Revelation Chapter 16

Posted on July 13, 2016 by ahabiblemoments.com

Check out the overview by clicking on link below:

It is difficult to write on something that so many other scholars and want-to-be teachers have already covered in so many different formats. The FACTS don’t change. Bible content is something that cannot be copyrighted. Just like the free will of man to accept or deny the existence of a God supreme, it cannot be outlawed. Simple example in America: To pass a law about discrimination in any form does not eliminate it. This country (2016) is more polarized today than it was just 8 years ago. We can probably go back to the Civil War and see very similar hate, choosing of sides, difference of opinion in neighborhoods and a cluster of houses in a common section of almost any town feeling they are not a neighborhood-in-common.

I state the above as we close in on the end of our Revelation study. This is precisely what the Apostle John and many other bible prophets and authors of books in the bible have said for 3,000 years. They go into much greater detail, but without knowledge, how can one prepare for End Time? Simple answer… they can’t! This however does not mean End Time will also not come. It simply means that millions will lose his or her opportunity to survive it and spend eternity in a much more preferred place than hell.

Revelation 16

A voice from out of the heavenly temple commands the 7 angels to “go their way and pour out the vials of God’s wrath upon the earth and mankind”. Note that John hears the command that all 7 angels are told to GO! Not go #1; then go #2 and so forth. There is an order or sequence but no timing is evidenced. Since all 7 are told to go with ONE COMMAND, it is highly unlikely that there is a span of much, if any time between the pouring out of the wrath bowls of God. [suggested insight follows later]

The sequence is as follows:

Bowl #1 is great sores upon man (and woman) if they have worshiped the beast, his image or taken the mark of the beast.
*Bowl #2 is God’s wrath on the sea. We are not told if this includes lakes, ponds, or oceans. The Greek word used here is Thalassa. Thayer and Strong point out that this is a term usually indicating the Red or Mediterranean Seas. Since Thalassa is a prolonged form of halce, which means “salt” it would be unwise to conclude it does not include the great oceans and gulfs.
*Bowl #3 is when and where the rivers, streams, springs are included in God’s wrath. The third angel pours out his bowl upon these waters.

*a word of caution… some bible translations say “the waters turned to blood like a dead man.” Young’s Literal Translation from 1898 says “blood.” We do not know if this analogy is a comparison of similarities or the actual thing. It is not important to know which as all translations worth any study say that all living creatures within these waters die.

At this point there is a short interlude as an angel “in charge of the waters” points out (v5) that God is justified in doing this to his creation. He explains that man has shed the blood of God’s followers and “deserves” the same treatment. Then in verse 7 a voice from the alter seconds this proclamation made by the angel of the waters. The obvious…this is at the end of the Great Tribulation Period of 7 years.

We might also note that the first three bowls of judgement are similar to judgements one and six cast on Egypt at the time of the Israeli bondage in that country. Even though these Egyptian plagues were limited to Egypt, we do know what these “plagues” were limited to in durations. This may only be studied speculation, but it gives us some insight as to the possible duration of each plague in Revelation: The first Egyptian plague lasted for 7 days (Ex 7:25), the 9th Egyptian plague lasted for 3 days (Ex 10:21-23), and the 10th was for one night, beginning at midnight (Ex 12:29-31); all within a given week. This may be helpful to those who want a duration number or some possibilities given for the plagues in Revelation. For some reasonable speculation on days of duration, go to http://www.jesusalive.cc/ques219.htm. scorchingsun

Bowl #4 is the sun scorching those on earth (this does not include anyone who has not worshiped the beast, his image, and/or taken the mark of the beast. One must speculate that the turning of waters into a blood-like substance is not a permanent plague. Mankind would die after a few days of no water. Add the 4^th plague of a scorching sun to no available water and mankind would fall like flies in a very short period of time.

We hasten to add another note for the reader. Verse 9 states flat out that men cursed God and refuse to repent or recognize Him for who and what He was, is, (and at this point in Revelation) is to very soon come. It appears there is room for men to repent or at least give God recognition for who He is. Not to keep adding Greek to this blog, but sometimes it helps our understanding of scripture. The word “repent” in verse 9 is metanoeō in the Greek. This means to “change one’s mind.” However, we must recall what Revelation 14:9-11 states. If someone repents at this point, it could be suggested that their eternal punishment from the “books that will be opened” [Revelation 2012] could be lessened. However, changing one’s mind does not mean changing one’s heart. One can begrudgingly accept a previously denied fact but still not embrace it.

This is a turning point for Satan, the beast, and his false prophet. Up to this point the false trinity may have escaped the plagues on earth and man. But, plague #5 is pointed… God’s wrath is turned upon the kingdom of the beast. There will be total darkness and an unspecified pain poured out on the throne of the beast and his kingdom. People will finally see that the false-god isn’t even able to prevent or immunize itself against these judgments. What a Day That Will Be!
Now to set the possible stage for the fulfillment of Plague or curse #6. We have the angel of vial #6 drying up the Euphrates. We know that this is already happening. Type drying of the Euphrates River into your search engine and read it from secular sources. There are multiple events happening at this time. Let’s briefly look at a few of them.
1. Water has by now become very scarce due to the plagues. It may even replace the demand for oil by that time. There already is and has been a short supply of drining water in the Middle East; even during the time of Jacob.
2. Putin and Netanyahu have recently agreed to a joint venture in developing oil and gas reserves found in Israel.
3. The most recent world class oil reserve has been found in Har Megiddo; i.e. Armageddon territory; 55 miles north of Jerusalem.
4. When oil reserves are threatened, armies converge to protect or steal it.. Examples? The Kuwaiti war with Saddam; Iraqi War; WWII… *(See the asterisk paragraph below)
5. When water becomes totally scarce the Aswan Dam in Egypt will become a terrorist target. If breached or destroyed, this will fulfill the prophecy of Ezekiel 29:9.
6. The dams in Jordan, Russia, Syria, Turkey…; King Hussein of Jordan has said “the volatile issue of water could drive the region to war. (See Matthew 24:22)
7. UN Secretary-General Bhoutros-Ghali, while he was still Egypt’s foreign minister, said, “The next war in the Middle East will be fought over water, not politics.”
8. Ironic as it may sound, the Persians defeated the Babylonians by diverting and drying up the river waters to Babylon back in 539 B.C.. Is this a preview of the fall of the Revelation Babylon???

*There needs to be something that calls these armies together at Har Megiddo; 55 miles north of Jerusalem. We are not without strong compelling attractions to this Valley of Jezreel in northern Israel AKA, Har Megiddo. Here are a few:

Daniel 11 prophecies battles between the King of the North (probably the anti-Christ) and the king of the South (probably Muslim nations who refuse the anti-Christ as their master.) In their final battle they meet at Har Megiddo.
In order to protect its oil rights in Israel and as agreed upon between Putin and Netanyahu (2016), Russia marches in to fend off destruction of their oil rights only recently discovered. See Daniel 11:44.
A dry Euphrates River allows the king(s) of the East cross over and to get into the battle to either prevent a mutual destruction or to make sure it gets its fair-share of booty after the fight (war)
Why would they gather to do battle? Revelation 16:13; it is all God arranged.

Plague #7:

Cataclysmic events such as islands disappear, mountains collapse and are no more, Jerusalem rises up to a high altitude as the waters from under soon-to-be Throne of God in Jerusalem begin to flow both toward the Jordan River and to the Mediterranean Sea. Jesus Christ sets foot on the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem. Zechariah (14) tells us that the place of Jesus’ return to earth will not be Zion, Illinois, but the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel. The city of Jerusalem is divided into three parts. The armies gathered in plague #6 march on Jerusalem and are judged by Jesus. Babylon the Great, city or an institutional power, is destroyed as announced by an angel in Revelation 14:8 and again in Revelation 18:21. Great and fiery hail falls from the heavens. This hail from heaven has similarities to the Exodus account of plague #7 on Egypt recorded in Exodus 19:13-35. Is it a coincident for us to overlook the fact that this hail in Revelation is plague #7, just as it was in Egypt; i.e. #7?

Much of these plague events and event to follow occur simultaneously and/or in rapid succession. These events continue to be recorded by John in the next couple of chapters in Revelation.

Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army [Revelation 19:19; NIV]

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REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?

– The pronouncement (1)

– The seven bowls of wrath (2-21)

2) What did a loud voice from the temple say to seven angels? (1)

– “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth”

3) Upon what was the first bowl poured out? What happened? (2)

– The earth; foul and loathsome sores came upon those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped his image

4) Upon what was the second bowl poured out? What happened? (3)

– The sea; it became blood as of a dead man; every living creature in the sea died

5) Upon what was the third bowl poured out? What happened? (4)

– The rivers and springs of water; they became blood

6) Why did the angel of the waters proclaim God’s judgments as just?

(5-6)

– Because they had shed the blood of saints and prophets

7) Upon what was the fourth bowl poured out? What happened? (8-9)

– On the sun; men were scorched with great heat

8) Despite these judgments, how did men respond? (9)

– They blasphemed the name of God, and did not repent and give God glory

9) Upon what was the fifth bowl poured out? What happened? (10)

– On the throne of the beast; his kingdom became full of darkness, and people gnawed their tongues because of the pain

10) What again is said about the response to these judgments? (11)

– They blasphemed God because of their sores and pain, and did not repent of their deeds

11) Upon what was the sixth bowl poured out? What happened? (12)

– On the river Euphrates; it was dried up, so the way of the kings from the east might be prepared

12) What did John see next? (13)

– Three unclean spirits like frogs coming of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet

13) What were these, and what was their mission? (14)

– Spirits of demons, performing great signs

– To gather the kings of the earth to the battle of the great day of God Almighty

14) What warning and beatitude did Jesus give at this point? (15)

– Behold, I am coming as a thief

– Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame

15) Where were the kings of the earth gathered? (16)

– To the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon

16) Upon what was the seventh bowl poured out? What happened? (17)

– The air; a loud voice from the temple of heaven, from the throne, proclaimed, “It is done!”

17) What then occurred? (18-21)

– There were noises, thunderings, lightnings, a mighty earthquake

– The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell

– Great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath

– Every island fled away, and the mountains were not found

– Great hail from heaven fell upon men

18) How did people respond to the plague of the hail? (21)

– They blasphemed God, because the plague was exceedingly great

Revelation Chapter 14 (b)

Posted on June 15, 2016 by ahabiblemoments.com

Continued from Chapter 14 (a)

Revelation 7

This chapter is very specific in identifying who will be marked; 12,000 from 12 Tribes of Jacob (Israel). The Tribe of Dan walked away from their designated spot in the Promised Land and is not included as a tribe mentioned in Revelation 7. Ephraim’s name is simply replaced by the name of his father, Joseph of Egypt fame. Manasseh, Joseph’s first born in Egypt is listed as one of the twelve Tribes.

Additional considerations from Revelation 14:

The souls under the throne and the handing out of white robes until the right number have died. Might this “right number” equal 144,000?
Those who appear in great multitudes that cannot be counted.
Who are 24 elders?
The woman in chapter 12 and the woman in chapter 15
The dragon, 1^st beast, 2^nd beast, the image and the false prophet.

A blog cannot cover all of this but we do recommend that the serious student go through Revelation Chapter 14-1Power Points provided and identified with chapter 14 and chapter 15 in this website. The PP for chapter 14 is long but has an identified division point where one can leave off and return to it at later time. The Power Point blog addresses many of the specifics of chapter 14.

The “virgin status” of those “men” (People) identified in C14 are people who are new babes in Christ, probably converted during the Great Tribulation. They know (YADDA) they are going to pay a severe price for their decision by accepting Christ therefore denying the mark of the Beast and his image. They have no reason to violate any of Gods laws or principles since their decision is a permanent and a do or die decision. These are not Sunday or Sabbath Day Christians. It is and end in and of itself so no purpose is served in them making a false statement. No lie is to be found on their lips after this decision to follow Christ to their death during the Tribulation of 7 years.

no more ignorance 14:6 & 7 answer the question of whether or not all people hear the gospel or are doomed to condemnation due to their ignorance. There is NO IGNORANCE. Every tongue, every tribe, every nation, every people; leaves little room for someone to be missed. After all, this last angel with the final opportunity to accept the gospel follows the 3 ½ years of the two witnesses in Jerusalem who also were heard world-wide. Yet, many still refuse to accept Christ.

We have a fascinating sequence of events within the next few verses;

Verse 6 finds an angel announcing to the world (no exceptions) the eternal Good news. Verse 7 gives due warning and instructions for all individuals who heard the angel in verse 6.
Verse 8 Informs the same global population that the false prophet and leadership (Babylon) is now destroyed so they have nothing to fear from this group.
Verse 9 tells of the consequence for not heading this final warning and message from an angel in the sky. It also explains the consequences for taking the mark of the beast or worshiping either it or its image. It is the unforgivable sin.
Verse 10 says it straight… “He also shall drink of the wine of God’s wrath and ultimately tormented with fire and brimstone (in hell).”
Verse 11 specifically states it is forever and ever.

Here is an absolutely new fact of end time as read in Revelation 14:13…

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. From henceforth now, says the Spirit that they may rest from their labors. For their works follow them. [BRB]

“…from this point forward?” These people are probably the ones redeemed from earth for their flawless living after all the above has transpired. We are well into the Great Tribulation at this point in time and any choice is but one; follow Christ or follow the beast. No murky waters or fog at this time in history. This also explains why these men of earth who reject the beast and accept Christ are identified as the first-fruits and sinless from that point forward. They have everything to gain and KNOW IT. They also know the only thing they have to lose equals NOTHING! Poor example but a human thought with heavenly meaning…to give up a fake pass to Disney for an everyday any day pass is not a loss. There is no need to fake anything.

JIV NOTE: In 14:10 we read something about “spiritual fornication.” Does one actually grasp the depth of this statement? Revelation 10:9-10…

9) “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,

10) he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

There is a parallel to this when the Tribe of Dan “leaped out of Bashan, leaving the Promised land in the Old Testament. His people worshiped idols and set up”high places” outside the realm of what God had instructed Israel, His chosen, to do. They walked away from the Promised Land and are not included in the list of Tribes and 144,000 identified in Revelation 7.
The very first commandment of the Old Testament states: ‘mankind’ shall have no other gods before me.” In verse 9 we see many will have openly worshiped the beast and its image receiving their “seal [club membership] of approval.” It is a one way membership club. One can get in or stay out, but cannot get in then back out. Verse 11 re-explains who these folks are. Here is no guess work. It is laid out in plain language.

harvest ready Chapter 14:14 to the end of this chapter is the reaping of the earth. The first thrust of the sharp sickle is to harvest the *fully ripe grain or followers of God/Jesus Christ. This is the first harvest.

In verse 17 we discover a second harvest; one of grapes. These are thrown into the wine-press of God’s WRATH. Not a good thing. They are crushed or punished for their continual rejection over the past 7 tribulation years; 3 ½ years with the two witnesses in Jerusalem but who were heard and seen worldwide; the angel who proclaimed the gospel to the entire world near the end of the Great Tribulation period; the individual witnessing of the 144,000 who died “from this point forward” for their testimony [14:13]; and the their acceptance of the false prophet, the beast, its image and the Mark of the Beast.

Revelation Chapter 14 (a)

Posted on June 15, 2016 by ahabiblemoments.com

There are three other articles/blogs on this website that address specific topics within chapter 14; 666, What happens to those who never hear of the Gospel? The 144,000. This blog is more of a shorthand review of other issues with which one should be familiar and connected to Revelation 14.

Chapter 14 begins with the mentioning of the 144,000 standing with Jesus (the lamb) on Mt Zion. They have the Father’s name written in their foreheads. Some translations say the Father’s and the Lamb’s (Jesus) name. Let’s consider some of the differences between this 144,000 in C14 and the 144,000 in C7.

Revelation 7: the 144,000 are all identified as specifically from the multiple Tribes of Israel, then in verse 9 John sees *a great multitude around the throne wearing white robes that **came out of the ongoing Great Tribulation; 7:9. Before the tribes of Israel and their count is given; 12,000 from each, the first couple of verses in this chapter express a great calamity about to overwhelm man and earth. The 144,000 Israelites are protected from these calamities. In short, the calamities (God’s bowl judgments; the 7^th Seal) are about to be poured out. These 144,000 folks are still on planet earth.

*They were from every nation, tribe, race of people, and language of the earth. They were standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They all wore white robes and had palm branches in their hands [ESV].

** “These are the ones who have come out of the great suffering” [ESV; 7:14]. JIV: perhaps these are the souls under the throne waiting for their deaths to be avenged by God [Revelation 6:10].

144,000 of Revelation 14 have specific traits that differ from the 144,000 discussed in chapter 7 of Revelation. John sees them standing with the Messiah on Mount Zion going everywhere he goes. This passages says they are “purchased from among men” (on earth) and are the first fruits. The word “men” here is “anthrōpos” meaning redeemed from the *earth. Contrast this to the specifics of chapter 7 where the 144,000 are selected from specific Tribes of Israel; not the generic anthrōpos, men on earth and in general.

*redeemed from the earth is quite different than being protected while on earth.

C14 has angels flying around making proclamations where C7 mentions a few angels with specific jobs or tasks to perform. Chapter 14 becomes what I call the “harvest chapter.” The only mention of great masses of people in this chapter is associated with a warning to NOT worship the beast, its image or take his mark, and the reward for those who do NOT take his mark or worship him. (14:7 and 14:9). People are still on earth and God’ kingdom on earth has yet to be established.

They sing a NEW song only they can learn (also with an orchestra of harps)
They are new babes in Christ (virgins); totally committed 24/7 for the duration of the Tribulation
They follow the lamb everywhere. This suggests Christ 2^nd advent has now occurred.
No lie has crossed their lips since their tribulation acceptance of the coming messiah
They stand before the Throne, the elders and the 4 Living creatures.
They are reaped through the gospel message proclaimed world-wide by the angel spreading this good news and with fair warning found in verse 6.

There are some other passages we should consider as they too relate to chapter 14. One should ask, what about some of the other distinguishing or mentioned characteristics unique to groups of people in end time sealed or marked in one way or another.

Ezekiel 9

This book is focused on Israel, as is most of Revelation following the first four chapters that discuss the seven Messianic Christian churches.

Ezekiel’s vision is isolated to Jerusalem, not throughout the world
Those marked (tauv) in Jerusalem by the angels lament the sins of the city (historical past and present just as did Daniel for the nation of Israel in *Daniel 9). Here is how Rev. Dr. Robert Deffingbaugh puts it:
1. Verses 24-27 [of Daniel 9] begin to spell out future events in detail rather than with vague, mysterious symbols. While all may not agree on the meaning of these verses, all Christians would agree they provide very specific information concerning the last times. For the first time in Daniel’s prophecy, the suffering and death of Messiah is introduced.
The rest of the population [in Jerusalem] is slain without pity
The context of this judgment goes back to Ezekiel 7: (1-10) but should include the entire chapter 7 in Ezekiel.

tav PS: Tauv is the last letter of the Hebrew Alphabet.

Revelation Study Guide

Posted on June 15, 2016 by ahabiblemoments.com

miniJim Short Study Guide:

Revelation Bible class blog Study Guide: We need to stay focused and need God’s help distinguishing who is and who is not a part of the following numbers discussed in Revelation 14 and Revelation 7. [See Revelation Chapter 14-1 PowerPoint on chapter 14, 144,000, and Who Are They]

Ezekiel 9:4-6 a mark is put on those who grieve and lament their sin and the sin of Jerusalem. Mark in this Hebrew means TAUV, the last letter of the Hebrew Alphabet.
Revelation 14 people have the name of the father and the lamb written on their foreheads.
Revelation 6:9 The Tribulation Saints “[souls] under the throne” who have an exact number that must be killed before vengeance is taken by God. Is their number one of the groups of the 144,000 or simply a great sea of people?

Different marks/seals mentioned in scripture:

There are 21 Greek words for “mark” and 28 words form “mark” in the Hebrew.
There are 6 Hebrew words for “seal” and 3 in the Greek.

Revelation 7:2, 3
Revelation 13:16, 17
Ezekiel 9:4-10
Revelation 14:1

Distinguishing or mentioned characteristics about groups of people in end time sealed or marked in one way or another.

Ezekiel 9

This book is focused on Israel, as is most of Revelation following the first four chapters that discuss seven the Messianic Christ churches.

It is in Jerusalem, not throughout the world
Those marked (tauv) lament the sins of the city (historical and present)
The rest are slain without pity
The context of this judgment goes back to Ezekiel 7:(1-10) but should include the entire chapter.

Revelation 7

This is very specific in identifying who that will be marked; 12,000 from 12 Tribes of Jacob (Israel). Dan has walked away and is not included as a tribe. Ephraim name is replaced by the name of his father, Joseph of Egypt. Manasseh is listed as one of the twelve Tribes.

Additional considerations:

The souls under the throne and the handing out of white robes
Those who appear in great multitudes that cannot be counted.
Who are 24 elders?
The woman in chapter 12 and the woman in chapter 15
The dragon, 1^st beast, 2^nd beast

Personal Notes:

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Revelation 14 & Chapter 15

Posted on June 5, 2016 by ahabiblemoments.com

Chapter 14 Power Point

Revelation Chapter 14-1

Chapter 15 is the dove-tail of chapter 14. Chapter 15 is the moment we are waiting for in the end of the Tribulation. It took 9 more chapters after Revelation 6 to get to the judgment; i.e. the 7 bowls. It is important to realize that the Book of Revelation is not Chronological. Here is an example referencing back to chapter 6:

It begins with the apocalyptic four horsemen (white, red, black and pale green horses actually). We read of the rapid opening of the Seals. We see prophetic events unroll very quickly. Seal one is the white horse; seal two is the bright red horse; seal three is the black horse, seal four is the pale green horse; seal five is the souls under the alter, those killed [most likely] during the Tribulation; seal six is the darkening of the sun and moon, a great moment of reality for those remaining on earth. The souls under the throne are pleading for vengeance. God says, here are white robes to wear, but it will be just a little bit longer until the right number has been *slain. The mountains disappear, islands are no longer, the sky rolls up like a scroll (this author believes this will reveal heaven or witness the return of Jesus Christ). It will be the record setting Guinness Book of Records earthquake.

*Slain – This could very well be the 144,000 discussed in chapter 14.

JIV NOTE: Has anyone noticed that in the apocalypse scripture and first four seals in Revelation 6 say as much about the horse as it does the rider. Also, many of the main Islamic States have the white, red, black and pale or yellow-green colors in their national flag. The black horse is the horse of DEATH. ISIS or ISIL has a black flag with white figures. Could they be the ones who wish to bring peace to the world through death of all infidel therefore ushering in the [their] 12^th and final Imam? This is something to give serious thought and watchful consideration. As a subtle reminder, the pale grizzled green horse, the 4^th and final horse and rider of the apocalyptic horsemen, is given ¼ of the earth’s land mass “to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” [Revelation 6:8]. If one considers the land mass of the Middle East and Africa, it is almost exactly ¼ of this planet’s land mass.

Now chapter 15 gets very specific: [ESV]

6:15 “…and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains…”

6:16 “…calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb…”

6:17 “…for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

It is all quite obvious at this point in global events that God’s time and patience has ended; cataclysmic events encompass the world and for those who reject the Holy Spirit, there is no hiding place. But,this will not be so for the redeemed or those who accept Christ and remain on earth.

7:1 does begin with the words “after this,” however that does not mean the events are sequential but it is what John sees or witnesses… kahee meta tauta eido, “and after these things I saw,” The Greek here does not lend itself to a sequence of events but the order in which John records what he saw and recorded.

David Guzic puts it well when he points out, “Remember, we already saw what seemed to be the end (of the world) in Revelation 6:12-17. Then John took us over the same material in greater detail again (in the following chapters). This reminds us that Revelation is not strictly chronological in its arrangement.” [emphasis mine]

Revelation 15:1 takes us forward from chapter 8; seven angels, seven trumpets, seven catastrophic events on earth. It seems that after chapter 6, John then goes into greater details of what he has already recorded. After chapter 6 he becomes more detailed in describing what he saw and heard.

There is a word in verse 1 worthy of our understanding. It is never the goal of this blog to teach Greek or Hebrew, but when a word stands out, it needs to be pointed out.

“…seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last,…” The word “last” is eschatos. To quote Thayer:

1) extreme

1a) last in time or in place

1b) last in a series of places

1c) last in a temporal succession

2) the last

2a) last, referring to time

2b) of space, the uttermost part, the end, of the earth

2c) of rank, grade of worth, last, i.e. lowest

The conclusion is that it is all over. What has been foretold for centuries is now history. It is more than the last of something or things. It is THE LAST of the need for this word “last.” Eternity is just around the corner and there is no more time and no more last; lasting as in everlasting, yes, but last, no. God saying “It is done” is not recorded by John until Revelation 21:6.

Verses 2 and 3 of chapter 15 explain those who are victorious over the beast and its image. Note that the false prophet is not mentioned and neither is Satan. Satan’s defeat is in the hands of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. His judgment is yet to be concluded but rest assured it is now upon him. His defeat is not ours to be victorious over. But as James 4:7 puts it, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” [NIV]. Ours is to resist THE DEVIL. God has already overcome and is his judge, jury and prosecuting attorney. He has no defense. However, not to submit to the “beast or its image” is our task and victory over them. [NIV; Revelation 15:2a] “those who had conquered (ERV says ‘had victory over…’) the beast and its image…” [emphasis mine].

The word “worship doglicking and all” in verse 4 means there will be no exception but the word ‘worship’ proskuneō, means to (pros) to wither before; (kuneō) means like a dog. A dog can be cowardly and lick one’s hand which is not out of love but total fear. or it can be dedicated like a man’s best friend as illustrated by licking its master’s hand. The reader should know which is the Matthew 25:31-45 sheep and which is the goat in this worship/ pros-kuneo.

Verse 3 states “they sing the song of Moses and of the Lamb.” Here is evidence that the New Testament in no way replaces or substitutes the Old Testament. This brings the New Testament revelation (small ‘r’) and the Old Testament together into 0ne context. The word all (pas) means ‘without exception.’ Now the 7 angels are given 7 bowls or vials full of God’s wrath and judgment. Nothing is held back anymore.

Once again I must quote David Guzik: “The (Revelation) temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power: When the cloud of glory fills the temple in heaven, no one can enter.”

We will see in the next few chapters (16-18) the details of God’s wrath. When scripture says that there has never been anything like nor will there ever be again, it is past the time to believe what God’s Word says. People, that is, all people will at this time believe that there is one God. This will not put them into the lineup at the doorway to heaven. Even the devil and his fallen angels believe there is ONE GOD. By this time misery is no longer the byline but the context and content of life on earth. There is no longer any doubt that God means what He says and His patience is exhausting. No, we should get from the end of chapter 15 that His patience is now exhausted. Might one wonder where Armageddon comes into play? This is in the very next chapter and our next blog.

PS: In verse 8 chapter 15 states… “smoke filled the sanctuary of God. No one could enter the Temple until the seven plagues is complete.” This reminds one of Moses in Exodus 40:34, 35. While still in the Wilderness, the “Meeting tent” or temporary sanctuary of the wandering Israelites was filled with smoke. When this happened in the Wilderness and again in heaven in Revelation, it is off limits to anyone and everyone, including Moses.

Rev. Dr. James W. Stark
June 2016

Revelation Chapter 13 – (Part 2)

Posted on May 19, 2016 by ahabiblemoments.com

What we find in 13:11-18

A second beast from the earth or abyss, not the sea of people. He is a false prophet declaring the glory of the 1^st beast and the Dragon. Just like the prophets of scripture but deceivers and false.
The above also hints of a comparison to Christ descending; the begotten of God as his son; the one to be worshiped and through whom one reaches the Father.
We now have a beast from the sea and a beast from the earth/abyss.
1. The second beast gets his power from the Dragon (Satan)
2. Given power over the first and perhaps second layer of heavens, earth, mankind, and authority.
We get a talking idol/image of the 1^st beast but order to be made by the 2^nd
The mark is given to all who worship the dragon and the 1^st beast
The mark of Christ is also given; everyone living on earth at this time receives a mark; one of Satan or one of God/Christ.

Rev 13:11 sounds a bit like one being in the image of the dragon (Satan). He rises from the Abyss not the sea. The first beast being raised from the sea of people is similar to Jesus being raised amongst men and from a sea of people. This furthermore is a reflection or parallel to Jesus being given power from God as is this second beast is given its power from the Dragon. Jesus was given authority over heaven and earth by the Father God. In Jesus’ 40 day wilderness trip, Satan tried to bribe him with the “kingdoms of the world.” There are additional parallels but not for this blog. Length is not the goal.

One might reasonably ask or even be expected to ask at this point, where is the Holy Spirit duplication in Satan’s trinity? This is the false prophet or 2^nd beast who does not seek worship in or of himself. He directs this worship toward the 2^nd beast and his authoritarian “father”… the dragon/Satan. Just as the dragon is symbolically an anti-God and the first beast is anti-Christ, the second beast and false prophet will be anti-Spirit. Remember here that the word “anti” in the Greek can also mean “an alternative to” or instead of. In Revelation 13:11-18 it is not a free will choice but a forced choice by the anti-Christ.

V13:11… “he has two horns like a lamb but speaks like a dragon.” Is this an indication the 2^nd beast is the false prophet (perhaps from the Vatican) is the spokesperson and enforcer of the Dragon and the 1^st beast? Good possibility.

Here is what we get from the second half of Revelation 13:

One seemingly in the image of Satan but from the earth, not the sea of people
The first beast has the wound
The 2nd beast requires the world to worship the first beast AND the dragon via the image.
V12 and 14 indicate its only miraculous signs are while in the presence of the 1^st beast
It commands an image be made to the 1^st beast (the wounded guy)
He appears to give the image that men are ordered to make, life. What a BIG deception. Man makes an idol and one finally comes to life. How much more deception will be needed?
The image “causes” (hin’-ah) people to worship the beast or die. (intent does not mean total success) Humans will accept this command as didn’t they make the image themselves?
The image orders the mark of the beast on all mankind; their death if not done.
The sign or seal of Satan is the dictatorship of commerce, religion, and everyday activity.
There are two signs; one of Christ and one of Satan. Both exclusive; one eternally deadly.
- The 666 is not reversible and sets the destination of those individuals…HELL!

It is the 2^nd beast that tells mankind to build an image to the first (wounded) beast. He commands humans to worship the first beast and the dragon; similar to Christians worshiping Jesus the Son of god and praying to God the Father. The Mark of the beast is an economic mark; the power to buy, sell, trade and do business. It is also a mark of worship and acceptance of the evil one as a [false] god. It is the image that speaks (v15) and startles those remaining on earth.

Christ was also wounded for our transgressions and sin [Isaiah 53:5]. However, accepting him is not forced. It is a choice. Satan again tries to replicate what God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit has already done; it is Satan’s deception at its greatest point. It is his attempt to parallel God’s plan. When any person does not worship this image and beast it is death when caught. Just like in Islam… accept or die. In Christianity we have a choice UNTIL death. Only then is it judgement day.

One might take note that this 2^nd beast or false prophet only performs these miraculous signs when “in the presence of the 1^st beast.” What do we have so far:

Satan acting like a god the father – B) 1^st beast as the son of Satan; i.e. anti-Christ – C) The 2^nd beast acting as a prompting spirit not commanding worship of himself but directing worship to the image, 1^st beast and the dragon – D) Image as a spokesperson (V15).

But God has his plan and it will not be altered by even Satan himself. This leads into chapter 14 of Revelation. We will explain the number 666 in a separate blog as will be the 144,000 discussion from chapter 14.

Rev. Dr. James W. Stark
May 2016

Revelation 13:1-10 (Part One)

Posted on May 18, 2016 by ahabiblemoments.com

The name or word antichrist can mean either the opposite of Christ OR instead of Christ. In our study it is probably both; the “opposite” as in opposing AND “instead of” such as a Satanic substitute. This would include the ancient worship of idols or a future “false christ” performing miracles as a form of persuasion that HE is the Christ; not the one from the New Testament. Jesus specifically warns about this. When Jesus Christ returns to earth it is not to demonstrate anything, but to take possession of his earth and out of the hands and influence of Satan. He will appear in the eastern skies, put foot on the Mount of Olives and claim his kingship as King of kings. He will NOT be some political figure. His appearance is at the very end of the 7 year Tribulation and after the last 7 plagues. mountofolives

The rider on the white horse in the apocalypse comes to make peace; a false sense of security for Israel AND the rest of the turbulent waters or nations of this world. The word antichrist never appears in Revelation. It only appears in 1 John (3 times; twice in one verse) and once in 2 John. Of course this is the same John who writes Revelation but never uses the word anti-Christ in this final book in the bible.

The bible gives the antichrist many titles:

– The little horn of Daniel 7:8

– The king of fierce countenance of Daniel 8:23

– The Prince that shall come of Daniel 9:26

– The willful king of Daniel 11:36-45

– *The one who comes in his own name of John 5:43, whom Israel will receive as a messiah

– The son of perdition, the man of sin, the lawless one of 2 Thessalonians 2:3

*This in and of itself suggests it could be of the Tribe of Judah or Levi who is the real antichrist. This may also suggest that this is why the nation of Israel accepts the peace treaty offered by this leader. He is a Jew!?

In Revelation 12 John presents this beast as the extension of the fourth beast of Daniel 7, connecting his empire with the characteristics of the great empires of the past. This final world empire will have the catlike vigilance of a leopard, the lumbering but crushing power of a bear, the authority and ferociousness and stalking power of a lion. In chapter 13 he describes the “beast” as a combined creature of Daniel’s dream; resembling a leopard; feet of a bear; mouth like a lion but a singular beast. In the Book of Daniel these world powers had yet to come. In Revelation, it is the combined power represented by these animals that force the world into a singular governed economy. These animals are popularly recognized as Babylon, Mede-Persian, Greek, then, Rome.

It is a fascinating discussion per 13:2b:

The dragon will give this critter His power; His throne; great authority. Certainly Satan has in the past and continues to make earth HIS DOMAIN and possession. He gives it all to this critter from the Sea. This is very similar to Matthew 28:18. Christ makes this claim of power and authority as from God his biological the Father.

Verse 3 tells of the deadly wound at which the whole world must be aware. However, there is no indication as to who is the one striking this deadly blow to him; It SEEMED (hōs) to have a deadly blow to one of its heads. This same Greek word is translated as something that appears to be so, but is not definitive. “…and all the world wondered after the beast.” This [first] beast is not an institution, nationality, or organization as many denominations and theological theorists suggest, but a person. This is Satan’s effort to once again parallel anything and everything God created or did, including the sacrifice and resurrection of one of his own if not a direct bodily possession of a man who is dead but possessed of Satan and then appears to be alive. Scary thought!

What we have so far in Revelation 13:1-10:

Satan
Dragon
Beast from the Sea
A dragon who gives this beast from the sea his powers, throne, and authority.
A wounded head among the multi-headed beast that “appears” to be fatal.
A step back, but Daniel 7 is the parallel scripture to Revelation 13

NOTE: It is good to recall or learn that the 4^th beast of Daniel 7 is NOT IDENTIFIED as a creature he recognizes. Daniel 7:19… “the fourth best is diverse from all the others.” This is probably so as the other three beasts can be identified to kingdoms in the past. The fourth beast is described but of unknown quantities, symbolisms, and prophetic clarity. This is also true of Revelation 13:1 & 11.

Another fascinating note is the language used in Daniel 7:26; i.e. the word “THEY.” “…and THEY shall take away his dominion to consume and to destroy it unto the end.” It is the court according to scripture, but who is the court? This is worth researching on one’s own in order to take ownership of the results.

At verse 4 of chapter 13 we see that mankind will be deceived but accepting to the worship of this 1^st beast AND the Dragon father. The warning comes in chapter 14 that if anyone who worships this beast and/or its image, they have committed the eternal sin for which there is no longer any forgiveness.

There are some, however, who believe this to fit the passage that reads, “he was, then is not, but then is again” [Revelation 17:11]. This might be the rise, death then resurrection of the old Roman Empire through the Vatican; i.e. the Pope’s:

¹global power until the 1700’s when Napoleon stripped him of it,

² noninvolvement in secular world affairs for several hundred years after Napoleon,

³ revived involvement in politics and environmental discussions as we see it today.

Verses 4 & 5 suggest the same thing that God did for his son Jesus while he was on earth and right after his resurrection; he gave all power/authority in heaven and earth to Jesus his son – Matthew 28:18. This was right after his resurrection (read Ephesians 1:20-23). This again is a parallel to and a false deception propagated by Satan himself when he simulates this with his false trinity. There is often discussion of the meaning or purpose or function of the “little horn” in Daniel 7:8. One might suggest this is the “Son of Satan” just as Jesus is the Son of God. Martin Luther and John Calvin believed this little horn to be Islam. He is the one who rises up as the little horn and plucks three rebelling horns out of his circle or power.

Stay tuned while considering the following:

Question: Do these passages suggest that predestination is established for certain pre-identified individuals or for those who use his/her free will to follow Christ? [Blue Letter Bible]

– The work of Jesus was ordained before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20)

– God chose His redeemed before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4)

– *Names are written in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world (Revelation 17:8)

– The kingdom of heaven was prepared for the redeemed before the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34)

Answer: No! These passages mean that God preordained his chosen people Israel to be a light unto the rest of the world even though they have failed so to do, and, FROM the point of creation of the earth, man, and its inhabitants. *This passage is misquoted from Revelation 17:8. 17:8 does not say the names are written before the creation of the world, but since or from the point of creation forward “names are written into the book of life.” The Ephesian passage is written out of context. God has chosen us (to be) in him before the foundation of the world. This is what he hoped for Adam and Eve. They failed him.

GODsolove Mankind has a free will of choice. Once we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, we fall into the predestination of becoming a child of God; brother to Jesus. It is predestined that those who accept Jesus and follow him will have salvation. Those who chose to follow and worship him are predestined to be called children of God. It is discussing the who but the process of HOW it happens.

144,000

Posted on May 11, 2016 by ahabiblemoments.com

miniJim This is a number that has scientific, historical, and religious connections. It also has applications in literature and music. From a religious point of view, it is as significant as the 666.

Examples:
1. To the Mayan civilization 144,000 days equaled a baktun. A baktun is 20 katun in the Mayan Long Count Calendar.
2. Authors Scott Bakker, Bernard Werber and John DeChancey use the number 144,000 in their writing of books as symbolic or proposed counts to fit the characteristics of their books.
3. In music there are many songs written using this number as its theme; 144,000 voices is the maximum contrapuntal expansion, a musical expression, of Baroque music theorist Pier Francesco Valentini’s 96-voice composition Canone nel modo Salomonis (1631). Contrapuntal music is two different songs that are performed at the same time within the same piece.
4. In broadcast TV, the population of the eponymous town in the 2013 Fox TV series Sleepy Hollow is 144,000.
5. In the Book of Revelation one will find this number three different times; Revelation 7:3-8, Revelation 14:1, and Revelation 14:3-5.
a. Side Note: Jehovah’s Witness, the Unification Church, New Age movements, Skoptists of Russian and Islam are additional religions that give different meanings to this number. We will not elaborate on these at this time but perhaps in a future blog…..?
Revelation 7:3-8 presents the 144,000 as 12,000 people from each of the 12 Tribes of Israel. We will not discuss at this time the fact that the Tribe of Dan is not mentioned, Joseph is mentioned instead of Ephraim (Joseph’s son),while Manasseh, also a son of Joseph, is named as one of the twelve.
Revelation 14:1 “Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.”
Revelation 14:3b … “…No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.”

Before moving forward and unless someone think there are only 144,000 redeemed per the bible, read Revelation 7:9…

bunch of peoplw …”After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes…”

We can easily see in verse 14:9 that the number redeemed or saved far exceeds the 144,000 as a fixed number of limitations. Salvation is an individual choice of accept or reject (purposefully or by doing nothing) the offer of salvation through belief and then following the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The question begs of itself, are the 144,000 set aside, or specially identified in chapter 7, the same who are mentioned in chapter 14? A great question, and one that should not be passed over so as to simplify its understandability, implications or applications. Context, context, context! Always consider the context. Context is the setting within which one is trying to understand a principle, meaning or discussion. Many times one will walk into the middle of a discussion. There is a pertinent need to find out what the discussion is all about in order to contribute or follow the context of that discussion. The same is true when reading a book. Starting in the middle does little for one’s understandings of the characters, setting or direction the author is taking his or her book theme.
In Revelation 7 we have four possibilities per the 144,000:
1. John T. Hinds argues that the number refers to those who are saved from the physical nation of Israel (p112); i.e. Israelis themselves; God’s chosen people from the Old Testament.
2. J. W. Roberts, argues that this company is spiritual Israel, i.e., the church (p71) but fails to completely explain why only 144,000.
3. Others suggest this group represents the martyrs who have given their lives for the cause of Christ during the Tribulation period.
4. Some try to spiritualize everything and say the number is simply symbolic and means little as a factual, real number count of those redeemed.

The danger is in reading then accepting as fact those theologians or wanna-be bible scholars who extrapolate, then forget context; often in defense of one’s preconceived religious doctrines rather than God’s Word. We should take literally everything in the Bible that is obviously NOT needed to be spiritualized to fit a doctrinal statement. At ahabiblemoments.wordpress.com we fully understand that to spiritualize too much of what the bible says is to make it something that is not to be understood. A favorite passage to counter this argument is Ecclesiastes 3:1-3:22. But a much more pointed passage is when Jesus tells of the consequences for misleading the listener; James 3:1. One cannot be a teacher in good faith if s/he can only spiritualize scripture. Understanding is essential and swatting at imaginary flies is expending energies that mean little to nothing to listeners concerning destinies and eternity.

II Timothy 2:15 commands us to study and learn, not theorize the Word of God. A great quote from http://www.learnthebible.org/the-command-to-study-2-timothy-215.html says:

“Every believer ought to faithfully read the word of God, but there is another command that is not to be neglected. According to 2 Timothy 2:15, believers can show themselves approved unto God by studying the scriptures. One can read through the scriptures on a daily basis without ever truly studying the scriptures. In order to study, one must delve into the words and phrases of the Bible and consider their meaning both historically and doctrinally” [and within context]. Emphasis mine.
We add… one can also discard facts through hyperbola; i.e. rejecting what the bible states as fact by not closing the loop between what God/Jesus states and what we take as meaningful and direct. We call that spiritualizing what is said instead of accepting within context what God’s Word specifically tells us.
In Revelation 7 we read specifics… the names of twelve Tribes of Israel; the 12,000 specifically identified in each case. In verse 4 they are “sealed as servants of God” and in 7:13, 14 when John asks who are these folks. He is given a straight and specific answer, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

This is information-specific and not intended to be spiritualized. These 144,000 are to be identified with God. They are set aside; the remnant of Israel after the Great Tribulation. Perhaps this is the count of those who escape Jerusalem and flee to Petra where they are under God’s direct protection during Jacob’s Trouble; i.e. the 2nd half of the Tribulation.
No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
Note that Jesus is not mentioned in chapter but is in chapter 14. Also recall that God made Old Testament covenants with Israel (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) that are unique to them and Jesus made covenants with his believers and followers that are distinct from those made with Israel but universal to mankind.
Let’s go back to Revelation 6 to better grasp these meanings and probabilities. We recall from a previous blog that there are “souls under the Throne of God waiting for Him to avenge their wrongful deaths” (5th Seal). The Bible states in 6:10, 11…
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.” [ESV]

Until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed… this is the 144,000 discussed in chapter 14 of Revelation; [v4] those redeemed from the earth, not the Tribes of Israel. They are slain during the Tribulation, are under the same Throne waiting to be avenged, and are together as one group of specified souls. This is not true of any other Christians or what Jesus identifies as “his church; body of believer.” AND, they appear with JESUS upon His return; i.e. 2nd Advent. They follow Jesus wherever he goes. These are one’s who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior DURING the Tribulation. These are slain by the anti-Christ for their belief and refusal to accept the Mark of the Beast (666).

We also have a passage in Ezekiel that should be considered. Ezekiel 9:4 states: “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” Might these also be a description of the 144,000 from each Tribe of Israel who are marked as described in Revelation 7 and reserved for God?

contxt When taking what scriptures tell us and keeping it within context, it is relatively easy to discern their differences and similarities. Do not waste one’s time spiritualizing what does not need to be. Even the parables of Jesus were earthly stories with heavenly meanings. Those who have man made religious platforms (we call them church doctrine in today’s language) that conflict with bible specifics will usually spiritualize the meaning of passages in the Holy Word of God that conflict with his or her preferred religious doctrine. The Bible is not a mystery book. God reveals to the human mind facts and understanding when one demonstrates an openness and wisdom in his or her studies.

What’s In Your Church?

Posted on March 31, 2016 by ahabiblemoments.com

church Church services are meant to be about worship, ministry, instruction in the word, and the sacraments. They are not about foolish displays of human bravado and unnecessarily tempting or testing the Lord in experiences. How some who claim Christian standards can get their priorities so bent out of shape, wrong emphasis, and distraction of study is quite remarkable.

When the Apostle Paul was under guard and being transported to Rome to exercise his Roman citizen right of appeal to Caesar, he gathered wood for a camp fire. In this process he was bitten by a viper [Acts 28:1-6]. Even though he shook it off into the fire, those from the Malta population around him were startled that he did not die. At first, in verse 4, they thought Paul “to be a murderer” and their superstitions considered the snake bite an omen and him a “dead man.” However, he simply shakes the viper off into the fire and continues unaffected. The local natives who lived on the Island of Malta then thought him a god. Both of their assumptions were based upon weak knowledge, superstition, and past experience.

There is no later mention, message or proclamation by Paul that this is due to his faith and that this should now be a test of one’s belief in Jesus Christ. He did not seek to prove anything and had just saved his prison guards from a shipwreck. This happened while he was serving not seeking. As Bill Muehlenburg puts it, Paul was not “majoring in a minor principle” for living a life in Jesus.

The real danger in this passage is to think the successful practice of snake handling is some form of proof of one’s faith. Some churches in the South do precisely this. Many good intending men (and women) have died, one might say, in his or her misunderstanding of a minor incident per scripture and attempting to major in it as a routine church-sanctioned practice; just like the Malta Islanders who witnessed this event by the campfire swung from one unproven expectation to another false conclusion. Miraculous yet minor incidents in scripture should never become major practices or theological planks.

This instance is only mentioned as one incident in the travels and life of Paul (Acts 16:18). It also may be based upon and incorrectly juxtaposing a supposition from Mark 16:18. Mark is the first New Testament book ever written. There is even strong theological thought that Mark 16:8 was actually the end of Mark’s passage in chapter 16. Mark 16: 9-20 seems out of place from the previous 8 verses since it is based upon a suddenly hurried shorthanded coverage of events. Some translations don’t even mention the verses in 16:9-18. The ESV, GNB, Wescott-Hort Greek New Testament, and the Lexham English Bible, to mention but a few, put these verses and passage in [brackets] to denote the possibility these were inserted by someone else at a later date. The Book of Mark is the ONLY synoptic gospel to record this account.

NOTE: Scripture is inerrant however, those who translate it can be in error. Some may even have an agenda for so doing. Study, Study, Study to show one’s self approved [2 Timothy 2:15]; begin with awareness, next step is to study for understanding, only then comes personal conviction of accept or reject what one was originally and only recently made aware. A jump from awareness or introduction to new information to conviction misses the critical step of study or understanding. Knowledge without understanding is very dangerous ground. Such is the original basis of ‘jumping to a conclusion.’

The reference in Mark 16:9-20, whether he actually wrote it, is often a situation of reading the text outside of its own context. In verse 14 we read that whomever, presumably Jesus, is addressing “the eleven and their unbelief” of it being Him who appeared to them. His statement per “the eleven” becomes what is -called in grammar, an antecedent to the “believers” mentioned in verses 16 and 17. These men were not without fault. They were sitting at their tables not even remembering that Jesus promised his resurrection would be three days after his crucifixion. In verse 14 Jesus rebukes their unbelief. Yes, some of these guys were in unbelief. Then, in the following verses (16 and 17), talking to the same eleven and knowing the free will of man has not been removed, Jesus says “those who remain as unbelievers will not have this power that is mentioned in the following verses” (my paraphrase). But, those who with their free will decide to totally believe, to them will be given the powers to overcome the things mentioned in verses 17 and 18.

Once again to address a previous article about what some call grave-sucking. This was an Old Testament one-time occurrence that was NOT intended for anything but to fulfill a promise made to Elisha and to get this dead guy out of the way so the other Israelis could flee the scene. It was nothing other than an act of urgency. Just as with snake handling, and the rest of Mark 16: 17, 18 which is only discussed in the Book of Mark. The eleven were protected, but were not instructed to practice this to prove anything. There is real caution and danger of practicing “grave sucking” to supposedly absorb the spirit of the deceased. A person is opening one’s self up to be dwelt by a spirit or spirits. Who can control what type or kind of spirits may leverage this opportunity. As Christians we already have the indwelling of the most powerful Spirit; i.e. the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 12 (Part 2)

Posted on March 23, 2016 by ahabiblemoments.com

All armies will begin to march to the valley of Jezreel, on the plain of Esdraleon, near the ancient city of Megiddo.

They will come to do battle in part at least, over the *dwindling petroleum resources in the Middle East. We know that speculation today points to a massive world class oil reserve in this area. Israel has invited Russia to help exploit this oil. It will give Russia a vested interest in this territory. *See Revelation 12 – Part 1

JIV side note: It may be of value here. In WWII Germany invaded and conquered Norway, Romania and other Eastern European nations for their oil reserves. As oil supplies dwindle in the Middle East, a world class oil supply in and around Megiddo would be highly sought after; a good excuse albeit a hidden agenda of the invaders, to invade Israel. To the conqueror go the spoils of war. Megiddo, the town, is in the Valley of Jehoshaphat; i.e. Esdraleon.

God will be drawing these forces and nations there to put an end to mankind madness. What a perfect reason for enemies of Israel to descend on this area armed to the teeth. The Lord says: I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land (Joel 3:2). The Lord will destroy the armies of rebels that day at the final battle of the war called Armageddon. This incident parallels the sound of the seventh Trumpet in prophecy; the 3^rd woe [Revelation 11:14 and chapter 12]

https://www.raptureready.com/rr-oil.html Is it 1,260 or 1,335 days? This will be explained in a later article.

While discussing Revelation, chapter 4 forward, keep foremost in mind that Israel is the center of the discussion. The woman represents Israel; the child is Jesus Christ; the dragon is Satan. He hates God. Look back to Jeremiah 33. This chapter, and several other chapters to his writing credit, is exclusive to Israel. It talks about the End of Time. When writing Jeremiah himself is imprisoned in his own country of Judah. King Zedekiah did not like what Jeremiah was saying about Israel and God’s judgment, so he threw him into prison. NOTE: Like throwing him into prison will somehow thwart Gods’ judgments?????

What is the Revelation point found in Jeremiah? There are many scripture that discuss end time so either the bible is infallible or full of major errors. Let’s not bet our lives and life after death on it being errant. Israel is the focal point. Israel is God’s hand-picked people (Isaiah 43:21) who supposedly were to be a light, mentors for spiritual and moral guidance of the world… (First paragraph: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Unto_the_Nations; Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 60:3). They failed but God will give them a second chance. No wonder in Revelation 12 the Dragon wishes to destroy the woman and her male child; Israel and her offspring; Jesus through the Tribe of Judah, and Christianity.

Jumping ahead several chapters we find in Revelation 19:15 “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron.” Chapter 12 is the backdrop to this great battle when Christ sets foot on the Mt of Olives east of Jerusalem at the same time as these opposing forces converge on Megiddo 55 miles to the north.

Revelation 12:3-17 is a terse and accurate history of Satan’s efforts to bring to ruin God’s eternal plan for man. Ultimately, Satan will decide if he can’t stop God from redeeming his own creation, he will try to destroy it (WMD). One of Satan’s efforts to destroy Jesus upon his birth via King Herod’s decree to kill all male children under the age of two; Matthew 2:16) was not to simply kill the young Jesus, but to prevent him from growing up, demonstrating his powers as the begotten (birthed) son of God, and going to the cross to give mankind a path to eternity with Him paying our penalty for sin.

When war broke out in heaven, Revelation 12:7-9, it did not end with Satan’s defeat. According to chapter 12, along with his fellow fallen angels, Satan is barred from heaven (V10). This is at the mid-point in the 7 year Tribulation. 2 Thessalonians 2:7 says: “For the mystery of iniquity (lawlessness) is already at work: only “He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.” This does not mean the Holy Spirit is removed. He is taken out of the way or ceases restraining Satan’s deeds, deception and recognition of the false church after being cast to earth [Revelation 12:9].

If it is the church and the prayers of believing and practicing Christians within the church that act as the biblical restrainer it is theologically logical that a pre-tribulation or mid tribulation rapture is why the restrainer is removed. The Rapture of the church would be over. Satan is then unrestrained.

However, if the restrainer is the Holy Spirit, He is just as much God as is Jesus and God the Father. He is omnipotent and omnipresent; all knowing and always present. He will remain available to anyone who accepts, then follows Christ’s example on earth; i.e. being born again in the Spirit of God.

According to Hebrew 2:5-8, Satan realizes that humans have the potential of being higher than is/was he as an angel.

Heb 2:5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking.

Heb 2:6 It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him?

Heb 2:7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor,

Heb 2:8 …putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. (ESV)

Rightly dividing the Word of God, this passage is speaking of Jesus. In verse 6, man is included so we are a part of this God-given authority. Satan hopes to destroy mankind by making wars and rumors of war with mankind killing off each other; not just the Christian of Israeli populations. I have not read all of his writings on this subject, but *http://www.sayadi-al-nas.ae/eng_monthly_flyer/engl_may06.htm is a good brief. I cannot speak to the rest of his theological positions and withhold opinion. However, this website page/blog itself is good study and reading.

*Saladi Al-Nas is an Arab who sees the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We do not believe, as stated in our ”What We Believe” section of this website, that speaking in tongues is the only sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. Neither does Saladi. He offers it as ONE possibility. This baptism includes any of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 13 tells us that when Satan realizes he is cast from the approaching the Throne of God and bound to earth, he turns his wrath on “the woman which brought the child into the world.” i.e. Israel.

The specifics of it being a similitude of Israel’s exodus from captivity in Egypt are most peculiar. They (she) are provided for per physical needs. Her every need, not wants, is God provided. Just as with the Red Sea swallowing up the Egyptian forces chasing the Israelite’s as they crossed over, and the seas swallowed up the enemy of God, V15 and V16 of Revelation 12 show a strong parallel. The “flood out Satan’s mouth” is a huge army.This fits so well with the gathering of forces in Har Megiddo (Armageddon). Just as the Red Sea swallowed up the Egyptian forces pursuing the Israelis and Moses, in Revelation 12:16 we read that the “earth opens up and swallows” the pursuing army (flood) sent by the dragon or anti-Christ.

Satan seeing and knowing (YADDA) that to continue chasing her is a direct confrontation with the protection of God, something he knows is a lost cause. He changes tactics, attacks “making war with the remnant of her seed [poieō polēmos meta hē loipoi hautou sperma].” Some thoughtful and insightful bible scholars suggest that the woman that flees to the protection of God in Petra is the *144,000 [Revelation 7 and 14] reserved by God for himself. This means the remnant are those left on earth and in Jerusalem.

Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring–those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus
[Revelation 12:17].

*This does NOT in any way suggest that there will be only *144,000 who enter heaven or the safe haven of Petra. The bible is specific… these *12,000 are from each Tribe of Israel minus Dan. There is nothing symbolic about this specific identity. Revelation 7 tell us that these are “sealed.” Don Koenig states: These brethren may have been killed or God may have supernaturally removed them from the earth. Scripture gives no answer as to the fate of their mortal bodies. https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=adk&hsimp=yhs-adk_sbnt&p=Don+Koenig+on+the+144%2c000&type=appfocus31_ra_ff&param1=20160307&param2=545e5dc5-629b-4287-ae2e-fc50d5dd5c8e&param3=radio_0.2.0~US~appfocus31&param4=14215-bb8~firefox

This 144,000 can very possibly be those who against all odds have accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior and are surviving the Great Tribulation… up to this point. Now we might consider the voices from under the throne calling for their deaths to be avenged. God says… when the right number has died for my cause, I will bring judgment on those who have slain my people. [Revelation 6:9 – 11; the opening of the 5^th seal]. Let’s allow for a possible connection.

The 144,000 are all sealed on their forehead and are servants of God.
They are sealed before any harm is done on earth.
They are from the tribes of Israel; exception is the Tribe of Dan

At this time, no one will be guessing IF this is the Time of Jacob’s Trouble; i.e. the great tribulation [Jeremiah 30:7]. Revelation 13:7,8 point out that this anti-Christ or evil one will dominate all politics in the world, rule over all tongues and nations, and those remaining on earth not sealed to God will worship him. These people are those whose names are not WRITTEN in the book of life.

Verse 12:9… “If any man has an ear, let him hear.”

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