. The Bible says: "Cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you".

Revelation 12:17 "And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ". The Bible tells of a horrific persecution of the Nation of Israel and the Jewish people after the rapture of the church, (Matthew 24:21-22). It is called by the Jewish prophet, Jeremiah "the time of Jacob's trouble". At the midway point of this coming seven year tribulation, after the "Abomination of Desolation" (Daniel 9:27. Matthew 24:15-20 and Second Thessalonians 2:4), the Anti-Christ who is energized by satan (the "dragon") goes after Jews all over the world (the "offspring of the woman"). What a blessing to see that there is a remnant of Jews who not only believe in the God of Israel, but in Jesus Christ their Messiah. Israel's darkest hour is ahead of them, but it will be followed by a glorious dawn (Read Romans 11:26). The god of Israel, will fulfill every single promise He has made to Israel, praise God. Pray for the Nation of Israel, and their salvation.

Revelation 13:1 "Then I stood on the sand of the sea. and I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy". The first thing to notice is that "the beast" comes out of "the sea. "The sea" is a metaphor used in other places in the Bible to represent the masses of humanity. So this "beast" is describing a man. Most Bible scholars believe that "this beast" being described here is the coming Anti-Christ. We also notice that this "beast" has seven heads and ten horns, just like "the great red dragon" in Revelation 12:7, who is identified as satan in Revelation 12:9. The reason that chapter 13 pictures "the beast" with seven heads and ten horns like "satan" in chapter 12, is that satan is the influence behind "the beast". satan is the influence behind the coming Anti-Christ. The Anti-Christ is satan's man of the hour who heads up this world's persecution of the nation of Israel "The Woman" during the seven year tribulation. The leaders of world governments are often called "heads". The "seven heads" on "the beast" represents seven consecutive world governments and their rulers from the past that have all been hostile to God and to His people, the Jews and the nation of Israel. Namely Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome and a final form of world government yet to be seen. The "ten horns" represent ten divisions of this final form of human government, who eventually give the control of the world over to one man, the Anti-Christ. "The crowns" upon the "ten horns" represents the authority invested in the leaders of the final form of human government. The one thing that they all have in common is they have all been hostile to Israel. The name of blasphemy pictures satan's hatred of God and his influence upon the nations of this world to do the same. To me it sounds a lot like the agenda of the "United Nations". It's no secret that this world's leaders are pushing for a one world government, a "New World Order". We Christians need to do our homework and warn our loved ones and neighbors as to what is coming.

Revelation 13:2 "Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority". The appearance of the beast helps us identify the beast. Where in the Bible do we find language like this, "a leopard, "a bear" and "a lion"? In Daniel chapter 7, the Jewish prophet Daniel records a vision he had while in Babylon, in the 6th century B.C. Read Daniel 7:3-6. Daniel sees four beasts coming up from the sea. The first was like a lion, the second was like a bear, and the third was like a leopard. From history past we know that the Lion represents Babylon, the bear represents Medio-Persia, and the leopard represents Greece. The beast of Revelation 13 is connected to The beasts of Daniel 7 to remind us how we ought to interpret Revelation 13. The beasts in Daniels vision represented world ruling empires looking forward in Daniels day, 6th century B.C. and The Apostle John's vision in the first century A.D. represents world ruling empires looking backward from John's day. What all those world ruling empires have in common is that they all controlled the land of Israel and it's people, the Jews during their rule. The beast of Revelation 13 represents world ruling empires who have been hostile to Israel and God's chosen people, the Jews during it's history. In the last days, there will arise a final world ruling empire, composed of the same territory of those past world ruling empires, which will also be hostile to Israel. This "New world Order" some are calling it, will eventually be ruled by one man known as "the beast" or the Anti-Christ. Notice that satan "the dragon" gives his power and authority to the ruler of this "New World Order" the Anti-Christ. Let's keep our eyes on what's happening in the middle east, especially the nation of Israel, God's chosen people and time piece.

Revelation 13:3 "And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast". The Apostle John sees one of the heads on the seven headed beast in revelation 13:1 which received a deadly wound, yet came back to life. Some understand this to mean that the Anti-Christ himself is going to be wounded to death, but comes back to life. Some kind of assassination attempt. Others including myself see this differently. The beast that comes up out of the sea in Revelation 13:1 has seven heads and ten horns. Revelation 17:9-13 gives us some additional information on the seven heads. In the Apostle John's day, five of the heads (world ruling empires) had already fallen, Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medio-Persia and Greece. And in John's day, the first century A.D. the sixth head (Rome) was still in power. The Roman empire eventually died out, but is coming back in the last days as a seventh head with ten horns. A final form of human government, with the anti-Christ at the helm. This seventh head, final form of human government, will have ten divisions, all controlled by one man. It will be the worse, anti-God, anti-Christ, anti-Israel, and anti-Christian government ever. satan will have his day, he will try and set up his kingdom on this earth, and then Jesus Christ comes back and puts an end to it all. Thank God.

Revelation 13:4 "And they worshiped the dragon who gave power unto the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" During the coming seven year tribulation, people will knowingly worship satan. Once the preserving influence, (the church) is taken out of the world, all the powers of darkness will be free to deceive people on the earth. People will also worship the beast, the leader of the New world Order", "The Anti-Christ". You think things are bad now, then the majority of people will be dependent on government handouts, and pay allegiance to the government. The Anti-Christ will also be in control of a very powerful military. Literally, no one will be able to resist him and his military. Behind it all satan himself is pulling all the strings. satan will finally have the recognition and worship he has always wanted, a false kingdom of God on earth. But praise God, Jesus Christ will come back to earth and put an end to it. People today, who reject the truth of the gospel, will be deceived by the Anti-Christ and his government and worship it, once the church has been raptured and they are left behind (second Thessalonians 2:1-12)

Revelation 13:5 "And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months". The key to understanding the book of Revelation is know the Old Testament prophecies. The book of Revelation is made up largely of quotes from the Old Testament. E.G Revelation 13:5 says that the leader of the coming new world order, the Anti-Christ will have "a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies". Daniel 7:8 says that the "little horn" the Anti-Christ has the eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things" exactly like Revelation 13:5. Meaning that this final world leader will be arrogant. That's not too hard to believe when you consider some of today's world leaders. This coming Anti-Christ is also hostile towards God and will be outspoken about it "blasphemies". That's exactly what is said in Daniel 11:36. But his reign as world leader has an expiration date, "forty-two months". The anti-Christ will rise to power during the first half of the coming seven year tribulation, and will take over power as this world's leader during the last half, exactly "forty-two months". Again, that is exactly what is said in Daniel 11:36, "till the indignation be accomplished". Did you notice his ability to "speak great things" and to continue for "forty-two months" are both given to him. I.E he has no power in and of himself, his power and authority is derived from another, from satan. Having said that, it is God himself that is allowing this for His own purposes. God always has been, and always be in charge, Amen? What we are presently seeing in this world and it's leaders is a only a pre-cursor to the coming rule of the anti-Christ.

Revelation 13:6 "Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven". satan, the "fiery red dragon" who is is the influence behind the Anti-Christ has always been against God, and now that he has been cast out of heaven to earth (Revelation 12:7-9) he is cursing God, cursing God's tabernacle in heaven and cursing those who are on God's side in heaven. satan is a poor looser. When satan had access to heaven, he was the "accuser of the brethren", cursing God's people on earth, now that he has been cast to earth, he is cursing those in heaven. satan is the most arrogant, conceited, proud, hateful, self-absorbed, and divisive creature in the universe, and he will invest himself in the Anti-Christ. We have seen these kinds of characteristics in many world leaders today. I believe it is a sign of the times and of the coming leader of the new world order. I want to do the opposite, humble myself, and worship and exalt God, and promote unity, like most Christians.

Revelation 13:7 "And it was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations". Notice again that any power the Anti-Christ has is given to him by satan, and that God is allowing him the exercise of that power for his own purposes. In the strictest sense the saints are Jewish believers, but it could also include gentiles who have come to faith in the Jewish Messiah, Jesus Christ. (read Revelation 6:9-11, 7:9-17, 11:7, 17:6, and Daniel 7:25). To "overcome the saints" means to kill them according to Revelation 13:15. Notice also that the Anti-Christ is given power over the gentile world as well, and many of them will be killed (Revelation 13:15). Those who believe that God is through with the nation of Israel believe that the saints here are the church. They have to believe that because they believe that the church has replaced Israel, and so they have to believe these "saints" are the church. That is what is behind a post-tribulational view of the rapture of the church. The God of Israel has not cast off his people, Israel, read Romans chapter 11). God is faithful to his promise to Abraham, and He will be faithful to His promises to us, the church. Praise God for His faithfulness.

Revelation 13:8 "And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world". As an act of allegiance to the new world order, the unbelieving world will worship the Anti-Christ. It seems far fetched, but that's what the Bible says. Having rejected Jesus Christ and His death on the cross for their sins, the only other alternative is to accept the Anti-Christ and his new world order. The Bible teaches that all believers have had their names written in the Lamb's book of life from the foundation of the world, and are sealed for salvation. Whereas no unbelievers names are not in the Lamb's book of life. There is no greater question for us while on this earth that "Is your name written in heaven on the Lamb's Book of Life". Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, be born again, and you will find that your name has been written in the Lamb's Book of Life from the foundation of the world. God who knows the beginning from the end has known from the beginning if you are a believer or not. My advice is receive Jesus Christ and settle the issue before it's too late.

Revelation 13:9 "If anyone has an ear, let him hear". Verse 9 and 10 are to be taken together. This is an admonition to those who have become believers (those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior) during the coming seven year tribulation. This is the eighth time in the book of revelation that the phrase "If anyone has an ear, let him hear" has been used. The first seven times are in chapters two and three in the seven letters to the seven churches. Only in chapters two and three in the letters to the seven churches, it says "He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches". Here in chapter 13:9 "what the Spirit says to the churches" is not included because the church is no longer on earth, they are now in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ. The church was raptured and taken to heaven by Jesus Christ back in chapter 4:1. We the church have been looking forward to the rapture of the church for a long time, but there is coming a day in the future in which the rapture will have happened in the past, and we will be in heaven with Jesus Christ, the Lord. That day is coming soon, Praise God.

Revelation 13:10 "He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and faith of the saints". God is reminding people on earth during the tribulation that no one is going to get away with anything. There will be retribution for the unbelievers who are killing believers, and there will be reward for those who are being killed for their faith in Jesus Christ. It will be worth it in the end. What a wonderful Lord and savior we have, He takes time in the middle of all that is going on on earth during the tribulation to comfort those who are being killed for their faith. Thank you Lord.

Revelation 13:11 "Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon". In Revelation 13:1-10 we were introduced to a beast which came up out of the sea, the "Anti-Christ". This second beast which comes up out of the earth during the tribulation is commonly known as the "False Prophet". The "False Prophet" works along side of the "Anti-Christ". The "False Prophet" is also mentioned in Revelation 16:13, 19:20 and 20:10. The first beast is is political in nature, and this second beast is religious in nature. The "Anti-Christ" will head up a new one world government (New World Order), and the "False Prophet" will head up a new one world religion. What is being pictured here is a satanic trinity. satan, his Anti-Christ and his False Prophet. The world stage is being set for a satanic kingdom on earth. All that needs to happen for this to take place is for the true church to be taken out of the way in the rapture (First Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Second Thessalonians 2:1-12).

Revelation 13:12 "And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed". There is a connection and cooperation between the second beast ("the False Prophet" who is religious in nature and the first beast ("the Anti-Christ") who is political in nature. This connection between the government and religion was also true of the old Roman empire. The coming "New World Order" will seek to replace faith in the God of creation with faith in human government, all under the influence of satan. The Anti-Christ and the False Prophet will both be energized by satan. The "False Prophet" will force people to worship the "Anti-Christ" the new leader of human government. It says that the first beast ("the Anti-Christ") was healed of a deadly wound. Most believe this to be a revived Roman Empire, which died out hundreds of years ago but has come back to life and controls all the same territory as the old Roman Empire did. Quite possibly what is being pictured is a revived Roman Empire with Islam as it's state religion. Things sure seem to headed in that direction. As we we look at today's political and religious atmosphere it's not too hard to conceive. There is a huge movement to make people dependent upon government rather than God, and religion, politics, education, and commerce are all involved. There is a "New World Order" coming whether we like it or not, and we still have a choice to become a part of God's Kingdom or a part of the Anti-Christ's coming Kingdom. Come to Jesus Christ before it's too late.

Revelation 13:13 "He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men". God has done this in the past through the prophet Elijah (Second Kings 1:10-12), the two witnesses in Revelation chapter eleven are going to do this (Revelation 11:5), and the "False Prophet" is going to duplicate this. Jesus warned His disciples that "false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, in order to deceive" (Matthew 24:24). The Anti-Christ and his "False Prophet" will use empty promises, lies, deception and counterfeit signs and wonders to get people to follow them and the "New World Order". Also read Second Thessalonians 2:9. All of this will be done by satan to lead people astray from God. This is all going to happen in the soon coming seven year tribulation on earth (Matthew 24:21) Be warned. The only way to escape the tribulation is to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior before it comes.

Revelation 13:14 "And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by the signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived". The second beast ("False Prophet") works in conjunction with the first beast ("Anti-Christ"). The Apostle Paul warned us that "The coming of the lawless one ("Anti-Christ") is according to the working of satan, with all power, signs and lying wonders" (Second Thessalonians 2:9). The first and second beasts will do everything in their power to lead people astray, away from God and toward satan. Verse 14 mentions "those who dwell on the earth" twice, which is a term used in the book of Revelation for unbelievers. This image of the beast made by unbelievers reminds us of the image that ancient King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had erected and forced people to worship (Daniel chapter 3). Many evolutionist today believe that the next step in the evolutionary process is human d.n.a. biologically connected to a computer. Whatever this is it is idol worship. Another reason you do not want to be here for the tribulation.

Revelation 13:15 "He was granted power to give breath ("life") to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed". The Greek word in the New Testament translated as "image" is Icon. Today there are many icons on all kinds of things which identify those things. Many ancient pagan cultures had idols with trap doors where men would speak through, and deceive the population. Today there are computers which can talk, and eventually will be able to think. once programmed by a totalitarian government, computers will be programming people. Scary thought, but advances like these are being made in the field of computers and robotics every day. Evidently this "Image" of the beast will be putting out a government hit list on it's citizens which do not comply. It would be better to come to Jesus Christ today, than to be left behind to this when the church is raptured.

Revelation 13:16 "And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads," This mark, known as "The Mark of the Beast" will be a forced allegiance to the coming "New World Order" and it's policies. The "Anti-Christ" and his New World Order" will control people through the economy and through commerce. A worldwide forced economic control is coming to the world. Can you imagine not being able to buy or sell? This mark will identify those who not only comply with, but who worship the "New world Order". At the same time this mark will identify those who are unbelievers, enemies of God and will exclude them from the coming Kingdom of God on earth and mark them for God's judgment. (Read Revelation 14:9-11). If you do not believe in Jesus Christ now and are left behind at the rapture of the church, please do not receive the mark of the beast. Those who refuse "The Mark of the Beast" will be killed for their non-conformity. The absolute best option is to come to Jesus Christ now, before it's too late.

Revelation 13:17 "And that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name". There is coming a worldwide computerized identification mark of some kind that the Anti-Christ and his "New World Order" will use to control the economy and commerce. No one will be able to buy or sell without it. If you receive the mark, you identify yourself with the Anti-Christ's government and at the same time exclude yourself from God's kingdom and eternal life (Read Revelation 14:9-11). The economy and commerce will become an instrument through which every human being on earth will be forced to manifest their choice between God and satan. Those who refuse to become a part of the "New world Order" by receiving the Mark of the Beast will be killed. The technology is already available to implant micro-chip devices under the skin of humans. Research says the most efficient location of the body is the right hand or the forehead because the change in body temperature changes charges the lithium battery. The Bible says this is coming and there is nothing we can do about it, except avoid it by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and avoid the tribulation altogether.

Revelation 13:18 "Here is wisdom. let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666". This is a warning to those alive during the seven year tribulation. Those who are not part of the church and who have not been raptured with the church will need to recognize what has just happened to them and turn to Jesus Christ. If you are on earth after the rapture, do not take the "Mark of the Beast" which identifies you with the "Anti-Christ" and his kingdom. The "Anti-Christ" has an identifying number 666 which has puzzled people for the last 2000 years. It will become significant during that seven year period, to those who turn to Jesus Christ and are saved. Read again Revelation chapter thirteen in it's entirety. Be warned.

Revelation 14:1 "Then i looked and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and having with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His fathers name written on their foreheads". Back in revelation chapter seven 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel are sealed by God and protected through the seven year tribulation by God. The fact that These 144,000 are standing on Mount Zion, in Israel with the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ pictures God's protection of and preservation of His chosen people the Jews. It says they have their Father's name written on their foreheads. Just like the anti-Christ has his followers and has his mark on them, so too Jesus Christ has his followers and He has His mark on them. Hand's off, they belong to God and His Christ. Notice that The Lamb is standing on Mount Zion. Mount Zion is not just a geographical location in Jerusalem, it is also a symbol of hope for Jews all through the ages that the Messiah will set up his kingdom and will rule the world from Jerusalem. Read Psalm 132:13-14. The hope of Jews all over the world will finally be realized when Jesus Christ comes back and sets up his Kingdom. Praise and thank God for his faithfulness.

Revelation 14:2 "And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. and i heard the sound of harpists playing their harps". Both Ezekiel 43:2 and revelation 1:15 describe the voice of God like the sound of "many waters". In Revelation 19:6 a heavenly multitude sounds like the voice of "many waters" and like "thunder". The best way to understand this is the voice from heaven is the 144,000 who are singing. Evidently singing in heaven is going to be something to hear, like nothing we have ever heard on earth. All of it bringing glory to God. While we are still on earth, we should strive to sing to and praise God with all our hearts and souls.

Revelation 14:3 "And they sang a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and before the elders; and no one could learn the song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth". This is a song that only the 144,000 can sing. There will be lots of praise and song in heaven. And there will be some praises that only those who have been redeemed can sing. The 144,000 were redeemed from the earth under the most difficult circumstances that have ever taken place on earth, the great tribulation. Angels will not be able to join in on this song, because they have not been redeemed. The church in heaven will not join in on this song because they are not the 144,000. There are some things we will just have to wait till we get to heaven to see, this is one of them. Meanwhile let's sing to and praise God with all we have and all we are, Amen?

Revelation 14:4 "These are the ones who are not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb". We are still talking about the 144,000 Jews first mentioned in Revelation chapter 7:4-8.. The term "virgin" is a term used often for those of Israel who are seriously dedicated to God, and like a virgin who is waiting for her husband, these are morally pure and waiting for God. Jesus told His disciples to "follow me, and i will make you fishers of men", these 144,00 are also faithful, following Jesus Christ and making disciples at a very difficult time. These 144,000 Jews were redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ at the beginning of the seven year tribulation, and are the firstfruits. Firstfruits is an agricultural term meaning the first crops that come up in harvest season. The firstfruits guarantee that there will be more crops. These 144,000 Jews saved at the beginning of the tribulation guarantee that many more Jews will turn to Jesus Christ and be saved. Also read Zechariah 13:8-9. Praise God for saved souls, for our souls. Have you been redeemed, are you saved?

Revelation 14:5 "And in their mouth was found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God". These 144,000 Jews are without fault before the throne of God because they have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ). We too, church age believers are without fault before God because we have been redeemed. Ephesians 1:4 "Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love". Thank you, Lord.

Revelation 14:6 "Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, tongue and people,". Right in the middle of the most terrible time on planet earth, God sends an angel to earth to give a message of hope. As bad as things are on the earth during the tribulation, there is still the gospel, "Good News" in Jesus Christ. It is called "The Everlasting Gospel" because it is everlasting, it has never changed, and it brings everlasting life to anyone and everyone who believes the gospel and receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Notice the word "and" between "those who dwell on earth" and "every tribe, nation, tongue and people". Those "who dwell on earth is a reference to those who reject the message of he gospel, and "every nation, tribe, tongue and people" is a reference to those who receive the message. Which are you?

Revelation 14:7 "Saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of his judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water". People on earth during the tribulation are told to "Fear God". People do not fear God anymore. It's the root of a lot of problems in our world today. Then the angel tells people on earth to "Give Glory to God", because judgment time has come. Then they are told to "Worship God", because He is the one who made heaven and earth. "Fear God", "Give God Glory" and "Worship God". What this is, is a last ditch effort to encourage people to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, before judgment comes. Thank God for the fact that He is not willing that any perish, but that all come to repentance and be saved. We have an awesome and compassionate God.

Revelation 14:8 "And another angel followed, saying "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication". "Babylon is fallen, is fallen" is a quote from Isaiah 21:9). Also read Revelation 16:19, 17:5 and 18:2-21. There are four views on what "Babylon" is. #1. The ancient city of Babylon which has been rebuilt and is standing during the tribulation. #2. it refers to the city of Rome. #3. It refers to some unknown city during the tribulation. #4. It's not a city at all, but a philosophy). In my opinion "Babylon" is a reference to both a place (which at times has move) and a philosophy, both of which are against the Lord and against the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and that's why it seems to be so elusive. Whatever "Babylon" is referring to, it has influenced every nation on earth towards evil, for thousands of years. The Lord Jesus Christ is going to bring an end to this world's evil and it's influence for good, when He returns to this earth at the end of the coming seven year tribulation. Praise the Lord.

Revelation 14:9 "Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand,". Receiving the "mark of the beast" mentioned in Revelation 13:11-18 is a demonstration of a persons loyalty and allegiance to the beast and his one world government. When a person receives the mark of the beast, they not only demonstrate an allegiance to the beast, but also a rejection of Jesus Christ and the gospel message. Once a person receives the mark of the beast, it's too late, there is no longer hope. That person will experience the wrath and judgment of God, because they rejected the only means of salvation there is, Jesus Christ. Many people on earth at the time of the tribulation will exchange their own temporary physical survival for the eternal kingdom of God, like Esau did. Please warn everyone you know to not receive the "mark of the beast" when it comes. A one world government, one world religion and one world monetary system are coming sooner than we think, the Bible promises it. Currently this coming world system is known as the "New World Order". Do not be deceived.

Revelation 14:10 "he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb". This is the end for all those who reject Jesus Christ and who receive the "mark of the beast" (Revelation 13:11-18). Those who reject Jesus Christ and his salvation will suffer the temporary judgment of the seven year tribulation and the eternal judgment of eternal fire and brimstone). Also read Psalm 75:7-8. The idea is that those on earth who reject Christ during the tribulation will be intoxicated with the "New world Order" which is called "Babylon" in the book of Revelation. This is as real as it gets. Please receive God's free gift of Salvation.

Revelation 14:11 ":"And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name". "Forever and ever" is the strongest Greek word possible to express eternity, "forever and ever: is a long time. We're talking about eternal punishment for the wicked, who "worship the beast and his image" and who "receive his mark". Notice there is absolutely no relief at all. Read Luke 16:24, Revelation 10:10, and 20:15. If a person refuses to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and savior before the rapture of the church, then they will experience the seven year tribulation, and will be forced to worship the beast and receive his mark, or be killed. Choose life now, or choose death then. It seems to me to be a simple choice.

Revelation 14:12 "Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus". The "saints" are those who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior during the seven year tribulation on earth. They are not church age "saints" because they have been raptured and are in heaven during the tribulation. These are tribulation "saints". The word patience, means endurance in the midst of difficult circumstances. Knowing that the gospel is going to be proclaimed, and a great multitude are going to be saved out of the tribulation (Revelation 7), and knowing that the new world order is going to fall (Revelation 17-18), and knowing the punishment of those who take the "mark of the beast", refuse the "mark of the beast" and the instinct to preserve their own lives, and turn to Jesus Christ. They will suffer temporary death, but will in turn be rewarded with eternal life. Not a bad option, for someone who finds themselves in the tribulation. Also read First John 5:5. Our God is a God of grace, and has provided a way of escape for church age believers and tribulation saints. Praise God.

Revelation 14:13 "Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes" says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them". Those who find themselves in the tribulation, and choose to believe in and receive Jesus Christ and refuse to take the "mark of the beast" are going to be persecuted and killed by the Anti-Christ and his followers. The word for "Labors" here literally means the weariness caused by a beating. Their works, what they do and endure for the Lord, as believers, in this seriously hostile time will not go unnoticed by the Lord. These tribulation saints will suffer tremendously, but in the end they will be rewarded with eternal rest, eternal reward and eternal life. You can't beat that. Please receive Jesus Christ now and avoid the tribulation then.

Revelation 14:14 "And I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat one like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle". In chapter fourteen, the Apostle John is given three visions by God. A vision of a "Lamb" A vision of "Three Angels" making announcements, and a vision of the final "Harvest" at the end of the tribulation. All three of these visions are prophetic and picture events during the last half of the coming seven year tribulation. In this third vision John sees Jesus Christ, the "Son of Man" sitting on a cloud. (see Daniel 7:1:13-13, Matthew 24:30 and Revelation 1:7, 12-16). The golden crown on Jesus' head pictures Him and the setting up of his kingdom on earth at His second coming. The sickle in Jesus' hand pictures the judgment of the wicked when He returns. (see Joel 3:13, Psalm 98:8, 110:6, and John 5:27). There is coming a judgment upon all unbelievers on the earth, during and at the end of the coming seven tribulation. People have known about this coming judgment and have been putting it out of their minds, but it is surely coming (see Romans 1:32). Please turn to Jesus Christ and receive forgiveness for your sins and eternal life, before it's too late.

Revelation 14:15 "And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in your sickle and reap, for the time has come for you to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe". We know from verse 14 that the one sitting on the cloud is Jesus Christ, He is about to bring judgment on the earth (See Joel 3:2, and 12-17, Revelation 6:17 and 10:6). The time is ripe, the earth is ripe for judgment. The Greek word for ripe is dry and withered, actually way past ripe. Jesus Christ has been patient and long suffering with man and his sin, but now it's time (see Second Peter 3:9). Please do not wait till it's too late to repent and come to Jesus Christ.

Revelation 14:16 "So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped". The one sitting on the cloud and doing the reaping is Jesus Christ (Joel 3:2 and 12-17 and Revelation 6:17). This is the judgment at the end of seven year tribulation culminating in the battle of Armageddon. The sickle being thrust into the harvest symbolizes God's judgment on the nations who come against the nation of Israel. The harvest is beyond ripe and God's patience with evil has come to an end. It's coming sooner than people think.

Revelation 14:17 "Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle". The "Sickle" is mentioned seven times in the Apostle John's vision of the "Final Harvest". The sickle is a symbol of the judgment of the wicked at the end of the age, the end of the seven year tribulation (Read Joel 3:13 and Matthew 13:38-42, 47-50). The Bible teaches that the one bringing judgment at the end of the age is Jesus Christ (Psalm 98:8, 110:6 and John 5:27). Jesus Christ can be our Savior, or He can be our Judge. Jesus Christ is Lord, no matter what we believe. If we choose to believe in and receive Jesus Christ He is then our Lord and savior, if we choose to reject Him, He becomes our judge. Choose wisely and choose soon, Jesus is coming back sooner than we think.

Revelation 14:18 "And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe". A possible explanation to what seems to be two harvests at the end of the age, is that the "Harvest of the Earth" in verse fifteen are the sheep (Matthew 25:31-46) and they will be gathered and delivered into the kingdom, and live during the Millennium. And the "Vine of the Earth" in verse eighteen are the goats in (Matthew 25:31-46) and they will be gathered and delivered to judgment, here called "the great winepress of the wrath of God (Verse 19)". In any case there is a division between believer and unbeliever. Are you a believer or are you a non-believer? Only you and God can answer that question. Time is running out, make a decision.

Revelation 14:19 "So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God". The winepress is where the workers would trample the grapes with their feet, and the juices from the grapes would flow into vats underneath. The fresh juice of the grape is called "the blood of the grape". In the context of Revelation chapter 14, the winepress is the battle of Armageddon at the end of the seven year tribulation, and those who are thrown into the winepress of God's wrath are those nations that have come against the nation of Israel in the valley of Megiddo, just outside the city of Jerusalem. Also read Isaiah 63:1-6 and Revelation 19:11-16. Jesus Christ Himself is the one trodding out the grapes. Please receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior before it's too late.

Revelation 14:20 "And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and the blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses' bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs". The battle over the city of Jerusalem will actually happen outside the city of Jerusalem. This happen when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to this earth at the end of the tribulation to destroy Israel's enemies at Armageddon. Though it's typically called a "Battle" it will actually be a slaughter. The blood of Israel's enemies will be spilled the entire length of the land of Israel, about 200 miles, and will flow down to the dead sea, and puddle up to about four feet deep. Read Isaiah 63:1-6 and revelation 19:11-21. When Jesus Christ destroys Israel's enemies, his robe will be stained with the blood of Israel's enemies. We, the church in America, pray that America is not among the nations that gather against Israel. Thank God for His everlasting love and protection for Israel. Woe to those who call themselves "Christians" yet are against Israel.

Revelation 15:1 "Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them is the wrath of God complete". The Apostle John is shown "another sign" which reminds us of the first two signs mentioned back in Revelation chapter twelve. The first two signs are called "great", this third sign is called "great and marvelous". The first sign was "The Woman" who represents the nation of Israel, the second sign was "The dragon", who represents satan, and the third sign is the seven angels having the seven last plagues. These three signs are all connected. The "Dragon", satan uses the politics and false religion of the last days to persecute the "Woman", who is the nation of Israel. The seven angels who have the seven last plagues bring judgment upon the political and false religious system of the Anti-Christ which has persecuted Israel throughout it's history, and in particular during the great tribulation. The original Greek text of Revelation 15:1 says: "the seven plagues, the last ones". i.e. all of the previous judgments of Revelation, the seal and the trumpet judgments, were just a warm-up to the final seven judgments. The worst is yet to come. "Woe to the inhabitants of the earth". Please turn to Jesus Christ before it's too late.

Revelation 15:2 "And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God". The next thing the Apostle John sees is a sea of glass mingled with fire, which in Revelation 4 is unoccupied, but here in Revelation 15 it is occupied. Ancient kings would have before their thrones, a paved section of marble flooring which separated them from their subjects, and you dare not step on that on that marble unless you were summoned by the King. In order to approach the king, you would have to have the king's permission, or else. These standing there have gone through the "fire" of the tribulation, and have been counted worthy to stand before God. These are the tribulation saints, they are not the church, which was caught up to god's throne back in Revelation chapter four. They have been tested by "fire" and even at the cost of their death stood up for their faith in Jesus Christ, and are now in heaven with Him. They received the gospel message in the most difficult time in human history, and are now in heaven with God. I know I am sounding like a broken record, but do not wait till it's too late, receive Jesus Christ and His salvation now rather than later.

Revelation 15:3 "And they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God almighty! Just and true are your way, O king of saints!". The tribulation saints in heaven are singing the same song "The Song of Moses" that the children of Israel sang when they left Egypt and crossed the Red sea. It's a song of deliverance from their enemies. The "Song of Moses" is a song of deliverance and the "Song of the Lamb" is a song of Redemption. These tribulation saints are praising God because they have triumphed over the Anti-Christ and his new world order, and are standing before god in heaven, having been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, saved. God's way are "just and true", He always does the right and good thing. Thank God.

Revelation 15:4 "Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before you, for your judgments have been manifested". The answer to the question "Who shall not fear you, O Lord and glorify you name?" is no one. When the actual judgments of the tribulation come, people on earth will no longer be able to deny the presence of a righteous and holy God. By the time God is done judging the nations, all the nations will finally agree with God and His judgment. Read Psalms 72:11 and Philippians 2:9-11. We will all someday serve the Lord God of Israel, the God of the Bible. We have a choice to serve and worship God now, and not have to go through the terrible coming tribulation. Those who refuse to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, will someday bow down to God and then be cast into outer darkness. Make a choice.

Revelation 15:5 "After these things I looked , and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was open". We are told in the New Testament book of Hebrews that the tabernacle in the wilderness was just a model of the true Tabernacle in heaven, "The Testimony" is a reference to the law of God which was kept in the Ark of the Covenant in the O.T. tabernacle. All of the promises that God has made to the nation of Israel in the O.T. law are about to be filled. Israel is about to become a "Great Nation" and a "blessing to all nations", and "a curse to all nations who have cursed them". And then comes the seven angels with the seven last plagues, which completes the seven year tribulation, and judges all the nations of the world that have been hostile towards Israel. God will indeed keep all His promises to Israel. God is not through with Israel.

Revelation 15:6 "And out of the temple came seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having the chests girded with golden bands". These seven angels in heaven have the seven last plagues of the soon coming seven year long tribulation on earth. These last seven plagues will prepare the earth for the "Second Coming" of Jesus Christ at the end of the tribulation to set up His kingdom on earth. These "seven angels" wearing "golden bands" who come out of the temple in heaven, with the seven last plagues remind us of the O.T. priests of Israel who came out of the temple bringing God's message to the people. Only this message is not a good one. It's time to repent and get right with God before it's too late. There is no more time to procrastinate, the days are numbered (1260), Jesus is coming. These seven last plagues come in rapid succession, and will leave the earth and it's unbelievers devastated. Please come to Jesus Christ and be saved.

Revelation 15:7 "Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever". These are the same four living creatures in Revelation chapter four which are before the throne of God Notice that the golden bowls are "full" of the wrath of God. The wrath of God is His righteous anger at sin. These seven angels are being asked to execute the final judgments of the seven year tribulation. Each of the seven angels is about to pour his bowl of God's wrath on the earth. There have been seven seal judgments, seven trumpet judgments, and now seven bowl judgments which are far worse than the seal and trumpet judgments. So far one half of the earth's population have been killed. Jesus said: "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all of these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the "son of Man" (Luke 21:36). The only way to be counted worthy is to repent and come to Jesus Christ.

Revelation 15:8 "The temple was filled with the smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed". The smoke in the temple is a visible symbol of the glory and power of God, and the temple is full of smoke (read Exodus 40:34-35 and Isaiah 6:1-4). Seeing that the seven last plagues bring unparalleled devastation upon the earth, no one is allowed in the temple. I certainly do not want to speak for god, but it appears He wants to be alone, although the Father, The son, and the Holy Spirit are never alone. Also read Second Peter 3:9. On the cross, the wrath of God was poured upon Jesus Christ for our sins. When a person believes in and receives Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, their sins are forgiven. But, when a person rejects God's gracious gift of salvation, they will experience God's wrath for their sins (Second Peter 2:9). Today is the day of salvation (Please read Hebrews 3:15).

Revelation 16:1 "And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your way, and pour out the bowls of the Wrath of God upon the earth". The "great voice" that the Apostle John heard was God himself, no one else was in the temple in heaven except God (Read Revelation 15:8). The temple of god in heaven is filled with the smoke of god's glory, no one else can enter, it's a very private moment for God. The good news is that these seven last plagues bring an end to all the devastation of the tribulation upon the earth, and to God's wrath. But the bad news is that a lot of people are going to lose their lives, because they refuse to repent of their sins. God has been very patient for a very long time, but don't mistake the patience of God for a lack of concern or ability to do something about it. Read Psalm 7:11, Ezekiel 18:32 and Second Peter 3:9).

Revelation 16:2 "So the first went and poured his bowl on the earth and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image". This first of seven bowls of God's wrath attacks people's physical appearance as well as their health. Notice it only affects the unbelievers, those who have received the mark of the Anti-Christ and his kingdom and those who worship his image. This reminds us of the plagues which came upon Egypt in the book of Exodus, which affected the Egyptians and not God's people, the Jews in Egypt. This first bowl of wrath is also a lot like the plague of boils in the book of Exodus. This could be the result of some kind of radio-active fallout, or a malfunction of the implanted computer chip placed in people for identification and control. Remember that they were warned by an angel of god not to take the mark, and they did anyway (Revelation 14:9-11). Also read Exodus 9:9-11 and Revelation 16:11. Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and refuse the mark of the beast.

Revelation 16:3 "Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died". In an earlier judgment during the first half of the seven year tribulation, a third of the sea became blood, and a third of everything in the sea died (Revelation 8:8-9), now everything in the sea dies. This is an attack on a major source of the earth's food supply. This is going to cause a worldwide panic and famine. Something like this also happened in one of the plagues God brought against Egypt in the Exodus of His people, Israel (Read Exodus 7:19-21). That was local, this is worldwide. The "blood of a dead man" is dark red, because there is no life sustaining oxygen in it. All of this world's sea shores will be filled with dead rotting sea creatures, fish, whales, plankton, everything. Every one of these judgments of the last days is a judgment against man's unrepentant sin, and is a warning to turn from sin and repent. Please turn to Jesus Christ before it's too late.

Revelation 16:4 "Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood". This third judgment turns all the fresh water rivers and springs into blood. Something like this has already happened in the first half of the tribulation, where 1/3 of all the fresh water on earth became "wormwood" (Read revelation 8:10-11. This third bowl of wrath also reminds people of the plagues that God brought on the Egyptian's in the Exodus of His people, Israel. It's at this point of the tribulation that people realize that the end of the world as they know it is coming, and coming soon. Thank god that we, the church of Jesus Christ have already been raptured and are with Jesus in heaven. Please turn away from sin and turn to Jesus Christ before it's too late.

Revelation 16:5 "And I heard the angel of the waters saying: "You are righteous, O Lord, the one who is and who was and who is to be, because you have judged these things". Evidently there is a particular angel of God who oversees the waters. What we have are the heavenly host looking at the judgments of God on earth and giving their approval. Man on earth sees God's judgments and criticizes God, but God's heavenly host, who have a better vantage point to see, are in agreement with God's judgments on earth and mankind. Righteous means that God is absolutely right to do what He is doing. God always does the right thing, He can not do otherwise. We on earth need to have a heavenly perspective, like God's heavenly host. "Righteous and true are your judgments, O Lord".

Revelation 16:6 "For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink, for it is their just due". Those unbelievers on earth during the seven year tribulation who take part in persecuting believers (both Jew and Gentile) and have shed the blood of saints and prophets will be given blood to drink. Because they are blood thirsty, they will be given blood to drink. The Jewish prophet Isaiah quoting God in Isaiah 49:26 says: "I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine". Vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He is going to right every wrong.

Revelation 16:7 "I heard another from the altar saying, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, righteous and true are your judgments". This is an angel in heaven who is praising God for his judgments on this Christ rejecting world during the tribulation. The fact that this angel is from the "altar" reminds us those tribulation saints who have been killed for their faith in Jesus Christ and their souls are under the altar of Hod in heaven (Revelation 6:9-11). They cry out for God to avenge their souls and now He does in these seven last plagues. Righteous and true are God's judgments, amen?

Revelation 16:8 "Then the forth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him (to this angel) to scorch men with fire". During the first half (3.5 years) of the seven year tribulation, under the firth trumpet judgment there was a dimming of the sun, moon and the stars by 1/3 which drastically changes the weather (Revelation 8:12). Now during the last half of the tribulation, with the forth bowl judgment the strength of the sun upon the earth is intensified. And as verse 9 points out, "men are scorched with great heat". What the Apostle John may be describing is something like a "Supernova", where a star collapses, as it exhausts it's hydrogen supply, and gasps for life. When that happens the ozone layer is depleted and those on earth will have no protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Read Malachi 4:1-2. The language of the original text indicates that this only affects those who have received the mark of the beast, unbelievers on earth, and does not those who have refused to take the mark, believers. If you refuse to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior now, you will find yourself in the tribulation, having to make that choice. It's way better to receive Jesus Christ now.

Revelation 16:10 "Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain". During the first half of the seven year tribulation, under the forth trumpet judgment there was a dimming of the earth's natural light by 1/3. This here is a total blackout of the entire kingdom of the Anti-Christ and his followers. The same thing has happened before in the plagues that God brought upon Egypt. All of Egypt was under darkness, except where God's people Israel dwelt (Exodus 10:21-23). This is all about God judging those who have stood up against His people Israel, during the tribulation. Experience tells us that when people are exposed to total darkness for more than a week, they become insane. Also read John 3:19. Revelation 16:9 "And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory". Also read Malachi 4:1-2. When the forth angel pours his bowl of God's wrath on the earth, the sun flares up and burns those on earth during the tribulation who have received the mark of the beast and pledge allegiance to the Anti-Christ and his government. The thing that sticks out here to me is their refusal to repent of their sins and give glory to God. It proves that God is just in His judgment of them. Again God proves that at the heart of every problem is the heart of man. It's time mankind realizes that his problem is himself and his sin, and quit blaming everything on someone or something else, including God. "Thank you God for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, so that we who repent and believe can be forgiven for our sins".

Revelation 16:11 "And they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds". "They" who are a part of the kingdom of the Anti-Christ and his New World Order will be singled out and tormented by these seven last plagues of the seven year tribulation. And even though they realize that these plagues are coming from God himself, and are going to eventually take their lives, they refuse to repent. Instead they choose to blaspheme God and blame God for their sin. What these seven last plagues are, is a preview of Hell and it's eternal judgment designed to bring people to repentance before it's too late, but for many it will be too late. Our sins have eternal consequences, and if we do not repent and turn to Jesus Christ who died for our sins, then we will suffer the eternal consequences for our sins. Thank God for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his only plan of salvation.

Revelation 16:12 "Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that they way of the Kings of the east might be prepared". Remember it is not until the church has been raptured and is neatly tucked away in heaven "the father's house", that the judgments of the seven year tribulation on earth begin. so far the seven seals have been opened bringing the Anti-Christ, war, famine, death, the killing of believers, and cataclysmic upheaval. The blowing of the seven trumpets bring the loss of 1/3 of earth's plant life, marine life, fresh water, the earth's natural light, an invasion of demonic locust from the pit, and a demonic army of horsemen 200,000,000 strong. up to this mid point of the seven year tribulation, half of the earth's population have been killed. Then the seven bowls of wrath come, painful sores on the followers of the Anti-Christ, everything in the sea dies, the drinking water turns to blood, the sun scorches men, and darkness upon the entire kingdom of the anti-Christ and his followers. And now comes the sixth bowl of wrath dries up the ancient river Euphrates river, so that the armies of the east can invade the nation of Israel at the battle of Armageddon (Also read Revelation 9:14). The area to the east of Israel contains one of the largest portions of this world's populations along with all being hostile towards Israel. There will now be nothing stopping this world's nations from gathering themselves in order to destroy Israel once and for all, except God!. Pray that the Unites States of America is not a part of this.

Revelation 16:13 "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet". The dragon is satan, the beast is the Anti-Christ, the political leader of the coming socialistic New world Order, and the false prophet is the religious leader of the New World Order. Obviously these leaders of the New World Order, the kingdom of the Anti-Christ are satanically energized, and demon possessed. Unclean spirits from these demon possessed world leaders, like frogs which jump in stages, so too their demonic influence will influence the nations of the world against the nation of Israel. These demons come out of the mouths of these world leaders, perhaps through the persuasive speaking and lies. Interesting to note that when demons are exercised from humans, they always leave their hosts bodies through their mouths. There is no doubt that satan and his demons are involved in this world's hatred of Israel. Makes you wonder where the current trend towards "Replacement Theology" in the church comes from? Let me answer that for you, It comes from satan. Make no mistake, satan is against Israel and satan influences the world and the false church against Israel. Beware of any church or system of Theology which believes that the church has replaced Israel or that the church is Israel, or that God is done with Israel. That is false doctrine.

Revelation 16:14 "For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty". These demonic spirits come out of the mouths of the dragon, the anti-Christ and the false prophet (look back at verse 13) and they are sent with the express purpose to gather the nations of this world together in the valley of Megiddo, in order to wipe Israel off the map. This battle is called the Battle of Armageddon. The Battle of Armageddon is designed by God to gather all the people of this world who hate and are hostile to His people, Israel into one place in order to eliminate them. When Jesus Christ returns to this earth at the end of the coming seven year tribulation, he will destroy Israel's enemies in the Battle of Armageddon. They are gathered to destroy Israel, but God will destroy them (Zechariah 14:1-3, 12). Those who hate and are hostile towards Israel will not prosper, because God loves Israel and has a plan for Israel (Read Genesis 12:3).

Revelation 16:15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame". Just like a thief breaks into a house, unannounced and takes the homeowner by surprise, so too the second coming of Jesus Christ is going to take people by surprise. Unbelievers on earth during the tribulation will be taken by surprise. It will not be a surprise for believers, who are watching and ready. Read First Thessalonians 5:2-6 and Second Peter 3:10. Unbelievers will not be ready for the rapture of the church which takes place before the seven year tribulation, and they will not be ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ at the end of the seven year tribulation. The only way to be ready is to repent and turn to Jesus Christ. Sooner is much better than later.

Revelation 16:16 "And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon". The king James Version of the Bible says "He" gathered them together. The New King James version says "they" gathered them together. If it's "He" it's taking about God, if it's "they" then it's talking about the three unclean spirits like frogs from verse 13. I believe that "He" meaning God is the better translation. If you look back at verse 15, God says "I come as a thief", and then in verse sixteen it says of God that "He" gathers them together to a place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. This also agrees with Zechariah 14:1-2 in which God says "I will gather all the nations to the battle against Jerusalem". The Lord God of Israel will gather all the nations who hate Israel to the valley of Megiddo to battle against Jerusalem, and it's there that God destroys Israel's enemies all at once. "Megiddo" where the battle of Armageddon will be fought means "slaughter". God will slaughter Israel's enemies there in that valley, right outside Jerusalem. Also read Zechariah 14:1-3. 12 and Revelation 14:20. God will use this world's hatred of Israel to destroy Israel's enemies. An enemy of Israel is an enemy of God.

Revelation 16:17 "Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying "it is done!". We know from Revelation 15:8 that God Himself is the only one in the temple in heaven at this time. The loud voice that comes out of the temple in heaven, from the throne, saying "It is done!" must be God Himself. This reminds us when Jesus was on the cross and had secured eternal redemption for man, and he cried "it is finished". When Jesus Christ cried "it is finished!" the door to salvation was opened, but now that the seventh and final bowl of God's wrath has been poured out on the earth, the door has been closed. God's judgment on Israel for their rejection of their Messiah is complete, done. Also read Revelation 10:7 and 15:1. The seventh bowl is the seventh and last plague, in Revelation. Jesus Christ at this point in the tribulation is about to return to this earth, destroy Israel's enemies and set up His kingdom on earth, hallelujah. Please accept Jesus as Lord and savior before it's too late.

Revelation 16:18 "And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on earth". There will be a huge worldwide earthquake with the opening of the sixth seal at the beginning of the tribulation, in which "every mountain and island is mover out of their place" (Revelation 6:12-14). There will be another huge worldwide earthquake at the opening of the seventh seal (Revelation 8:5). Another huge worldwide earthquake with the blowing of the sixth trumpet (Revelation 11:13). Another huge worldwide earthquake with the blowing of the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:19). And then this final earthquake that comes with the pouring out of the seventh bowl of wrath on the earth will bring a great earthquake that will make all the others seem small. Also read Isaiah 24:18-23 where it says that the foundations of the earth will be shaken. Like all the others this final earthquake is designed to shake up people on earth to repentance. Those who do not repent and turn to Jesus Christ at this point will have no more chances. It is too late after this. Please repent and turn to Christ while there is still time.

Revelation 16:19 "Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath". Just like there is coming an Anti-Christ who is a counterfeit of God's Messiah, Jesus Christ, satan also has a counterfeit Jerusalem, an anti-Jerusalem named Babylon. During the coming seven year tribulation a literal city called Babylon will arise in our world as the capitol of the New World Order. This city will be the headquarters of the coming one world government, the headquarters of the Anti-Christ and his corrupt socialistic minions. And this literal city will be destroyed in the seventh bowl of wrath judgment by a huge earthquake. And along with the New World Order's capitol being destroyed all of the great cities of the nation will also fall, be destroyed. So much for man governing himself apart from God. Jesus Christ is about to return to this earth and set up the Kingdom of God on this earth and rule and reign from Jerusalem, God's holy city.

Revelation 16:20 "Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found". The seventh and final bowl of wrath brings an earthquake so great that it levels the entire earth, every island sinks into the ocean, every mountain is leveled and every major city in the world is leveled. The entire topography of the earth is changed (Read Isaiah 24:18-23 and Revelation 16:17-21). Many believe this to be a polar axis shift, where the earth begins to wobble as it rotates. This happens at the end of the seven year tribulation, which sets the stage for the complete renovation of the earth in preparation of the kingdom of God on earth. Soon and very soon we are going to see the King, are you prepared to meet your maker? The only way to prepare is to repent and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Read Romans 10:9-13.

Revelation 16:21 "And great hail from heaven fell upon men, every hailstone about the weight of a talent. And men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great". A talent of silver is 100 pounds, and a talent of gold is 200 pounds. This is something like the plagues that god brought against Egypt, but much worse. God also protected Israel when those hailstones fell on Egypt. Read Exodus 9:23-26. Notice that the hailstones do not produce repentance in the unbelieving world, but the opposite, blasphemy of God. According to Old Testament law, the penalty for blasphemy of God is being stoned to death, read Leviticus 24:16. There will be no turning back for those who follow the Anti-Christ and his New World Order. The only escape is to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and savior before the judgment falls and it is too late.

Revelation 17:1 "Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters,". Included in the judgment of the "Seven Last Plagues" is the judgment of "Babylon". Babylon is an ancient name which depicts man in his rebellion against God. Babylon was an ancient city and empire which stood against God and His people, and will be revived again in the last days, only to be destroyed. It is man's pride, man's greed and man's lust. It's man made government, commerce and religion, all under the influence of satan. In Revelation chapter seventeen, the religious nature of "Babylon" is revealed, depicted by a "great harlot" sitting on a beast. In Revelation chapter eighteen, the political and commercial nature of "Babylon" is revealed, depicted by a "beast with seven heads and ten horns". The religious aspect of this coming new world order, "Babylon" will be headed up by "The False Prophet" of Revelation chapter thirteen. And the Political and commercial aspect of the coming new world order, "Babylon" will be headed up by the "Anti-Christ" also of Revelation chapter thirteen. In the near future, at the end of the coming seven year tribulation, satan's counterfeit of God's kingdom on earth will be destroyed, and God will set up His kingdom on earth. The fact that this great harlot sits on "many waters" speaks of the worldwide influence of "Babylon". This judgment of "Babylon" in Revelation chapters seventeen and eighteen is what God's people have all been looking forward to. The end of satan's rule over the earth. The Kingdom of God is coming, soon and very soon. Look up.

Revelation 17:2 "with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication". "The Great Harlot" of verse one and the beast she rides depicts what has been true in the past, what is true presently, and what will be especially true during the coming seven year tribulation. In Revelation seventeen they are seen in their final form, politics and false religion in bed together, and it's ugly to say the least. The word "Harlot" from verse one comes from the Greek word, "por-nay" which means to sell. This woman sells herself to every kind of defilement for the sake of gain. From the word "por-nay" we also get the word for fornication, sexual immorality of any kind. Metaphorically "por-nay" speaks of the false church, as a woman who sells herself to the world in order to enjoy it's fruits. This woman is in bed with commerce and politics for gain. It also speaks of a woman who is no longer faithful to her husband, Jesus Christ. It's the church in apostasy, clinging to false doctrine, false teachers, idolatry, immorality, covetousness, and the world's ways and means. Notice that she is influenced by and has influenced this world's "Kings" as well as this world's "inhabitants". This "Great Harlot" has infiltrated and deceived every nation and peoples of the earth. Beware.

Revelation 17:3 "So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of the names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns". The Apostle John is carried away by one of the seven angels (Revelation 17:1) and is taken to the wilderness. The woman that John sees is the satan's counterfeit religious system which is left on earth after the true church is raptured and taken to heaven (Revelation 17:1-2). This last days false religious system will be led by the false prophet of Revelation 13:11-15 and is riding on a beast with seven heads and ten horns. The beast is the Anti-Christ and his kingdom from Revelation 13:1-10. This beast has seven heads which represent past and present world ruling empires which have all been hostile to God and His people, both the nation of Israel and the church. The seventh head is the final form of world government, a New World Order, with the Anti-Christ at the helm. The ten horns represent the ten fold division of the coming New world Order. The ten horns were also depicted by the prophet Daniel in Daniel 2:42 and 7:7). This last days religious system and world empire will blaspheme the God of Israel, the God of the Jews and Christians. The coming New World Order and the false religious system that are left after the church is raptured will exercise control over and influence the entire world, and satan himself is pulling all it's strings. It is all a counterfeit of God's coming kingdom on earth. Don't be fooled by it. Turn to Jesus Christ before it's too late.

Revelation 17:4 "The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of the abominations and the filthiness of her fornication". In Revelation 17:1 this woman is called "the great harlot", here in Revelation 17:4 she is called "the woman". In Revelation 17:4 this "woman" is "arrayed in purple, scarlet, and adorned with gold, precious stones and pearls", and in Revelation 18:16 it says that "that great city" was "clothed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold, precious stones and pearls". Somehow the "woman that rides the beast" is connected with Babylon, which is a city, a religion, a philosophy, and a last days kingdom, headed up by the "beast". The "woman" who is a "great harlot" is "Babylon" and she rides "the beast". The last days false religious system rides on the back of the last days political system, which is the beast. What this is, is man in all his sin and wickedness, estranged from God, his maker, and influenced by satan. Notice also that this "woman" is intoxicated with immorality and corruption. You think things are bad now, wait till the true church is taken out of this world by the rapture, and there is no restraint (Second Thessalonians 2:1-10). There is still time to turn to Jesus Christ.

Revelation 17:5 "And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH". There is a mystery about all of this which has been previously hidden, but is now being unveiled for us here in Revelation chapter 17 and 18. The name written on the harlots forehead is "Babylon the Great". The name Babylon is mentioned about 300 times in the Bible, beginning in Genesis 11 with the tower of Babel, which means confusion. In Babel they built a tower in order to reach to God. Babylon then became a symbol of man's rebellion against God, and man-made religion. God confused man and his languages so that man had to un-unite in his ungodly efforts. The New World Order will be man's final attempt in his rebellion against God. Babylon is at the root of every false religion and false teaching that has ever been. All have their roots in the ancient Babylonian religious system, which is the mother of harlots. Satan has a counterfeit of everything God has done, and this is satan's counterfeit of God's way for man. Babylon is also responsible for all this world's abominations, all of the things which malign God, and which God hates.

Revelation 17:6 "And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement". The "saints" probably refers to believers slain for their faith before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And the "martyrs of Jesus" probably refers to believes who were slain for their faith after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Counterfeit religion, including apostate Christianity, has always persecuted true believers, in the name of religious zeal. The fact that this "woman" is drunk with their blood suggests a continual carnage, not just one period of time, but throughout history. This woman is not who she appears to be, she is an agent of satan, and is against all God stands for. Read Matthew 7:21-23 and Revelation 16:6 and 18:24. satan has always had his counterfeit believers, in O.T. times, in the church age, and in the coming tribulation. This woman, "the harlot" is already here, and will morphe into it's final form once the true church is raptured. it's what's left behind. They are the tares among the wheat, the birds that lodge in the branches of the true church. There has always been religious deception, but it never be worse that when the true church is taken from the earth in the rapture. Jesus said: "be not deceived". We need to read out Bibles and be aware of the devil and his counterfeits.

Revelation 17:7 "But the angel said to me, "Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast which carries her, which has seven heads and ten horns". In verse six, the apostle John saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus, and he "marveled with great amazement". And now the angel asks John why he marveled. The woman who is a "Great Harlot" pictures this world’s false religious system, and she is carried about by the politics and commerce of this world. The woman and the beast she rides on are two different things, and together they represent satan's counterfeit of the kingdom of God on this earth. A counterfeit religious system, a corrupt political system and a corrupt commercial system, all influenced by satan. This woman is using politics and commerce to push her agenda, at the same time the beast is using religion to push it's agenda. It all has it's roots back in ancient Babylon in Genesis 11. Also read Second Corinthians 4:3-4, Ephesians 2:1-3 and First John 5:19. Be not deceived.

Revelation 17:8 "The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is". The bottomless pit is where demonic spirits abide, it's the abode of the unbelieving dead, it's where the demonic locust of Revelation chapter nine come from, and it's where the beast will ascend from. The unbelieving world will marvel at the beast. The beast is the final form of Gentile government on earth before Jesus Christ comes and sets up His kingdom on earth (Daniel chapters 2 and 7). The ancient world ruling powers which have been hostile to God and His people will rise again from it's own ashes and rule the world once again. In History past, the Egyptian, the Assyrian, the Babylonian, the Medio-Persian, the Grecian and the Roman empires have ruled that part of the world surrounding Israel, and a final world ruling empire (the seventh head) will rise and take power again. Today people are calling it "A New World Order". Also read Revelation 13:1-10, and Revelation 17:9-13.

Revelation 17:9 "Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits". In Verse one it says "the woman (who is a harlot) sits on many waters". In verse three it says "the woman sits on a scarlet beast, which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns". Here in verse nine it says "the woman sits on seven mountains". And then in verse fifteen "the waters where the woman (harlot) sits are peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues" I.E. the whole world. The waters, the seven heads, the seven mountains, and the seven kings in verse ten are all describing some aspect of the same thing. Human government, politics, false religion, corrupt commerce, throughout the ages, all hostile to God and his people, the Jews and the church, which has infiltrated all the nations, peoples and languages of the world. It all began back at the tower of Babel, progressed in ancient Babylon, and will culminate in a final New world Order. And satan has been behind it from the beginning. I also believe that the emergent church is the river through the apostate church will flow into all of this. We need spiritual discernment, more than ever. Read your Bibles, do not be deceived.

Revelation 17:10 "There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time". In verse three the beast which the woman sits on has seven heads. In verse nine it says that the seven heads are "seven mountains" which the woman sits on. In Revelation 12:3 it says that the dragon (satan) has seven heads. And now in verse ten there are seven kings. The term "Mountain" is used in the Bible to indicate a kingdom and it's power and strength. The "seven kings" indicate the authority (leaders) of these seven mountains or kingdoms. It says "five have fallen". There have been up to the Apostle John's day five world ruling powers, Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medio-Persia and Greece. These five were no longer ruling. Then it says "one is" that is the Roman empire that was ruling at the time of the Apostle John, which is the sixth head. Then it says "the other has not yet come" that's the seventh head, with a seventh king. There have been six world ruling empires in the past which all had control of Israel, and God's people. A seventh is coming, and New World Order, with the Anti-Christ at the helm, it too will exercise control over Israel, God's people. Then John says "when he comes, he must continue a short time". Thank God that the Anti-Christ will only have rule for the seven year tribulation period, and then he will be destroyed by Jesus Christ at His coming. The Second coming of Jesus Christ at the end of the seven year tribulation, will end Gentile domination over Israel, "The Times of The Gentiles". It's coming sooner than you think.

Revelation 17:11 "And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eight, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition". In verse 10 it says: "there are also seven kings". The seven kings represent seven kingdoms. Then John says "five are fallen". There had been up till the Apostle John's day (first century A.D.) five world ruling empires (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medio-Persia and Greece). All five of those had fallen from power and been replaced by another kingdom. Then John said "one is", that was the Roman empire that was ruling in his day. Then John said "and the other has not come". A seventh world ruling empire has been forming out of the same territory that all the other fallen kingdoms occupied. The thing that all these kingdoms have had in common is that they all controlled the land and people of Israel at some time during their control. Then John said "when he comes, he must continue a short time". This last world ruling kingdom, ruled by the coming Anti-Christ, will only last seven years, and will be put to and end by Jesus Christ at His return. In verse 11 John says, "The beast that was, and is not, is himself the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition". This coming New World Order will eventually invest all it's power and authority into the Anti-Christ and he will become the eight and final world ruling empire. satan (the dragon with seven heads) has been behind these world ruling empires the whole time. And when Jesus Christ comes back to this earth to set up His kingdom, He will send the Anti-Christ into perdition (destruction) once for all. We are almost there. Keep looking up saints, Jesus is surely coming soon.

Revelation 17:12 "And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast". The beast from Revelation 13 has seven heads and ten horns. The ten horns are on the seventh head of the beast. The seventh head on the beast is the final world ruling empire yet to arise on earth, what many are calling the "New world Order". The ten horns on the seventh head of the beast represent ten divisions of the coming New World Order, each with their own king. These ten kings will rule only a short time and will then give their power and authority to the eighth head, the Anti-Christ. (Read Daniel 7:24-25, and Revelation 17:13). The beast of Revelation 13 has seven heads and ten horns. The seven heads represent seven world ruling empires. Six have already been, and a seventh is coming. The ten horns on the seventh head represent a ten-fold division of the coming New World Order. These ten kings will give their power and authority to the Final king, the Anti-Christ. This beast with seven heads and ten horns has been hostile to God and His people, Israel from the beginning, and satan is behind it all. Also do not forget that "The Woman" who represents false religion has been riding the beast the whole time. Hang in there saints, it will all make sense soon.

Revelation 17:13 "These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast". The beast of Revelation 13 and 17 has seven heads and ten horns on his seventh head. Revelation 17:12 tells us that the ten horns are ten kings. The ten kings representing ten individual kingdoms of the last days, will all relinquish their sovereignty to the Anti-Christ. This will become the eighth and final form of gentile world rule on earth, and then Jesus Christ will come and set up His Kingdom on earth, and His Kingdom will rule all and last forever (Daniel 2:44). Once the church is raptured a New world Order will take over the earth and eventually be ruled by the Anti-Christ and then be destroyed. This will all happen within a seven year time frame, The "Seventieth Week of Daniel" (Daniel 9:27). This New World Order will be satan's failed attempt at his kingdom on earth. Praise God that Jesus Christ will come and put an end to satan's control of and deception of those on earth.

Revelation 17:14 "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen and faithful". The "beast with seven heads and ten horns" (the New World Order) will wage war against the nation of Israel, and when they do, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will step in for Israel and will defeat Israel's enemies. This happens at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:13-16 and 19:19-21). When you mess with Israel (God's chosen people) you mess with the God of Israel. Note that Jesus Christ "The Lamb" is also "Lord of Lords and King of Kings". There is no one more important, or stronger that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God Almighty. Jesus Christ is the God of Israel, Israel's "Shepherd". Notice that we, church age believers are with Jesus Christ when he comes back to earth to fight against Israel's enemies at the end of the Tribulation. Also notice that God calls us "called", "chosen" and "faithful". Thank you Lord. Keep looking up.

Revelation 17:15 "And he said to me, "The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits . are peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues". The woman "harlot" who represents false religion has positioned herself all over the world. Every cult, every counterfeit form of Christianity, every humanistic philosophy, every false religious leader and every follower of these are all going down in the end, when the beast no longer needs them (Read Revelation 17:16). Lying and deception have always been satan's tools. Do not be deceived by false religion or counterfeit Christianity. Read the Bible and believe in the God of the bible, and what He says. The name of God's son is Jesus Christ, and He died for our sins, so that we do not have to live eternity separated from our maker. (John 3:16-18) Believe in and receive and Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and your sins will be forgiven (John 1:12).

Revelation 17:16 "And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire". The beast in Revelation chapter thirteen, which has seven heads and ten horns is the final form of human government on earth, which some are calling "The New World Order". The ten horns on the seventh head of the beast represent the ten divisions of this coming New world Order. The "Woman" who is also "the Harlot" that the Apostle John saw riding the beast (Revelation 17:3) is the last days false religious system which is left on earth after the true church is raptured. The New World Order will use false religion ("The harlot") to further it's agenda, but when the harlot is of no further use to the New World Order, the ten horns will destroy the "harlot". The Apostle John says they "hate her, will make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire". The Anti-Christ who is at the helm of the New World Order will claim to be god himself and destroy all rivals including the false church. Remember, satan, who is the dragon with seven heads and ten horns is behind all of this, Babylon, The New world Order, the Harlot, all of it (Revelation 12:3-4, 9). What this all is the creation of God in rebellion with it's creator, satan and his fallen angels, and the Anti-Christ and fallen man against God. It's time to decide which side you are on. God's or satan's? I have decided to follow Jesus. I pray that you do also.

Revelation 17:17 "For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled". The ten kings, which exercise power and authority over the ten divisions of the coming New World Order, will give their power and kingdoms over to the beast, and they will also destroy "the harlot" (Revelation 17;12-16). God Himself is behind the destruction of "the harlot" the false religious system of the New world Order. These ten kings fulfill God's purpose and God's will by destroying "the harlot". God is sovereign, and is in control of everything, and He will even use corrupt and wicked human government to destroy the corrupt and wicked religious system. In the end it's God's will and God's Word that prevails. Jesus said: "not one jot or title will pass away, till all these things are fulfilled". Thank God that He is in control of everything, and will bring everything to a grand climax, exactly as He says in His word.

Revelation 17:18 "And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth". In Revelation 11:8 Jerusalem in it's wickedness is called "the great city". In Revelation 14:8 Babylon is called "that great city". In Revelation 16:19 Babylon is called "the great city" and great Babylon". In Revelation 17:5 it says: "Mystery Babylon the great". Here in Revelation 17:18 it says "the woman" is "that great city". Revelation 18:2 says "Babylon the great" again, Revelation 18:10 says "that great city Babylon". In Revelation 18:19 it says "that great city". Revelation 18:21 it says "that great city Babylon". And Revelation 21:10 calls The New Jerusalem "the great city". What does all of this mean? Just as satan has his counterfeit of God's kingdom, a false religious system (depicted by a woman who is a harlot), and a corrupt political system (depicted by a beast), so too, satan has a counterfeit of God's holy city of Jerusalem, (depicted by the city of Babylon). satan's counterfeit politics and religions have deceived people and ruled over this earth for a long time, and will assume it's final form in the coming New world Order, with a headquarters in the city of Babylon, where ever that is. Jesus' warning to us over and over again is "do not be deceived". The only way we are not going to be deceived, is by knowing and practicing the Bible, God's word.

Revelation 18:1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory". In Revelation chapters seventeen and eighteen, the Apostle John predicts the fall of Babylon. Babylon is a name which pictures man in his rebellion against God. it's man's attempt to live life apart from his creator. It includes man-made religion, man-made government, and man's system of commerce, all under the influence of satan, God's arch enemy. In Revelation chapter seventeen the religious nature of Babylon is pictured as "a great harlot" sitting on a beast, and the political and commercial nature of Babylon is pictured as a "beast with seven heads and ten horns". This world’s false religious system rides on the back of the political and commercial systems of this world. The beast and the woman who rides the beast are two different things, but together they represent satan's counterfeit of God's kingdom on earth. This other angel in Revelation 18:1 announces the actual fall of Babylon. When this world's political, religious and commercial system begins to fall, it will be exposed for what it really is, evil. Also read Isaiah 13:19-22. As believers in Jesus Christ we are not to be caught up in this world. We are to be looking for the Lord Jesus Christ to come and take us to heaven in the rapture. When He does, Jesus will deal with Babylon in judgment.

Revelation 18:2 "And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage foe every unclean and hated bird!". It says "habitation", "prison", and "cage" all speaking of demonic presence. When this world's political, commercial and religious system called "Babylon" falls, it will be exposed for what it really is, pure evil. In Isaiah 13:19-22 the prophet Isaiah mentions Babylon and all of the demonic entities that reside there, including owls and ostriches. These unclean birds are occult symbols describing the demonic forces that reside in Babylon. Also read Jeremiah 51:41-64 and revelation 14:8. We believers in Jesus Christ are not to be part of this world's system of evil. We are to be separate, meaning holy.

Revelation 18:3 "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her (Babylon's) fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury". Babylon is the name given to man and his rebellion against God, his creator. It includes man-made religion, man-made government and commerce, all apart from God and all under satan's influence. In the first two verses of Revelation chapter eighteen, the Apostle John saw an angel from heaven come down to earth and make the announcement that Babylon is going to fall, and fall in a big way. It's something that has been predicted by the Old Testament prophets of Israel, and now it's actually happening (Isaiah 13:19-22 and Jeremiah 51:41-64). In verse Revelation 18:3 we are told why Babylon is going to fall (also read Revelation 14:8 and 17:2). This wicked entity "Babylon" has infiltrated and influenced the entire earth and it's people. People from every walk of life, Kings and slaves, all of it's politics and commerce. "the wine of her wrath" is a term expressing Babylon's hatred of God and His people, the nation of Israel and the church, and all the killing of believers of all time. And now God is avenging their blood upon Babylon, and it's going down for good.

Revelation 18:4 "And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues". In the first three verses of Revelation 18 the fall of "Babylon" is predicted and announced. Babylon is the name given to man in his rebellion against God. Babylon is this world's religion, politics and commerce all under satan's influence. The tribulation saints, those who have received Jesus Christ and refused the "mark of the beast" during the seven year tribulation are told to remove themselves from "Babylon" and it's influence, lest they be judged with her. The church is told the same thing by the Apostle Paul, Second Corinthians 6:17 "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you". We church age believers are to be separate "Holy". We are in the world, but not of it. We are citizens of heaven, and we belong to Jesus Christ.

Revelation 18:5 "For her (Babylon’s) sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities". your sins "have reached to heaven" is a play on words. Back in Genesis 11:4 men on earth in defiance to God tried to make a tower in ancient Babel to reach into heaven. Here in Revelation 18:5 it says "her sins have reached to heaven". Babel is the place where man-made religion is traced back to. Man tried to reach God his own way (religion) which is a disaster. God through His son Jesus Christ has reached down to us in salvation. The other thing we learn here is that God is aware of sin and sins. We can not hide our sins from God, but we can have those sins forgiven if we confess our sin and repent, (Romans 10:9-10). Thank God for sending His son Jesus Christ down to us, to die on the cross for our sins. But for man to try and reach God by his own efforts, impossible.

Revelation 18:6 "Render to her (Babylon) just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix her double". God's law of retribution is "you reap what you sow"). In this case, not only will Babylon get what she deserves, But god is going to double her judgment. Not only will Babylon suffer complete destruction, but all those involved with her will also suffer the consequences of eternal judgment, they will "drink the wine of the wrath of God". God has been more than patient, but God is also Just. Judgment is coming, and everybody knows it (Romans 1:32).

Revelation 18:7 "In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, I sit as a queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow". Revelation chapters seventeen and eighteen are both about the fall of Babylon. "Babylon" is a name which depicts man in his rebellion against his maker, God. "Babylon" is satan's counterfeit to God's kingdom on earth. "Babylon has a political, commercial and a religious component to it. "Babylon's" political and commercial nature is pictured by a beast with seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 13:1-10). "Babylon's" religious nature is pictured as a harlot, riding on the back of the beast with seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 17:1-6). God is going to judge "the harlot", giving her what she deserves. "The Harlot" has thrived at the expense of the truth, and of others. It appears that "the woman" who rides the beast will deny her sin and culpability to the end. Of course she has denied God and His Word all along. But no amount of denying will keep her from falling, when God brings her down. Let's stay true to God and His Word alone. Do not be deceived by this world's false religious system. Read and follow God's Word.

Revelation 18:8 "Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her". "The woman" who rides the beast, "The Harlot", the false religious component of Babylon will be completely and utterly destroyed. Her destruction will come suddenly and swiftly, and she will never, ever recover to deceive people on earth again (Read Isaiah 47:8-9). The irony of this is that the religious component of Babylon will be destroyed by the political-commercial component of Babylon (Read Revelation 17:16). God will often use the wicked to judge the wicked. Religious deception will play a huge part in these last days, especially during the final tribulation. Our only defense against deception is to be Born again, to read and obey the Word of God, the Bible.

Revelation 18:9 "And the kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning,". Remember Babylon is man's system of Government, Commerce and Religion apart from God, and influenced by satan. Babylon is both a principal as well as an actual place, who's location is up for debate. When Babylon falls, those who have been in bed with her will be affected by it's fall. Many could not help but make the connection with this prophecy in Revelation 18 and the smoke that ascended from the smoke of the twin towers on 9/11 and the days following. Maybe God was giving us a look at what Babylon's fall is going to look like when it comes. Pastor Chuck Smith would always warn us to have a "light touch with this world and it's ways, because it's all going to come crashing down someday". Good advice.

Revelation 18:10 "Standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come". Babylon, remember is both an actual city, as well as a principal and philosophy. The name "Babylon" depicts man in his attempt to govern himself apart from God, to do things his own way. But it's worse than that, it's all under the sway of satan (Read First John 5:19). People standing at a distance observing Babylon's destruction. It sounds like a nuclear blast of some kind, with lots of fallout. People dare not come close. God is going to bring this Christ rejecting world and it's ways to a swift end. God has been more than patient for an awful long time, but judgment is coming. Turn to God.

Revelation 18:11 "And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore:" We have been telling you that "Babylon" has a religious, a political and commercial component to it. In Revelation 17:16-18 the religious component of Babylon was destroyed by the government of the anti-Christ. In Revelation 18:9 "the kings of the earth" who have been in bed with her weep and lament, because of Babylon's fall. Now in Revelation 18:11 "the merchants of the earth" who have profited from her commerce, weep and mourn, because of her fall. At this point in The Revelation of Jesus Christ, gentile world domination is over, and The kingdom of God is about to come (Daniel 2:44-45, and 7:14-14 and 18). Praise God.

Revelation 18:12 "Merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object on most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble;". The commercial component of "Babylon" has brought much wealth to those who merchandise through her. The things named here speak of a world-wide trade as well as commodities that only the rich can afford. It is a catalog of opulence and covetousness. There is nothing wrong with capitalism until some get rich at the expense of others. We can not help but make the connection between some of these things and what the prophet Ezekiel mentioned about satan's covering (Ezekiel 28:12-13). It's also interesting that "the multitude of merchandise" gendered violence and was a part of satan's sin and fall (Ezekiel 28:16 and 18). We need to be careful that we do not get wrapped up in this world's system and it's influence on humanity. The outcome is not good.

Revelation 18:13 "and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and the bodies and souls of men". Revelation 18:11-13 reveals that commercial "Babylon" and all of it's ways is going to fall. God is going to judge her for the way she has done things, and how that has affected people. Verses 12 and 13 is a catalog of all that commercial "Babylon" has control over, which includes essentials, non-essentials, and even implements of war. War has always been big business, and men have gotten rich over war and the sale of weapons. Corrupt individuals as well as corrupt governments have been involved, all for profit. The last commodity in that list is "the bodies and souls of men". Commercial "Babylon" has made merchandise of men's lives and eternal souls, and has sent countless billions of souls to hell along the way. Commerce, government, religion, war, drugs, pornography, immorality, labor, slaves, and human trafficking all bring in big money for those involved. It's all covetousness which is sin. All of this began with satan while still in heaven and has infiltrated the human race (Ezekiel 28:4-5 and First John 5:19). God is going to judge this world for it's sin. The only escape is to believe in and receive Jesus Christ, who died for our sins (John 3:16-18 and Romans 10:9-13).

Revelation 18:14 "And the fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all". All of those who have been caught up with "Babylon" this world's system of commerce and all of it's prosperity, will lose everything when "Babylon" goes down. Jesus said "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). People whose treasure was on earth, will loose everything that was valuable to them. Those whose treasure is in heaven will have lost nothing. Also read Matthew 6:33.

Revelation 18:15 "The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,". Back in Revelation 18:2 it says that "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen". that will happen close to the end of the coming seven year tribulation on earth. "Babylon" is the name given to this world's system. Babylon is man on his own apart from God, and influenced by satan. Babylon has been around a long time and has a worldwide influence. Babylon has a religious, a political and a commercial aspect to it. Religious Babylon's fall is recorded for us in Revelation 17:16. Political Babylon's fall is recorded for us in Revelation 18:8-10 and the Kings of the earth "weep and lament". Commercial Babylon's fall is recorded for us in Revelation 18:11-19. And all of the merchants who have profited by her will "weep and mourn" (Revelation 18:11), and "weep and wail" (Revelation 18:15). And in revelation 18:19 they throw dust on their heads, a sign of intense anguish and disappointment. In revelation 18:4, a voice from heaven says "come out of her (Babylon) my people". We as believers are not to be wrapped up in this world and it's system. We need to be wrapped up in God and His coming kingdom, Amen?

Revelation 18:16 "and saying, Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!" Revelation chapters seventeen and eighteen have been talking about the fall of Babylon. Babylon is the name given to this world's political, religious and commercial system. It's man living his life apart from his maker, God. It's man under the influence of satan rather than God. This man-made system called "Babylon" is also represented by a city, which seems to be a seaport of some kind. Over the years many have believed the "Babylon" the city, represents one of this world's influential cities, such as New your city, Rome, London, Paris, or even the Vatican. This is one of those things that we are waiting for further insight into. Some are now believing "Babylon" the city to be one of the extravagant cities being built on the Saudi Arabian Peninsula. Time will tell. The thing that stands out here is the word "was", meaning that "Babylon" is about to be no longer. Meanwhile we are warned by God to not be a part of "Babylon" (Revelation 18:4)

Revelation 18:17-18 "For in one hour such great riches came to nothing. And every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance. And cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'what is like this great city?". When commercial "Babylon" falls, which is connected to this world's economy, and even controls it, every person on earth will be affected negatively. This man-made system of religion, politics and commerce is somehow connected to an actual city, which is going to fall and be burned to the ground. Many who follow Bible prophecy could not help but make the connection when the twin towers in New York were attacked and their smoke rose up for days, if not weeks. The economy of many nations took a huge hit. I believe that this was a wake-up call for us. The real fall of Babylon is coming in the near future, and it will shut down the entire world. Praise God that His church will not be here for that. Are you Born Again?

Revelation 18:19 "And they threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate". Revelation chapters seventeen and eighteen are to be read and understood together. Both are about the fall of Babylon. Back in Revelation 17:5 it says: "MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH". Mystery Babylon, Babylon the great, the great harlot, that great city, the woman, and the beast, are names which depict different aspects of Babylon. Babylon is responsible for all false religion, all corrupt government and all corrupt commerce. Babylon has infiltrated the entire earth, and has brought it to the place of God's judgment. satan is behind the whole thing. All that Babylon is, is going to be destroyed by God when He comes to set up His kingdom on this earth. All those who have lived in it and through it will lose everything, including their souls. All who have lived by the sword, will die by the sword. Babylon's fall will cause great consternation for all those who were involved with her. Babylon's fall will cause rejoicing in heaven among the righteous. Look ahead to Revelation 18:20.

Revelation 18:20 "Rejoice over her ("Babylon"), O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!". Babylon has been responsible for the death of God's people, both old and new testament (Revelation 17:6). Heaven does not rejoice over the death of the wicked, rather they rejoice because of the triumph of righteousness. God is faithful, he will avenge the death of his people on those who have persecuted and killed them. Also read Second Thessalonians 1:5-10. God's judgments are "righteous and true" (Revelation 19:1-6). Thank you, God.

Revelation 18:21 "Then a mighty angel took a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence that great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore". A typical millstone weighs up to 1500 pounds. When you throw something that heavy into water it makes a huge violent splash. That's what is going to happen to Babylon. This is the fulfillment of what the Jewish prophet Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 51:64 "Then you shall say, Thus Babylon shall sink and not rise from the catastrophe that I will bring upon her". In one moment, like a stone disappearing into the ocean, satan's city Babylon and all that it represents will be destroyed and gone forever. And God's city Jerusalem will become all that God designed it to be from the beginning, the capitol of the Kingdom of God on earth, the center of the earth. Praise God.

Revelation 18:22 "The sound of harpist, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. And no craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore. and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. Anymore is a word of finality. When Babylon falls, it's fall will be complete. There will be no more working, no more playing, no more music, no more laughter, none of the things that were normal in life and made life bearable. The city of Babylon and all that it represents will be gone forever. The only thing left will be the "sounds of silence". But praise God, the Kingdom of God and the city of God (Jerusalem) are coming.

Revelation 18:23 "And the light of the lamp shall not shine in you anymore. And the voice of the bridegroom and bride shall not shine in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for your sorcery all the nations were deceived". Babylon with it's false religion, corrupt government and all it's commerce and covetousness will be destroyed by the Lord Jesus Christ at His return. Life as usual will be gone. God will then set up His kingdom on earth. Read Isaiah 13:19-22, Jeremiah 50:13, Daniel 2:44-45, 7:27, and James 5:4-6. Notice the mention of "sorcery". The actual Greek word is pharmakeia, whose roots are in the occult. Drugs good and otherwise have been used to corrupt and enslave people on earth. Babylon is going to fall, and very soon, seek God and His kingdom rather than what this world has to offer (Matthew 6:33).

Revelation 18:24 "And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth". Revelation 18:23-24 mentions three reasons why God is going to judge "Babylon" (#1. "It's merchants were the great men of the earth" / #2. "by it's sorcery all the nations were deceived" / #3. "and in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and all who were slain on the earth"). This world system, including it's religion, it's politics and it's commerce, called "Babylon" by the Bible has been hostile to God and those who believe in God, beginning with Cain. Here are a few facts about "Babylon" before we leave Revelation chapters 17 and 18. Both "the harlot" and "the city" are called Babylon. Both the harlot and Babylon are called "that great city". The description of the harlot and the great city are alike. Both the harlot and Babylon are guilty of killing the saints. Both the harlot and Babylon have committed fornication with the kings of the earth. Both the harlot and Babylon are going to be burned with fire and made desolate. And both the harlot and Babylon are described by the use of feminine pronouns a total of 42 times in Revelation 17 and 18. To say the least, Babylon and all it represents is going to be judged by God, completely destroyed forever.

Revelation 19:1 "After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power to the Lord our God!". After the destruction of "Babylon" in Revelation chapters seventeen and eighteen, there is an outbreak of praise to God in heaven. Verse one mentions "a great multitude". Heaven at this point is full of people who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (old testament saints, church age saints (that's us), and tribulation saints). And all of them are breaking forth in praise to God for His judgment of "Babylon". It's going to be one huge celebration. In our praise we magnify God because of his Salvation, His Glory, His honor, and His Power (Read Psalm 96:2-11). The motivation for this praise celebration in heaven is in verses 2 and 3. "His judgments are righteous and true". Why wait to praise God, Let's praise and thank God now.

Revelation 19:2 "For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and he has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her". Here in Revelation 19:2 we have the motivation of the great multitude in heaven praising God in verse one. At the end of the coming seven year tribulation God is going to judge the great harlot, "Babylon" destroying her forever because she has corrupted the entire earth and because of all the blood on her hands (Read revelation 18:24). It says that God's judgments are "true", meaning that God did exactly what He said he was going to do. It also says that God's judgment of the great harlot is "righteous" or just, meaning equitable. God never acts unjustly, every single sin will be judged by God accordingly. Thank God that our sins (believer's sins), have already been dealt with on the cross by Jesus Christ our Lord and savior. Jesus Christ bore the judgment for our sins on the cross, but the sins of those who refuse to believe in Jesus Christ will be judged. Have you repented of your sins and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Read John 1:10-13).

Revelation 19:3 "Again they said, "Alleluia! And her smoke rises up forever and ever!". Also read Revelation 18:9 and 19. The great multitude in heaven from verse one who is praising God because of "Babylon’s" destruction are still thanking and praising God. The smoke of "Babylon's destruction rises up forever and ever. Smoke rising up forever and ever describes the eternal punishment of all of those unbelievers who were a part of Babylon and refused to leave her before it was too late. All of these who rejected God's gracious offer of salvation through His son Jesus Christ (Revelation 14:11). God is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance (First Peter 3:9), but when people refuse to repent and come to Christ, He has no other choice. A person’s destiny is determined by their own choice. What are you going to do with Jesus Christ?

Revelation 19:4 "And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying "Amen! Alleluia!" The "twenty-four elders" represent the completed church of Jesus Christ in heaven. The church consists of hose who believed in and received Jesus Christ as Lord and savior (born again) from the day of Pentecost until the rapture of the church. The church in heaven is always engaged in the worship of God (Revelation 4:10-11, 5:11-12, 5:14, 7:11, 11:16 and 19:4. It appears that the "four living creature" are leading the worship of God in heaven (Revelation 4:8-10, and 5:14). We agree with the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures, and we Praise the Lord "Alleluia".

Revelation 19:5 "Then a voice came from the throne, saying, Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!". This could be a reference to all the tribulation saints who are called "fellow servants" in Revelation 6:11 or it could be speaking collectively of all those in heaven up till that point in time. That would include all the Old Testament saints, the church, the tribulation saints, the four living creatures and all of the holy angels. Notice that the call to praise our God transcends all distinctions of God's creations, both small and great. There is God and then there are those who have been created by God, His servants. God is the Lord and praise God, we are all happy to be His servants. Don't you love that fact that the scripture here calls Him "our God"? We belong to Him and He belongs to us. Thank you God for being "our God".

Revelation 19:6 "And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!". This is now the third voice mentioned in chapter nineteen, with yet another praise of the Lord. This voice is praising the Lord God Omnipotent because He reigns. The word "Omnipotent" means that God is all powerful, and there is no limit to His power, and there is no diminishing of His power ever. The Lord God Omnipotent reigns, has always reigned, and will always reign. This cry from heaven has a special reference to the setting up of the kingdom of God on earth, now that Babylon has been destroyed. The good news is that God reigns, and is on the throne, no matter what. That's a good reason to praise Him.

Revelation 19:7 "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready". Notice carefully that is says "marriage of the Lamb" and not "marriage of the bride". It is the joy of the groom, Jesus Christ that is in view here. The marriage and the marriage supper in the Jewish wedding ceremony are one and the same. The marriage supper in a Jewish wedding is always held at the end of the betrothal, and it is always held at the bride’s home, not the bridegrooms home. Which means that the marriage supper of the Lamb happens on earth when the Lord Jesus Christ comes back to the earth, with his bride (the church) to set up His kingdom, at the end of the seven year tribulation. That which Jesus Christ and His church have been waiting for is finally here and the celebration will be out of this world. In Ephesians 5:25 says "Love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it". And now we are forever united to the one who gave Himself for us. Praise the Lord.

Revelation 19:8 "And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints". In the Bible, garments are symbols of righteousness or the lack of (Read Isaiah 64:6 and Ephesians 5:25-27). The outward garment reflects what is true inwardly (Romans 3:21 and Second Corinthians 5:21). At the "Marriage of the Lamb" the church "the wife" of the Lamb will be given fine linen, clean and bright. If we follow this thing through the book of Revelation, the way that our garments are cleaned and white are because they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. The only garment acceptable at this wedding is one that has been washed in the blood of the Jesus Christ. When we are saved we have the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed to us, but when we are raptured and our salvation is completed, we will have the rightness of Jesus Christ imparted to us (First John 3:2 and Romans 8:19-21). Can't wait.

Revelation 19:9 "Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' "And he said to me, These are the true sayings of God". When Jesus Christ returns to the earth with His bride (the church), there will be a wedding feast on earth to celebrate. In order to attend, you have to be invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The church (His bride) will be there, All of the O.T. saints will be there (Matthew 8:11). The tribulation saints will be there (Revelation 7:9-17), and those who were sympathetic to Israel during the "hour of their trial" will be there (Matthew 25:31-46). It will be a huge blessing to be there. The big question is "are you going to be there?". I hope so.

Revelation 19:10 "And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. The voice that the Apostle John heard from verse five, came from the throne of God, and is probably an angel. John is overwhelmed when he sees and hears the the words of this angel who says "Praise our God", and John falls down to worship before the angel who's voice he heard. John is told not to worship him by the angel. The angel tells John, Worship God alone. We are to worship God alone and no other (Matthew 4:10). The angel also tells John that he is a servant of God like John and other believers are (Hebrews 1:14). Then the angel reminds John that Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. All prophecy points to and is about Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Amen!

Revelation 19:11 "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called faithful and true, and in righteousness He judges and makes war". The apostle John now sees Jesus Christ at his second coming. (Also read Matthew 24:27-30 and revelation 1:7). In Revelation 4:1 a door is opened in heaven to receive the church prior to the seven year tribulation (Revelation 4:1). At the end of the seven year tribulation heaven is opened to let Jesus Christ and His church out in order to come back to the earth. Notice that Jesus is coming on a white horse. At Jesus’ first coming He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, bringing peace. At Jesus, second coming, He is riding a white horse bringing judgment and war (Read Psalm 45:3-6). Jesus here is called "faithful" that means that you and I can rely on him. Jesus here is also called "true" which means reality, what you see is what you get, no deception, no hidden agenda. It says: "in righteousness He judges and makes war". At Jesus' second coming He will judge the nations and destroy them at the battle of Armageddon. More about that to come. Jesus Christ is coming soon!, and we are coming back with Him. And Jesus will rule and reign on this earth, hallelujah!.

Revelation 19:12 "His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself". His eyes are like a flame of fire means that Jesus sees everything, and He judges everything. Jesus also has many crowns on His head because He is King of everything. A name represents the nature, character, attributes and actions of a person. The name of Lord Jesus Christ is so spectacular and all encompassing that no one really knows all there is to know about Him except Him. We know some things about Jesus Christ from the gospels. We know more about Jesus Christ from the book of Revelation, but what we know about Jesus Christ presently is nothing compared to what we are going to know about Him in eternity. And even in eternity, none of His creation will to be able to grasp all that He is. Our Lord Jesus Christ is indescribable. In Isaiah 9:6 it says that Jesus is "wonderful" the word means incomprehensible (Judges 13:17-18 and Psalm 139:6). Jesus Christ and all that He is too great for any of us to comprehend, and so we bow down to Him and worship Him for who He is and what He has done for us. There is no one like Jesus Christ. Amen?

Revelation 19:13 "He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God". Here we have Jesus Christ our Lord at His second coming. His name is called "The Word of God" because He is the Word of God. The same apostle john who wrote the book of revelation also wrote the gospel of John. John in John 1:1-2 said: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God". And then in John 1:14 John says: "And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth". Jesus Christ is "The Word of God", the complete and only expression of God Himself, because He is God (First John 1:1-3 and Colossians 2:9). Notice that when He returns to this earth His robe is "dipped in blood", the blood of His enemies who He defeats at the battle of Armageddon (Isaiah 63:1-4 and revelation 19:14-19).

Revelation 19:14 "And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses". Back in revelation 19:8 it says that the "wife" of Jesus Christ, meaning the church, has made herself ready, and is wearing fine linen, clean and white. We, the church of Jesus Christ who have been in heaven with our Groom, Jesus Christ for the entire seven year tribulation on earth are coming back to the earth at Jesus' second coming at the end of the tribulation. But we are not the only ones coming back to the earth with Jesus Christ. The church (Revelation 19:14), the tribulation saints (Revelation 7:9), the Old Testament saints (Daniel 12:1-2 and Jude 14-15), and all of God's holy angels of heaven (Matthew 25:31). Notice also that we simply "follow" Him. We are not going to fight alongside of Him, for He fights His enemies alone (Isaiah 63:1-6). I guess we better learn to ride horses. The last time I rode a horse was in 1970. Ride on.

Revelation 19:15 "Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God". Three things are said here about the second coming of Jesus Christ. First of all the "sharp sword" which goes out of his mouth is talking about the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12 and Ephesians 6:17). Jesus will use His Word to smite all the nations that have come against His chosen people Israel at the battle of Armageddon. Those Gentiles who make it through the tribulation with their lives intact and who have been kind towards Israel, He will rule over during the Millennium (Matthew 25:31-46). God's law will be the rule of law during the millennium, and the fact that he rules them with a "rod of iron" means that punishment of the wicked will be just and swift. The lord Jesus Christ will crush His enemies at His return, just like grapes are smashed in the winepress in order to produce grape juice, (actually called the blood of the grape (Isaiah 63:1-6, Joel 3:12-14 and Revelation 14:19-20). The same Word of God that saves a person who believes (John 5:24) will destroy those who do not believe (John 3:18). Believe in Jesus Christ and His resurrection and be saved.

Revelation 19:16 "And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". In every Greek manuscript (copy of the original) in existence today, the title "King of Kings and Lord of Lord's is in all capitol letters. This title of His points out the fact that Jesus Christ is sovereign over all. There will be no mistaking Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ at his second coming to this earth. There will be no question as to who should sit on the throne of the world ruling the nations. Jesus Christ is king of the entire universe, and He is Lord of all in His universe. Also read Philippians 2:9-11 and First Timothy 6:13-16. I pledge my allegiance to Jesus Christ. Do you?

Revelation 19:17 "Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God". The event described here takes place at the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. There are a number of things that take place simultaneously at the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. (#1. the actual physical second coming of Jesus Christ to the earth. (#2. The battle of Armageddon. (#3. The marriage supper of the Lamb. (#4. the setting up of God's kingdom on this earth. What's being described here in Revelation 19:17 is an invitation to all the birds in the vicinity to gather together and feast on the flesh of all those who have been killed by our Lord Jesus Christ when He returns and destroys Israel's enemies at the battle of Armageddon. It's called "The supper of the great God". The carnage at the battle of Armageddon will be so great that all flesh eating birds will be summoned to clean up the mess. This same event is mentioned in Ezekiel 39:17-21, Zephaniah 1:7-8, Matthew 24:27-28 and Luke 17:37. By the way, this has happened before in a smaller scale (Isaiah 18:6 and Jeremiah 7:33) When Jesus Christ defeats the final invasion of Israel at Armageddon, the mountains of Israel will be covered with dead bodies, and the birds come and clean it up. It's interesting to note that every year millions upon millions of birds fly over Israel on their way to Africa from Europe, so many that every year they are a threat to Israeli aircraft. Only this time they stop in Israel to eat.

Revelation 19:18 "That you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great". So great will be the carnage at the battle of Armageddon, so many will be slain by the Lord Jesus Christ at His appearing, that all the flesh eating birds are summoned to clean up the mess. There is a similar event mentioned in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, where 5/6 of the invading army is destroyed by God, and all the flesh eating birds also clean up the mess (Ezekiel 39:17-21 and Zephaniah 1:7-8). Many believe that Ezekiel 38 and 39 is the battle of Armageddon. Needless to say, it will not be pretty when this world's armies gather in the valley of Megiddo in order to destroy the nation of Israel, it will backfire terribly. Also read Joel 3:1-17). Jesus Himself mentioned the flesh eating birds at his return in Matthew 24:28 and Luke 17:37. This is going to happen, and soon.

Revelation 19:19 "And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army". This is the battle of Armageddon in which the armies of the world have met in the valley of Megiddo in order to wipe Israel off the map forever. The only problem is that our Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth and destroys them. The battle of Armageddon is a part of the second coming of Jesus Christ. for more insight read Zechariah 14:2-3, Second Thessalonians 2:8, and Revelation 16:14-16 and 17:14. When it says "and against His army" it is talking about all of the holy angels and the completed church that come with Jesus Christ at His second coming. But we, the church do not engage in the actual battle, Jesus does not need our help, He is God Almighty (Isaiah 63:3). The world's armies think they have gathered themselves in order to destroy Israel once and for all, when the truth is that Jesus Christ has gathered them together in one place in order to destroy them. Thank God for His unending faithfulness to his land, Israel and His chosen people, the Jews. You might also want to read Genesis 12:3.

Revelation 19:20 "Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone". This happens at the return of Jesus Christ to the earth at the end of the seven year tribulation, at battle of Armageddon. Right then, Jesus casts the beast and the false prophet, the leaders of this world's rebellion against God and His Messiah into the lake of fire. The beast and the false prophet are the lake of fire's first inhabitants. Then at the end of the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on this earth all the unrighteous dead from all time (all those who have rejected God's gracious offer of salvation through His son Jesus Christ) will be cast in the lake of fire with them. Though this happens at the battle of Armageddon, there is really no battle, because the beast and the false prophet do not stand a chance against Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Amen! Read Isaiah 66:24, Matthew 25:41 and Revelation 14:11. There is only one side to be on, Jesus' side.

Revelation 19:21 "And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh". The same God (Jesus Christ) who spoke the universe into existence (John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16), The same God who spoke and a fig tree withered right then and there, will say the word and all His enemies, those that have gathered against His people, Israel will be slain by the word of His mouth and be eaten by all the birds of prey (Isaiah 34:2-3 and Joel 3:2). And then Jesus will make His victory ascent up to the Mount of Olives in the city of Jerusalem and claim victory over Israel's enemies and become King of the earth. Jesus Christ is God in human flesh, who died, and three days later rose from the dead and ascended back into heaven, and He is coming back to this earth to deliver His people Israel. And anyone opposed to him or His people Israel will be slain by Him. End of Story. You would be wise to confess your sins and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior now, than face Him when it's too late.

Revelation 20:1 "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand". Revelation chapter twenty is all about the "Millennium" the one thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on this earth. Verse 2 says "a thousand years", verse 3 says "the thousand years", verse 4 says "a thousand years", verse 5 says "the thousand years", verse 6 says "a thousand years", and verse 7 says "the thousand years". What we are talking about here is a literal one thousand years. At the end of the seven year tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to this earth and defeat His and Israel's enemies. Then Jesus will set up his kingdom on this earth, and reign the earth from Jerusalem for one thousand years. This is also known as the kingdom age, the kingdom of God. The first order of business will be to bind satan and confine him to the bottomless pit for the entire one thousand years. Imagine a world without satan? And so chapter twenty opens with an angel who has the key to the bottomless pit, where satan will be bound for the entire one thousand years. Hallelujah!

Revelation 20:2 "He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the devil and satan, and bound him for a thousand years". At the beginning of "Millennium" the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ, the kingdom age, satan will be bound and confined to the bottomless pit. It stands to reason that if satan is bound for one thousand years at the beginning of the "Millennium", then he is not presently bound. satan has been allowed access to both heaven and earth by God for God's purposes. And satan will be bound during the "Millennium for God's purposes. Presently satan is deceiving people on earth. During the "Millennium" satan will not be able to do that. Yet some will still reject Jesus Christ and His rule in their lives, proving that they can not blame their sin on the devil. Man is born into sin, and is a sinner by nature, because of Adam's transgression. And the only means of escaping judgment for our sins is to believe in and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and be born again. Thank God for sending His son Jesus Christ to die on a cross for our sins. Please come to Jesus Christ and have your sins forgiven.

Revelation 20:3 "And he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while". The angel who has the key who has the key to the bottomless pit (verse 1) does three things after laying hold of satan and binding him (verse 2). (# 1. He "casts" (throws) satan into the bottomless pit) (#2. He "shuts satan up", obstructing him from access to the kingdom of God and those on earth for one thousand years. (#3. He "sets a seal" on him. Most believe this seal on satan is a mark of recognition, identifying him as satan, much like the mark that God put on Cain (Genesis 4:15). The good news is that satan will be bound for one thousand years and not be able to deceive the nations (Jeremiah 23:5, Isaiah 2:2-4, 11:3-4 and Zechariah 14:6-9). The bad news is that after the one thousand years are over, satan will be released for "a little while" and some on earth will knowingly choose to follow him and rebel against God. God will demonstrate once and for all that man is a sinner, and will rebel against God under the right circumstances. Thank God for God's salvation and forgiveness. If you are not born again, you must be in order to enter God’s eternal kingdom. Read John 3:1-18 and Romans 10:9-13.

Revelation 20:4 "And I saw thrones, and they that sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years". Here the Apostle John sees God's people (believers) resurrected, rewarded and reigning with Jesus Christ during the millennium. God promised the Old Testament saints that they would reign in the millennial kingdom (Daniel 7:27). Jesus promised His apostles they would reign in the coming kingdom (Matthew 19:28). New Testament saints (the church) are promised that they will judge the world (First Corinthians 6:2 and Second Timothy 2:12). And God also promised the martyred believers from the tribulation will also reign with Jesus Christ during the millennium (Revelation 20:4). Our God keeps His promises, and He has promised that if we are "faithful" with a little, he will make us rulers over much (Matthew 25:21). Hang in there, saints, It's almost over. Serve the lord with all your hearts and all your might, no matter what. It's going to be worth it.

Revelation 20:5 "But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection". The "rest of the dead" are all of the unbelieving dead, those who have died as unbelievers from the time of Adam, until the end of the coming seven year tribulation. They will be raised from the dead at the end of the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on this earth and stand before God, at the "Great White Throne Judgment" and be judged by God for their refusal to believe in God and his son Jesus Christ, who died for their sins. All people, believers and unbelievers of all time will be raised from the dead (John 5:25-29). All church age believers who have died before the rapture will be raised from the dead at the rapture. And All Old Testament believers and tribulation believers will be raised from the dead at the end of the seven year tribulation (Daniel 12:2-3). This completes the “first resurrection”. When the Apostle John in Revelation 20:14 uses the term "the second death", what that means is that all of the unbelieving dead will die a physical death (which is separation) of the body from the soul and spirit, that's the first death. And then their body, soul and spirit's will be reunited at the end of the thousand years, to stand before God at the "Great white Throne Judgment" and they will then be cast alive into the lake of fire, eternal separation from God (Revelation 20:11-15), that's the "second death". It's way better to believe in God and be united with Him at death, than to not believe and be separated from Him for eternity. It's better to be a part of the "first resurrection" than to be included in the "second death".

Revelation 20:6 "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years". What a blessing it is to be a believer in Jesus Christ. It also says that we will be holy, completely set apart from sin and set apart to God. Not only will we have new and glorified eternal bodies, and not be a part of the "second death", but we are going to be priests of God and of Christ, and reign with Christ on this earth for a thousand years (Also read Second Timothy 2:12 and Revelation 5:10). As priests of God and of Christ, we will represent God to the people on earth during the thousand year reign of Christ. And we will reign with Him, alongside of Him. Wow, talk about a blessing.

Revelation 20:7 "Now when the thousand years have expired, satan will be released from his prison". At the beginning of the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on this earth, satan will be bound and cast into the bottomless pit for one thousand years (Revelation 20:1-3). At the end of the thousand years, satan will be released for "a little while" (Revelation 20:3) and will again "deceive the nations" (Revelation 20:8). satan led a rebellion against God in heaven and was cast down to the earth. satan led a rebellion on earth and was cast into the bottomless pit. And satan will lead one final rebellion on earth against God and His saints, and will then be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). It's seems improbable that satan could deceive people away from God, after God has been on reigning on earth for one thousand years, but he does. This proves once and for all a couple of things. (#1. It will demonstrate the incurable wickedness of satan) / (#2. It will prove that man even under the most favorable conditions will rebel against God by choice) / (#3. And, it will justify eternal punishment by God). Our God will have vindicated Himself in every possible way. Thank God that He has saved those of us who believe in His son Jesus Christ.

Revelation 12:7-8 "Now when the thousand years have expired, satan will be released from his prison, And will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea". At the end of the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on this earth, satan will be released from the bottomless pit for a short time (verse 3). satan will again deceive the nations of the world. Gog and Magog are biblical names which are synonymous with rebellion. Gog and Magog are historical types used by the Hebrew prophets of old (Ezekiel 38-39) to remind us what happened one thousand years earlier, when the entire world came against God's people Israel at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:17-21). It boggles the mind when we realize that people on earth during the millennium will actually believe satan and his lies and turn against God and His people. They are all the unbelievers at the end of the thousand years, who refused to believe in and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Second Corinthians 4:4). We mentioned in our commentary on verse 7 that this proves at least three things. (#1. It will demonstrate the incurable wickedness of satan) / (#2. It will prove that man even under the most favorable conditions will rebel against God by choice) / (#3. And, it will justify eternal punishment by God). Let me add two more (#4. When a person does not believe God and His truth, they have no defense against satan's lies. (#5. it will magnify the grace of God in saving people. Our God will have vindicated Himself in every possible way, and glorified Himself. Our only way of escape is to believe in and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and be saved.

Revelation 20:9 "They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them". This happens at the end of the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth. satan is released from the bottomless pit after being there for a thousand years, and he leads the unsaved on earth at the time (those born during the millennium) in one final rebellion against God's people and God's city, Jerusalem. The entire rebellion will be destroyed by fire from heaven, just like Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. And there will not be one sinner left on earth at all. The devil will never deceive another person ever again. satan's doom was fixed way back in Genesis 3:15. Thank God for His love and protection for Israel, the church and the nations who believe. Do not be deceived, believe God and be saved.

Revelation 20:10 "And the devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever". The devil who has deceived man since man has been on earth, has deceived himself into thinking that he could win against God and His plan for man on earth. The Anti-Christ and the False Prophet were cast into the lake of fire by Jesus Christ a thousand years earlier (Revelation 19:20). And now the devil, satan is cast into the lake of fire with them. For at least six thousand years satan has been trying to thwart God's plan for man, and he only succeeded in fulfilling God's plan. And when God is through with them, they will be incarcerated forever. Notice also that their torment will be forever and ever. Thank God, He chose us to be on the winning side.

Revelation 20:11 "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them". The next thing to take place on the prophetic scene is the rapture of the church, which can take place at any moment. Once the church has been removed from the earth, there will be a seven year tribulation, a judgment of the unbelievers on earth. Then Jesus Christ will return to this earth, with the church and He will raise all the Old Testament saints from the dead. That will complete the "first resurrection" (Revelation 20:5-6). Then the Old Testament saints along with the church will reign on earth with Jesus Christ for one thousand years. At the end of the thousand years, all the unbelieving dead from all time will be raised from the dead, and stand before the "great white throne" of God in order to be judged for their sins. They will all be cast into the lake of fire which is "the second death". That will complete God's plan for the future. From that time forward will be the eternal state. Eternity with God for the believer, and eternity from God for the unbeliever. You can either believe or not believe, you can be a part of the "first resurrection" or a part of the "second death". It's a choice God has given us. The judgment of unbelievers will be so terrible, that heaven and earth turn away from it, when it happens. I urge you to believe in and receive Jesus Christ and be saved (Romans 10:9-13).

Revelation 20:12 "And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which are written in the books". The first thing to notice is that God is not a respecter of people and their positions. They may have been a king or a President, but that will not help them anymore than if they were a slave. Notice also that the dead are standing. When people are tried, they are tried sitting, but these are not being tried, they have already been tried. They are all standing to receive their sentence. And they will all receive the death sentence for their failure to believe in God and their rejection of His gracious offer of salvation through His son Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18). Notice also that the dead will be judged by what is written in the books (First Corinthians 4:5 and Hebrews 4:13). The sentencing will be according to their works, and will not only result in eternal separation from God in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15), but also in degrees of punishment (Read Matthew 11:20-24 and Luke 12:47-48). It says "books" were opened. Those books contain the works of all unbelievers and will determine their degree of punishment. The "Book of Life" contains the names of all believers of all time, but their names are not written in the "Book of Life" (Revelation 20:15). There is nothing more important in this life than whether or not your name is written in the "Book of Life". Is it? Read John 3:16-18 again, make sure you are born again.

Revelation 20:13 "The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works". Judgment day is coming and everyone knows it, even those who do not believe in God. Every person who has ever lived and died as an unbeliever, even those who were buried at sea, or whose ashes were scattered over the ocean will be raised from the dead and stand before the "Great white Throne" judgment of God Almighty (Revelation 20:11). Death is the separation of the material part of the human body from the immaterial part of the body. Death is the separation of the body from the soul and spirit. The body of those who die goes into the ground awaiting the resurrection. And the soul and spirit (which are eternal) of the unbelieving dead descends into a temporary holding place called Hades, awaiting the resurrection of their bodies at the "Great White Throne" judgment. Reunited with their souls and spirits, all unbelievers of all time will stand, very much alive, before God Almighty and be judged for their sins. This is as real as real gets. But it does not have to be that way for you, "for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, so that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Please, choose life. Also read John 3:1-18 and Romans 10:9-13).

Revelation 20:14 "Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death". Human beings have been created by God in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). Man has a body, soul and spirit. The body of man is material (physical), the soul and spirit of man is (immaterial). The body of man is temporary, but the soul and spirit of man are eternal. The Bible describes death as the separation of the physical body (material) from the soul and spirit (immaterial). At death the physical body goes into the ground ("back to dust") and the (immaterial) part of man, soul and spirit, goes into a temporary holding place awaiting the Resurrection of their physical bodies (John 5:25-29). At death, the soul and spirit of believers goes to heaven with God (Second Corinthians 5:8). The bodies of believers will be raised from the dead and reunited with their souls and spirits at the rapture of the church (Ephesians 4:13-18) and they will be with God forever. The bodies of unbelievers will be raised from the dead, and reunited with their souls and spirits at the "Great white throne" judgment of God almighty (Revelation 20:11-15). Because they rejected God and His offer of salvation, they will be cast into the lake of fire forever. Believers suffer physical death, then at the rapture are raised from the dead to live with God forever. Unbelievers suffer physical death, then at the "Great white Throne" they also suffer "the second death", which is separation from God forever. I urge you to choose eternal life, be "born again" before it's too late (John 3:1-21).

Revelation 20:15 "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire". This is the tragic reality for every single unbeliever. The "Book of Life" is mentioned in the Bible eight times, once in (Philippians 4:3) and seven times in (The book of Revelation 3;5, 13:8, 17:8, 20:12, 20:15, 21:27 and 22:19). Every single believer 's name is written in the book of Life, and will never be blotted out (Revelation 3:5). Twice in the book of Revelation it says that no unbelievers names are written in the "Book of Life" (Revelation 13:8 and 17:8). The most important issue any human being will ever come to grip with, is whether or not their name is written in the Book of Life. For our name to written in the "Book of Life" we must be born again (John 3:3), we must believe in and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He died for our sins and rose again from the dead (Romans 10:9-13). The "Lake of Fire" is mentioned four times in (the book of Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 20:14 and 20:15). It is a real place, a place of eternal anguish and separation from God. The "Lake of Fire's" inhabitants will be satan, the Anti-Christ, the False Prophet, all the demons of hell, all of the wicked unbelievers of all time, including Cain, the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, Judas, Hitler, etc. (read Matthew 7:22-23) Listen carefully, God does not want you to end up in "the Lake of Fire", that's why He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for us. God has done his part in saving us, but we must believe in and receive Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18).

Revelation 21:1 "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea". The next thing to happen on the prophetic scene is the rapture of the church. Once the church has been safely removed from the earth there will be a seven year tribulation period on the earth, to try those on earth. At the end of the seven year tribulation Jesus Christ will come back to the earth with his church, and set up His kingdom on this earth. Jesus Christ will reign on this earth for one thousand years, also known as the millennium. After the one thousand years reign of Jesus Christ on this earth, there will be a "Great White Throne" judgment of all unbelievers of all time. And then the heaven and earth as we know it will pass away, and God will create a brand new heaven and earth. A brand new heaven and earth, along with eternal joy in the everlasting presence of the Lord. And God will do away with the sea, in contrast to the present earth with most of it's surface covered in water. God will create everything we knew brand new because the old heaven and earth were defiled by satan and sin. Some people wonder if we are going to remember the former things, the Bible says we will not (Isaiah 65:17). What is coming will be far superior to the present heaven and earth if you can imagine that. In light of a new heaven and earth, in which righteousness prevails, the Apostle Peter encourages us to be holy in our attitudes and actions presently (Second Peter 3:10-13). Thank you God. Things are going to get better. Good bye cruel world.

Revelation 21:2 "Then I John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem. coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband". The city of Jerusalem is the place on planet earth out of every other place that God chose to place His name. Jerusalem is mentioned in the Bible over 800 times. Notice it says "holy" city. God has set Jerusalem apart from every other city on earth. Jerusalem is where God's son, Jesus Christ was crucified and rose again from the dead. The word "then" signifies chronological order. Right after this present heaven and earth pass away, and God creates a brand new heaven and earth (verse 1), "then" John sees the "New Jerusalem" coming down from heaven from God. John actually watches it coming down from heaven, where God dwells, traveling through space towards earth. Just as God is holy and totally separate from His creation, so too will the "New Jerusalem" be holy, separate and unique from all His creation. Heaven along with God's throne and God's heavenly city, the "New Jerusalem" are now going to be on earth. Notice it's called "New" Jerusalem in contrast to the old one, where there has been sin, corruption, wars and religious fraud. Notice also it says, it comes "from" God. The Bible says "every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights" (James 1:17). This "New Jerusalem" is a gift from God to those on earth. "New Jerusalem" will be adorned as a bride for her husband, i.e. breath taking and beautiful beyond description. The best part of "New Jerusalem" is that God Himself will be there, and we will have access to God, day and night. Hallelujah.

Revelation 21:3 "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God". The word "tabernacle" is a word that speaks of God's abiding presence. This announcement from heaven comes right after the apostle John sees the "New Jerusalem" coming down from heaven from God. The most breathtakingly beautiful city ever built, and we, believers will be with Him and He with us in that city. Think about that. God can create anything He wants to and do whatever He wants to, and what He chooses to create is "New Jerusalem" and what He chooses to do is be with us, believers. God has chosen to be with us and to be our God forever and ever. It's what God has wanted all along. The Bible says that "The lord delights in his people". We are valuable to the Lord because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, the price He paid for our redemption. The Bible also says that "In His presence if fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). Eternal bliss with God forever, in the most beautiful eternal city ever. . Praise the Lord.

Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away". God knows every tear we have ever cried, and will ever cry, that's how interested He is in us (Psalm 56:8) and He is going to wipe them away forever. God has wonderful things planned for his people, those who are His, including us. In eternity the world and it's evils will be gone forever, along with death, and all the pain and suffering that sin has caused. Isaiah 65:17 says: "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind". Also read Isaiah 43:18, Hebrews 8:12 and Philippians 3:13-14. Thank you LORD.

Revelation 21:5 "Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new". And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful". Whenever we see the word "Behold" it's time to listen up. God, who "sits on the throne" in heaven wants us to know that, not only is He going to create a brand "new heaven and earth" (Revelation 21:1), and a brand "New Jerusalem" (Revelation 21:2), but God is going to make "all things new". This world and it's ways are not only going to be done away with, but we will no longer remember the past (Revelation 21:4). There will not be one trace of the old order left. Thank God for new beginnings, new mornings and thank God for fresh starts. This is a divine declaration by Almighty God, who can not lie, He is true and faithful. The only thing that will not be and does not need to be made new is God. Amen? It just keeps getting better and better. Thank you Father, thank you Jesus, thank you Holy Spirit.

Revelation 21:6 "And He said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. And I will give the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts". God is now speaking directly to the Apostle John, and He tells John, "It is done". All that God has promised to those who believe in Him and His son Jesus Christ has been done. The assurance behind all of God's promises is based upon who He is. He is the "Alpha and the Omega", the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, meaning that He is everything. He is also the "Beginning and the End", meaning that He himself being un-created is the beginning of everything and He will be the end of everything, not including himself because He is eternal. And then He said to John "I will give the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts", meaning forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Jesus said: If any man thirsts, let him come unto me and drink". Jesus will satisfy everyone who comes to him for salvation, and they will never thirst again. And He will fulfill every promise He has ever made. Read John 4:13-14, 6:35, and 7:37-38. Are you thirsty? Come to Jesus Christ and you will never be thirsty again.

Revelation 21:7 "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be my son". Well, exactly who are the "overcomers" because whoever they are they "inherit all things. According to First John 5:4 the "overcomers" are those who believe in Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Jesus Christ have overcome the world by their faith in Jesus Christ. We who believe in Jesus Christ also inherit all things because we are part of God's family and joint heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17, Galatians 3:29, 4:7, and Ephesians 3:6). Not only are we joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, and will spend eternity with Jesus and enjoy everything He has, but God also considers us "sons". It does not get any better than that. Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Read John 3:16-18.

Revelation 21:8 "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death". The Apostle John lists eight sins here which represent all sins against God and against mankind. When a sin is put in it's noun form as it is here, it is referring to a pattern of life, and is speaking about the lifestyle of an unbeliever. If a person says they are a believer and they continue in the same sinful patter on life they did before they supposedly got saved, then they are not really saved. What this is, is a description of all those who are not saved from their sins by believing in and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Thank God for the blood of Jesus Christ which cleanses us who believe in Jesus Christ from our sins. When a person dies as an unbeliever their body goes in the grave and their spirit and soul goes in a holding place called hell, this is the first death. At the "Great White Throne" judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) the spirit and soul of unbelievers will be reunited with their resurrected bodies and they will be cast into the lake of fire, which is "the second death", eternal torment, eternal separation from God. Please receive Jesus Christ before it's too late. Read Isaiah 55:1-7.

Revelation 21:9 "Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying "come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife". And then what the angel shows the apostle John is the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10). The New Jerusalem is the city of God and the bride of Christ's home. Immediately following the return of Jesus Christ to this earth, Jesus Christ will set up His kingdom on this earth, and He will reign over the entire earth from Jerusalem for one thousand years. Then Jesus will dissolve the present heaven and earth, and he will create a brand new heaven and a brand new earth. Then the New Jerusalem will descend out of heaven to the earth and all believers of all time will dwell there forever with God and Jesus our Lord (Revelation 21:1-2). The New Jerusalem is described in Revelation chapter twenty-one, verse nine as a "bride", "the Lamb's wife" because it derives it's character from it's occupants. The New Jerusalem is likened to a bride because all redeemed from all time are now wed to Jesus Christ our groom, and we are living there with Christ. New Jerusalem is the city that Abraham was looking for, and all believers of all ages have longed for (Hebrews 11:10-16, 12:22-23, 13:14 and Philippians 3:20). The apostle John was given a vision of New Jerusalem 3000 years before it actually happens. Awesome. And the best part is that we will be there with Jesus someday.

Revelation 21:10 "And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God". The apostle John who lived in the first century A.D. was carried away in the spirit to the future, and he saw the "city of God" the New Jerusalem" as it was descending out of heaven and resting on the brand new earth (Revelation 21:2). In Hebrews chapter eleven, verse ten it says that Abraham "waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God". Abraham realized that this life and all that it had to offer was just temporary. He looked past all that was tangible and looked forward to that which to him at the time was invisible. In Hebrews eleven, twenty-seven it says that Moses forsook Egypt and endured all the hardships surrounding his life by "seeing Him who is invisible". Like those who have believed before us, we need to walk in faith, believing and seeing what we can not presently see, because what we see presently is going to pass away. Though the apostle John saw this “in spirit” we are going to see this literally. God give us the faith to believe you and your word above all else.

Revelation 21:11 "Having the glory of God. And her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal". The very first thing the apostle John notices about the city of God, "The New Jerusalem" is that it radiates with God's glory. The glory of God is the sum total of God's holy character and attributes. This city is the most beautiful city imaginable, it's awesome beyond description and it's dominate feature is God and His glory. The thing that is great about this "Great City", the thing that makes this city beautiful beyond description is God Himself, His presence. The New Testament word for glory is a hard word to describe. The closest thing we humans can come up with is heavy. The glory of God is heavy, substantial, overwhelming, etc. Here the glory of God is manifested as light, that of a precious stone, radiating in all directions. Like a jasper stone, a stone much like a diamond, only more beautiful. As light is refracted off of a diamond, so too God's light, His glory is shooting off in all directions. And this diamond like stone has no imperfections at all, "clear as crystal" unlike the earthly diamonds we know. Read Isaiah 60:19, Matthew 17:2 and revelation 15:8). We are going to see God's glory unveiled. Praise God. We are looking for a city, whose builder and maker is God, an eternal city. Amen?

Revelation 21:12 "Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel". The names of the twelve tribes of Israel written on the gates of the eternal city of God, New Jerusalem are an eternal reminder of God's covenant with and faithfulness to Israel. The arrangement of these gates reminds us of how the twelve tribes of Israel encamped around the tabernacle of God in the wilderness, and the allotment of Israel's land to each tribe during the millennium. Interesting that God will retain Israel's national identity throughout eternity. Thank God that He remembers and never forgets His promises to Israel and to us. God is faithful to his word and He is faithful to us. There is no greater component to a loving relationship than faithfulness. Thank you God.

Revelation 21:13 "Three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west". In the New Jerusalem, there is a "great and high wall" and there are twelve entrances, three on each of the four walls of the city. A total of twelve gates for the twelve tribes of Israel. If this is set up like the millennial temple in Ezekiel chapter 48, the east wall has three gates with the names Joseph, Benjamin and Dan, the north wall has three gates with the names Levi, Judah and Reuben, the south wall has three gates with the names Simeon, Issachar and Zebulun, and the west wall has three gates with the names Naphtali, Asher and Gad. The obvious point of this is that God has not forgotten His people Israel, and He will display their names on His city for eternity. God is faithful to his people beyond our understanding, and He will be faithful to us.

Revelation 21:14 "Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb". Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alpheaus, Simon the zealot, Judas (not Iscarriot) the son of James, and either Matthais who replaced Judas Iscarriot or the apostle Paul. At the top of each of the twelve gates to the eternal city are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and at the bottom of each of the gates in the foundation are the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The twelve tribes represent Israel and the twelve apostles represent the church. Both the old and new covenants are fulfilled in the New Jerusalem. The eternal city of God, the New Jerusalem will be home to saved Israel as well as the church. What a blessing this will be. Will you be there? Jesus said: "you must be born again or you will not see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Hope to see you there.

Revelation 21:15 "And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, it's gates, and it's walls". The angel who spoke with the apostle John had a reed to measure the city of God, the New Jerusalem. This reminds us of the measuring of the millennial temple in Ezekiel 40:3 and the tribulation temple in Revelation 11:1. The significance of these measurements is that they mark out what belongs to God. That which belongs to God is important to God. Do you belong to God?

Revelation 21:16 "And the city is laid out as a square, And it's length is as great as it's breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breath, and height are equal". The angel with the gold reed then measured the city of God, New Jerusalem. the city of God is twelve thousand furlongs on each of its four sides, which is about 1400 miles long, 1400 miles wide and 1400 miles high. Apparently it is a cube of 980 cubic miles. it is huge to say the least. The cube was the shape of the holy place in King Solomon's temple in Jerusalem, where God dwelt between the cherubim (First Kings 6:20). The New Jerusalem could easily fit the entire world’s population from the time of Adam in it, with plenty of room left over. At that rate each person would have a 75 square acres each. I like that it resembles God's dwelling place in the temple. The best thing about the New Jerusalem is that God will be there, and so will we.

Revelation 21:17 "The he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel". Evidently men and angels measurements are the same, a foot is a foot, a cubit is a cubit, a mile is a mile, etc. A cubit is approximately eighteen inches, which works out to 216 feet high. The walls surrounding the city of God, New Jerusalem are either 216 feet high or 216 feet thick. Your guess is as good as mine, as to why one hundred and forty-four cubits. It will all make sense when we get there. Remember, God has a reason for everything.

Revelation 21:18 "And the construction of it's wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass". Jasper is a diamond, a translucent stone, only unlike even the best diamonds in the world, jasper has no flaws whatsoever. The city of God itself is of pure gold, so pure that it is like glass. In appearance the city of God, New Jerusalem radiates with the glory of God. God's glory permeating and shining throughout the entire city. We on earth have seen nothing like it, because there is nothing like it. In appearance the city of God is like a huge diamond with the glory of God shining through it, in every direction. Only in eternity, only in our glorified bodies will we be able to take in all of it's beauty. And the best thing about the city of God, is that God himself is there, everywhere. Can't wait.

Revelation 21:19 "And the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the forth emerald". The entire bottom foundation is jasper, a crystal clear flawless diamond like color. The second foundation is sapphire which is a blue color. The third foundation is chalcedony, which is a blue stone with colored stripes. the forth foundation is emerald which is a clear green stone. Remember that the foundation of God's city, The New Jerusalem is 1500 miles square. Suffice it to say, human eyes have never seen anything like it. Praise God.

Revelation 21:20 "The fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst". All twelve layers of foundation in the city of God, the New Jerusalem are made of precious stones. Sardonyx is a red and white stone. Sardius is a red stone. Chrysolite is a transparent gold stone. Beryl is a sea green colored stone. Topaz is a yellow-green stone. Chrysoprase is a shade of green stone. Jacinth is a violet colored stone. And amethyst is a purple colored stone. The city of God is fifteen hundred miles square and has twelve layers of colored stone as it's foundation, beginning with jasper on the bottom and ending up with amethyst at the top. All of these precious stones are opaque, and the radiant glory of God is shining through the foundation and is shooting out in a spectrum of colors in all directions. A professional gemologist said that this is the perfect arrangement of beautiful stones he could ever imagine. And an eye doctor said this is the most beautiful thing that the human eye could behold. Leave it up to God to create the most beautiful city ever for those who He loves and who love Him. Thank you God.

Revelation 21:21 "And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass". The city of God, New Jerusalem is going to be something to behold. Each gate is going to be made of one pearl. I'm not sure how big the gates are, but the oysters these pearls came from must be gigantic. And on top of that, the city street is pure gold, with no impurities whatsoever, so pure that the gold is transparent. The present city of Jerusalem is predominately made of what is called Jerusalem stone which has a gold sheen against the sun. But the New Jerusalem will be made of real pure gold (verse 18). Bernard of Cluny, who lived in the middle ages called it "Jerusalem the golden". Do not let the pursuit of earthly treasure keep you from the pursuit of God and His kingdom. "Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).

Revelation 21:22 "But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are it's temple". There will be no temple in the city of God, the New Jerusalem. Every single temple that has ever been constructed to worship the lord God of Israel have all been temporary, and have all pointed to the fact that there is coming a temple, a place of worship where the Lord Himself will be. Who needs a building, a place of meeting when all believers will finally be in the presence of the very one we have been worshiping in these temporary buildings? The altar that Noah built, the tabernacle that Moses built, the temple that King Solomon built, the temple that King Herod built, all of the churches today, and even the Millennial Temple all point to the day when we will not need a place of worship any longer. In the eternal state we will be with the eternal God and His eternal son Jesus Christ forever and ever and ever, amen! In His presence eternally.

Revelation 21:23 "And the city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and the Lamb is it's light". The coming city of God, New Jerusalem will not need any artificial light, no sun (direct light) and no moon (indirect light). The Shekinah glory of God will illuminate every square inch of the New Jerusalem. He that is light Himself, God and the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ Himself provide all the light that is needed. "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all" (First John 1:5). Jesus Christ also said "I am the light of the world, and he that follows me shall not walk in darkness" (John 8:2). What an incredible thing it is to realize that all of the light that we have experienced in our lifetime is all artificial. The sun, moon and stars though made by God are artificial, and the electric light made by man is also artificial. But we will experience what real light is when we dwell with and walk with God in the New Jerusalem. All we need is God, God is absolutely everything we need. Praise God for His provision.

Revelation 21:24 "And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it". This verse is why most believe that the New Jerusalem actually sits on the earth as opposed to just orbiting the earth. According to this verse there will be saved people and kings from the nations during the eternal state who will have access to the New Jerusalem. God's true Israel and we, the church will be live in the New Jerusalem, and the saved nations and their kings on the new earth will Visit. Evidently God will retain the distinction between Israel, the Church and the Gentiles in eternity. These nations and kings could very well be the "sheep" of Matthew 25, the nations that protected and sheltered Israel during the tribulation, who were allowed into the millennium and are now saved. God has a plan for everyone, and its good, because God is good.

Revelation 21:25 "Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there)". The New Jerusalem will be a city of never ending daylight, and its gates will never ever be closed. In ancient times a cities gates were closed in order to protect it from invaders, dangerous people entering the city under the cover of darkness. The ancient city of Jerusalem has in it's past been invaded by foreign invader at least fifty times. The present city of Jerusalem will be invaded one more time by Israel's enemies at the end of the seven year tribulation, but after that never again. In eternity God's eternal city, the New Jerusalem will be a place of eternal peace, safety and security, nothing at all will ever befall the new Jerusalem. Praise God.

Revelation 21:26 "And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it". During the eternal state, all the nations on the new earth shall surrender their glory and honor to the eternal God in the eternal city of God, the New Jerusalem. Everyone that enters the New Jerusalem will cast their crowns before God, the only one who deserves to be worshiped. What all the Old Testament prophets predicted will take place in eternity and for eternity. Isaiah 60:3 says that the Gentiles shall come to your light, and the kings of the earth to the brightness of your rising". Also read psalm 66:4, Isaiah 60:11 and Philippians 2:10-11. Everyone on earth in eternity will have access to God and His eternal city, New Jerusalem, forever and ever. And everyone on earth in eternity will worship and glorify the Lord God of Israel and His son Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, Amen.

Revelation 21:27 "But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life". Not only will the city of God, new Jerusalem be beautiful beyond our wildest dreams, but it will be holy beyond our wildest dreams. Nothing or no one at all will be able to defile the New Jerusalem, like what happened to the old heaven and earth. Our Lord Jesus Christ will be there, believing Israel will be there, the church will be there, the Old Testament saints will be there, the tribulation saints will be there, and those who received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior during the millennium will be there. No one whose name is not in the Lamb's book of Life, meaning no unbeliever will be there. And best of all satan and his wicked demons will not be there. There will absolutely be no chance of sin entering the New heavens and earth, or the New Jerusalem. Praise God for what He has done, and for what He has in store for us whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. We thank God forever and ever, amen.

Revelation 22:1 "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb". In The eternal city of God, New Jerusalem there is an eternal river, the likes of which we have never seen. This river is crystal clear, perfectly pure, and best of all it's source is the throne of God. This river is the water of life, everlasting life, a constant flow of eternal life from the very life of God to God's people. Psalm 46:4 says:"There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High". Please also read Isaiah 12:3, Ezekiel 47:1-12, John 4:13-14 and 7:37-38. Are you thirsty for life and blessing, come to Jesus Christ and drink of Him, you will never be thirsty again.

Revelation 22:2 "In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing on the nations". The river of the "water of life" flows through the city of God, New Jerusalem (Verse 1). And the "tree of life" is evidently large enough to span the river of the "water of life" on both sides. Remember from the book of Genesis there was a river and a "tree of life" in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:7-14). It's interesting that that first book of the Bible, Genesis, points to the last book of the Bible, Revelation, and they both mention a river and a "tree of life". The river of "water of life" and the "tree of life" both point to the eternal life which we have received from the Lord Jesus Christ. Both also point to the two basic necessities for life, food and water. Twelve "kinds of fruit", indicates that variety will fill eternity. What does it mean, "the leaves are for the healing of the nations, since there is no sickness there? The word healing, means for the health of the nations. There are going to be a lot of things in eternity, that we just can not understand now, but it is going to be better that we can imagine. Thank you LORD.

Revelation 22:3 "And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him". The curse that came upon man, the earth and everything on it because of sin, will finally be over (Genesis 2:17, 3:14-19 and Romans 8:18-22). Though there is no need of a temple in the New Jerusalem, the throne of God and of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) will be there. God the father and His son Jesus Christ will be there reigning for eternity, and God's servants will forever serve and worship God. It's going to be perfect. Thank you God.

Revelation 22:4 "They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads". The "they" are God's servants from verse three. First John 3:2 says, "Beloved, now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is". When Jesus Christ returns for us, His church at the rapture, we will become "like" Him because we shall see Him face to face. What a wonderful thing it will be to see God face to face and to serve Him for eternity. Read Exodus 33:20, John 1:18, 6:46, First Timothy 6:16 and First John 4:12. God's own name will be on our foreheads, meaning we are His personal possession. We are eternally His and He is eternally ours. What an absolute blessing.

Revelation Posts Revelation 22:5 "And there shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. and they shall reign forever and ever". The eternal city of God, New Jerusalem will be a place of incredible beauty and glory. There will be no need for the sun, for the New Jerusalem will be illuminated with God's glorious light (Revelation 21:25). And we saints will reign with God over this earth (Second Timothy 2:12 and Revelation 3:21). We will be rewarded eternally for what we did here on earth in time (Second Corinthians 4:17) . God is so good.

Revelation 22:6 "Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true". And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place". "True" means that everything that the Apostle John recorded in the book of Revelation is absolutely real, and is true. "Faithful" means that everything the book of revelation says will in fact happen. the message of Revelation is real and reliable. God the father gave this message to His son Jesus Christ, then through His angel who narrated it for John, then to the churches which is us. Go back and read Revelation 1:1 and then read Second Timothy 3:16. The book of Revelation is the last will and testament of Jesus Christ, only Jesus Christ is not dead, He rose from the dead three days after His death on the cross, and is presently seated in heaven, waiting for us (His church) to join Him. This last chapter of the book of Revelation is Jesus' love letter to us. We love you Lord Jesus, and we can't wait to be with you forever and ever, Amen.

Revelation 22:7 "Behold. I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book". Jesus Christ Himself has promised that He is coming back to this earth, quickly. We, His church need to be ready for His return, at any moment. We need to be thinking about and anticipate His return every day, and live appropriately. The book of Revelation is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing to those who read, hear and keep the words of its prophecy. A triple blessing (also read Revelation 1:3). If we read the book of Revelation we are going to be blessed. If we hear the words of the book of revelation we are going to be blessed, and if we keep the words of the prophecy of the book of Revelation we are going to be blessed. The blessing of the book of Revelation is that we will know Jesus Christ more and love him more as we read it. We will not only be better informed, but better prepared for His coming. I say, along with the Apostle John, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus".

Revelation 22:8 "Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed these things". The Apostle John had just been shown more about future events that any other human being had even been shown. And the revelation came from an angel who got it from Jesus Christ, who got it from God the Father. And John the Apostle does what any of us would have done, and that is fall down and worship. John is completely overwhelmed at this point, and he falls down to worship. The Apostle John is humbled, even broken after seeing and hearing all of this. In the next verse (verse 9) the Apostle John is told not to worship the angel, but to worship God alone. We will talk about that when we get to verse 9 next time. Here is what we need to take away from verse 8. Having read the book of Revelation, have we been humbled? And have we fallen down and worshiped God? If not we need to. In fact I am going to sign off right now and do just that.

Revelation 22:9 "Then he said to me, "See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God". In verse eight, the apostle John was so overwhelmed at what he had been shown, that he fell down before the angel who had shown him these things to worship, and the angel stops John from doing that. This angel explains that he is just a created being just like John is. In fact angels are fellow servants of God, just like we are. The angels of God serve God and they serve those who believe in God, "the prophets of God", and "those who keep the words of this book" (See Hebrews 1:14). Then this angel reminds John that God is the only one that deserves to be worshiped. We worship God and Him alone. Amen? Read Deuteronomy 6:13, 10:20 and Matthew 4:10. When is the last time you worshiped God? Now is a good time.

Revelation 22:10 "And he said to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand". The prophecy in the book of Revelation is most important because it reveals the person and work of Jesus Christ, like no other book in the Bible, and it reveals future events like no other book in the Bible. When God gave the Old Testament prophet Daniel prophecy concerning the future, He told Daniel to seal up the prophecy, because it was for a later time, the last days (Daniel 12:8-10). But when God gave the apostle John the book of Revelation, John is told to "not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book", because the "time is at hand". We are living in the last days. The phrase "the time is at hand" reminds us that Jesus Christ could come for His church any time, and the things written in the book of Revelation would be set in motion. Are you ready for the return of Jesus Christ? The only way to be ready is to believe in and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10).

Revelation 22:11 "He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still". The word "still" used four times in verse eleven reminds us of the gravity of our decisions now. The decisions we make now will be retained for eternity. Once The Lord Jesus Christ comes again, it will be too late to change our minds. Once judgment has been made according to our faith or lack of it, there will be no changing it. Everyone has the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, and have their sins forgiven, in their lifetime. If in that lifetime a person refuses to believe in and receive Jesus Christ, there will be no more opportunity, ever again. our choices in salvation will affect us for eternity. Hebrews chapter nine, verse twenty-seven says: "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment". Our decision in the matter of salvation is final at death. Please make a decision for Jesus Christ before it's too late.

Revelation 22:12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to his work". This is now the second time in Revelation chapter twenty-two that the lord Jesus Christ has said, He is coming quickly. The first time was in verse seven, where Jesus said "I am coming quickly, blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book". Now Jesus says He "is coming quickly" again, and He adds that His reward is with Him. And the reward that Jesus is bringing with Him is according to ones work. Salvation is a free gift from God for those who believe in and receive Jesus Christ as lord and savior (Ephesians 2:8). But our rewards will be based upon our faithfulness to the good work He has called us to (Ephesians 2:9). Also read First Corinthians 3:14, second Corinthians 5:18 and 15:58. Jesus said, that even a cup of cold water given to a child in the name of the Lord is going to be rewarded. Let's work and serve the Lord while we still can.

Revelation 22:13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last". Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior is saying these things about Himself. These are all things that the Bible says about the eternal God, God Almighty. Only the eternal Almighty God can say these things and have them be true. Jesus Christ is the eternal God. Jesus is the "Alpha and the Omega", the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, meaning that He is Himself everything that God has ever spoken. Jesus is the "Beginning and the End", meaning that He is the commencement and the conclusion of absolutely everything, all of creation. And Jesus is the "First and the Last", meaning that He is the first in rank and time, and the last in place and time. Please take the time to read Isaiah 44:6, 45:5, 46:9, 48:12, and Revelation 1:8, 1:17. Jesus Christ is everything that you and I will ever need, now and forever, amen!

Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city". Some of the modern translations of the Bible Read "Blessed are those who wash their robes" instead of "Blessed are those who do His commandments". Whichever translation you prefer, it's true that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus' disciples asked him, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" Jesus replied "This is the work of God, that you believe on Him who He has sent" (John 6:28-29). Of the many blessings for those who believe in and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is eternal life, pictured by the "tree of life" and entrance into "the gates" of God's eternal city, the New Jerusalem. Thank God for all of the wonderful benefits of His salvation. We who believe in Jesus Christ are going to spend eternity with Him in his eternal city, New Jerusalem. Hallelujah.

Revelation 22:15 "But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie". Only believers will be inhabiting the new heavens and new earth and have access to the new Jerusalem in eternity. No unbelievers will be allowed in God's eternal kingdom, they will all be "outside", don't know if they will be outside looking in, or just outside. They will all be with satan and his angels in the eternal lake of fire. John uses the term "dog" for unbelievers. The term "sorcerer" is the Greek word pharmakia meaning drug use. The Greek word for "sexually immoral" is porneo. The rest is self-explanatory. The question for us is, are we going to be inside or outside. Its never too late to make a decision for Jesus Christ, until its too late. Please believe God and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, before its too late (John 1:12).

Revelation 22:16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star". In most Bibles this verse is in red, meaning that God himself is speaking. Verse 16 and 17 is the last appeal, one last invitation in the Revelation of Jesus Christ to come to Jesus and have your sins forgiven. There is always a last invitation in a person's life, which if they neglect or reject, there are no more invitations. This one is personal, its from Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus says He is the "Root of David" meaning that He is king David's creator. Jesus is also the "Offspring of King David" meaning that He came from David's loins. This is a reminder to us that Jesus Christ is both the Son of God and the Son of Man. Jesus is God who became a man in order to die for our sins (John 1:1-14). And Jesus is the "Bright and Morning Star". In Jewish thinking the messiah is exalted, is a star, and Jesus is the brightest star, one so bright that you can see it in the morning. Jesus is the one who heralds the day. Read Numbers 24:17, Second Peter 1:19 and revelation 2:28. There is no one like Jesus, Amen!

Revelation 22:17 "And the Spirit and the bride say, "come!" And let him who hears say, "come!" And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely". The Holy spirit of God and the bride of Christ (the church) say come!. It's an invitation from God and from us who are saved and a part of the church to come to Jesus Christ. "Thirst" speaks of an emptiness in the human soul for God, for it's creator. And "desire" indicates that there is a response on the part of those who are invited to come, and that they actually come of their own free will. Once a person receives the invitation to come to Jesus Christ, they will never thirst again. And one of the best things about salvation in Jesus Christ is that its free. God uses The Holy Spirit and the church to draw people to himself. Thank you God.

Revelation 22:18 "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book". Jesus Christ Himself testifies to the truth of the book of Revelation. This is a final word as to the book of Revelation's authority and finality. Nothing more needs to be said, it's all been said in the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:1). This is a solemn warning to anyone who tampers with the word of God, by adding to, by taking from, by changing what it says, by misinterpretation, etc. Besides those who do those things, there are those who foster "modern translations" of the Bible which do those very things as well. Beware of modern translations which leave things out and change the meaning entirely. Trust me, I have done plenty of research on Bible Translations, and I recommend the KJV and the NKJV for several reasons.

Revelation 22:19 "And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things written in this book". God warns against anyone adding to or taking away any of the words of the prophecy of the book of Revelation, or any book of the Bible for that matter (Revelation 22:17-18). How dare someone add something to or delete something that God says. None the less people have done just that. Whether in translation or in interpretation the words of the Bible have been added to and or take away from. Because God is God and what God says is so important, and man's salvation rests on the truth of the Bible, the judgment for tampering with the Bible is severe. I also recommend reading from, studying from, and even attending a church which teaches from a word for word translation of the Bible like the KJV or the NKJV, for many reasons. Thank God for His word, let's honor Him by obeying it and protecting it.

Revelation 22:20 "He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus". Jesus Christ Himself who's testimony is true stands behind the truth of the book of Revelation and it's prophecy. This is now the third time in chapter twenty-two that Jesus has said that He is "coming quickly". There are four other times in the book of revelation that it says Jesus is coming quickly, but this is the first time Jesus Himself says it, and He says it three times. This is a reminder of the nearness of Jesus' return to this earth, and a reminder that we need to be ready. Also read Revelation 2:5, 2:16, 3:3, and 3:11. The word "quickly" speaks of the nearness and the suddenness of His coming. Revelation 1:1 says "things which must shortly come to pass" and Revelation 1:3 says "the time is at hand". I love what the apostle John says in response to Jesus' announcement of His coming, "Amen". "Even so, come Lord Jesus". When is the last time that you said that to Jesus. I just did. I am Looking forward to His coming, more than ever.

Revelation 22:21 "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen". "Grace" is God's unmerited favor. Grace is God giving to us, doing for us what we do not deserve, what we could not earn, and what we could never buy, even with all the money in the world. Jesus Christ is the source of all grace that we will ever receive in this lifetime and into eternity. The Bible says that "grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). It's Because of grace that God forgives us our sins. For us God's grace is a free gift, but it was not free for God, it cost Him the life of His son Jesus Christ. Thank you God, thank you Jesus, thank you Holy Spirit. May God's grace be with you and I, all of us, giving us what we do not deserve. And then the Apostle John ends the Revelation of Jesus Christ by saying "Amen", which means “I agree”. Do you agree with the Revelation of Jesus Christ?, if you do, say, amen.



Recent Messages

Pastor Andrew Morales - Paul's Charge to Timothy |   Wednesday, March 11, 2020 : 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Bible Prophesy - People Get Ready |   Sunday, March 8, 2020 - Matthew 25:1-13

Pastor Juan Rodriguez |   Wednesday, March 4, 2020 : Genesis 49 - 50
Listen to more Bible Studies by Pastor Tom here.

Revelation Verse-by-Verse

About Pastor Tom

Pastor Tom Luitwieler Tom Luitwieler grew up in Southern California, and graduated from high school in 1970. It was in 1980 that someone gave Tom one of Pastor Chuck Smith's books on Bible Prophecy called "End Times". He devoured the book in one evening and immediately knew that it was the truth, and that he needed to have Jesus Christ in his life.

It was then that Tom began to sense his need for Jesus Christ, but there was only one problem, he did not know what to say to Sandie, (the woman he was living with), they were not married, and he knew it was wrong.

What he did not know was that Sandie's sister and her sister's husband (who were Christians), and lived across the street from Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa had been praying for them. They would pray for them and when the opportunity presented itself, would share the Lord with them.
Read more here...




Contact Us

We at Calvary Chapel of Reno Sparks would like to hear from you.

You can email us at: info@calvarychapelreno.org or give us a call at (775)856-1110.

Join us for one of our services:
Sunday: 9:00am & 10:45am
or
Wednesday: 7:00pm

We are located at:
220 Edison Way, Reno, Nevada


Driving directions here.


Steps to Knowing Jesus

1) Admit your spiritual need. We are all sinners...people don't always like that title. The one word that defines all sin is the Greek word "harmatia" which means, "to miss the mark." What is God's mark? Jesus said, "Be perfect as My Father in heaven is perfect." Unless a person is perfect, he has missed the mark; therefore, he is a sinner. Romans 3:23 states "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

2) What is the result of sin? In Romans 6:23 we read, "The wages of sin is death..." Every one of us has missed God's mark. Every one of us falls short of being perfect. We are getting only what we deserve, and we are bringing judgment upon ourselves. One thing we need to remember is that God never sends anyone to hell. We send ourselves there by rejecting His truth.
Read more here...



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