Jesus explains terrible times await his disciples yet his word stands forever (Matthew 24:1-35)

AIM: knowing what's ahead helps us in hard times Matthew 24

A) Jesus explains signs of the end of the age marked by deception, wickedness, dying love

1-3) Jesus "not one stone will be left on another", when, what sign of your coming end of age

4-8) Watch out, deceivers in my name (leaders/saviors), wars, rumors, don't be alarmed, such must happen, famines, earthquakes beginning of birth pains

9-10) disciples persecuted, put to death, hated by ALL nations, many turn away from The Faith, betray, hate each other

11-12) Many false prophets appear, deceive many people, increased wickedness love of MOST grow cold

B) Jesus encourages us to live the Gospel of the kingdom in spite of hardships

13-14) Stand firm to end will be saved, this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world, testimony to all nations - then the end will come.

 - Gospel only twice in Matthew 24:14 and alabaster jar woman Matthew 26:13 while Mark has it 5 times, additionally "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. (Mark 8:35)", "Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. (Mark 10:28-29)

 - Dying to Self, being made alive for God (Luke 9; Gal 2:20,5:24; Romans 6, 12; 1 Peter 4)

C) The end is so much worse than now

15-21) see standing in holy place abomination that causes desolation, run for the mountains, great distress unequaled from the beginning of the world (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11)

22-25) those days not short, no one would survive, false messiahs, false prophets appear, great signs and wonders to deceive, even elect - told ahead of time (John 16:1) so that you will not fall away

 - We have been given the Holy Spirit to decern what is true (John 16:1,8-15;Romans 6:1-23; 8:12-13; Ephesians 4:22–5:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7)

26-28) there wilderness, here inner rooms - don't believe. Like lightning is visible so will the coming of Son of Man. Carcass, vultures gather (devour widow's homes Mark 12:40 and Luke 20:47)

29) after those days, sun-darkened, no moonlight, stars fall from the sky, heavenly bodies shaken (Isaiah 13:10; 34:4)

30-31) then sign of Son of Man in heaven, ALL peoples mourn seeing Son of Man on the clouds, trumpet gather elect 

• Zechariah 12:10, Spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on[b] me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
• Revelation 1:7, Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”;    and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.

32-35) lesson from fig tree, this generation not pass away until all these happened. Heaven/earth pass away, but my words will never pass away

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Lost and Found God's way (Isaiah 65:1, Romans 10:20)

 Isaiah 65:1

• And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying, “I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me.” - Romans 10:20 
• The LORD says, “I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’ to a nation that did not call on my name. Isaiah 65:1 NLT "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me" NIV 

Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. The fearful heart will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear. (Isaiah 32:3-4)

Faith comes by hearing the word about Christ (Romans 10:14-21)

Romans 10:17) Faith comes by hearing about Christ

 - Faith from witnessing God's power (Exodus 14:31), notice the belief, obey, witness progression here: (Exodus 11:1-15:21)

 - Faith because God's faithful, enduring love (2 Chronicles 7:6, John 3:16)

 - Faith because of personal experience, thoughtfully applied to God (Matthew 8:10,5-13)

 - Faith because of other people dragging us to Jesus (Luke 5:20,17-26) - Faith that causes us to go to Jesus and speak (Matthew 9:22,18-26)

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The hope of God's Son redeeming the world was encoded in the Torah

I saw this interesting teaching on 5 AMAZING HIDDEN MESSAGES IN THE BIBLE That will BLOW your MIND !!! and 5 Reasons Why The Bible is TRUE

Reminded me of when I saw the connection to the gospel when I studied Leviticus

Heavenly requirements are revealed to Moses and Tabernacle is built

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Judgment of Believers and Unbelievers

The Bible speaks of many kinds of judgment. The book of Revelation is full of them. The chief kinds of judgment are: 1) punitive judgment upon the unregenerate for their many sins (Romans 1:18, 28; 2:1-16; Hebrews 9:27; Acts 17:31); and 2) evaluative judgment upon believers as to how well they have served Christ as His disciples in this life (Romans 8:1; 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:8). The evaluative judgments are sometimes spoken of as rewards and should encourage believers to faithful obedience and good works throughout their lives (1 Corinthians 3:14; 15:58; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The punitive judgments are described as being dreadful and are set forth in Scripture as a warning to sinners to flee to Jesus Christ. Punitive judgments will be endured in a conscious condition and forever (Luke 16:19-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 20:15). This doctrine is offensive to many people, but it helps to remember that judgment establishes true value or worth. Judgment proves that who we are and what we do matters.
https://www.bsfinternational.org/

Revelation themes found throughout the Bible
https://twitter.com/AJWTheology/status/981120245422329856

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Grace is God's empowering Presence enabling what truth demands

Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. - Matthew 7:20

Know them by there lifestyle

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. - Matthew 7:21 NLT

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. -Matthew 7:24 NLT

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. -Matthew 5:17 NLT

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.  For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. -John 1:16‭-‬17 NLT

Rev 2 and 3, "I know your works..." to the churches. 

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. - James 2:24 ESV

1/2 truth can be a falsehood.  Rat poison is 95% cornmeal, 5% arsenic

Saved by Grace, not works. Eph 2:8-10.

Grace is the gift of repentance  (other side of the coin of faith).

True faith always produces conformity to Christ.

Saved? Do not receive the Grace of God in vain. You need to use the power of God to escape.

Goal is not to sin, (remember Jesus said"Lord,lord"):
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:1‭, ‬3‭-‬6 ESV

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Titus 2:11‭-‬14 ESV

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. Titus 3:8

http://messengerinternational.org/churches-leaders/explore-the-messages/a-heart-ablaze/

God empowers you to change the world

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Everything revealed to John says REPENT! Jesus is coming soon!

Revelation 22:6-21
AIM: Everyone who is thirsty, can come and drink in new life in Jesus Christ

A) Everything John has seen and heard will come to pass soon
(6) Angel to John, Everything heard and seen is trustworthy and true, sent from Lord God who inspires prophets, tell servants what's happening soon

• 2 Peter 1:20-21 - Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

(7) "Look I'm coming soon! Blessed who obey words of prophecy in this book"
(8-9) John worships angel but he being a fellow servant (brothers/prophets/all who obey) says "No, worship only God"
(10) "Don't seal up, time is near"

• Previously sealed up because it was distant future Daniel 8:26, 12:4, 9

Application: Who will you tell the good news of already fulfilled prophecies about Jesus (Isaiah 53) too?

B) Human history will culminate into a separation of vile from holy

(11) Let people continue as they are wrong/vile verses right/holy

• Matthew 13:24-30 Wheat and tares explained Matthew 13:38
•  New song, gospel proclaimed and final harvest Rev 14

(12-13) "Look I'm coming soon, bring reward/repay all according to deeds. I am Alpha, Omega, first, last, beginning and end" (Rev 1:8; 1:17-18; 21:6-7; Isaiah 44:6; 48:12)
(14) Blessed are those who wash their robes (7 of 7 blessings) permitted to enter, eat from tree of life
(15) Outside are dogs/sorcerers/sexually immoral/murderers/idol worshipers who love to live a lie
(16) "I Jesus sent angel, message for churches, both Root and offspring of David, bright morning star

• Isaiah 11:10; Romans 15:12; Root of Jesse
• 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 2:28 Jesus is The Bright Morning Star, Satan is counterfeit (Isaiah 14:12)

Application: How can you know the truth from counterfeit religions and lies? How can you keep you "robes clean"? When will you come to the Lord Jesus in confession and repentance?

C) The Spirit and the Bride say "Come" to the thirsty and those desiring God
(17) Spirit & Bride say "Come" Let anyone who hears say "Come", anyone thirsty come, anyone who desires

• John 4:7-26,39-42 water Jesus gives is living water, becomes in you a bubbling spring, welling up to eternal life
• John 1:33 Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit
• John 3:5 we are born of water, but also need to be born of Spirit
• John 7:38 whoever believes in Jesus rivers of living water will flow from within them

(18-19) Everyone who hears: don't add anything or remove

• Matthew 5:17-19 Jesus came to fulfill the law and prophets, non will disappear until accomplished

(20) faithful witness all these things, "yes I am coming soon!" Amen come Lord Jesus

(21) Grace of Lord Jesus be with God's holy people

• 2 Corinthians 13:14 Grace of Jesus, Love of God, fellowship of Holy Spirit
• Grace that you have been saved (Eph 2:8), Because of the love of the Father (Genesis 3:21-24;John 3:16) by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5)
• Revelation 2:7 the one who conquers will eat the tree of life, in the paradise of God
• 2 Corinthians 5:27 anyone who is in Christ is a new creation
• Galatians 2:20 Christ lives in me, I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me
• Romans 3:24 Justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

Application: 

Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

http://www.gotquestions.org/parable-wheat-tares.html
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Alpha-And-Omega
http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/root-of-jesse/
http://www.gotquestions.org/morning-star.html
https://www.openbible.info/topics/grace_of_the_lord_jesus_christ

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Satan imprisoned while Christians reign 1,000 years before Satan's doom

Revelation 20:1-10
AIM: The devil is doomed but desires to deceive and destroy people

A) Satan is locked in the abyss
(1) John sees angel down from heaven, had key to Abyss, holding great chain
(2) Seized dragon/ancient serpent/devil/Satan - bound him 1,000 years
(3) threw him into Abyss, locked and sealed, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore, after he'll be set free a short time

• Satan's activity in the world: roams the earth, looking for someone to kill (Job 1:7;2:2;1 Peter 5:8), Makes people unable to hear Jesus and they carry out Satan's desires - murder, hates truth, father of lies (John 8:42-45; 2 Corinthians 4:4)
• My confidence in the Lord's power over Satan's activity: God hears me, heals me and helps me when I listen to him carefully, do what is right in his sight and earnestly seek him. (1 John 5:14-15; Exodus 15:26; Hebrews 11:1,6)

Application: How am I living in the power of God and resisting the devil? What do I need "bind" and "throw into the abyss" that causes me to stumble? When will I ask God for help to stand against the devil?

B) Martyrs reign with Christ for 1,000 years

(4) Thrones, seated by those given authority to judge AND souls of martyrs testimony about Jesus and word of God

• Not worshiped the beast/image or received it's mark on forehead or hand (Rev 13, Daniel 7-8)
• Came to life, reigned with Christ a thousand years (Genesis 1:14 stars in the sky mark season/days/years, original man lived a 930 years Genesis 5:4-5). (Isaiah 63:9 - in their suffering he also suffered, personally rescued them, redeemed them, lifted them up and carried them through all the years)

(5) The rest of the dead didn't come to life until 1,000 years ended - first resurrection

(6) Blessed (#5 of 7 blessings) and holy are those who share in first resurrection 

• second death no power (Rev 2:11 - victorious will not be harmed, Rev 20:14 lake of fire is the second death, death/grave/Hades thrown in back at 19:19
• priests of God and Christ (Rev 1:6;5:10 echoes 1 Peter 2:5,9 God building us into a spiritual temple, offering spiritual sacrifices - royal priest, but emphasizes service our God, Psalm 132:9,16 clothed with righteousness/salvation, Leviticus Hebrews summarizes in chapters 7-9)
• Reign with him a 1,000 years "a life time of preparation for an eternity of service"

Application: How can I change my priorities to live for God and reflect my eternity to come? What form of hypocrisy do I try to hide from God and others? What is God asking me to change so that I'm victorious, blessed and holy?

C) Satan is released to deceive nations but they are defeated and Satan is thrown in lake of fire

(7) when 1,000 years are over Satan will be released from his prison, 

• (8) going out to deceive the nations four corners of earth 
• Gog and Magog (Genesis 10:2 explains these are Japhethites, Ezekiel 38:2;39:6 prophecy against them)
• and gather them for battle, 
• huge like sand on seashore (Blessing Genesis 22:17;Hosea 1:10; Psalm 78:27; 1 Kings 4:29; but mostly armies are described this way Joshua 11:4; Judges 7:12; 1 Samuel 13:5...)
• (9) they marched across the breadth of earth surrounded "camp of God's people- city he loves", fire from heaven devoured them (Gen 19 Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed this way)
• (10) and the devil who deceived them thrown into lake of fire (burning sulfur) tormented day and night

Application: How am I standing for God in a culture that is idolatrous and ungodly? Where am I deceived by the devil in my heart and mind? Am I willing to repent and let God remove this deception from me?

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Saved people praise God for judgement against promoters of sin

Revelation 19
AIM: Every person saved or lost has an immortal soul
A) Those saved by God praise him for his just judgement of corrupted 'Babylon'
(1) After this (Rev 15-18), heard a great crowd shouting "Praise the Lord (Hallelujah)!

• Salvation (Author of Salvation, charity, mercy, love, hope) and 
• glory (Worthy of our attention, devotion, affections) and 
• power (Creator of heaven and earth, all that has life, Lord ending authority)
• belong to our God (not "my" god, our God - one holy God we know, love and worship)

(2) true, just are his judgments;

• Condemned great prostitute who corrupted earth with immorality/adulteries
• Avenged murder of his servants

(3) again shouted: "Praise the Lord (Hallelujah)!

• smoke from her ascends forever and ever!" (Every person has an immortal soul: Ecclesiastes 12:7; Daniel 12:2-3;Matthew 25:46;1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

(4) twenty-four elders and four living creature/beings fell down and worshiped God "Amen, Praise the Lord (Hallelujah)", like 4 others times

• Rev 4:4-11 worship in heaven (holy, holy, holy, worthy to receive glory/honor/power as creator); 
• Rev 5:8 Jesus took the scroll, living creature/being said "come" for the seals being opened
• Rev 7:9-12 praising God for salvation of multitude from every tribe, people and language standing in white robes before God (and palm branches! Leviticus 23:40;John 12:13)
• Rev 11:15-19 God has begun to reign in power

(Rev 19:5) God (voice from throne) says, "Praise our God you servants who fear him least to greatest"

(6) Great multitude like roar of mighty ocean/crashing peals of thunders shout: "Praise the Lord (Hallelujah)! For the our Lord God Almighty reigns.

(7) Let us rejoice, be glad, give him honor/glory - wedding of the Lamb, bride has made herself ready

• A big day, meaningful event - (not a first date but a fulfillment of a promise at engagement)
• (8) She's given the fine linen (represents the good deeds of God's holy People, army in Rev 19:14)
• (9) Blessed are those invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb (this is #4 of Seven blessings in Revelation explain faith, eternal life and sanctification)

(10) John worships the angel but is admonished, "No, don't worship me, I am a servant of God - like you and the others who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. This prophecy is to give clear witness for Jesus (Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus) - 

• 1 Peter 1:12-21; or prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Application: What are the names of people you know, who haven't professed faith in Jesus to you? When will you ask them, 'What do you know about Jesus'?

B) Jesus brings beast, false prophet to eternal justice and kills all their followers
(11) Heaven opened (Ezekiel 1:1 heavens opened saw visions of God, Revelation 4:1 door open in heaven, come up here I'll show you...), white horse (Revelation 6:2 rider held a bow, given crown, bent on conquest), rider named Faithful  and True -

• Who is this Rider? Revelation 1:5 faithful witness, firstborn from the dead - he freed us from our sins by his blood also Revelation 3:14 to Laodicea he's the Amen, faithful and true witness, ruler of God's creation.
• Revelation 3:7 to Philadelphia, holy and true - holds the keys open/no one can shut, shuts/ no one can open and John 14:6 "I am the way, the TRUTH and the life..."
• he judges fairly (John 4 woman at the well)
• wages righteous war (Revelation 17:14 they asked for it and later they loose; Revelation 19:19,21)

(12) Eyes like flames of fire (Matthew 28:3 like lightening), many crowns on head. Name written on him no one understood except himself
(13) wore robe dipped in blood, title was the Word of God (John 1:1 - Word can be thought of as the total message of God to man (Acts 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:13))
(14) armies of heaven followed him also riding white horses, dressed in fine linen, white and clean
(15) Out his mouth sharp sword (Psalm 2:9; Isaiah 11:4 rod of his mouth... breath will slay the wicked)

• Treads the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty; (Rev 14:14-20)

(16) his robe at his thigh written the title "King of Kings and Lord of Lords"
(17-18) Then an angel standing in the sun said to all birds "come...great supper of God - eat flesh of all people..."
(19) beast/kings/armies gather to fight, (20) beast/false prophet captured, thrown ALIVE in lake of fire (burning sulfur) - performed miracles-deluded those who received mark of the beast (21) rest were killed with sword from riders mouth, birds gorged on flesh
Principal: God final judgement against sin is terrifying and certain
Application: What habitual sin in my life do I need the fear of God to help me repent? What do I need him to surgically remove (cut out of my life) from my heart with his precision scalpel (Matthew 5:30)?

Immortal soul of mankind: http://www.gotquestions.org/human-soul-mortal-immortal.html
Rev 19:11 http://biblehub.com/revelation/19-11.htm
Rev 19:12 word of God http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-Bible-Word-God.html
titles of God: http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/namesofgod.html

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Seven blessings in Revelation explain faith, eternal life and sanctification

Personal faith, eternal life and sanctification are central to the Christian Faith. We have faith in God, his Word and promises. Not a blind faith but an experiential faith, experienced through the Holy Spirit working in us. This inner working of the Holy Spirit is called sanctification or being made holy, set apart to God. There are seven verses in revelation where "blessed are/is" can be found. These blessings explain faith, eternal life and sanctification... 

Faith (Truth believed in your heart):

1. Revelation 1:3; Reads aloud (1 Peter 4:11), hears it (Romans 10:17) and takes to heart (Luke 8:15)

Eternal Life (rescued from eternal wrath):

2. Revelation 14:13; Are the dead who die in the Lord (John 3:16-18,36), "Yes" says the Spirit, "Rest from labor, deeds will follow them" (John 3:19-21). Bible has a lot to say about Eternal_Life

Sanctification (God's work and our response):

3. Revelation 16:15; Stays awake, remains clothed (Isaiah 61:10; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:12-13; Psalm 104:2;Romans 8:5;12:1-2)
4. Revelation 19:9; Invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb (Matthew 22:1-14) - Friendship with God, Family of God
5. Revelation 20:6; Blessed and holy (sanctified) who share in the first resurrection - second death has no power over them, priest of God and Christ a thousand years
6. Revelation 22:7; Look, I am coming soon! keep the words of the prophecy (Luke 8:10, it's meaning)
7. Revelation 22:14; Keep clothes washed (Repent), may have right to tree of life and go through the gates into the city (Matthew 3:8;4:17;Isaiah 30:15; Luke 5:31-32; Acts 3:19; 5:31; 20:21;Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:9; Acts 11:18)

Sanctification: 

http://www.gotquestions.org/sanctification.html

http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/sanctification/ (I love this definition: sanctification is "the state of proper functioning" according to the designer)

Seven Blessings: Revelation 1:3;14:13;16:15;19:9;20:6;22:7;22:14

http://www.bcbsr.com/survey/revblessings.html

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Babylon's doom is total, impacting the whole world

Revelation 18
AIM: Where you put your treasure is where your heart is

Rev 18:1-8 A) Angles pronounce verdict, damages sentence of Babylon
(1) John sees another angel from heaven, great authority, earth bright with his splendor

• nuclear 

(2) Shouts "Babylon the great city is fallen, become a home for demons, impure spirits, unclean bird/detestable animals...

• Demons/Impure spirits (Matthew 10:1;12:43; Mark 1:26-27;5:1-20; Luke 4:36; 6:18;Acts 5:16;8:7) (verses)
• Demons submit to the name of Jesus, even from false converts (Matthew 7:21-23)
• Jesus gave special authority to his twelve disciples to drive out impure spirits, healing every disease for the 'lost sheep of Israel - not the gentiles (Matthew 10:1-8), Mark 6:12, they preached that people should repent
• Detestable animals to us; rodents, voles, bats, snakes, vultures, in the Bible Detestable to God often refers to pagan customs and idolatry (verses) Proverbs 6:16-19, person who stirs up conflict in the community

(3) ...All nations drank maddening wine of passionate/immoral/adulteries - world kings committed adultery with her, her desires for extravagant luxury made merchants of world grow rich"

(4) Another voice from heaven, says "come out of her my people" Jer 51:6-10,17-18,45-48

• so you don't take part/share in her sins or you'll be punished with her
• (5) her sins are piled high as heaven, God remembers her crimes
• (6) Give back to her what she's done to others (Golden rule), her cup of terror
• (7) She glorified herself, lived in luxury - match it with torment and sorrow
• Boastful heart (God knows our heart, out of it the mouth speaks)
• (8)Therefore one single day death, mourning, famine, consumed by fire, mighty Lord God who judges her

Application: How am I using my time, talent and treasure? What is God wanting me to change to warn God's people to "come out of her"?

Rev 18:9-20 B) Shareholders, marketers and employees mourn for doom of Babylon on behalf of God's people

(9) Shareholders: Kings who committed adultery/shared in her luxury mourn while seeing smoke rise from charred remains, (10) terrified by her torment stand far off crying "woe! woe! one hour/single moment doom has come!"

(11) Marketers: merchants of earth, no one left to buy good (12) like the Galleria Tiffany's (gold, silver, jewels) Kate Spade, Coach (fine linen, silk) Pottery Barn (expensive wood, bronze, iron, marble) (13) stop at Cosco for some mass quantities of olive oil, then Burnsville car dealerships for "horses and wagons" and servants to do every type of work.

• (14-15) Eulogy: fruit you longed for is gone, luxury, splendor have vanished forever. Funeral guilty gang far off (merchants who sold these things) terrified at her torment, weep and mourn
• (16-17a) Woe, Woe! like the kings (in verse 10) the merchants mourn for the city that's ruined in a moment

(17b) Employees: all the captains of merchant ships, passengers (I've worked with people like these), sailors and crews stand at a distance

• (18) cry out as smoke ascends, where is another city great as this? (19) weep, throw dust on heads (new more important than in 10, 17a) Woe! Woe! all who had ships became rich through her wealth in a moment/hour brought to ruin
• (20) Rejoice people of God, apostles, prophets, God has judged her for your sakes

Application: The world categorizes people as Shareholder, Consumer and employee - God's people are categorized as his children, ambassador, apostle, prophet and evangelist. How does my life-style reflect who I am? What would God ask me to change this week to reflect my identity as his son?

Rev 18:21-24 C) Babylon will never recover from this fast and total destruction

(21) a mighty angel picked up a boulder/huge millstone into ocean shouted, "just like this- Great city will Babylon will be thrown down with violence, never found again

• (22) no more music, no craftsmen/worker/trade/factory sounds (23) no lights, happy couples, great merchants deceived nations (lead astray) with sorceries (24) Streets flowed with blood of the prophets and God's holy people and blood of people slaughtered all over the world"

Application: (2 Peter 3, 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming...

http://www.gotquestions.org/unclean-spirits.html

http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Dust-On-The-Head

http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-sorcery.html

http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Sorcery-And-Magic

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Doom of the great prostitute and beast fulfills God's Word

Revelation 17
AIM: Satan deceives people for their eternal destruction

A) John is show a great prostitute on a beast
(1) one of seven angels, who poured the bowls - "Come I'll show the judgement/punishment/doom going to great prostitute/harlot, rules many waters (influencing nations)"

• Isaiah 46-47, Ezekiel 16:23

(2) kings committed adultery, people who belong to the world, drunk by wine of her immorality
(3) angle took John to wilderness, woman sitting on

• scarlet beast, 
• seven heads, 
• ten horns, 
• blasphemies against God written all over it

(4) woman

• wore purple/scarlet clothes, 
• gold, precious stones, pearls, 
• held a golden cup filled with abominable/obscenities/filth/impurities of her immorality/adulteries
• (5) Mysterious name: Babylon the Great, Mother of all prostitutes (false religions, heresies) and Obscenities/Abominations in the World/of the earth 
• (6) she's drunk with blood of God's holy people, witnesses/martyred for Jesus (bore testimony to Jesus), Rev 13:1-10
• John's starred/marveled/ completely astonished/amazed

Application: How am I compromising my testimony with immorality, false religion and wealth?

B) Angel explains who the woman and beast are

(7) angel "wonder/marvel/amazed/astonished? I'll explain the mystery.."

(8) beast, once was, now is not, will come from abyss

• bottomless pit, dwelling place of demons (Matthew 8:28-34 Demon possess with legion)
• go to destruction/perdition/ eternal destruction (Hell)
• Inhabitants of earth, who belong to this world, not in the book of life from the creation of the world...amazed at the reappearance of this beast who died yet is

(9) This calls for mind [with/which has] wisdom/understanding

• Seven heads of beast represent seven hills where woman sits/rules, also seven kings
• (10) five kings already fallen, sixth now reigns, seventh yet to come but for reign will be brief
• (11) Scarlet beast (from Rev 17: 3,8) is the eight king of/belongs to the seven heading to destruction/perdition/hell
• (12) ten horns, ten kings not yet risen to power, will reign with beast a brief moment
• (13) One purpose/mind, all agree - give their power/authority to beast
• (14) wage war against the Lamb (Christ) - Lamb overcomes/defeats/triumphs over them - He is Lord of lords, King of kings (Hallelujah - Messiah (Handel) and those with him called, chosen, faithful followers

Application: How do I use wisdom and understanding to help people be freed from Satan's deception?

C) Angel explains the beast hates and devours people, fulfilling God's word

(15) Angel said, "waters you saw...peoples, multitudes from every nations and languages

(16) Scarlet beast, his ten horns hate the prostitute, 

• strip her naked (stripped of power/influence), eat her flesh, burn her remains with fire (Luke 16:19–31 Rich man and Lazarus)
• (17) God put a plan into their hearts/minds (Rev 17:13) to accomplish his purposes - they give authority to scarlet beast so/until the words of God are fulfilled

(18) the woman is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth/world

Application: Who will I share the truth about eternal hell with?

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Seven angels equipped with God's wrath ruin the earth

Revelation 15-16
AIM: Fear of God's wrathful judgement of sin, causes worship filled repentance

"...And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Matthew 25:46 

A) The Song around the Glassy Sea
(15:1) Another event, seven angels with seven plagues, would bring God's wrath to completion
(2-3) seemed like glass sea, fire beside it those victorious over beast, image, number of name, harps given by God and sang song of God's servant Moses and Lamb:

• Praise his natural attributes: Creator (Great and marvelous are your deeds), Almighty, holy (set apart, unique), 
• Praise his character attributes: Just and true are your ways, righteous, holy (pure)
• Praise his name: Adonai Elohei Tseva'ot (a-doh-NIGH e-lo-HAY tse-va-OHT) Lord God Almighty
• Adonai (My Lord) - the respectfully spoken word, written YHWH (tetragrammaton) Yahweh, or The LORD

(4) Who will not fear you, Lord and give glory to your name? You alone are holy

• Spoiler alert, it's everyone on the earth...(Rev 16:9,11)

Application: How do I give reverent glory to God? What's sin in my life holds me back from giving reverent glory to God?

B) God's Tabernacle opened and seven angels equipped with wrath
(5-6)  Temple, God's Tabernacle thrown wide open, seven angels, with seven plagues, dressed in clean, shining linen, golden sashes around chests

• Fathers' house many rooms John 14:2, "pearly gates" the temple is the Lord God Almighty Rev 21:21-27, it is the Christians desire to go home to God (Heb 11:16) when our work is finished.
• We can't image it's beauty 1 Cor 2:9, it's paradise Luke 23:43
• It's value is more than we can achieve on earth Matthew 6:19-21
• Treasures in heaven are people Luke 12:33-34, be generous, ready to share 1 Timothy 6:17-19

(7-8) 1 of 4 living creatures given seven bowls filled with God's wrath, temple filled smoke no one could enter until the seven plagues were completed
Application: How do I live in God's presents?

C) The bowls of God's final judgement
(16:1) heard loud voice from temple saying "Go, pour out seven bowls of God's wrath on the earth"
(2) First bowl - land, ugly sores on people with mark of beast and worshiped its image (Exodus 9:8-11 furnace soot, air boils on animals & people)
(3) Second bowl - sea, blood everything died (Exodus 7:14-25 only the Nile; Revelation 8:8-9 Only 1/3 sea)
(4-5) Third bowl - all rivers and springs to blood (Revelation 8:10-11 only 1/3)

• Sending these judgments causes angel to praise God , "You are just, O Holy One, is and always was"
• A world without any clean water
• (7) They shed blood of your holy people and prophets, God gave them blood to drink, their just reward

(8) Fourth bowl - on the sun, scorches everyone with its fire, they refuse to repent and glorify God (Deuteronomy 28:22 scorching heat and drought until perish; 2 Peter 3:7 heaven and earth are reserved for fire)

• (9) they cursed the name of God, refused to repent and glorify him

(10) Fifth bowl - on the throne of the beast, kingdom plunged into darkness, gnawed tongues agony (Exodus 10:21-23 darkness limited to Egypt-could see anyone, didn't impact Hebrews)

• (11) they cursed God of heaven cause of pains, sores but refused to repent of what they had done

(12) Sixth bowl - on Euphrates, water dried up prepared way kings East (Exodus 8:1-15; 14:21-27) 

• (13) Three impure spirits, like frogs from mouth of dragon, beast and false prophet
• (14) demonic spirits, work miracles gather all rulers of world to battle against the Lord, judgment day of God Almighty
• (15) "Look, I'll come unexpectedly as thief - keep watch, clothes ready - won't be naked, ashamed"
• (16) demonic spirits gathered all rulers and armies to Armageddon

(17) Seventh bowl - air, from throne in Temple "It is finished!"

• (18) thunder, lightening, great earthquake worse since people were place on the earth
• (19) great city split into three parts, cities of nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of fury of his wrath
• (20-21) Every island fled away, mountains couldn't be found, huge hailstones 100 lbs each
• they cursed God plague of hail was so terrible

Application: How authentic is my repentance to God?


Helpful Verses: Revelation 15-16; Exodus 40:34-35; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14; Isaiah 6:1-4; Revelation 15:5-8 ;Exodus 9:8-11;Exodus 7:14-25; Revelation 8:8-9; Revelation 8:10-11;Deuteronomy 28:22; 2 Peter 3:7;Exodus 10:21-23;8:1-15; 14:21-27; Luke 12:39-40; 2 Peter 3:10; Matthew 24:43-44; Mark 13:32-37; 2 Peter 3:10; Isaiah 61:10; Romans 13:11-14; Galatians 3:26-27

Names of God
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Names_of_G-d/Father/father.html

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New song, gospel proclaimed and final harvest

Revelation 14
AIM: The gospel is the power of God
A) 144,000 redeemed sing a special new song to God and Lamb
(1) John sees Lamb on Mount Zion with 144,000 his name/his Father's name written on foreheads.
(2) Heard sound like roaring water, thunder, harps
(3) sang new song before the throne, 4 living creatures, elders - no one could learn but the 144,000 redeemed from earth
(4-5) Not self defiled, virgins, follow Lamb wherever he goes, purchased, offered as first-fruits to God and Lamb, no lies, blameless
Thoughts: Everyone has sinned, so who are the 144,000? Could they be people like Job and the prophets who believed, loved and obeyed God before Christ's death and resurrection? Isaiah 1:18; Romans 1:16-17.
Application: Do I understand how Jesus "purchased" us with his blood on the cross? Do I understand 'redemption through his blood' and 'forgiveness of sins' enough to explain to people without Bible knowledge? Can I explain God's grace and the indwelling Holy Spirit for all who repent, confess and believe?

B) Angels awesome proclamation of the eternal gospel
(6-7) Another angel flying proclaimed to all the earth,eternal gospel "Fear God...hour of his judgment...Worship the maker of heaven, earth, sea and springs"
(8) Second angel said, "Fallen Babylon the Great...made all 'drink maddening wine her adulteries'"
(9-10a) Third angel said, "anyone worships the beast (Rev 13), it's image or receives its mark on forehead or hand, they, too, will 'drink wine of God's fury-poured full strength-cup of his wrath
(10b-11) They will be tormented, burning sulfur, presence of holy angels, Lamb, forever, no rest for those who worships the beast, it's image or receives the mark of its name"
(12)  This calls for patient endurance for people of God, keep commands, remain faithful to Jesus
(13) A voice from heaven, "Write this: Blessed are dead, who die in the Lord from now on." (second of 7 blessings) "Yes" says the Spirit, "they will rest from labor, deeds will follow them"
Application: How do I display patient endurance with family, friends, coworkers and students as I'm sharing the gospel? How do I share salvation from the wrath of God's judgement to people who don't know?



C) Son of man harvest the earth for final judgement
(14) son of man, seated on a cloud, gold crown, sharp sickle (Daniel 7:13)
(15) Another angel from temple "Take sickle and reap harvest of earth"
(16) Swung sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested
(17-18) Angel in charge of fire calls to another angel with sharp sickle, "gather the clusters of grapes"
(19-20) Swung sickle on the earth, gathered grapes into great wine-press of God's wrath, trampled blood flowed high as horses bridles for 180 miles
Application: How am I using my time, talent and treasure to build the kingdom of heaven?

Helpful resources:
Bible teaches people are naturally in sin and going to hell, but salvation is found in Jesus Christ

How are Christians "purchased" ?
Revelation 14:1-5;Ephesians 1:4-7, 12-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19;1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 5:1-11; Philippians 2:1-16; 1 John 1:9-10

What is the Gospel, what are Christians to do with it?
Revelation 14:6-13; Revelation 13:5-10; 16-17; 14:9-11;

What happens to people who aren't Christians?
Revelation 14:6-13; Revelation 13:5-10; 16-17; 14:9-11;

Daniel dreams of four kingdoms leading to God’s final judgement

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Beast conquers the world, another beast forces blasphemous worship

Revelation 13
Aim: Following Jesus looks completely opposite of following the beast

A) Unsaved people worship the powerful, proud, blaspheming beast
(1) dragon, seashore, beast 10 horns, 7 heads-blasphemous names, ten crowns
(2) beast resembled leopard, feet bear, mouth lion - dragon gave beast his power, throne, great authority
(3) one head fatal wound, healed - world filled with wonder followed beast
(4) People worshiped dragon, he gave authority to beast, worship beast too "who's like the beast, who can wage war against IT?"
(5) Beast, proud words, blasphemies, authority for 42 months
(6) opened mouth to blaspheme God, slander his name, his dwelling place, those in heaven
(7) given power to wage war against God's holy people, conquer them and everyone else on earth
(8) All will worship beast who haven't been written in Lamb's book of life, Lamb slain from the creation of the world
(9) Whoever has ears, let them hear. (Matthew 11:15; 13:9; 13:43; Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8; Revelation 2:7; 2:11,17,29;3:6,13,22)

(10) Anyone is to go, will go, is to be killed be killed (Jeremiah 15:2)

Application: People are following this great anti-Holy, Creator, Lord, God to their own destruction. You can change the world by sharing Jesus with people.

B) Seond beast makes the earth worship the first and receive the mark of the beast
(11) Second beast, from earth, two horns 'like a lamb' but spoke like a dragon.

(12) exercised authority of first beast on it's behalf, made earth worship first beast, whose fatal wound was healed

(13) it performed great signs, causing fire from heaven for all to see

(14) because of signs, power performed on behalf of first beast, it deceived inhabitants of earth. Set up image in honor of beast, wounded by sword yet lived.

(15) second beast given power to give breath to image of first beast, so image could speak, cause all who refused to worship image to be killed

(16-17) forced ALL PEOPLE to receive a mark on right hand or forehead, couldn't buy or sell unless they had the mark-name of the beast or number of its name

(18) This calls for wisdom. Person with insight calculates the number of the beast is humanity's number 666

Application: Does my concern for friend, coworkers and family spur me on to share the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ with them? How am I being a force to "de-populate" hell? Who is God put before me to share the Gospel with?


Helpful verses and resources:
Revelation 13:7-10
John 1:12-13, 29; Philippians 3:20-21; 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 20:12-13.

John 15:18-27;Romans 15:4-5;2 Corinthians 6:4-10;Colossians 1:9-14 ;1 Timothy 6:11-12


Revelation 13:11-18
Revelation 13:11-18;Mark 13:22;Exodus 7:1-5;1 Kings 18:30-39;John 11:41-44; 20:30-31; Acts 2:19-21;1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Ephesians 1:13-14

Discernment: Colossians 3:15-17; Deuteronomy 13:1-4; Matthew 7:15-20; Mark 13:22-25; 1 John 4:1-3

Daniel 7-8

Daniel dreams of four kingdoms leading to God’s final judgement

Daniel sees end of time and Gabriel explains its meaning

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Messiah is born; war breaks out in heaven and earth

Revelation 12

AIM: In God’s sovereignty we are protected and victorious in the battle against Satan

A) The great sign in heaven is the birth of the Messiah

(1) Great sign in heaven, woman clothed with sun, moon under feet, crown of twelve stars on her head

(2) Pregnant about to give birth

(3) Another sign in heaven, enormous red dragon, 7 heads, 10 horns, 7 crowns

(4) tail swept 1/3 of stars from sky to earth, dragon wants to devour child when he’s born

(5) woman gives birth to male child who will rule with iron scepter (Psalm 2:8-9; Revelation 2:26-27; 19:15; 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 28:5; Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 30:14; Daniel 2:34)

(6) Woman fled into place prepared by God, taken care of for 3 ½ years

Application: God prepares places to protect us. When have I experienced God’s protection or been that protection for others in His name?

B) Birth of the Messiah marks war in heaven, devil thrown to earth

(7) THEN war broke out in heaven. Michael/his angels against the dragon, he/his angels fought back

(8) BUT dragon/angels not strong enough, lost place in heaven

(9) great dragon/ancient serpent/devil/Satan who leads the whole world astray hurled down to earth with his angels

(10) loud voice in heaven “Now have come salvation, power, kingdom of God, authority his Messiah,For accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before God day and night has been hurled down

(11) They triumphed by blood of Lamb and word of their testimony – unafraid to die

(12) Rejoice heaven, woe to earth – because the devil knows his time is short

Application: We are victorious over Satan by the blood of the Lamb and word of our testimony. How does the testimony of scripture lead me into victorious living for Christ?

C) The offspring of the woman are those who keep God’s commands

(13) Dragon saw he’d been hurled down he pursued the woman who gave birth to the child

(14) Woman was given two wings of great eagle, she might fly to place prepared wilderness out of serpents reach for 3.5 years (verse 6) (times, time and ½ a time)

(15) From mouth of serpent spewed water, like a river to overtake the woman

(16) Earth helped her by swallowing up the river

(17) Dragon enraged at woman, went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus

Application: I am protected and victorious by keeping God’s commands and holding fast to my Testimony.

CHRISTMAS FROM A COSMIC PERSPECTIVE

"Christmas From a Cosmic Perspective" from Grace Church on Vimeo.

https://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-232

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Angel's scroll, two witnesses and the seventh trumpet revealed

Revelation 10-11
AIM: Prophecy is God calling you to repent before it's too late.
A) John eats the scroll from the mighty angel and told to prophesy again
(1-2) John sees mighty angel from heaven, robe cloud, rainbow above head, sun face, legs fiery pillars, holding little open scroll, right foot sea, left land, shout roar of lion
(3-4) Angel spoke, seven thunders spoke...but John's told not to write what seven thunders have said
(5-6) Angel raised right hand to heaven, swore by eternal creator and all that's created "there will be no more delay!...
(7) But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”
(8-9) Voice from heaven said "Go take the scroll", John Asked, Angel said eat it, stomach sour but in mouth sweet as honey
(10-11) John took from angel, ate it, sweet as honey, stomach turned sour - told "you must prophesy again about many people, nations, languages and kings"
Application: Who is God wanting me to share these truths with and when will I share it?

B) Two witnesses, protected, powerful prophets, resurrected after 3 & 1/2 days dead
(1-2) John's given a measuring rod told "measure temple of God, altar with worshipers, not outer courts - given to gentiles - trample holy city 42 months
(3-4) "I'll appoint my two witnesses, prophesy 1,260 days in sackcloth..they are 2 olive trees, lampstands, stand before the Lord of the earth (Zech. 4:3,11,14)
(5-6) Any tries to harm them, fire mouth devours enemies. Power to shut up heavens, won't rain while they prophesying, water to blood, strike earth with every plague often as they want
(7-10) when testimony is finished, beast from Abyss will attack/overpower/kill them, bodies in public 3 & 1/2 days-gaze on bodies refuse burial, everyone celebrating with gifts because two prophets tormented those on the earth
(11-12) After 3 & 1/2 days breath of life from God entered them, stood on feet terror struck those who saw, heard loud voice from heaven - "come up here" went to heaven in a cloud while enemies looked on
(13-14) that hour, severe earthquake, 1/10 of city collapsed, 7,000 killed, survivors terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. Second woe passed, third is coming soon.
Application: My friends and loved one may not want to hear about God, but if I love them - I need to tell them.

C) Seventh trumpet, reclaims the world to God
(15) Seventh trumpet sounded, "world has become Lord and Messiah for ever"
(16-17) 24 elders fell on faces saying, "thank you Lord God Almighty, taken your power and begun to reign"
(18) nations were angry, your wrath has come, time to judge the dead, rewarding servant the prophets, who revere your name, great and small, destroying those who destroy the earth
(19) God's temple in heaven opened, ark of his covenant, lightning, peals, thunder, earthquake, hailstorm
Application: How does my life reflect worship and praise to God who is true to  his covenant promises

Promises about eternity:
John 11:25-26; John 14:1-4 ; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 ;Philippians 3:20-21;1 Thessalonians 4:13-18;1 John 3:2 

What God's word reveals to us:
Ephesians 3:4-6; Colossians 1:24-28; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55

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Lamb's seventh seal brings prayer and six trumpets for repentance

Revelation 8-9
AIM: Calamity is the "wake-up call" of God to repent

A) Lamb's seventh seal brings silence, prayers, fire from alter sent down with earthquake and seven angels prepared with trumpets.
(1-2) Lamb broke seventh seal, silence heaven 1/2 hour seven angels given seven trumpets
(3) Another angel gold incense burner stood at alter, great amount of incense given to him mixed with prayers of God's people
(4-5) incense/prayers of God's holy people ascended to God, then angel filled incense burner with fire from the alter, threw down to earth terrible earthquake
(6) Seven angels, trumpets prepared to blow mighty blast
Application: Seeing the angels with their trumpets ready to blast causes my heart to hope for people to repent before it's too late. How are my actions and faith in step with my professed hope?

B) First and second trumpets results in 1/3 of earth on fire and 1/3 of sea destroyed.
(7) Trumpet 1) Hail, fire mixed with blood 1/3 earth set on fire, 1/3 of trees burned, all green grass burned
(8-9) Trumpet 2) mountain of fire thrown into the sea 1/3 water in sea became blood, 1/3 all living in sea died, 1/3 ships destroyed
Application: Natural calamities like the forest fires in North America, the Earthquakes and tsunamis as well as man made oil spills and nuclear reactors poisoning the waters should be a wake up call when viewed in light these prophecies. Praise God for survivors who repent in light of these troubling times. How does my reaction to these events call others to view our time in the light of God's Word?

C) Third and forth trumpets include star falling making 1/3 of rivers and springs bitter/poisonous, 1/3 light gone.
(10-11) Trumpet 3)  a great star fell from sky/burning torch, 1/3 rivers/springs Bitterness many died from drinking the water
(12) Trumpet 4) 1/3 of sun, moon, stars struck became dark 1/3 of day was dark, 1/3 of night
(13) Single eagle crying "Terror x3 all who belong to this world when last three angles blow trumpets"
Application: Could there be any more doubters in the world when a star falls from the sky like a burning torch poisoning 1/3 of rivers and springs on earth? And when the Sun, Moon and Stars loose 1/3 of brightness will no one notice? Can you see the smoggy haze? Is this not happening now? Look up, see this as your call out to the world, "Terror, Terror, Terror" is coming next!

Helpful verses: Revelation 8:1-13;Revelation 4:8;Joel 2:1;Exodus 19:14-17;Numbers 10:2;Joshua 6:2-5;1 Thessalonians 4:16

D) Trumpets 5-6 cause terror from fallen star opening bottomless pit darkness from smoke, locus who torture unholy people and army of 200 million kill 1/3 of people, yet none repent.
(1-2) Trumpet 5, Terror 1) star had fallen to earth, given key to shaft of bottomless pit, he opened it sunlight and air turned dark from the smoke
(3-4) Locus came from smoke, given power to sting like scorpions - not harming grass, plants, trees only people not sealed of God on foreheads
(5-6) not to kill but torture 5 months like scorpion sting, people will seek death but not find it, long to die but death will flee from them!
(7-10) Locus looked like horses for battle/gold crowns, faces like humans, hair like women, teeth like lion, iron armor, wings roared, tails like scorpions - 5 months power to torment people
(11) Their king is angel from bottomless pit - Abaddon (Hebrew), Apollyon (Greek), Destroyer
(12) Terror 1 over, two more to come
(13-14) Trumpet 6, Terror 2) voice from 4 horns of gold altar in presents of God, "release four angles bound at Euphrates River"
(15-16) 4 angels prepared for the hour, day, month, year turned loose to kill 1/3 of all people on earth, army 200 million mounted troops
(17-19) Horses head like lions - fire/smoke/burning sulfur from mouths, riders wore armor fiery red, dark blue, yellow. 1/3 people killed by three plagues from mouths of horses. power in mouths and tails like snakes to injure people
(20-21) BUT people who didn't die still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. Continued to worship demons and idols (gold/silver/bronze/stone/wood) - can't see, hear or walk! Didn't repent of their murders, witchcraft, sexual immorality, thefts
Application: Pray to God to expose the idolatry, witchcraft, sexual immorality and theft in my life and bring me to repentance. Ask God to remove these from my heart, desire and life so that I can live for him.

Helpful Verses: Revelation 9:1-21;Exodus 7-10

Feb 15, 2013 - Asteroid hits earth
2004 tsunami, haiti and chile earthquake 2010, Japan 2011, earthquakes 2015

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144,000 sealed, ending tribulation with innumerable people saved fulfilling prophecies

Revelation 7
AIM: Prophecies are given so that more come to salvation.
A) (1-8) Angels given power to harm land and sea as well as mark servants of God wait for full number from all tribes of Israel.
(1) four angels at four corners of earth, holding back four winds on earth preventing wind from blowing
(2) another angel up from east having seal of living God, called out to the four angels who were given power to harm land and sea
(3) "don't harm land or sea or trees until WE put seal on foreheads of servants of OUR God"
Helpful Verses: Revelation 7:1-3; Jeremiah 49:36-37; Daniel 7:2; 2 Peter 3
(4) number of those who were sealed 144,000 all tribes of Israel
(5-8) 12,000 sealed from Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin
Application: How do I bring the peace of God to the minds of God's servants? How does my words impact those around me?
Helpful Verses: Revelation 7:1-8; Ezekiel 9; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30;Genesis 49:10; Matthew 1:3-6, 16;Genesis 6; 19; 2 Peter 3

B) (9-14) Tribulation ends with a great multitude of people praising God having been saved by God by the blood of the Lamb.
(9) After this, great multitude no one could count every nation, tribe, people, language, before throne & Lamb - wearing white robes holding palm branches
(10) cried out, "Salvation belongs to OUR God, sits on throne and the Lamb"
(11) all angels around the thone, elders, four living creatures, fell down on faces worshiped God
(12) saying "Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, strength be to OUR God for ever and ever. AMEN!"
(13) elder asked John, "these in white robes - who are they, where did they come from?" (from verse 9)
(14) "sir you know, they come out of the great tribulation, washed their robes and made white in the blood of the Lamb
Application: How well do I represent the truth of salvation for all people groups on every part of the world? Where's the evidence in the use of my time, talent and treasure?

C) (15-17) Prophecies of Isaiah and Jesus are fulfilled
(15) Therefore "they are before throne of God, serve him day and night in his temple; God on throne, shelters them with his presence.
(16) Never again hunger, thirst, sun will not beat down on them, nor scorching heat (Isaiah 49:10; 25:8)
(17) For the Lamb oat the center of the throne will be their Shepherd, leading them to springs of living water, God will wipe away every tear from their eyes
Application: One way we know the Bible is truly God's word is from fulfilled prophecies. How well do I know scripture to point these out to a doubting, lost world?
Helpful Verses: Revelation 7:9-17;Isaiah 61:3, 10;1 John 1:7;John 1:29; 10:1-18;4:4-14;7:38;Revelation 7:15-17

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Lamb opens six seals bringing calamity, judgement and wrath

Revelation 6

AIM: God is sovereign over everyone and we will answer to him

A) The Lamb breaks 4 seals releasing a ruler, wars, economic distress and death

(1-2) Lamb breaks first of seven seals on scroll, living being “come” - white horse, rider/bow/crown win battles, victory

(3-4) Lamb broke second seal, second living being “come” – red horse, rider/sword/authority to remove peace, war and slaughter everywhere

(5-6) Lamb broke third seal, third living being “come” – black horse, rider/scales “food/wages/savings”

(7-8) Lamb broke fourth seal, fourth living being “come” – pale green horse, rider named death with hades nearby. Authority over ¼ of earth to kill with sword, famine, disease, wild animals

Application: What do I put my security in that is not the sovereign God? What needs to change in my heart to change this?

Helpful verses: Revelation 6:1-8; James 4:1-8; Luke 16:22-31 ;Revelation 20:13-15;Zechariah 6:1-8; Matthew 24:1-8

B) Lamb’s fifth seal brings white robes of assurance to martyrs

(9) Lamb broke firth seal, under the altar souls of martyred for word of God, faithful in testimony

(10) Shouted O sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge people who belong to this world and avenge our blood?

(11) each received a white robe, told to rest a little longer until full number of brothers and sisters, fellow servants of Jesus were martyred had joined them

Application: How sure am I in my salvation? Is my hope in a decision made long ago or the decisions I’m making right now? How do I believe God in my life today (Psalm 46)?

Helpful verses: Revelation 6:9-11; Romans 2:5 ;2 Peter 3:9;Isaiah 61:10;Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 3:13-17; 4:12-16; 5:10;1 Peter 5:10

C) Lamb broke the sixth seal and the great day of wrath came

(12-14) Lamb broke sixth seal, earthquake, sun dark, moon blood, stars fall, sky rolled up like a scroll, mountains and island moved from their places

(15-17) Everyone on earth hid in caves, cried to the mountains “fall on us, hide us from the one who sits on the throne and the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”

Application:  Who do I know needs to be given the perspective of the day of the Lord?

Helpful verses: Revelation 6:12-17; Exodus 19:18; Isaiah 34:4; Jeremiah 4:23-26; Joel 2:30-31; Zechariah 14:3-5

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