Unshakable Faith - Revelation 6

Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Matthew 8:18-27 NKJV

“And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Mark 4:35-41 NKJV

“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

James 1:1-8 NKJV

“James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

James 1:16-17 NKJV

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

CHART OF 10 PLAGUES AND THE GODS OF EGYPT JUDGED

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b9/a3/8e/b9a38e063f92e78aa6128c5660537328.png

Exodus 6:6-8 NKJV

“Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am the Lord.’

II Corinthians 6:14-18 NKJV

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.”

Revelation 6:1 NKJV

“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.”

Genesis 22:1-14 NKJV

“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.””

Hebrews 12:1-13 ESV

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.”

The unshakable kingdom

Matthew 6:24-33 NLT

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Revelation 4:1-2 NKJV

“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.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.”

Matthew 24:3, 7 NKJV

“Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.”

Matthew 24:8 NKJV

“All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

Sorrows: “Birth pangs”

EARTHQUAKE CHART

Matthew 27:50-53 NKJV

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.”

Matthew 28:1-2 NKJV

“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.”

Zechariah 14:4 NKJV

“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.”

Isaiah 13:6-13 NKJV

“Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt, And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames. Behold, the day of the Lord comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it. For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine. “I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold, A man more than the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore I will shake the heavens, And the earth will move out of her place, In the wrath of the Lord of hosts And in the day of His fierce anger.”

CULTURE IS SHAPED BY LANGUAGE

COVID

CONTAGIOUS

DISTANCE

ISOLATE

SHUT DOWN

INFLATION

NON-BINARY

RACE

GAY PRIDE

Six Pandemics of Our Age

• Disruption of living

• Distrust in Culture

• Defamation through Technology

• Disorientation in Identity

• Disruption to Mental Health

• Division in Church

Ed Stetzer

I Chronicles 12:32 NKJV

“of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…”

PIC OF GAME NIGHT VS CHURCH

CHANGE OF TOPOGRAPHY

PICS

NAPIER 1931

Christchurch 2011 , Cathedral

Psalm 29:8-9 NKJV

“The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; The Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth, And strips the forests bare; And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!””

Hebrews 12:25-29 NKJV

“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”

Haggai 2:6-7 NKJV

“For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

Acts 2:40-47 NKJV

“And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

"Ecclesia" has a dual meaning:

"Called Out"

We are called to live

differently

"Called Together"

We are called to do life together

Ephesians 2:13-16 NLT

“But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.”

Acts 2:1-2 NKJV

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.”

Acts 1:12  NKJV

 “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying…”

Acts 1:14 NKJV

 “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

Acts 1:26 NKJV

“And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

Acts 1:4-8 NKJV

“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

1. SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM ABOVE ALL ELSE

2. AND HIS RIGHTOUSNESS

3. AND HE WILL GIVE YOU…

Psalm 133:1-3 NKJV

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.”

MY HIDING PLACE

Psalm 91:1-7 NKJV

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.”

Psalm  91:1 AMP

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty whose power no enemy can withstand.”

Isaiah 45:7-8 NKJV

“I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.’ “Rain down, you heavens, from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness; Let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation, And let righteousness spring up together. I, the Lord, have created it.”

Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.””

Psalm 119:114 NKJV

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.”

Psalm 32:7 NKJV

“You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah”

QUOTES FROM MY HIDING PLACE

“In darkness God's truth shines most”

“Even as the angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him... Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness... And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives along with the command, the love itself.”

“Dear Jesus...how foolish of me to have called for human help when You are here.”

“If God has shown us bad times ahead, it's enough for me that He knows about them. That's why He sometimes shows us things, you know - to tell us that this too is in His hands.”

“The blacker the night around us grew, the brighter and truer and more beautiful burned the word of God.”

“Love is larger than the walls which shut us in”

“For I, too, had a hiding place when things were bad. Jesus was this place…”

Joshua 2:1-6 NKJV

“Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country.” So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country.” Then the woman took the two men and hid them. So she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And it happened as the gate was being shut, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them.” (But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.)”

SIGNS OF SHAME

1. Isolation

2. Self-blame (chronic “I’m sorry”)

3. Pride (I’m never sorry, I’m never wrong)

4. Addictions (fueling denial)

- Dietary

- Chemical

- Sexual

5. Depression & Anxiety

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 ESV

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”

1 John 5:9-10a NKJV

“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself..”

Joshua 2:18-21 NKJV

“…when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household to your own home. So it shall be that whoever goes outside the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we will be guiltless. And whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head if a hand is laid on him. And if you tell this business of ours, then we will be free from your oath which you made us swear.” Then she said, “According to your words, so be it.” And she sent them away, and they departed. And she bound the scarlet cord in the window.”

Psalm 66:10-12

“For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.”

 1 Samuel 16:7

For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

 Matthew 1:3-6 NKJV

“Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king.”

HEBREWS 11:31

"By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace."

JAMES 2:25

was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?"

Joshua 6:20-23 NKJV

“So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of the sword. But Joshua had said to the two men who had spied out the country, “Go into the harlot’s house, and from there bring out the woman and all that she has, as you swore to her.” And the young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, her mother, her brothers, and all that she had…”

Joshua 6:25 NKJV

And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father’s household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.”

Colossians 3:1-4 NKJV

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

Come Up - Revelation 4

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

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.”

Song of Solomon 2:10 NKJV

“My beloved spoke, and said to me: ‘Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away.’ ”

Psalm 27:4-6 NKJV

“One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.”

Matthew 14:23 NKJV

“And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.”

Luke 6:12-13 NKJV

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:”

Luke 9:28-31 NKJV

“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”

Matthew 3:16-17 NKJV

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Revelation 4:2

Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold,

a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

Revelation 4:3

And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.

JASPER: Diamond

God is light

SARDIUS: Ruby

God is Love

EPHOD - EXODUS 28

1st stone

SARDIUS: RUBY

REUBEN- “Behold, a son”

12th stone

JASPER: Diamond

BENJAMIN- “Son of my right hand”

Romans 8:32 NKJV

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Acts 7:54-56 NKJV

“When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

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.

FIVE CROWNS

1.     A crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)

2.     A crown of life (James 1:12)

3.     A crown of glory (2 Peter 5:4)

4.     A soul winner’s crown (1 Thess 2:19)

5.     A martyrs’ crown (Rev 2:10)

Revelation 4:5

And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Romans 8:35-39 NKJV

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Revelation 4:6-8

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.

7The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.

8The 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!”

NUMBERS 2

LION: Judah - East

OX: Ephraim - West

MAN: Reuben - South

EAGLE: Dan - North

Revelation 4:9-11

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,

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:

11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

HEBREWS 4:14-16

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

How To Prepare For Tribulation

Pastor Norm Wise

1 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged, 2 saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect [any] person. 3 "Now there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me justice against my opponent.' 4 "For a while he was unwilling; but later he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect [any] person, 5 yet because this widow is bothering me, I will give her justice; otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'" 6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge said; 7 now, will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night, and will He delay long for them? 8 "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" [Luk 18:1-8 NASB20]

What is the Spirit saying to you?

13 At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. [2Ch 7:13-14 NLT]

What is the Spirit saying to you?

16 I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror. I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us. 17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. [Habakkuk 3:16-19 NLT]

What is the Spirit saying to you today?

10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God. [Isa 50:10 NLT]

What is the Spirit saying to you today?

How will you become part of God’s house of prayer at this critical time in God’s Kingdom!

The Divine Outline

GRAND CANYON TRIP – look closely see the river and see it moving, but zoom out and see how small

Revelation is often looked at as a closed or cryptic book – hidden knowledge, hard to understand. Why bother? So many different views, how do you know which is right? How do you know?

Tonight going to take a 40,000 foot view of Revelation

Revelation 1:1–3 (NKJV)

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

REMEMBER:

       1 Revelation, not multiple

       Of Jesus (IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS)

given to Jesus to show us “things which must shortly take place”

“shortly – quickly take place”

        Sign-ified

        Testimony of Jesus

3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

        Blessing for reading, hearing and keeping

        The Time is Near

Revelation 1:7–8 (NKJV)

7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

It’s about His coming!

260 chapters in the NT – 2nd coming comes up 318x.

Revelation 1:8 (NKJV)

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS!

REVELATION: “The Divine Outline”

Revelation 1:19 NKJV

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”

WRITE:

Things which you have seen (Rev 1)

Things which are (Rev 2-3)

Things which will take place after this (Rev 4-22)

22 actually a recap - epilogue

Revelation 22:7–10 (NKJV)

7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” 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 me these things. 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.” 10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.

NOT A SEALED BOOK!

Revelation 22:12–13 (NKJV)

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

Revelation 22:20–21 (NKJV)

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

It begins with Jesus, it ends with Jesus, It’s all about Jesus!

ITS ALL ABOUT JESUS….

CHAPTER 1 – the Vision – WHAT JOHN HAS SEEN

CHAPTER 2-3 The 7 Churches – the things which are

7 churches – real churches at end of the first century – all in Turkey – a postal route

            None still in existence today!

            Turkey one of the most unreached areas for the Gospel!

Wikipedia: In modern times the percentage of Christians in Turkey has declined from 20 to 25 percent in 1914 to 3–5.5 percent in 1927, to 0.3–0.4% today

Evangelicals are .04% - 1 in 2500 homes

SLIDE 7 churches Letter Elements

1.     To the angel of the church of _______

2.     Title of Jesus (echo from Rev 1)

3.     I know your works… (commendation)

4.     Concern/Correction

5.     Counsel/Exhortation

6.     Reward/Promise

7.     Close - He who has an ear (applies to all)

SLIDE: 7 church ages

Ephesus (port city – now 3 miles inland)

Ephesus (The Apostolic Church, ca. 32-100)

          Smyrna (The Persecuted Church, ca. 100-300)

                    Pergamos (The Polygamist Church, ca. 300-600)

                               Thyatira (The Pagan Church, ca. 600-end)

                                           Sardis (The Dead Church, ca. 1500-end)

                                                     Philadelphia (The Missionary Church, ca. 1750-end)

                                                                 Laodicea (The Lukewarm Church, ca. 1900-end)

Beginning with Thyatira each church continues to the end

Thyatira – much like the Catholic church (still some saved in it)

Sardis – mainline protestants (rebranding church – “Alive but dead”

Philadelphia – churches on-fire today

Laodicea – lukewarm church, think they are rich, but lukewarm about the things of God.

REVELATION 4-22

Things which will take place after this (Rev 4-22)

RAPTURE NOT IN THE WHITE SPACE BETWEEN CHAPTERS 3-4

Revelation 4:1–2 (NKJV)

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.” 2Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

CHAPTER 4-5 picture of the throne room of heaven

24 elders- 12 tribes and 12 apostles

Revelation 4:6–8 (NKJV)

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. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 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!”

Your appetite (for worship) grows as you feed it.

HOLY 3x

“Who was and is and is to come” – refrain 5x in Revelation, all connected with worship

CHAPTER 5 – THE 7 SEALED SCROLL

Revelation 5:1–4 (NKJV)

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. 2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. 4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it.

SCROLL - Title deed - or last will and testament, sealed 7 times, roll, seal, roll, seal so couldn’t fabricate (NFT)

WHO IS WORTHY?

Revelation 5:5–6 (NKJV)

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 its seven seals.” 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 out into all the earth.

 

Jesus inheritance is the earth - ps 2

HEAVEN ERUPTS WITH PRAISE

Revelation 5:8–10 (NKJV)

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 full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

REVELATION 6 – THE 7 SEALS

-       SLIDE: Parallels Matthew 24

Revelation 6:1–2 White Horse (Antichrist)

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.” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

From Daniel 8, 9, 11, 12 – this is the Antichrist, comes making a peace with Israel

Lots of tribulations (7 churches,

TRIBULATION:

Revelation 1:9 (NKJV)

9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Smyrna told

Revelation 2:9

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 a synagogue of Satan.

Thyatira told

Revelation 2:22 (NKJV)

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.

John 16:33 (NKJV)

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Revelation 6:3-4 Red Horse (War)

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 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 to him a great sword.

Revelation 6:5-6 Black Horse (Famine and Inflation)

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 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.”

Argentina – inflation rate 71% this year (hiked interest rates to 69%)

Revelation 6:7-8 Pale/Green Horse (Death, plague)

7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 And I looked, and there was a pale green horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following after him. They were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by the sword, by famine, by plague, and by the wild animals of the earth.

Covid – not the plague here (1/4 population dies from this plague)

Revelation 6:9–11

9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then 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.

Revelation 6:12–17  

12 I looked when He 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. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 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 in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and 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! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

6th seal – earthquake and eclipses, kings hide in rocks and caves (bunkers of the wealthy)

Revelation 7 – interrupts the 7th seal judgment

Revelation 7:1–4 (NKJV)

1 After these things 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. 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, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 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:

God sealing 144,000 Jews (Israelites – 12k from each tribe)

Revelation 7:9–11 (NKJV)

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, 10and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 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,

Great multitude in heaven – no one could count

What is this? Sounds like the rapture – great multitude appearing in Heaven?

Revelation 7:13–14 (NKJV)

13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

When did the tribulation start? Revelation 6 Antichrist

Revelation 8:1–2 (NKJV)

1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.

7th Seal = 7 Trumpets

#1 Hail and fire mixed with blood - “upon the earth”

Revelation 8:7 and Rev 16:2 (although trumpets burn up 1/3 of earth and Bowl focuses on sores upon those with the mark)

#2 Mountain burning with fire into Seas Blood

Revelation 8:8 and Revelation 16:3

#3 Star from heaven - Rivers Spring polluted

Rev 8:10-11 and Rev 16:4

#4 Sun/Moon/stars darkened

Rev 8:12 and Rev 16:8-9 (Trumpets darken sun/moon/stars; bowls cause Sun scorching)

Revelation 8:13 (NKJV)

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!”

REVELATION 9

#5 Darkness (and torture of beast’s kingdom)

Rev 9:1-4 and Rev 16:10;

Revelation 9:1–6 (NKJV)

1 Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 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. 5 And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.

#6 Euphrates and army of Armageddon

Rev 9:13-16 and Rev 16:12-16

200 Million man army –

1/3 of mankind killed

Revelation 9:20–21 (NKJV)

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. 21And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

THE NEGATIVE REFRAIN – “they did not repent”

REVELATION 10-11

MIGHTY ANGEL

Revelation 10:5–7 (NKJV)

5 The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven 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, 7 but in the days of the 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.

END?

John eats the book – sweet in mouth but bitter in stomach

Revelation 11 – The temple and two witnesses

Temple exists (part of antichrist peace treaty)

Revelation 11:3–6 (NKJV)

3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 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. 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.

2 witnesses – fire of Elijah and the Plagues of Moses – final witness to a fallen world

            3.5 years (42 months, 1260 days)

Revelation 11:15–17 (NKJV)  7th trumpet

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 of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: “We give You 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.

#7 The End/It is done "flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake...hail”

Rev 11:15-19 and Rev 16:17-21 (identical wording of lightning/thunder/etc)

THE END? YES!

v. 15 “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” (v. 15)

Revelation 12 begins a reboot!  Looking from a different angle

Revelation 12:1–6 (NKJV)

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 garland of twelve stars. 2 Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. 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. 4His 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. 5 She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. 6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

Debate – woman is Israel – gives birth to a son, Jesus – caught up to Heaven

2017 This “sign” appeared in heavens – in the constellations

Virgo (virgin, had king planet (Jupiter) appear in abdomen area (

Of constellation), and clothed with sun (during day) and moon at her feet – not visible except through special software

GOD GIVES SIGNS AND WARNINGS BEFORE THINGS HAPPEN

Revelation 12 – Satan thrown out of heaven, Israel and saints persecuted

REVELATION 13 – THE BEAST 7 HEADS – ANTICHRIST

SATANIC TRINITY

Satan (The Dragon)

Antichrist (The Beast)

False Prophet (Another Beast w/2 Horns like a lamb)

Learn lots about the beast – but learn he sets up an image of the Beast

Revelation 13:15–18 (NKJV)

15 He was granted power to give breath 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. 16 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, 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. 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.

Revelation 14

144,000 AGAIN

Sealed with the name of God on their forehead (contrasting the beast- 666)

3 angels warning (evangelism, Babylon fallen, worship beast = damnation) 

Then 2 harvests!

Revelation 14:14–19 (NKJV)

14 Then 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. 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.” 16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

No blood, earth reaped.

Revelation 14:17-19

17 Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 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.” 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.

2nd harvest sent to the winepress of he wrath of God

Revelation 15

Revelation 15:1–3 (NKJV)

1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. 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. 3 They sing 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 ways, O King of the saints!

Revelation 16 – The 7 Bowl Judgments

Parallel the 7 Trumpet judgments

SLIDE

REVELATION REBOOT

Rev 1-3 (churches)       4-6 (7 Seals, Trib)        7 (144k, rapture)          Rev 8-11 (7 Tpts, 2 witness)

Rev 12-13 (Antichrist, False worship, Mark)      14-15 (144k, reaping)        Rev 16-19 (7 Bowls, Babylon)

Revelation 17 -18

17 – Woman riding the beast – mystery Babylon (false religion)

            Contrast the Bride of Christ

18 – Economic Babylon destroyed

Revelation 19 – Marriage of the Lamb and Return of Jesus!

            (Really coincide with end of 11)

            Worship in Heaven,

            Armies of Heaven come with Jesus on white horses

            War with Jesus

Revelation 20

Satan bound and the millennium

Satan released for a final rebellion, then thrown in Lake of Fire

Revelation 21

New Heavens, New Earth, New Jerusalem (the Bride)

Revelation 22:1–2 (NKJV)

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. 2In 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. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Bible ends as it begins – in a garden with the Tree of Life and life restored – Paradise restored

Revelation 22:6–7 (NKJV)

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. 7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

Revelation 22:20–21 (NKJV)

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Spurgeon: “Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people.  If you don’t learn heaven’s language on earth you cannot learn it in the world to come.”

It’s all about Jesus!

Bottom Line:

Are you in a relationship with Jesus?  You can’t say “I hope so.”

That is like someone asking, “Are you married?” and answering “I hope so.”

Application

“Draw Near To God”

Jude 1:24 NKJV

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”

Jude 1:20-21 NKJV

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

 James 4:8 NKJV

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”

Revelation 3:14-22 NKJV

“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: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 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— 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 your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 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. 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. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

PRIDE & PROXIMITY

Song of Solomon 5:2-3 NKJV

“I sleep, but my heart is awake; It is the voice of my beloved! He knocks, saying, “Open for me, my sister, my love, My dove, my perfect one; For my head is covered with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.” I have taken off my robe; How can I put it on again? I have washed my feet; How can I defile them?”

Psalm 73:26-28 NKJV

“My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.”

1.     HUNGER & HUMILITY

Psalm 42:1-6

 “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is this God of yours?” My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!”

James 4:6-10 NKJV

“…God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

2. LOVE & OBEDIENCE

John 14:15-18 NKJV

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

John 14:21 NKJV

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”

Jeremiah 29:11-14 NKJV

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord…”

HOW TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD

Psalm 63:1-5 NKJV

“O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.”

Hebrews 10:19-22 NKJV

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Song of Solomon 2:10-13 NKJV

“My beloved spoke, and said to me: “Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away. For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove Is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth her green figs, And the vines with the tender grapes Give a good smell. Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away!”

“The Remnant of God” - Revelation 3:1-6

Revelation 3:1-6 NKJV

“And to 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 you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 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. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes 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. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

CHURCH: Ekklesia: “called out ones”

SARDIS: Remnant, “A small piece left over”

Revelation 3:4 NKJV

“You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”

THE REMNANT OF GOD

1. THEY HAVE NOT DEFILED THEIR GARMENTS

2. THEY SHALL WALK WITH JESUS IN WHITE

3. THEY ARE WORTHY

Genesis 6:5-8 NKJV

Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Romans 11:5 NKJV

“…at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

Acts 1:15 NKJV

“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty…”

 I Peter 4:17 NKJV

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God...”

🔥THE REMNANT OF GOD🔥

  1.   ARE BORN OUT OF BARRENNESS (I Sam 1:8-18)

            2.         CRY OUT TO GOD IN SORROW

            3.         WORSHIP THROUGH SACRIFICE (I Sam 1:20, I Sam 1:26-28)

            4.         MINISTER BEFORE THE LORD (1 Sam 2:11,2:18)

            5.         GROW IN GRACE (I Sam 2:22-26)

            6.         WALK IN HONOR (I Sam 2:27-32, 2 Kings 21:14-15, Is 10:20-22, Rom 11:2-6)

            7.         MINISTER BEFORE THE LORD (1 Sam 3:1)

            8.         HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD (1 Sam 3:10)

            9.         REPEAT THE WORD OF GOD BOLDLY (1 Sam 3:18)

            10.       LIVE IN THE PEACE OF GOD (1 Sam 3:21, Jn 20:19)

I Sam 1:8-18 NKJV

Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth. Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” But Hannah answered and said, “No, my Lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. “Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.” Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” And she said, “Let your maidservant find grace in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

I Samuel 1:20 NKJV

So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”

I Samuel 1:26-28 NKJV

And she said, “O my Lord! As your soul lives, my Lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.

I Samuel 2:11

Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest.

I Samuel 2:18

But Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod.

I Samuel 2:22-26 NKJV

Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people. No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the Lord’s people transgress. If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?” Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the Lord desired to kill them. And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men.

I Samuel 2:27-32 NKJV

Then a man of God came to Eli and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Did I not clearly reveal Myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house? Did I not choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be My priest, to offer upon My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod before Me? And did I not give to the house of your father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire? Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?’ Therefore the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.’ But now the Lord says: ‘Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. Behold, the days are coming that I will cut off your arm and the arm of your father’s house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. And you will see an enemy in My dwelling place, despite all the good which God does for Israel. And there shall not be an old man in your house forever.”

II Kings 21:14-15 NKJV

“So I will forsake the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become victims of plunder to all their enemies, because they have done evil in My sight, and have provoked Me to anger since the day their fathers came out of Egypt, even to this day.”

Isaiah 10:20-22 NKJV

“And it shall come to pass in that day That the remnant of Israel, And such as have escaped of the house of Jacob, Will never again depend on him who defeated them, But will depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, To the Mighty God. For though your people, O Israel, be as the sand of the sea, A remnant of them will return; The destruction decreed shall overflow with righteousness.”

Romans 11:2-6 NKJV

“God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace…”

I Samuel 3:1-21 NKJV

Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down. Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.) And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” Then the Lord said to Samuel: “Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” So Samuel lay down until morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision. Then Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son!” He answered, “Here I am.” And he said, “What is the word that the Lord spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that He said to you.” Then Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.” So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord. Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

SHILOH: “Heavenly Peace”

Mark 4:39 NKJV

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

John 20:19 NKJV

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

Serving in the Army of Light

2 Timothy 2:1–7 (NKJV)

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)

3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

 The mission of Reveal Fellowship is to bring glory to God by raising up an Army of Light to displace darkness and rescue saints who are spiritually stuck by calling them back to a first love flame with the Savior

Romans 13:11–14 (ESV)

11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

MOS - Military Occupational Specialty

Mark 10:35–45 (ESV)

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 9:33–37 (ESV)

33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

Philippians 2:3–4 (CSB)

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.

American culture – culture of equality – you are no better than me, I can do anything you can.

Jesus said the opposite “but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;”

Jesus washed feet – he got down BELOW our level.

Philippians 2:5–8 (CSB)

5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.

EXPLAIN – God the Son, “grasped” = prized/celebrated/flaunted

Bond-servant – slave

At Church – deacons – slaves,  Pastor – head slave

REVEAL doesn’t have volunteers – we have servants

A volunteer is an unpaid position

A servant/slave is an employed possession (owned by the Master)

A volunteer gives time toward the cause

A servant/slave gives out of love for Christ

A volunteer serves when convenient

A servant/slave serves out of commitment

A volunteer gives to feel good.

A servant/slave gives for God’s glory.

My attitude as a volunteer is I’m giving of myself to help you out, I’m not obligated, I’m just being nice.

My attitude as a servant/slave is “I have a responsibility, a calling, a purpose and mission. I’m here to love and serve my Savior.”

NOT A SLAVE OF THE CHURCH!

Serve with our Time -

Some people easier to write a check – go do what I want, just don’t ask me to do anything

I’m too busy with my world to enter yours. 

Would a slave ever say that to His Master?

Time – so valuable to me, because it is scarce.  I don’t have time to do everything I want to do.

Yet all my time is God’s

God owns my stuff

God owns my life

God owns my time.

“borrowed time”

Ephesians 5:15–17 (NLT)

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

“Make the most” = “redeem”

Ephesians 5: 17 (NLT)

17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

A lot of thoughtless Christians -  we are too busy with life, sports, news, we don’t take time to think, meditate and ponder God’s will, His purpose for our lives

How do you know what the Lord wants you to do?

            Pray

            Step out!

            Look for confirmation – Spirit witness, believer’s blessing

Possibilities once you step out:

What happens when you step out to serve?

Right place and immediate fruit

Right place but need more time, tools, and training

Right place and the Lord is teaching you to trust Him (for identity and fruit)

Right place, wrong time (not now)

Wrong place, fruit but no peace (need to try related area)

Wrong place, no fruit, try something else

WHEN YOU PLANT A TREE, HOW LONG BEFORE YOU GET FRUIT? 7 YEARS?

1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV)

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

SERVING IN THE ARMY OF LIGHT

1.     Each person has a gift

 HAS RECEIVED A GIFT! – everyone has a gift!

            Speaking

            Serving (

2.     Use your gift to serve one another

3.     God supplies the strength

Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

If you don’t have the desire or the power – you must have spent God-given power in other places.

If we serve in our own strength, we burn out

Serving God should not be a burden but a blessing.

            If not a blessing – what is wrong? Using God-given energy in wrong places?

            Sin hardening your heart so the power of God won’t flow through you.

WHY DON’T PEOPLE SERVE?

A.   Wrong timing

B.    Wrong priorities

C.    Wrong vision (consumer mentality)

Depression and lethargy in the church – because we have lost focused, we are consumed with lesser things.

If you snack on lots of junk food, when time for the real meal, no longer hungry.

            We have amused ourselves – with media, movies/youtube, etc. – no longer have time or passion for anything else.

            Same with our time and energy – we have spent it on lesser things.

DO YOU COME TO CHURCH TO GET SOMETHING?

            Consumer world, consumer mentality

            Good to come be filled, challenged, grow

            But what is your expectation – you will learn something? That we will play one of your favorite songs? That we will make you feel good?

D.   Wrong training

Hebrews 3:12–14 (NLT)

12 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. 14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV)

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

4.     The purpose is God’s glory

Bottom Line:

YOU HAVE A MISSION! WILL YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT?

Do you know what it is?

What is God’s call on your life?

How has He gifted you?

Are you using those gifts for His glory?

Application

You may now open your envelope

Kingdom Living - Revelation 1:9-11

Revelation 1:1-8 NKJV

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

THE SEVEN CHURCHES

1. EPHESUS - The Busy for God but doesn’t need God church

2. SMYRNA - The sweet-smelling, ‘I will live and die for Jesus’ church

3. PERGAMOS - The polygamist, ‘lust the one your with’ church

4. THYATIRA - The fire insurance card church

5. SARDIS - The walking dead church

6. PHILADELPHIA - The loving church

7. LAODICEA - The universalist/lukewarm church

Matthew 12:25 NKJV

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.”

Matthew 6:24-33 NKJV

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Revelation 1:9-11 NKJV

“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

II Chronicles 7:13-15 NKJV

“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.”

Revelation 1:12 NKJV

“Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw….”

REVELATION: “WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW”

2 Corinthians 3:16-18

“…whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

1 John 1:1-4

“We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.”

Revelation 1:1-3 NKJV

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.”

THE 7 BEATITUDES OF REVELATION

1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, 22:14

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Philippians 2:5-11 NKJV

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Luke 2:52

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

Exodus 21:2-6 NKJV

“If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing. If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master has given him a wife, and she has borne him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself. But if the servant plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever.”

Revelation 1:8 NKJV

““I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:17-19 NKJV

“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”

Praying The Scriptures Back To God

23 When they had been released, they went to their own [companions] and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard [this,] they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, (Psalm 146:6) 25 who by the Holy Spirit, [through] the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? 26 'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.' (Psalm 2).

27 "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.

29 "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, 30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and [began] to speak the word of God with boldness.

[Acts 4:23-31 NASB95]

1. 14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. [1Jo 5:14 NASB20]

1. Makes our prayers “Kingdom Focused”

1. We will be transformed if we pray our way through the Bible

Example

1…. I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and HE turned to me and heard my cry. 2 HE lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. HE set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. 3 HE has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what HE has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. [Psa 40:1-3 NLT]

LORD, give me the ability to trust in YOU even when the circumstances of my life have not changed and YOU have not seemed to respond to my crying out to YOU in prayer.  

LORD YOU are my helper!

Turn to me now and respond to my desperate pleas!

Lift out of the pit of despair those who have lost hope and lack comfort.

Help those who have fallen into the filth of lives of rebellion be carried out of it into lives of faith, hope, and love. 

Bring stability in walking with YOU and steady me in all my ways so that there is consistency day by day. 

Make me one who worships YOU with passion, filled with YOUR SPIRIT, sincerely, and governed by YOUR WORD in all that I do as I seek fellowship with YOU.

Give to me a new song to sing YOUR praises as I see YOU responding to my needs and deliverance. 

LORD, may those who I love be touched by their observation of YOUR power, love, and beauty active in my life and put their trust in YOU.   Increase my faith and let my faith influences others to trust in YOU.   Come now and deliver us!    Amen

Example Two

Norm, I am YOUR helper!  Norm, I have heard your cry to me!  You have been heard by ME!  Norm, it is I who have lifted you out of despair and steadied you in your life.  Norm I have been the one that has enabled you to walk and worship!  Norm many will trust me because of what I have done in your life.  Trust that I am using your life for good.

Break out:   Pray this verse back to God - 24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. [Jude 1:24-25 NLT]

Resources: 

How To Pray the Psalms -  https://downloads.24-7prayer.com/prayer_course/2019/resources/pdfs/5%20How%20to%20Pray%20the%20Psalms.pdf

How To Pray the Promises of God -

https://downloads.24-7prayer.com/prayer_course/2019/resources/pdfs/11%20How%20to%20Pray%20the%20Promises%20of%20God.pdf

Where have you come from and where are you going?

Genesis 16:8 NLT

8 The angel said to her, "Hagar, Sarai's servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?" ...

“The unexamined life is rarely lived well”- Socrates paraphrase

Deuteronomy 4:10 NASB20

10 "[Remember] the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when the LORD said to me, 'Assemble the people to Me, that I may have them hear My words so that they may learn to fear Me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'

Deuteronomy 5:15 NASB20

15 'And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to celebrate the Sabbath day.

Deuteronomy 8:2 NASB20

2 "And you shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, in order to humble you, putting you to the test, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.

Deuteronomy 15:15 NASB20

15 "And you are to remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; therefore I am commanding this of you today.

Judges 8:34 NASB20

34 So the sons of Israel did not remember the LORD their God, who had saved them from the hands of all their enemies on every side;

1Chronicles 16:12 NASB20

12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NASB20

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same way [He] also [took] the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink [it,] in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

What is your “Jesus history” – Romans 1:11-12

Before you met Jesus,

How you met Jesus,

How is today different because you met Jesus?

Where are you going?

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NASB20

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all [persons.] 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Matthew 6:33 NASB20

33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.

“The tragedy of modern man is not that he knows less and less about the meaning of his own life, but that it bothers him less and less. . .”

“Somehow we human beings are never happier than when we are expressing the deepest gifts that are truly us.”

― Os Guinness, The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life

Life is a voyage. We begin by leaving the safe harbor of our mother’s womb. After being trained in the skills of a life mariner in our home or origin, we are called to captain our ship through the ocean of life so we will reach a specific destination. However skilled we are at sailing and maintaining the ship, the purpose of the journey is to arrive at a destination. A ship without a destination is lost. A life without a destination is adrift. A critical step in succeeding at life is to define clearly what we believe to be our destination in life. Each person has a unique destination.

How To Find Your Divine Calling – Read Isaiah 61:1

God given Passions + Abilities (Gifts) + God planned opportunities = God’s call on your life

For God there are no little People and no little Places

Dr. Francis Schaeffer

Write out a vision for your life

My Life Vision statement

I desire to be an emotionally healthy disciple of Jesus the Messiah who is fully engaged and devoted to Him as my personal prophet, priest, and king. I believe that discipleship to Messiah Jesus will bring spiritual healing and wholeness to my core personality. I hope that this inner healing and harmony of my soul will allow me to love my family, care for hurting people, and encourage peace in and among the people I influence. I want to be a peacemaker and promote peace in hearts and homes.

Preventing Truth Decay

Need to take care of your teeth – go to a dentist 1-2x/year; brush your teeth at least 2x/day, floss

Enamel of teeth – hardest substance in the body

         NO cells, no blood vessels – 93% minerals

         Problem is that sugar and bacteria in your mouth are trying to tear it down.

SAME WITH TRUTH – solid, unchangeable,

         But can be attacked

Really not the truth that is attacked, but people’s belief in it.

Satan came to steal, kill and destroy. How does he do that?

         He steals through lies.

He kills through lies.

He destroys through lies.

         His primary weapon is deception, attack people’s faith and belief in the truth.

Biden’s Dept of Homeland Security Disinformation Governance Board created back in April – PAUSED a couple weeks ago.

         The idea of DISINFORMATION – TRUTH DECAY

disinformation is “false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth.”

George Orwell’s, 1984, the main character, Winston Smith, works for the Ministry of Truth. His job is to rewrite news articles from the past to correct information that is out of date or inaccurate.

BECAUSE OF SOCIAL MEDIA – lots of disinformation and truth decay.

         Covid

         Woke and CRT

         LGBTQ

         War in Ukraine

FACT CHECKERS – YouTube, Twitter and others –

         Info can’t contradict the World Health Organization or CDC on Covid or its treatment  

FACT CHECK YOUR FAITH!

Satan wants to spread “disinformation” about:

         Person of God (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit)

         People of God (The Church, our identity in Christ)

         Place of God (Heaven)

2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 13-15 (ESV)

3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough… 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

2 Timothy 4:3–4 (ESV)

3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Matthew 24:23–26 (ESV)

23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.

2 Peter 2:1–2 (ESV)  

1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.

To Prevent Truth Decay You Need a Faith That Is:

1.     Alive (not just Bible stories and moralistic truths)

a.     Born Again (John 3) need the Holy Spirit to discern truth from lies

2.     Active (James 2) “faith without works is dead”

a.     Many Christian Atheists – say they are Christians (belief) but actions of atheists

Are You a Christian Atheist?

Believe in God, but act like an atheist

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)

  6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

a.     God is real and active in my life (Brody testimony about hearing God)

             i.     SLIDE: FACTS – FEELINGS – FAITH

             ii.     Feelings the result of the interpretation of the facts (based on experience or belief)

             iii.     FAITH – the action taken – shows where the faith is placed (in experience or in God or in something else)

             iv.     As more and more decisions are made to walk by faith and not experience, FAITH in GOD becomes the interpreter of the facts, affecting the FEELINGS

            v.     SLIDE: FACTS – FAITH – FEELINGS

2 Timothy 4:3–4 (ESV)

3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

SLIDE: FANTASY – FEELINGS – FAITH

NARRATIVE VS. TRUTH

Narrative – the story we tell ourselves

                            Is it based on facts? Loosely or entirely?

                            Narrative is the worldview

Liberal narrative vs. conservative

PROGRESSIVE (narrative climate change is one of the most urgent problems of this generation and if we don’t solve it in the next few years we will destroy the planet in our lifetime) VS -  FAR RIGHT (distrusts the mainstream media – it is always wrong and nearly every conspiracy theory is probably right)

More subtle narratives (TRUTH DECAY) that are creeping into the church:

1. “If I feel it, it must be true”

FACTS – FEELINGS – FAITH  (FAITH IN THE FEELINGS)

“my feelings are my reality”

“I’m miserable in my marriage, God wants me to be happy, therefore He understands if I get a divorce.”

Reality (God Hates Divorces)

Malachi 2:16 (NLT)

16 “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”

2. “You do you” - Be true to yourself, Follow your heart

Jeremiah 17:5–10 (ESV)

5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 10 “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

2. Follow your heart- your heart is the most reliable guide to truth - FALSE!

What does your heart tell you to do with your brother sister-? Right and wrong, lie, steal, covet

This lie is reversal of Proverbs 3:5-6 trust in your heart instead of the Lord!

Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Colossians 2:8–9 (ESV)

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

Not taken captive by philosophy but by narrative. Narrative. Story. Who has the best story.

TESTING FOR TRUTH DECAY (truth decay check up)

1.    Look at your prayers – what do you pray for? It shows your needs and your priorities.

     If you don’t pray, it shows you are trusting in yourself. You are god, so you don’t need to talk to God.

  Pray for safety and comfort – then living for here and now

Contrast the disciples –

Acts 4:29–32 (ESV)

29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. 32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

        Prayer for healing

  Pray for people to come to faith? Then you believe there is a hell.

Pray for God’s glory? Pray for His will?

        WHO IS AT THE CENTER OF YOUR PRAYERS? YOU OR GOD?

  Pray – just being with God.

                 Last Sunday – Pastor Norm

                 A.C.T.S.

                      Adoration

                      Confession

                      Thanksgiving

                      Supplication (requests)

2.    Look at your checkbook/bank account spending

        Are you investing in the here and now or heaven?

Do you honor God with the tithe?

Proverbs 3:5–10 (ESV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Do you see your paycheck, wealth, assets as yours or God’s?

Do you see yourself as the owner or the manager?

3.    Look at your calendar

        Time at church – 1-2x/month? God is not a big priority. He is an add on that you get value from.

        At church or church events, fellowship of 3, prayer meetings, Wednesday, Acts 29 – then

       Personal daily time with the Lord

       HOBBIES, SCREEN TIME, TV

4.    Look at your thoughts

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

John 14:1–6 (NLT)

1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

NEXT STEP – HOW CAN YOU PREVENT TRUTH DECAY?

                            Let God have your calendar

                            Let God have your checkbook

                            Let God be at the center of your prayers

                            Let God have your thoughts

TOOTHBRUSH ILLUSTRATION –

Why use toothbrush? Because sweet stuff builds up on your teeth and rots them. Need to brush away – brush away lies, don’t let lies eat at the truth.

Prayer: The First Priority

1Ti 2:1-4 NASB20

1 First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, [and] thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

I. Our Christian lives begin with a prayer

Rom 10:8-13 NASB20

8 But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus [as] Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart [a person] believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same [Lord] is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for "EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

II. Our ability to live the Christian life well depends on our having a living conversation with the LORD daily. This is really “Private Worship” – A.C.T.S.

a. Adoration

i. Just being with the Lord in silence

ii. Reviewing and appreciating who God is:

1. Good

2. Great

3. Full of Grace

4. Grieving with our griefs

5. Guaranteeing our grief will be used for gain

iii. Singing to the LORD

b. Confession of our sins

i. Review the day

ii. Admitting our failures and repenting of them

iii. Releasing to the Lord our cares (1 Peter 5:6,7)

c. Thanksgiving – All good things are from God

d. Supplication - Asking for God’s help

i. Our needs - Monday

ii. Our friends and family - Tuesday

iii. The needs of the Church - Wednesday

iv. The needs of our nation - Thursday

v. The needs of all nations – Friday

vi. The forgiveness of our enemies – Saturday

vii. Deliverance from the world, flesh, and devil – Sunday

III. Application

a. Is conversation with God your first priority in your life?

b. What could you do to improve your prayer life?

c. What hinders you from praying more?

d. Join us at 7 AM for prayer on ZOOM Monday thru Saturday

e. Join us on Wednesday in the Café for Prayer at 7 AM

f. Join us for prayer at 8 AM on Sundays at the J-house or ZOOM

g. Plan to be part of the next 777 week of prayer

h. Join the daily prayer e-mail list from me

i. Join those who get prayer requests from Karen

Recommended Reading –

How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Greig

God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayers by Pete Greig

On the web Prayer Course (I) - https://prayercourse.org/sessions/ Prayer Course (II) on unanswered prayers - https://unanswered.prayercourse.org/sessions/ A toolshed on prayer - https://unanswered.prayercourse.org/toolshed/

Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!!!!!!!

“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”

2 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:25 NIV

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

Galatians 5:16-17 NIV

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.  

2 Samuel 11:1-2 NIV

It’s time to rumble not stay home and relax.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

Colossians 2:13-15 NIV

“The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.”

Exodus 17:8-13 NIV

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.””

Exodus 17:14-16 NIV

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

Endless treasures in christ

Ephesians 3:3–11

endless treasures – can’t cover them all today, because they are endless

            unsearchable, without limit

THE TREASURES OF CHRIST

            1.         They are endless (impossible to fully count and value) Eph 3:8

            2.         They are eternal (we have them forever) (1 Peter 1:4)

            3.         They are incomparable (2 Cor 4:17)

            4.         They can’t be stolen (Matthew 6:20)

            5.         They only come by inheritance through a death (Heb 9)

            6.         They are often overlooked (Eph 3:5)

TREASURE 1 – Christ In You

2 Corinthians 4:4–7 (NLT) 

4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.  

Treasure in jars of clay – Christ in You!

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV) 

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 

TREASURE 2: Same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me and will raise my life!

Romans 8:10–11 (ESV) 

10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 

THE TREASURES

Gentiles can be saved 

            Same inheritance as the Jews

            Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus

Christ in you!

TREASURE 3: If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:28–30 (ESV) 

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. 

            If God is for us, who can be against us?

TREASURES IN CHRIST 4: God graciously gives us all things.

Romans 8:31–34 (ESV) 

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 

TREASURES IN CHRIST 5: Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:35–39 (ESV) 

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

TREASURE IN CHRIST 6: The Creator of the Universe will never leave you.

Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) 

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

TREASURE IN CHRIST 7: You have the source of all wisdom and knowledge

Colossians 2:2–5 (ESV) 

2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.     

What are wisdom and knowledge?

Wisdom to make wealth like Elon Musk? (worth $240 BILLION!)

Apple stock - $22/share - $100 (4.54 shares)

1 share then = 224 shares today due to stock splits 1016.96 shares (if bought $100 in 1980)

$157 share on Friday (May 6, 2022) initial value of $100 from 1980 worth $159,662 (not including dividends)

NOT TOO RICH OR POOR

Proverbs 30:8–9 (ESV) 

8 Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9 lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God. 

Colossians 2:3

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.     

Job 28:9–18, 23, 28 (NLT) 

9 People know how to tear apart flinty rocks and overturn the roots of mountains. 10 They cut tunnels in the rocks and uncover precious stones. 11 They dam up the trickling streams and bring to light the hidden treasures. 12 “But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? 13 No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living. 14 ‘It is not here,’ says the ocean. ‘Nor is it here,’ says the sea. 15 It cannot be bought with gold. It cannot be purchased with silver. 16 It’s worth more than all the gold of Ophir, greater than precious onyx or lapis lazuli. 17Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold. 18 Coral and jasper are worthless in trying to get it. The price of wisdom is far above rubies…

23 “God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found… 28 And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’ ” 

Colossian 2:2b-5

knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

OMIT TO THE END?

Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 13:44–46 (ESV) 

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. 

Persecution/Suffering

Hebrews 11:24–26 (ESV) 

24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 

Philippians 3:7–10 (NLT) 

7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 

             Suffering has a purpose – James 1:12 (crown of life)

            Suffering – endurance – character – hope (Romans 5:3-5)

Romans 5:3–5 (ESV) 

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 

Ephesians 3:10-11

10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. 

What riches are you sitting on, not realizing the wealth you have? Are you living like a spiritual pauper?

Until the end…

IS IT OVER? How long? When I start a movie – I look to see how long it is. 

While watching – may stop to see where I am in the stream

Are we there yet? – stop asking

         2500 miles to visit my parents  - 4 days of driving

Review

Daniel 10-11-12 – One Vision focused on the Greek Empire and successors – The King of the North (Syria) Antiochus IV Epiphanes and then zooming ahead to the final world leader, often called the Antichrist. Wars with the King of the South (Egypt) and others, 

Daniel 11:40-41 (ESV) 

40 “At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through. 41 He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites. 

Come into “countries” – tens of thousands shall fall; not JORDAN

Daniel 11:44-45 (ESV) 

44 But news from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go out with great fury to destroy and devote many to destruction. 45 And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him. 

News from the east and north- 200 Million man army in Revelation (Armageddon)

He shall come to his end, with none to help him. 
NO CHAPTER BREAKS IN THE ORIGINAL

Daniel 12:1 (ESV) 

1 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. 

Michael – arc angel, prince (appears in Daniel 10 – help the angel with this vision)

Gabriel – comes in Dan 9 – prophecy of 70 weeks and coming of Messiah (appears to Joseph) 

“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time.” – Great Tribulation 

7 Year Period of time (Daniel’s 70th Week) from Daniel 9

Begins with peace treaty for 7 years, midway Antichrist takes over, stops the sacrifice in the Temple, image of self in the Holy Place – begins persecution of Jews (last 3.5 years of Tribulation)

Jeremiah 30:7 (NKJV) 

7 Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, But he shall be saved out of it. 

Jeremiah 31:1–2 (ESV) 

1 “At that time, declares the Lord, I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they shall be my people.” 2 Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, 

Daniel 12:1b (ESV)

But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.

Romans 9:27–29 (ESV) 

27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, 28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” 29 And as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.” 

Romans 11:25–26a (ESV) 

25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved…

Hosea 5:15–6:2 (ESV) 

15 I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me. 1 “Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. 

Daniel 12:2 (ESV)

2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 

Body sleep – not the soul 

2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV) 

8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 

Daniel 12:2 (ESV)

2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 

Resurrection – everyone will live forever – some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.

HELL – Shame and everlasting contempt (Rev 20:14-15)

Revelation 20:11–15 (ESV) 

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. 

Daniel 12:3 (ESV)

3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 

We are called to shine like the stars – A LIGHT IN TODAY’S DARKNESS. 

We have the Light of Christ – we should shine – “turn many to righteousness”

Daniel 12:4 (ESV)

4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” 

SEAL THE BOOK – not understood until our day – yet still some to be uncovered

Many run to and fro – knowledge increase 

(Air travel) – be anywhere in the world in a matter of hours where used to take months or longer.

KNOWLEDGE – more info a weekday edition of modern newspaper than average 17th century person encounter in a lifetime.

Some smart watches have more computing power than mainframe computers from the 1970’s!

Google processes 3.5 Billion searches per day (in 2007 only 2.7 Billion all year)

Estimated 4 exabytes of unique info will be generated this year; more than previous 5,000 years combined.

CHART – 2010 till 2020 (30x as much info created, consumed)

Zettabytes – about 1Billion TB

INFO OVERLOAD

Daniel 12:5-7 (ESV)

5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. 6 And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. 

How long? – Time, times and half a time. (Hebrew “times” = a duple like “both” or a “couple”)

Other places in Daniel/Revelation – 1260 days, 42 months, 3.5 years, time times half a time = 3.5 years

“and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.”

Daniel 12:7b (NET) 

“It is for a time, times, and half a time. Then, when the power of the one who shatters the holy people has been exhausted, all these things will be finished.” 

Jacob’s Trouble – Tribulation, shattering of the power of the holy people

Daniel 12:8-10 (ESV)

8 I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. 

Go your way – Most ignore – not for them – UNTIL THE TIME OF THE END!

It is starting to make sense. 100 years ago, didn’t make sense.

Daniel 12:10 (ESV)

Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.

People do their thing – RIGHTEOUS – MAKE THEMSELVES WHITE

1 John 3:2b–3 (ESV)

…we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 

DON’T BE CAUGHT DEAD:

Daniel 12:11 (ESV)

11 And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. 

Earlier asks “what will happen after these things”

Midway trib – burnt offering stopped, abomination of desolation set up (Image of Antichrist)

Abomination of Desolation – 

Dan 9:27 (end sacrifice, middle of the 7 years)

Dan 11:31 (end sacrifice, abomination)

Dan 12:11 (end sacrifice, abomination)

Rev 13:15 (image of the beast given breath)

CHART – TRIBULATION TIMELINE

CHART 2 – 45 DAYS TO SET UP THE KINGDOM (Sheep and Goat/ BEMA seat judgment) – TABERNACLES (15 days)

Matthew 24:15–16 (ESV) 

15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 

Daniel 12:11 (ESV)

11 And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. 

1290 days? (all others 1260)

Extra month – at end of Tribulation 

Matthew 24:22 (ESV) 

22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 

Daniel 12:12-13 (ESV)

12 Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days. 13 But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” 

45 extra days?

Bottom Line:

Shine like the stars – bring others

            Purify yourself, if you are thinking about seeing Jesus, get ready

Revelation 19:6–8 (ESV) 

6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 

REMEMBER THE BRIDE

Does her nails

Does her hair

Might go to the gym 

CAN’T DO IT ALONE – BRIDE NEEDS HELP

Don’t be caught dead:

Go your way – urgency, yet we don’t know the day or hour – could be 10 years or more 

Come and see

Isaiah 60:1-5 NKJV

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. “Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy…”

Genesis 1:1-4 NKJV

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.”

Luke 4:18-21 

““The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him…”

I Corinthians 2:9-10 NKJV

“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”

Matthew 27:45-46 NKJV

“Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Matthew 28:1-6 NKJV

“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

John 20:1-8 NKJV

“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he, stooping down and looking in, SAW the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he SAW the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he SAW and believed.”

1. SAW - Blepo (v5)  To visualize 

2. SAW - Theoreo (v 6) To theorize 

3. SAW - Eido (v 8) To get the idea 

Matthew 28:5-6 NKJV

“But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

John 20:11-12 NKJV

“But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.”

PICS OF THE TOMB AMD MOST HOLY PLACE

Micah 6:8 NKJV

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

John 20:13-16 NKJV

Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!”

John 10:27 NKJV

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

John 20:29 NKJV

 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Coming World War - Daniel 11 part 2

Are we headed for World War?

ANTICHRIST REVIEW

ANTICHRIST – DANIEL 7

Little horn - speaks against God (“Allah akbar”), pompous words

War against the saints

Change times and laws (Like the French Revolution Decimal Clock)

Daniel 7:25 (NKJV) 

25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time. 

ANTICHRIST - DANIEL 8

Temple rebuilt - Antichrist stops daily sacrifice

cunning and deceitful, exalts himself

destroy mighty and the saints

ANTICHRIST - DANIEL 9

Covenant with Israel for 7 years (Tribulation)

Midway Tribulation end sacrifice 

Sets up abomination of desolation (image of self in the Temple)

Daniel 9:27 (NKJV) 

27 Then he [Antichrist] shall confirm a covenant with many for one week [seven]; But in the middle of the week [seven] He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.” 

Antichrist covenant, treaty for 7 years

Middle of covenant – end sacrifice (temple apparently in place)

2 Thes 2 – Rapture not happen until falling away and antichrist revealed

ANTICHRIST - DANIEL 11 

Antiochus IV Epiphanes (type of Antichrist), flattery and deception

Martyrdom of “the wise”

Stopped sacrifices, Abomination of Desolation

Daniel 11:32b

but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.

Application

Where do you need to take a stand? (home, family, work/business, neighbors)

What is your action step?

Daniel 11:29–32 (ESV) 

29 “At the time appointed he shall return and come into the south, but it shall not be this time as it was before. 30 For ships of Kittim shall come against him, and he shall be afraid and withdraw, and shall turn back and be enraged and take action against the holy covenant. He shall turn back and pay attention to those who forsake the holy covenant. 31 Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. 32 He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. 

Antiochus sets up the first abomination of desolation

                            History teaches

MOUNTAIN PICTURE – 3, showing one big mountain, actually multiple ranges

Daniel 11:33–35 (ESV) 

33 And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. 34 When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, 35 and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time. 

Martyrs in 2nd century BC – also in last days.

Daniel 11:36

36 “And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. 

Daniel 8:25 also talks about him exalting himself – 

Isaiah 14:12–15 (NKJV) 

12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ 15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit. 

Revelation 12:17

17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea…

Revelation 13:5-10 (ESV) 

 5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear…  10Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. 

Revelation 6:9–11 (ESV) 

9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. 

Daniel 11:37

37 He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all. 

Doesn’t honor any god except god of fortresses

                            God of fathers – possibly Muslim or Christian

“ONE BELOVED BY WOMEN” – speaking of birth of Messiah/Christ

“he shall magnify himself above all.” - AGAIN

Daniel 11:38-39

38 He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these. A god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. 39 He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price. 

Last week looked at Flattery

Daniel 11:40-41

40 “At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through. 41 He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites.

Earlier in Daniel – NORTH vs. SOUTH

South attacks North but NORTH WINS

North just wins

Daniel 11:41

41 He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites.

Certain countries don’t come under AntiChrist control:

Edom and Moab and Ammon – Jordan Saudi Arabia

                            Jordan peace with Israel (unsteady)

                            Petra – place of refuge

Daniel 11:42-43

 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train. 

Egypt – Libya – Cushites (Ethiopia/Sudan)

Daniel 11:44-45

44 But news from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go out with great fury to destroy and devote many to destruction. 45 And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him. 

News from East and North alarm him – 200 million man army from China  (Rev 9:15-16 – Euphrates dried up and 200 million men army approach

Fear – anger - Devote many to destruction – 

Palatial tents – in Israel

“Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him.” - 

Daniel 8:25b

But he shall be broken without human means.          

Antiochus – died of disease – after Jupiter idol cast out of the temple he vowed to turn Jerusalem into a cemetery for all of the Jews.  But got sick and body putrid, awful smell – died “without human means” 

COME TO AN END.

EVERY KINGDOM COMES TO AN END

Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman, British, Ottoman…

COMING WORLD WAR 

Psalm 2:1–6 (NLT) 

1 Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? 2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. 3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” 4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury. 6 For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.” 

Revelation 19:11–15 (ESV) 

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 

Revelation 19:19 (ESV) 

19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 

2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 (ESV) 

3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 

2 Thessalonians 2:5-7 (ESV) 

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) 

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. 

Psalm 46:1–11 (ESV) 

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Bottom Line:

The “saints” will face persecution

God is with us; we win!