Topical Studies

People of Revelation

People of Revelation

List

- Paul (1)
- 7 Churches (2,3)
- Angels & Ministers (1,8-11)
- Four Living Creatures (4)
- 24 Elders (4)
- Martyrs
- 144,000
- Palm Bearing Multitude
- 2 Witnesses
- Revelation 12 - Sun-clothed Woman, Manchild, Remnant
- Anti-Christ and False Prophet
- Mytery Babylon and Babylon the Great City (17,18)
- Those in Heaven: Much People, 24 Elders, Four Beasts (19)
- The Lamb's Wife (19)
- Overcomers
- They which are called unto the marriage Supper of the Lamb
- The Great War and its Actors
- Millenial Saints
- The Dead (and their judgment)
- Readers of Revelation ()

Glimpses of Christ

Glimpses of Christ

List

  1. Revelation 1:5-8 Savior and Coming Again ('with clouds')
  2. Revelation 1:12-18 The Glorified Christ
  3. Revelation 2 & 3 THE HEAD OF HIS CHURCH Holding the 7 Stars in his Right Hand and Walking in the Midst of the Seven Golden Candlesticks
  4. Revelation 5-8 THE LAMB IN THE MIDST OF THE THRONE HE Begins the SEASON OF JUDGMENT - WITH WRATH
  5. Revelation 8:3-5 The Mystery Angel
  6. Revelation 14:1-5 A Lamb Stood on Mount Sion
  7. Revelation 19 Will Be Wed
  8. Revelation 20:1-10 King of Righteousness
  9. Revelation 22 Temple and Light

1. Savior and Coming Again (Revelation 1:5-8)

2. The Glorified Christ (Revelation 1:9-20)

THE WITNESS: HOW did John Hear and See -- Received in the Spirit and to be understood only by the Spirit

8 times in Revelation: Re 13:9 If any man have an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith ....

God revealed Himself to Moses, on Mt.Sinai "voice of a trumpet exceeding loud." (Exodus 19:16) The Temple opened its doors in the morning at the sound of the trumpet. The Year of Jubilee came with the sound of the trumpet. Lev. 25:9,10 The Silence of the Age will be broken by the sound of a trumpet.

I Thessalonians 4:16--The trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised.

"Golden" GREAT COST. The candlesticks were composed of the costliest metal.

GREAT BEAUTY. The tabernacle use filled with the use of gold. Gold is expressive of Godliness.

Psalm 96:9-- O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

Media

GetImage.png

[five king.pngare fallen.png](http://bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2021-09/five-are-fallen.png)

PIC REV146 pic.png

PIC Seven Churches of Revelation.png

PIC REV154 roman pro.png

PIC Throne.png

PIC throne 99.png

PIC heavy ladened1.png

PIC rainbow throne3.gif

PIC rainbow throne.gif

Lion-Mouth.png

leopard-pattern.png

leopard_ep-2483.jpg

grizzly-foot-claws-120h.jpg

bear.jpg

king.png

The Antichrist

The word Antichrist means the great adversary of Christ. The enemy of God.

This Antichrist is already in the world, (I John 4:3; 2:18; 2:22). In I John 2:18 says Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now there are many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

This Antichrist will come from the old world, he will the new Roman empire and will have dominion over the world. (Rev 13:1) He will have great powers. He will persecute and try to destroy all Christianity. Also he will establish a world wide religion because man must have some kind of religion. This religion will be called State-worship. The first attempt to establish State-worship is recorded in Daniel when Nebuchadnezzar was king and built the great Babylonian empire.

He set up a golden image and commanded all the people to worship this or they would die. He tried to convince the people that this state gave them everything.

The French Revolution is another example of this policy. God and Christ were cast out and the goddess, "La Patrie". or the State. The citizen is born, lives, and dies to "La Patrie".

Jesus tells the leaders that were trying to catch him in doing wrong, God is to receive the things that are God's, and Caesar is to receive the things that are Caesar's. Caesar demanded the things that were God's and was lost.

Wherever He Goes

Wherever He Goes - Revelation 14:4

**Revelation 14:4 ** - These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

Adam - "Fellowship with Me"

Ge 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

Noah - "Build An Ark"

Ge 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

Abraham - "Get Thee Out of thy Country"

Ge 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

Israel's Journeys - "A Trumpet"

Nu 10:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.

1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

David

Psalm 23

Jesus - "Not My Will"

Lu 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Others

Amy Carmichael (55 years, no furlough), George Mueller (no offerings), D.L. Moody (win souls)

[archived] The Opening of the Seventh Seal

VII

VII.    The Opening of the Seventh Seal

              Chap. 8:1

              

  1. A mysterious silence  (“in Heaven”)

 

    1. The response to the breaking of the seal

 

              It  was the breaking of this seal that produced this silence.

 

    1. The Lamb is involved

 

            “He” breaks the seal – opening the seal.

 

    1. The results of the seal opened

 

            “There is silence”

            “Still before the storm”

 

    1. The location of the event

 

“In Heaven”

 

    1. The duration of the event

 

“About half an hour”

“Hemioron” – “Hemi” Half

“Hora” Hour

 

  1. The meaning of this silence

 

            “Silence” “siqe” hush – voluntary stillness or refusal to speak.

            It is a silence of intense interest and awful expectancy with

            reference to the results of the breaking of the seventh seal.

     

The Consequence of Allegiance

Third Message — &lquo;The Consequence of Allegiance&rquo; (vs. 9-13)

(vs. 9-11)

(vs. 12-13)

Judgment on the followers of the Antichrist.

###The Reason for their Judgment

####They Worship the Beast ####They Worship his Image ####They Receive his Mark (forehead or hand)

###The Nature of their Judgment

####The Same Shall Drink of the Wine of the Wrath of God.

Which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation.

This judgment promised is an undiluted concentration of punishment from God Almighty.

Ps 60:3 Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

As wine is an intoxicating and overwhelming drink so it is used in Scripture to symbolize these effects. There is the Wine of the Spirit which is joy in Holy Ghost, but there is also the Wine of Wrath or Violence which is

John 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Jesus drinking the cup (Hebrews 2:9).

Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

(from commentary) The wine of the wrath of God] As they have drunk the intoxicating wine of idolatry or spiritual fornication, they shall now drink the wine of God's wrath, which is poured out into the cup of his indignation. This is an allusion to the poisoned cup, which certain criminals were obliged to drink, on which ensued speedy death.

####Shall be Tormented with fire and brimstone

Tormented: torture, pain. Brimstone: sulphur

Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, …

####In the Presence of the Holy Angels and of the Lamb

Presence, face, in sight of, before.

###The Duration of their Judgment

####The Smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever

####They have no rest day nor night

Matthew 25:46 Mark 3:29 2 Thessalonians 1:9

(fragment) Sun Clothed Woman

These notes are pages 13 to 17 of a printed document I found. It obviously is missing the 1st 12 pages. I do not know where they're from. Other than they belonged to James Reynolds, Sr.

The sun clothed woman, continued.

… And we have seen all the way through from Pentecost right on down through to this very hour. The Church is been existing, militant, and prosperous. The devil would come along and say the Church is never really accomplish too much. Brothers and sisters, I'm sure in the record of heaven you are going to find a different thing altogether. God keeps good books. The Church tonight has been insulted. It's been attacked. It's been put through the fire and burned at the stake. You read of the early disciples. Every one of them right on down through gave their lives. All was beheaded, but the Church went on. They crucified Peter upside down, but the Church 1st, because it wasn't Peter's Church. Jesus said, "I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Brother, God himself is building the Church and, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, even though the devil would try to come against it with every devilish thing that he can. He's tried to attack it from every side. He's tried to attack that which the Church is been built upon, the rock of revelation. Jesus said, "I'm going to build my Church." What is it that causes you to stand in your heavenly position are sick heavenly places? What is it that carries you above the power of darkness? It is the revelation of the word; the revelation of Jesus Christ. He has built his Church on revelation, and against this Church the gates of hell shall not prevail.

he is not just building a church in the same time, he has built it. The church is still in existence even though maybe as far as denominations and man's organization within the framework of the church, we become disgusted with what we see. Yes, God has a church tonight. Look at Ephesians 1:19 to 23. I think this is one of the most thrilling things that the Holy Spirit has come toward the believer.

Ephesians 1:19 to 23--And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.

we want the Lord to do great things in us. We want to see great things done. We say, "oh Lord, can you do great things for us?" The word of the Lord gives the answer. The Lord already has done great things.

and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us for which he rot in Christ, when he raised him from the bed, and set him at his own right hand and the heavenly places, far above all principality, empower, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and that for all things under his feet, and gave them to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body,

what is the church tonight? The body of Christ and he has put all things under his, we are his body. We are more than conquerors in the church tonight is more than a comical. The "moon is under her feet."

now, going into the last part of the verse, "upon her head a crown of 12 stars." There are a lot of folks that will say that these are the 12 apostles. Time to Ephesians 2:19 to 20.

Ephesians 2:19—20——now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.

also you will find that in the new city Jerusalem the stones will have the names of the 12 apostles recorded on them. Now then, the foundation stone sound to me a whole lot different than stars on a crown. I cannot fathom how foundation stones can be interpreted for 12 stars in a crown. The crown here has to do with the kingdom. The moment you think about a crown, you think about royalty, somebody was been crowned. Therefore there must be a kingdom, and when you have a crown or kingdom have old and authority and government. Also, a crown speaks of reward. Isn't this all true? Now when you begin to think of this in the light of Scripture and John already seen this one crowned, before the child is produced; then we look for someone in the Scripture was already entered into a crown position, was enrolled, was now governing. Now it's got to be in connection with the church because we just proved from the Scripture that the church is referred to here. But now it doesn't say upon her feet were upon her shoulder, but "upon her head a crown of 12 stars." Isn't it that what it says? Now look at Ephesians 1:22

Ephesians 1:22 — that he is the head of the church

Again look in Ephesians 5:23

Ephesians 5:23 — Christ is the head of the church.

so then, we are seeing something of a body composed of Jesus Christ the head and the great body of his people making up the body of the church. Now where is Christ tonight? Where is his position? Is he on the earth? He is in the place of authority. Isn't that right? He's already entered into the kingdom. He is an rulership tonight. He's already been crowned. 12 had to do with heavenly perfection. I'm sure it must have some significance, probably having to do with the greatness of the Lord. I'm sure it is something more than the fact that it speaks about 12 apostles. It has something to do with the office and function and the reward of the Lord Jesus Christ. He learned obedience to the things he suffered, and he became the capital of our salvation and was made perfect by these things. He brings 5:8; Hebrews 2:10.

This is his earthly life that we are talking about, and Jesus received a reward for this. He has already entered and and he is already crowned the King of kings and Lord of Lords.

one other thought with this: because he is the head of the church is part of his body, therefore he being the king, we must then also share in his rule and authority.

I Peter 2:9 —but ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

"royal priesthood…"

Revelation 1:6 — And hath made us kings, and priests unto God and his father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.

this is just the 1st step of the lesson, just trying to establish in your mind with this woman is. It's the church in a militant position, with the Lord Jesus Christ, and close relationship with them.

there is a cry and a travail in the church to bring forth a company of over commerce, the people that will live according to the truth of God, out of the church, out of this militant body.

you and I know tonight that the church is in a state different from what it was when it started at Pentecost. When Pentecost came over when the church started, it was like a young birds and going out to wrestling fight over common to conquer. But now it as she has come to the end of the age, it's a woman over grown and developed, producing something by the spirit of God. She has become weakened and in pain and agony, ready to be delivered. This is the state of the church tonight because she is getting ready to bring forth. Why do you think we're living in an age when the Holy Ghost is being poured out in the manner in which it is? You know what happens to woman in the last phases are stages of being with child? As the last days,, she becomes greatly enlarged. This is what you see here, a woman enlarged and in pain ready to be delivered. I believe that we are living in a time when the Holy Ghost and the church has leaped over the denominational barriers. We put them up, God didn't. The Holy Ghost isn't breathing men today bringing them into something, that he might bring out of them the most wonderful thing that has happened since the dawn of creation, which is a manchild that is going to shake loose creation itself; and manifestation of sons of God in these last days. Romans 8:19 — 23.

this is not going to be the whole church itself. The church will go into the tribulation hour just like this revelation declares.

there is a people that is going to come out and "escape all these things," "and stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:36. You say what you want to…

Some Class Notes Part 1 of 2

Theology

 

10-13-05

History is different from prophecy. History has to do with the past and prophecy has to do with the future.

This book was written around sometime around 97 A.D. But remember what the Lord said about time.

II Peter 3:8 – A day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as a day

Some say don’t touch the book of Revelation; – Revelation 22:18 – So to not accept this book is to in a sense take away from this book; Remember in verse 3 – We read, hear, and we keep. Those who read and keep this book is blessed.

Everything has a beginning in Genesis and everything has an ending in Revelation. Revelation completes the plan that was started in Genesis.

 

- I Corinthians 1:7

The Apocalypse has to do with the revealing, appearing, manifesting.

Remember when he said with ten thousands of his saints that could mean millions and millions.

- I Thessalonians 1:6-10

When He went up into a cloud, what was that cloud? Remember that when He arouse the graves were opened; and remember Joseph wanted to be buried in the Promised Land; He ascended with the saints, He lead captivity captive.

- I Peter 1:7

Remember this, it is more than just a possibility, it is an absolute; we will be tried. We will be tried by fire.

I felt I had no business preaching, because I didn’t know God.

The death of my first wife – said I’ll never preach his Gospel (trial so hot, until I said God I can’t take it anymore)

The death of my son (one year later, to the very day) – said I’ll preach you’ll Gospel (had it not been for a supernatural miracle of God giving his grace to me, I could have lost my mind)

- Daniel 12:4

- Revelation 22:10

The same spirit that inspired it will make it know to those seek, know, and keep.

Don’t expect to understand and receive Revelation if you are not walking in the light that you have.

 

(2) It is a revelation of Jesus Christ

What does the name Jesus mean: Saviour (He shall save His people from there sins)

Not by Jesus

 

  1. The Sons exaltation

Acts 2:33

 

  1. His ministry in the Church

Revelation 1:13

 

  1. His position in the throne

Revelation 4:2

  1. His choice of a Bride

Revelation 19:7, 8

Through chapter 1 and 2 is says to him that overcometh, and in the last sense to him that overcometh will sit on the throne with me

 

  1. His rapture of the Church

Revelation 4:1 – After the church age,

To sit with me on the throne, When? When they become overcomers like He overcome

The outpouring of the Holy Ghost, the fullness, both the former and latter rain, that will help us to enable to obtain that overcoming position.

We cannot produce perfection for ourself, it is promised in the Word. We cannot be off and on, in and out, and expect to receive his power. The outpouring will not be amongst the church. I believe it will be both a personal and in the services outpouring of the Holy Ghost.

I believe the outpouring will be before His Bride is translated. He wants to show His power. The last enemy to be defeated is death.

The church will be raptured after the 3½ years of tribulation. He is not coming back after His Bride, but after the church. The Bride was taken to the Bridegroom. Acts 3:21 …the heaven must receive Jesus until the restitution of all things…  

At the turn of the century, the greatest contenders to the great moves of the Holy Ghost were churchgoers.

 

  1. His coming in power and glory

Matthew 24:30

What were the signs?

He is coming as that great God of heaven

 

  1. His raising the dead

John 5:28-29

All that are in the graves are going to hear his voice

vs. 27

 

  1. His judgment of the nations

Revelation 14:7

 

  1. His reign and rule on the earth

Revelation 11:15

 

  1. His judgment on Satan

Revelation 20:

The Lord’s Day has to do with his coming.

If the devil is giving you a hard time, get lost in the spirit. In the natural, everyone of the churches had faults, but John got lost in the spirit and saw that the devil was bound.

After the thousand years, he is loosed and not only deceives many, but many nations; the number as many as the sand of the sea.

 

(4) It is a prophecy

Some say it is the church producing Christ

Others say it is the Israel producing Christ

Isaiah 66:7

Revelation 12:1, 2

People go wrong because they don’t believe all together that this is prophecy. Israel had no idea they were producing Christ. And remember it is future prophecy. He showed him things that are to come to past.

Revelation 1:19

vs. 19 – Write the things which thou hast seen

vs. 11 – He talks about the things that he has seen. He is writing to the churches. Wherever there is an absence of who he is writing to is to say he is writing to the churches.

 

Out of the struggle, there is coming a man child. The Bride; the man child has to do with the fully matured child,

It is the Word that is going to produce the Life of Jesus in the life of the believer.

How do we make ourself ready; by appropriating all that God has provided for us.

Some Keys: -It is a book of prophecies -It is written to the churches

4:1

 

(5) It is symbolic

Signs are used through out the scripture.

What does an angel refer to in the scripture? It refers to a messenger, a messenger of God.

Don’t worship anything but God.

 

 

A man once said to God, How come you did send us a man who would have a cure for cancer? And God said I did, and you aborted him.

 

They said to John, I am one of those who kept the sayings of John

 

10-21-05

Genesis represents the beginning and Revelation represents the ending.

The subject of this book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The Revelation is considered to be a gift from God. Revelation is prophecy, and prophecy is the future, history written in advance.

Revelation 4:1

Through it is symbolic language; that does not mean that all is symbolic; and remember whenever he does not refer directly than he is writing to the churches.

 

 

  1. Introduction
    1. The Subject of This Book

 

    1. The Scribe of This Book

John 1:1-14

I John 1:1-3

 

    1. The Value of This Book

It is a spiritual book and to understand the things of the spirit, it will take spiritual discernment, thus we need and must have the Holy Spirit. Eye hath not seen and ear hath not heard but he hath reveled them unto us by the Spirit (I Corinthians 2:9, 10). Many times we read over things, and have read it over and over but than all to once the Lord reveals something unto you and it is like a new window that is opened unto you.

Judah always in scripture has to do with praise. The great revivals were birthed out of praise, and prayer. Desirers and hungry for God;

Illustration: Grandpa talking about his message, “A Panoramic View of Pentecost” talking about Pentecost, and its changing from old time preachers, to our generation. We desired to be eloquent and have become half-hearted in our life and religion. It is not that old time religion anymore.

The Holy Spirit knows more than you will ever be able to learn. He can do for you in a sec what would take you years and years to learn, actually things you would never learn.

His words are spirit and life. We don’t need half-heartedness anymore.

 

It is rewarding because of the revelation.

Bro. Gunderson was a man I truly envied-wanted what he had as such, He was great, great man of God.

Every book has a blessing, but Revelations specifically says you will receive a blessing. Blessed are those that read, hear, and obey this book.

Revelations 22:10

Seal not this book because the time is at hand.

 

  1. The Salutation
    1. The Sources of This Salutation
      1.  
      2.  
      3. The Spirit

Not talking about seven spirits, but seven functions of the Spirit.

 

      1.  

 

    1. The Subjects of This Salutation

The Philadelphian age came at the turn of the century; the spirit of God moved and than all the sudden all the church organizations started popping up.

If you deny the Father and the Son, you are of an anti-Christ spirit.

In the 60’s there was a real turning of the organizations.

William Branium said this in the late 50’s; there would be two preachers who would lead the churches into a world council of churches; Oral Roberts and Billy Graham.

Probably around the 50’s & 60’s the Laodicean age started to be ushered in.

 

    1. The Substance of This Salutation

If we have peace with God that is all that really matters.

Peter was leaving Rome because of Persecution; that was the history of it. And as he was fleeing he had a vision of Christ going to Rome and going to be crucified again; and Peter said no Lord I will go and returned and when they were to crucify Peter he said I am not worthy to be crucified by my Lord, put me upside down.  

And in the midst of it all, He cometh

 

The sign of the beginning of the tribulation is when God steps on the scene for Israel.

 

WATCH & PRAY – that you be counted worthy

 

We need to be seeking, applying all the truth that we can. You can see that tribulation is not far away.

The refining process is developing the Bride but the Church will be come to development through persecution.

Paul said we have the earnest of our inheritance

Kept by the power of God… I Peter 1:4, 5

Those in the last days those who will attain to the Bride, will have the fullness of the spirit; have applied all the truth that they have attained.

 

    1. The Circumstances of This Salutation

We are brothers because we are born into the same family. A Christian is born into the church; not joining the church will do it.

Remember this, there is going to be suffering, times of real struggle; and that is when you will really get to know God. A development of our faith;

 

  1. The Vision

Revelation 1:10-20

The Lord’s Day in the scripture always has to do with his coming.

He was transported through time, and was reveled these things.

 

    1. Received in the Spirit
    2. Commanded To Record It
    3. Commanded To Share It
    4. Announced By A Voice

There is something about the trumpet, and instruments like that, that you could not only hear it, but you could also feel that. When William Branium preached you could not only hear but you could feel it, and Branium was not that loud of a individual.

A great voice, that takes in something more than just a sound.

It is just that voice that goes through you,

Preachers should lift up their voice as a trumpet. We might as well just close the doors if we are just going to entertain people. What is the purpose of the church if all we come for is to be entertained?

PREACH THE WORD!!!   And always be ready to preach and to sound the trumpet.

Leviticus 25:10, 11 – Make the trumpet sound throughout all the land, he wanted everyone to hear the sound, to know it is the year of Jubilee; no matter what they were doing, they could drop their things and go home, it is the year of Jubilee.

Soon and very Soon we are going to see the King

 

 

 

10-28-05

Revelation 1:10-20

The Lord’s Day is the return of the Lord.

It is so important to write things down, even if you think that you will never forget it.

 

    1. The First Scene of the Vision

 

The spirit will go with the church. And when the church is taken out;

The Holy Spirit was in the Old Testament but in a different manner.

When the church is taken He will leave in the manner in which he came at the day of Pentecost.

The true church is the body of Christ.

 

A candle gives light, but out of itself.

Exodus 27:

Oil is a type of the Holy Spirit.

We are not a candle; we need oil to keep our lamps burning.

Is it enough that you got filled with the Holy Spirit once; that means we need to continually be refilled.

 

II Peter 1:4

 

    1. The Seconded Scene of the Vision

 

 

    1. The Third Scene of the Vision

 

  1.  

 

 

11-4-05

The Seven Churches

Revelation Chapter 2-3

Seven Letters

  1. Addressed To The Ministers

 

“Unto the angel of the church”

Revelation 22:8, 9

This was a man that was glorified; it was not an angel as such.

 

Angle means messenger

 

    1. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Responsibility

 

      1. To hear from God

Ezekiel 3:17

The blood will be required on our hands. This is very serious;

Illus: Bernead Seveay, talked in the pickup, died a few days after

This like murdering a man, it is a sin you would have to repent. The grace of God goes beyond what we can understand.

 

      1. To receive from God

Galatians 1:11-12

Make sure everything that you preach come from the Lord. Don’t let the theories of the Lord sway you.

A young man in Bible School I was with was swayed every week by the book he read.

Remember the Spirit and the Word agree.

Often times you will sit and hear something and can’t find fault with it, but your spirit does not agree, something is wrong.  

I promised myself, that I wouldn’t give anyone more than one night until I have heard him first.

Illus: Crooked preacher, took offering for Grandpa and took it with him, crooked as corkscrew

It is not just having the right word but we must have the right spirit

 

      1. To speak for God

Isaiah 58:1

 

      1. To answer to God

II Corinthians 5:10

 

    1. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Distinction

 

      1. They are a part of the Church

Philippians 2:29

I Thessalonians 5:12, 13

Respect him highly because he is a minister of the Gospel.

Esteem them very highly in love; He makes it very plainly to “know them”

There are some that don’t deserve this honor, you must live right.

 

      1. Yet a separate part of the Church

Didn’t receive by man, I was called by God to minister.

 

    1. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Protection

“He that holdeth the seven stars”

 

God protects us, in countless situations, we don’t even know about.

 

 

      1. Keeps for Himself

John 10:27, 28

Now this scripture is so mistreated; they know Him and they follow Him

This is not eternal security; that is a lie

 

      1. Keeps from the Enemy

II Timothy 4:16-18

All men forsook me, even Barnabas.

Out of the mouth of the lion, the devil is roaring lion

 

    1. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Authority

“In His right hand”

 

      1. The place of authority

Luke 22:69

God’s right hand having to do with power and authority

Giving them power and authority over devils

 

      1. It is delegated authority

When God gives delegated authority, can it be taken away? The gifts and callings of God are without repentance.

Example: A.A. Allen – In the closet, lost all recollections of time, 13 things God revealed to him 13 things that were displeasing to God, It took him 13 months to cross of the last on the list. God used him, miracle of the unformed flesh to a baby. One of the greatest miracles; Under pressure of finances and etc he went back to drinking, than he repented, and this cycle went on and on, and eventually he gave up on repenting. Told the ministers, said I know where I am going, but I am going to keep all the people I can from going there.

A young man I know, late in his ministry, got healed in his ministry. God used him but he was not right.

Don’t try to do more than what God calls you to do. So under the pressure of trying to do too much; Without Him we can do nothing, and without Him we are doing it with ourselves.

Luke 9:1

 

      1. They are His representatives

II Corinthians 5:20

We are ambassadors, we are representatives of Christ.

When in Japan, our commander told us, “Gentlemen, you are ambassadors for the Untied States of America, Act like it, Do the right thing”

We ought to walk right, live right, talk right; it really matters what we say

Some preacher use slang like: gosh and gee – that is referring to God and that is wrong and evil. When we speak of the Lord’s name we should use a lot of reverence and honor and care.

Does it excite you that you are going to heaven and not hell? Shouldn’t I live a life that exemplifies Christ? A Christian should be known by how he looks the presentation.

Something you will encounter in this age; this age of dress down to go to church, they wear ripped cloths to go to church, no suit and or dressed up clothes in honor to him.

“The unfaithful servant saith he delayeth his return” Matthew 24:48

You will have to face some things, and you will have to take a stand against some things.

Will you go to hell out of a suit? No, but we are his ambassadors

Don’t degrade the position that we have been put in, by using the slang of the world, by using slang in general. We are ambassadors for Christ.

 

What is an apostle? One that is sent

How will they hear unless someone goes, unless someone is sent?

There are true and false prophets and apostles.

I Corinthians 12:28

Set some in the church: Apostles, Prophets, Teachers…Pastors

Are all prophets and teachers, No – there are some

Desire the best gift, the best gift is the one that is needed

An Apostle is usually one that sets up churches…

Can they bear each others qualities?

 

Some say it is a five-fold ministry. But in reality it is a four-fold ministry. (Teaching-Pastors)

Illus: a man preaching, man said I don’t see anything wrong with having a little bit of paint, and I had to sit them down.

 

11-11-05

 

  1. Directed To The Churches

 

“Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”

 

 

 

  1. Seven is the number of completeness
    1. To the whole Church

There is only one church. And that is not talking about the church that is part of the world. Those who are born again and filled with the spirit

 

    1. To the whole Age

From Pentecost to the Rapture of the Church

There were seven churches scattered through Asia-Minor.

Why does it refer to these seven churches only? In every one of these churches, they had distinguishing marks which were symbolic of each church age.

Yes there were more than these churches in that time and area

 

  1. Seven is a compound number
    1. The divine number -3
    2. Plus the world number - 4

 

  1. Seven Gentile churches
    1. No letter for the church at Jerusalem

 

    1. He will have a Gentile bride

Ruth was a Moabite; Esther was not of the lineage of Abraham

Acts 15:13-15

The Tribulation is really God dealing with the nation of Israel.

 The first 3½ years are not as bad as the later 3½ years; but it still will be bad. People will be killed, tortured and etc…

 

  1. Seven churches Paul wrote to
    1. Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians

I believe Paul wrote the book of Hebrews but it was written to the people and not to a church.

 

    1. Personal letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon
    2. Believe to have written Hebrews to the people

 

  1. Ephesus – Church of apostolic age – 96 A.D.

MISSONARY

 

  1. Smyrna – Church of the persecution beginning about the second century – 97 A.D.

PERSECUTION

 

  1. Pergamos – Church of imperial favor – beginning about 312 A.D.

IMPERIAL FAVOR

 

  1. Thyatira – Church of the Papacy – beginning 450 A.D.

PAPACY

316 A.D. The holy Roman Catholic church came into being, taking their relics, devised by heathen leaders in the church

The church was birthed on the day of Pentecost, which was the first church; even though the Roman Catholic church will try to claim it.

 

  1. Sardis – Church of the Reformation – beginning about 1517 A.D.

REFORMATION

Martian Luther prior to his great study of the scriptures that lead him to the “just shall live by faith” but before that he, the sprit of God spoke to him that, the just shall live by faith.

Luther fought them in their counsels, and they fought him hard.

God restored faith – Jude says …contend for the faith…

The Wesley brothers restored the element of sanctification, anything that was worldly, and sinful, and bearing the element of the world.

 

  1. Philadelphia – Church of the latter day outpouring – present through end of age

LATER-DAY OUTPOURING

The Baptist bible college in Topeka, Kansas – students received the power of the Holy Ghost.

They were so earnest in seeking the Lord, they actually set up a time of everyday seeking the Lord, 24 hours, 3 hour periods and then someone else would relieve them, sometimes they would get so enthralled that they say can I take another shift.

That revival spread all throughout America, like a prairie fire, from one town to another. And even around the world.

Philadelphian age is still in affect, even though it is not as prominent as the Laodicean age.

Why? - Revelation 3:10 Philadelphian church will be caught up

Keep the Word, tribulation worketh patience;

…hour of temptation… or interpreted hour of tribulation

Some will be counted worthy; some will be part of the Bride. Some still love his Word, and hold to his Word.

…from… not just put you some place but take you to a great place

 

  1. Laodicea – lukewarm Church – present through end of age

LAST-DAY INDIFFERENCE

Some say the Lord would rather you be outright sinful than to be lukewarm. That is not true, remember he is writing to the church, this was a church that used to know the truth but now they have cooled off and they are luke-warm.

Three stages of the Christian walk: cold, luke-warm, and hot

When you are luke-warm, you are comfortable, and that means that you don’t feel your need.

To say that He would rather you be sinful, dear God.

 

In every church Jesus commended them, condemned them, counseled them, and challenged them.

 

The most important thing right now: “That you know the truth, and that truth becomes a part of your living.”

 

There will be a people that will escape the tribulation hour. The hour is becoming more and more self-evident. < Iniquity is abounding – The Love of many is waxing cold -

 

In the revival back when, they said they had more people in their prayer meetings than in their church services. Used to be that churches ran revivals 5 or 6 months or even three months; but now we have our Sunday morning service and maybe a Sunday night.

Illus: Grandpa, I enjoy reading and studying the Word, it is not something that I have to do. I delight in they Word.

 

11-18-05

  1. Seven letters John wrote to the Seven Churches
    1. Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
    2. He wrote the Gospel of John, the three Epistles and Revelation,

Not addressed to the churches as such

 

  1. Seven distinct parts in each letter
    1. An address
    2. A citation
    3. A statement of knowledge

The Lord knows the end from the beginning. He does not become to be knowledgeable, He knows.

 

    1. A description of moral status

He is writing to the church, these are not letters written to sinners. As much as he has plans for Israel, he would scatter them if they rebelled.

 

Some tried by fire, if the Lord brought them to judgment that they would suffer lose. Lose of the things that they had accomplished. They would have had a reward.

Some as if by fire, by the skin of your teeth;

The grace of God goes beyond anything that we can grasp

 

He is not talking to sinners; He is talking to the church.

 

    1. A personal application to the individual
    2. A command
    3. A promise

 

  1. Out of the seven, Christ finds fault with five
    1. One of these He finds nothing to commend
    2. Two alone pass inspection –

Yet they are in contact with elements which He condemns

 

When you come to Laodicea, probably the most worldly of all of them; He finds complaint with all of them, except for maybe the Philadelphia church, and even that to a certain degree.

 

  1. The Content of the First Letter

Revelation 2:1

    1. The Messenger

He addresses it to the church of Ephesus, but to the angel of the church

Galatians 2:6-9

Romans 11:13

Ephesus was a gentile church

Galatians 1:12-19

There is some thought that when he went to Arriba, he spent some thought there, and that is where he received those revelations

Upon this rock (revelation) will I build my church; Peter had a revelation

They did not establish the church in Ephesus; it was Paul that started it. Paul was considered the messenger for that church age.

God is established in what He does, He is unchangeable.

We will try to identify who these other angels are.

Paul was a man that was sold out to God and had much power and anointing.

Paul is without questioned

Acts 19:10, 1- ~ Paul pastored this church for about 2 years

Paul established the church around 53 AD

A local church that had an understanding of Pentecost, which started the church age

 

    1. The City

Why did God select these churches? These seven churches have much type and their names have a lot of meaning also.

Ephesus was on fire for God, fervent; Even an indication that they are overzealous.

God never demeaned them to sell their land and live impoverished.

They sold their lands and everything and they needed help because they became overzealous.

At the day of Pentecost the church was flying high.

Ephesus started out on fire, but now they are drifting

Hebrews 2: - Give the more earnest heed, not to let them slip (in the Hebrew meaning drift) When something drifts it is carried downstream

 

Great church, great city and know in total ruin.

Revelation 2:1-

Had to be a commitment of both sides, he will not hold you unless you are willing to be held.

 

 

 

 

    1. Commendation

vs. 2, 3

 

      1. For their works
      2. Their labor
      3. Their patience

It is so important to wait; We need to be very careful that we are jumpy

The Lord not only gives you a commission but He also has a timetable of when you are to go

We need all the teaching we can get, and we need the Holy Spirit.

It is absolutely necessary – We can do nothing without Him

 

      1. Separation from evil

If you compromise just a little, than where are you going to stop? We need to be graceful, know what we believe and stand for it, the whole cousel of the Word and do it in a graceful way.

 

      1. Discernment of falsehood

It is so important to try the spirits.

Judge not – He was speaking to Pharisees and Sadducees (religious leaders of that day)

We are admonished to judge all things – but be careful that you are not doing the thing that you are judging.

    1. Complaint

vs. 4

      1. Remember

They didn’t lose their first love. They left their first love. (They know exactly where they were at, and where they should be, and how it could be if they returned)

 

      1. Repent

Repentance: going one way – with the current; remembered the old life of righteousness, TURN and make my way back to the cross (change of mind and change of direction)

Repent and do the first works – begin again

 

      1. Return

Just because the church drifts, he will not just throw you away.

The last church age church he will spew them out of His mouth – If he rejects the church, how does he reject them.

Those that don’t drift and follow Him completely;

Those that he spews out, he spews them out into judgment, in the time of tribulation and into persecution. He has great feeling for the church

“When you hold out a one hand, hold the other hand up.” That way you cannot be hurt, too much. Friends can cut deep than any stranger.

You have to be very careful with ministers – they can burn you really bad.

 

      1. Remove “or else” “I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent”

 

 

 

    1. Commendation

vs. 6

You gain more, with honey than you do with fire.

Are we to be a ruler over the people? We are to be a leader and a servant.

He our greatest example, He was a true servant.

Foot-washing was a custom of that time, it was a need.

Should we control them? We should lead them.

How does the church run its business? On its knees

They used to pray their pastors in; now they vote them in and check names and etc of the mind and no spirit lead decisions.

There should be limitation and organizations but that should not take the place of God.

At the turn of the century we didn’t have all these originations. They broke away.

1913 – Jesus only broke away from the church

Now it is headquarters; and that does not mean that you cannot serve God in a organization but they will usually try to run you and direct you to a certain way.

 

    1. Counsel

Terms used in the Bible are often misappropriated.

A babe is not a sheep but a lamp.

Do the lamps know the voice of their Shepard? No, they have to be helped and instructed.

My sheep know my voice and they follow me.

 

A lot of thoughts that come through our mind that do not necessarily come from others and even us; But usually the devil is throwing his fiery darts.

Whatever comes to you must line up with the Word. The Spirit and the Word agree, always.

When he is come he will take the things of mine and reveal them unto you –

When God speaks to you it will always have a deep meaning. The Lord does not talk frivolously. I need an ear, to hear what the spirit is saying, and have the revelation of his Word.

The natural man understandeth not the things of the spirit for it is foolish.

We need to have the Holy Spirit and we need to have an ear.

Not everything that goes through the air is from God. Be very careful to obey – if the Holy Spirit says something to you and you do not obey, than you will probably find a long while before he visits again but if you obey, he will come again and again

Be quick to obey

He that overcomes – eat of the tree of life

The fullness of the blessings of the Lord is not only for time, but for eternity. There is something for the overcomer to enjoy right now – a separated group.

John was given a book and told to eat it. Revelations

Feast, Live, Enjoy – the revelations of God

 

Some Class Notes Part 2 of 2

Theology

12-2-05

 

  1. The Contents of the Second Letter

Revelation 2:8-11

 

    1. The Messenger

“Unto the angel of the church in Smyrna”

 

      1. Believed to be Iraneaus

 

      1. He was a disciple of Polycarp

 

      1. He was militant against any form of organization

…having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof…

 

      1. He had much manifestation of the Holy Ghost

Iraneaus was a great man, a praying man and he saw the miracles of God. We cannot expect to have the moving of God, if we do not have a committed prayer life. You need to make that commitment. If the study is taking from your prayer life, than something is wrong with your study. It is necessary; it is not just something you do.

Really dedicate myself to prayer;

Don’t pattern your life after anyone, find out what God has for you and obey him.

Some have it in our life to be an Oral Roberts or somebody and they are destroyed.

 

      1. The Word was taught with original precepts

He taught the Word with great boldness, and he was very knowledgeable about truth.

 

      1. The Gifts of the Spirit manifested in his churches

 

      1. The Saints spoke in tongues, prophesied, healed the sick and raised the dead

 

    1. The City

“Smyrna”

      1. It was a commercial center

 

      1. It was distinguished for its schools or rhetoric, philosophy, medicine, sciences, and fine buildings

 

      1. Many Jews lived in Smyrna and bitterly opposed Christianity

They accept Christianity is only a religion, not as a truth.

      1. The meaning of the name “Smyrna” Myrrh-Bitter

 

      1. Myrrh was used in embalming the dead

 

      1. It was a poor church in the midst of poverty – vs. 9, 10

Revelation 2:2

 

      1. The Age lasted 170 to 312 A.D.

 

    1. Commendation

vs. 9

      1. Their works – tribulation – poverty

This age they say we have to don’t have to do anything. But He says to every church, I know thy works; they were necessary.

Persecution will cause you to do two things: Turn to Him, or Turn away from Him

We need to have patience under tribulation.

Isaiah speaks of the Christian life as an eagle.

Eagle: Finds a rock and that is his rock, soars in the midst of the winds, lifts him up

Every rose has thorn;

 

      1. They were rich spiritually

“But thou art rich”

To be rich spiritually there has to be a dedication. Just to be poor does not guarantee spirituality.

The church has never really prospered in prosperity.

Grandma Reynolds – “Beware in the day when Pentecost becomes popular” (mid 1900s)

Pentecost is now popular, but has changed its colors.

The church today is not in poverty, but it is not spiritually rich.

 

      1. No complaint against the church

 

      1. The key to this age was tribulation

You have to suffer to reign

Hebrews 12:1

If you follow him, expect to be hated and suffer.

Not all people are going to be against you but not all people are going to be for you

 

      1. “Ten day” – “Ten years” vs. 10

Under Diocletian cruelest of all emperors 302-312

A time of great persecution that lasted ten years.

 

    1. Caution

vs. 10

      1. Fear not

“Fear none of these things”

Fear should never rule in our hearts; the just shall live by faith

Be faithful under persecution, poverty

Expect you will be tried, and if you haven’t been, you will be tried.

People will say great words about you, and than other times they will be stabbing you in the back. Some people will be your friends to your face and stab you in the back.

(A lot of things were said but not said directly)

Don’t be affected. It is nice to have someone say something about you, but you be faithful. Keep your guard up, not to let it affect you so.

 

      1. Be faithful

“Be thou faithful”

 

      1. You will be tried

 

    1. Promise
      1. A gift

“I will give”

There are six different crowns spoken of in the scriptures, it is something you earn.

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee. The ones who are faithful will receive

 

      1. A crown of life

 

      1. Not hurt of the second death

vs. 11

Death was never a part of that original creation.

Christ has redeemed us, (bought back – from death to life)

Does everyone have to die?

It is appointed unto man once to die, but after that the judgment. Are we going to be judged if we are under the blood? We are redeemed.

Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die… (The context was Lazareth’s death, physically)

 

    1. Counsel

vs. 11

      1. Listen to the Spirit

We have to have an ear to hear what the spirit is saying to the churches.

 

      1. Be an overcomer

He that overcometh…

He that overcomes shall never be hurt

It has to be something that you and I do…

 

 

  1. The Content of the Third Letter

Romans 2:11-17

 

    1. The Messenger

 

    1. The City

Babylon was the foundation upon which the false religions came.

Began with the church becoming imperial,

 

    1. Commendation

vs. 13

      1. Their labor –

 

      1. Their stand under oppression

Not a thing of location, but of character

Even where Satan’s seat is, we can stand and it not affecting us.

Don’t be diminished from the task, but be encouraged to fight harder.

 

      1. Did not deny His name

“And thou holdest fast my name”

 

      1. Did not deny the faith

“And hast not denied my faith”

 

      1. Was not affected by Martyrdom

“Antipas was my faithful martyr”

“Who was slain among you”

They saw him, it probably had an affect on some, but

(Gideon’s army, kept their eyes on the enemy while they were drinking)

 

    1. Complaint

vs. 14, 15

“But I have few things against thee”

  (This the Lord talking)

 

      1. Doctrine of Balaam

In the first church age, it started out as deeds and now they have formulated it into doctrine.

Numbers 25:1-9 (If you get them to sin, than you will get God to curse them, 24,000 people died because of a so called little sin)

 

      1. Doctrine of Nicolaitanes

Doctrine of the Nicolaitanes: The Clergy ruling over the laity

 

 

    1. Caution

vs. 16

 

 

 

    1. Counsel

vs. 17

Hidden Manna

Psalm 105:37; Feed them with angel food – that is symbolic of spiritual food

Ephesians 1:18

I’m not really looking for the stone; I’m looking for the throne.

He that overcomes

 

 

Missed the Last Class 12-16-05

 

1-6-06

  1. The Content of the Fifth Letter

The Word of God should be paramount in our life. We should want to talk about the Bible all the time.

If we are going to say that we are preachers, than we should live it.

 

    1. Caution

We ourselves can be our greatest enemy.

How do we strengthen ourselves? Waiting on the Lord

There is a need for change, we have not been found perfect.

It is not just a matter of doing something, and being a part of something. It is a matter of doing what is right. The church today is doing many things, but they are not the same church.

The church of today has crossed mainstream with the world, but they are not the same church.

Study to shew thyself approved: A workman that needeth not to be ashamed.

We do not hold to everything. We hold to the Word.

Hebrews 3:6 / 4:14 / 10:23

He that endureth to the end shall be saved.

When you know what the scripture says, than you need to hold onto that and not change.

Hold Fast To Your Profession: What you have Heard, Received, and Know

He is faithful, you can trust Him. Not one of his good words will fall to the ground.

The change of mind always precedes the change of direction.

You must repent when you fail. How can you repent past, present, and future for something that you do not even know if you will do?

Revelation 2:5 / 2:16

Repentance is stop doing it. His promises are true, His blood cleanses you from all sin.

He is able to keep you, but you have to want to be kept – Jude 21

Revelation 2:22

If you sin today, you have to repent, if you are going to remain in Him.

Revelation 3:3

Revelation 3:19 ~ be zealous therefore and repent

The doctrine that once you repent, you have repented for all time, is a false doctrine;

You are eternally secure, as long as you remain in Him, but you have to walk in the light.

Confess our sins, and Repent of our sins, and Stop doing it.

Tears may be a sign of conviction, but change is the sign of repentance.

He is not going to come till after the translation, till after the wedding. Revelation 19:7, 8

There is always (I Thessalonians 4:17, 18) two comings, secretly, and literally.

Matthew 24:29

Revelation 3:4 ~ Thou hast a few names,

It may not be the majority, but God has people everywhere.

 

    1. Commendation

We have a responsibility to live right. Faith without works is dead.

Enoch walked with God just before the flood, that was when men’s hearts were only evil continually.

Every type must have a fulfillment: Enoch

Three colors make up white: - red, yellow, and blue

Red: the blood of Jesus / Yellow: represents gold, speaks of the divine life / Blue: represents the heavenly

Some will be found worthy. It does not matter so much what people say, it matters more what people do.

It is hard for people to accept what people are teaching if you know they are not living it.

Your life speaks so loud, I can’t hear what you’re saying.

If we are going to have an effective ministry, than we are going to have to live right.

    1. Counsel

These same people believe there is a difference the book of life, and the lamb’s book of life. The book of life is a record that you are born. And the lamb’s book of life, you can never be blotted out of.

Exodus 32:33

Deuteronomy 29:16-20

Psalm 69:21-28

Revelation 22:19

Revelation 13:8

There is no difference between the book of life and the lamb’s book of life.

Anyone that is born again and does not walk right, he is going to blot them out. Moses said blot me out for them, but God said he is going to blot them out that have sinned.

Revelation 20:12, 15

Revelation 13:8 ~ from then on it is called the book of life, but there is one more place it does say the lamb’s book of life

The book of life and the lamb’s book of life are the same thing.

If you can’t be lost once you are saved, then they have to make everything fit that.

 

Don’t go out of here saying Bro. Reynolds said that, but go out of here saying the Word of God said that.

Revelation 21:8

There is a body of people that are not going to make it. There is no difference between the big liars and the little liars.

Revelation 7:4 – 8:

 

Juda

Reuben

Asher

Nepthalim

Manasses

Simeon

Levi

Issachar

Zabulon

Joseph

Benjamin

 

- Dan, Ephraim

 

Ephraim came out of Joseph

 

Dan was the only tribe blotted out

I Kings 12:25-30

Rehoboam listened to the young men, and was harder, and became more evil

Turned against the God of heaven, to the point that this tribe was blotted out; And Manasses took his place.

 

Revelation 3:6 ~ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying

Paul said: They would have: another gospel, another jesus, another spirit

 

You don’t backslide over one thing. Backsliding is a process; it is something that you didn’t take care of, neglecting to the point, where you don’t feel like going on.

When you sin, your name is immediately blotted out, you have to keep on and keep on and keep on till the point where you don’t feel like it is not a big deal anymore, sear your conscience.

When your name is blotted out, only God knows, it is the grace of God.

 

1-20-06

The Contents of the Seventh Letter

Revelation 3:14-

The church of Laodiceans (Everyplace else it is the church in)

Colossians 4:15-16

A true prophet is known when what he says comes to pass.

Matthew 24:23-27

Scripture warns us that in last days there will many false prophets, with signs and wonders, false anointed

I Timothy 4:1

There are spirits convincing people of doctrines that are not found in the Word of God.

II Timothy 4:3-4

We are in an age where we have all kinds of conventions, but usually it is on a natural, physiological plain. (Saying stuff like, you have to touch your wife 18 times a day; where is that in the Bible – Now most of those relationships ended up in divorce) A humanistic view;

Deal with problems; don’t try to cover up problems. Else it will only appear to have solved a problem, but in essence it will only come back and usually will be worse.

The physiological view and physiological preaching will probably produce emotion but when it is all said and done with, when you leave you will feel empty.

Just dramatics and illustrations, for the purpose of being seen is wrong and mislead the Gospel.

Most of the students in Zion who practiced the dynamics and try to found their life on that did not make it.

II Peter 2:1-2

A lot of my own people; my own family goes to the weak, shallow church; And their life evidences that.

If you are looking for a large number, than you are in the wrong place. Many do not want to hear the truth.

Can a false prophet be distinguished by if he is true to the Word?

Men can preach the Word and yet not live it. – A false prophet

 

Grandpa in the ministry went through times when money was tight, where he did not even have enough money to buy a strap for his watch.

 

Pastoral lesson: Watch your congregation, you can pretty much tell who’s where. When an evangelist comes, see who responds, the in and outers; or the saints of God. That is a good barometer.

Remember it takes a spiritual man to minister to a spiritual people, but a carnal man will minister to the carnal.

 

Paul wherever he went was constant barraged and persecuted.

 

Bro. Branium, when I shook his hand, it was very humbling. He saw things in the spirit like we see in the natural. He wasn’t a fiery type of evangelist, but very powerful in his spirit. When he preached you would not like hear it but you would feel it.

 

The Laodicean age is the last church age and it will end in judgment.

 

Steel: In the fire, the fire affects it – In the atmosphere, the atmosphere affects it

The environment around you will have an effect. Stay very close to him

 

Galatians 6:3

II Timothy 3:5

 

TBN – Gets their money from the local church. In one telethon they raised 175 million dollars in only a couple of weeks

 

Romans 10:3

Our righteousness is nothing but filthy rages.

 

I Timothy 6:5

Supposing that gain is godliness

 

Luke 6:25

Their whole focus is on the riches. There will come a day; when it will come to naught.

 

Should we ever come to a place where we don’t feel like we have a need? Every day, and today and the next day, I need Him more now than I did yesterday.

It will not just happen, you have to awaken yourself. We have a need: I need Him more today than yesterday. You will only make by how much you feel and sense His need.

 

Proverbs 12:15

Amos 8:11

 

 

 

 

1-27-06

Laodicean: means people’s rights (ruled by the people); Greek pronunciation, decayed

Revelation 3:16 ~ lukewarm

Isaiah 29:13 ~ fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men

The service that went to last night (Bro. Williams church), the service disturbed me very much. I have been around this congregation for a long time. Bro. James Williams preached a very straight Gospel, and you would not have seen what you have seen last night. All that stuff came into the congregation, when Bro. Williams lost his eyesight.

The Lord is after our heart. You can tell a lot by people’s actions, and not so much by what they say.

You will face people saying to you everyone is doing it but that does not make it right.

Demons can talk in tongues.

People today don’t seem to have discernment. And exonerate that instead of correct that, stand against.

The Lord is after your heart and if He can get your heart, than He can get your commitment.

Mark 7:6

Timothy says they have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. (I Timothy 3:5)

There has to be a separation in the life of the believer, from the world.

I John 2:15 ~ love not the world – neither the things in the world

It is not altogether the fact of the jewelry, but why do they do that.

What we say should agree with how we live and how we conduct ourselves.

1962, when I first got into this, there were 13 other Pentecostal churches in this area, and they all preached a separation from the world.

There is coming a marked division in Pentecost, and they laughed at me. But it came to be in less that six months, I thought in about a year.

Come out from among them and be ye separate… (II Corinthians 6:17)

Used to be a saying that the church is becoming so worldly that you can’t tell the difference between the world and the church; but now the church is becoming worldlier than the world.

The preacher cannot live the life for the individuals, but he should at least live it. Most congregations will at least follow how the preacher lives it.

They say it is all right, God sees the heart – It is not all right, it is a lie.

There has to be something wrong in the heart, for it to come out in their living.

You must have some gut, some grit, and some backbone. (If you go with the flow, they will pat you on the back) But if you build again the things which you once destroyed than you make yourself a transgressor. (Galatians 2:18)

God hears the effectual, fervent prayer of a “righteous” man.

If you preach this Gospel you will not apply to the majority.

Paul admonished Timothy to preach the Word. The time will come when men will have itching ears, looking for preaching that will sooth their flesh. Kill the flesh and dressing up the spirit.

Give no place to the devil. Just because you got by makes no difference, we have to live by the Word.

Titus 1:16 ~ they profess they know God – works they deny them

 

Where will you receive revelation – On your knees in the closet

 

Paul only asked believers to follow him as he followed Christ (as I follow Christ) And that is not what they were interested in.

“Know it – Know why you know it – Know how you know it”

We do not go along with the blindness, we try to show them the way, live right.

“Naked” Revelation 16:15

A lot of times a preacher may be impressive, but what did they say

It is not something we put on, but something that we have on the inside.

Isaiah 55:1

Works with Faith is Dead Works

Faith without Works is Dead Faith

James 2:22

Gold is a type of the nature of God

You will not receive too much behind the curtain until you die out to self.

Revelation 4:

The Overcomer will receive truth. If any man will let him in; Behold He stands at the door and knocks.

Revelation 3:22

 

 

 

2-3-06

On

Make it a part of your life, not only knowledge wise, but in experience. Process:

The first phase of the first resurrection has already taken place, when Christ rose, and the graves arose, and there are other phases. Martyrs will rise;

 

The book of Revelation was written around sometime of 97 A.D.

The Lord was caught up about 30, 34 A.D.

Keep in mind: we are dealing with things that are future.

How can we grasp celestial beauty with a trestle mind.

 

 

2-10-06

- page 28

(3) By Elders –

Ephesians 4:13

Hebrews 5:13, 14

Elders: has to do with rank, position and responsibility

I Corinthians 14:20

There has to be a development spiritually

I John 2:14 ~ talking about fathers of the faith, they have developed, grown up

There are differences of levels. The seed sown, the same Word produces different results.

Constantly taking care of that, to grow

Angels throughout the scriptures are never referred to as elders. Angels never grow old.

Revelation 5:8, 9

Angels never can be saved. They cannot sing that song, the song of redemption.

The twelve patriots and apostles were Jews.

It is talking about elders coming out of every kindred, tribes, and nations. Not just Jews;

Crowns are never given for gifts; they are only given for rewards.

24 was a figurative number,

 

4:6 ~ beasts

Beasts: Greek; meaning living creatures that have life in them

Who are these four living creatures? They are not angels, seraphims, nor cerabrums,

Cerebums are always guarding something, the garden, over the ark

Seraphims are always in a place of worship

Hebrews 1:13, 14

Angels position and job is to minister; they go between God and man.

 

-----

Probably an angel preaching in the church;

You’re a sinner if you’re not paying your tithes, and that is not money that is time, in prayer.

(I get up at 5 am)

-----

 

Four beasts singing the song of redemption

 

The Lamb was in the middle; the elders around the lamb; and four beasts, living creatures around

The elders are overcomers…

Four beasts – lion, calf, face of a man, flying eagle

They are seen in heaven immediately after the rapture (which takes part in the middle or the tribulation)

Each one of the apostles has a position in the twelve foundations.

The church is the body of Christ. The church being the body of the Christ ought to portray the characteristics of Christ.

 

These numbers are figurative. (4 and 20 elders, 4 beasts)

 

 

4. The Throne is Judgment

Seven spirits of God

Isaiah 11:2-4 ~ seven manifestations of the one spirit

It is one spirit, but seven manifestations.

There one Holy Spirit, the same spirit manifesting itself in separate distinct ways.

Isaiah 42:1

 

 

 

 

Revelation 17:9 – the seven mountains

Hills and mountains are not the same thing.

II Chronicles 18:16 ~

Jeremiah 30:11

Nahum 3:18

Zachariah 7:14

 

If you listen to your radio you will find they are promoating the catholic church. These false churches are moving together.

William Branium: said … will use two man to bring the world cousel of churches together, Billy Graham and Oral Roberts.

II Thessalonians 2:3

 

 

--- Page 29 ----

Revelation 21:18

The beauty of that city is beyond anything that is natural.

Exodus 24:10

Revelation 21:21

We are so wimpish when it comes to fight for God; we seem to fight so hard for the world, to stay in the world; but why don’t we fight hard for God, to stay in the things of God.

Paul said it like this, often knocked down, but never knocked out. Get up, go on, serve God, and be faithful.

It is worth it; don’t have the full concept of it all. If people could only understand, He is worth it.

 

 

>. The Four and Twenty Elders

 

Remember these crowns are given to us as rewards for attainments. Something that you attain to;

Overcoming and rejoicing, even in the hard place.

II Timothy 4:8

Eternal life is gift, you can’t receive a reward for a gift.

If you don’t use what you have He said He will take it from you and give it to somebody else.

 

Hebrews 8:5

Apostles: sent ones

 

The Tabernacle

Everything is a pattern of heaven

God has revelation for us to grasp,

Not everyone in the body of Christ will have a lion like nature.

 

Judah represented Israel

Epraham represented Israel

Reuben represented Israel

Dan represented Israel

 

 

3-10-06

These were a pattern of things in heaven.

 

East: has to do with the past, history

(The wise men came from the east, they were learned and educated men)

West: has to do with the future

(one scripture says, possess thou the west)

South: is always the lower part, having to do with man

( )

North: has the high part, the eagle

(Takes God working a miracle, to take us from the south to the north

 

Cast all your care upon him,

 

<9:10 – an illustration>

 

Greater is he that is in you, stand in opposition to the devil,

 

Resist the devil and he will flee – You have to know where your at, what you have, and walk in his power in you.

If you play with devils, you have to know you have it, but if you have it, walk boldly.

He knew what he had, and he knew it was real.

 

The world is in trouble, and they need something more than people getting up and saying some nice things.

 

Don’t let people influence you. Know what you believe, and know what you know is the Bible.

Don’t let people compromise your convictions.

Convictions: something you can live by and if necessary die for

 

You have a responsibility to share this message, wherever you go.

He can open your eyes that are both physical and spiritual.

 

People will say, God sees my heart – that may pass in the beginning, but once you know, than you become accountable.

 

Revelation 1:1 – when he talks about literal, than it is literal

 

We use 2/10 of one percent of our brain.

 

The church is in a position that is less than the overcomer.

 

…The children of this world are wiser than we are… But we should be wiser than this world

 

Why haven’t we advanced in the spiritual realm, we are sort of in the horse and buggy days.

 

Kept by the power of God (Through “FAITH”)

Faith is a key, the key

 

Inheritance who are kept by the power of God (Not a part of sin, the world, or the backslidden church.)

 

There has got to be an demonstration of God’s power in this last days.

 

Why do people go off – They strain at getting a revelation (If God gives you something, wonderful – But if it doesn’t come from this book, it is a lie)

 

There is two ways to get rid of an enemy – destroy them or join them

 

I Timothy 4:1 – doctrine of devils

A preacher said, “There will come a day when I will walk down the streets of gold hand and hand with devil” (That is a deceived, reprobate mind)

 

You don’t have to have something far out, to be inspired.

Stay within the scripture.

 

In heaven we are going to be busy, Heaven is an active place.

 

If you can’t make it now, how in the world are you going to make it?

 

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created

A plural noun with a singular verb (God)

 

God will pour out the fullness of his presence in the last days.

There is a time element.

Hebrews 11:13, 39, 40

There is that time element,

 

It will take that demonstration of God, in the life of the body,

They without us are made perfect…They can be raised up

 

It is us that have the problem, we stagger at the promises of God.

But Abraham did not stagger –

…believing what he has promised he is well able to perform…

 

 

3-24-06

The book of Revelation was written around 97 A.D.

 The devil and his angels inspire men to be so wicked. And mark it down that they will not escape judgment.

 

I want to help you understand what this book is all about.

Genesis 1:26-27 ~ God has given to Adam the earth, to rule it, control it, and have dominon over it.

God is giving it to Adam as a possession.

It used to belong to the Lucifer, and Lucifer fell and lost it. God judged the devil and the earth. Than God restored it to a beautiful state and gave it to Adam

The devil accomplished what he set out to do, to gain control of the earth again. By getting Eve and Adam to sin;

II Corinthians 4:4 ~ Satan is in control, because man sinned and lost his inheritance. And because he lost his inheritance he is under the control and dominion of the god of this world. The devil;

Jesus said, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” The god of this world has blinded them.

 

Revelation 5:9 ~ They are singing about redemption.

In the Old Testament there was a law, after a man that has sold himself, either he or a relative has the right to redeem them, and buy them back. Also God gave them another picture of redemption, every fifty years they were to blow the trumpets, the Day of Atonement. No matter what they were doing, they dropped their stuff and went home.

Jacob gave Joseph the double-portion, because he was the first born of Rachael. The extra portion was given to Joseph by Jacob that he took out of the hand of the Amorites by the sword, the only time that Jacob is mentioned have used a sword.

His property given by inheritance and on his travels, when he came back, Amorites were on it and they would not leave, so he pulled out his sword and drove them off his land.

 

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life.

 

On the larger picture, the earth was man’s inheritance that he gave up for sin.

Genesis 2:17 ~ He spiritually died that day, and lost his relationship with the Lord,

Genesis 3:19 ~

Ezekiel 18:4 ~ the soul that sinneth it shall die

Genesis 3:17 ~

3 definite things: Spiritual death, Physical death, and A curse on the land that God had given them.

Redemption means buying back.

Man has a spiritual redemption, and also a physical redemption. Do we really believe that.

Redemption has to take in all that was.

Naboth refused to move the landmarks of his inheritance. He lost his life, but God sees and his reward is great.

 

Understanding the laws is important: laws of possession, and laws of inheritance

Adam lost the land and than the devil took possession of the land.

Possession of the land is temporary, inheritance is forever.

Leviticus 25:23-25

Ephesians 1:13, 14 ~ 14: applilitocias, complete state of release (redemption)

Just as sure as God promised it, it will come to pass

 

Revelation 5:9, 10 ~ reign on the earth, we are going to get back our inheritance through the

 

What is judgment for, to judge people, and to judge the devil.

A lot of people believe, what that scroll contains is the title deed to the earth.

The devil is not going to want to give up the land.

 

*

 

Some even in Pentecost believe that the seals have already been open. But the seals will not be open until the Rapture has taken place.

 

God gives us great power, but we also need to have a lamb nature.

Ephesians 1:6 Accepted in the beloved

The devil had power enough to deceive a third part of the angels. And this is his last stance, he will deceive many nations. But he will be cast into lack of fire, never to deceive anyone again.

 

3-31-06

We must keep in mind that we are dealing with the Godhead. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all eternal, they always were.

I Corinthians 6:3 ~ The Church, we will even judge angels

Does God release his judgment on his people? Yes, Israel faced judgment when it was rebellious and sinful.

Persecution, God is releasing judgment through people.

Revelation 3:15-19

 

II Kings 6:17

Horses a manifestation of God’s power

 

Job 39:19-25

 

Zechariah 1:8-10

Night having to do with judgment

Are they

 

Zechariah 6:2-5

There is the element of judgment in these horses.

Job 39:19-

He used these symbolic to us to show us He is going to bring judgment.

 

2 Things about Horses:

(Horses used as a symbol, that the judgment of God will come and will not turn aside.)

 

There is no judgment that is going to stand up against God.

The long suffering of God is great.

 

Matthew 25:

Salvation is not all that is necessary to be a part of the church.

He is not going to come today. There are two things that must happen – a great falling away, and the man of sin be revealed.

The man of sin will not come as a beast of man in the beginning. He will be a peacemaker, a man of flattery and great orator.

The anti-Christ is going to come in as a man of peace.

 

Matthew 10:17, 19: 24:9

Mark 13:9, 11

There is going to come a time when the church is going to have to turn back to God to survive.

 

Zachariah 6:1

Brass always symbolic of judgment

Out from between two mountains of brass

 

 

Paul said we know the times and the seasons. But the angel said no man knows the day, the exact day and hour.

 

 

 

Revelation 6

White is always likened to righteousness, and righteous judgment.

Bow at that time was an instrument of war.

Habakkuk 3:8, 9 ~ His bow was His word

The Lord’s arrows are His Word.

His Word was exposed, revealed and not just revealed but revealed in power.

 

 

Revelation 6:2 ~ conquering and to conquer

This does not speak of God Word being preached, do you see that in the land now, No.

 

 

Isaiah 26:9

It does not say they will do righteousness but that they will know righteousness.

 

Psalm 64:7, 9

God is going to judge the world in righteousness

 

Psalm 110:3

Thy people shall be willing, in the day of thy power

Beauties of holiness

 

Daniel 12:10

Purified, made white, and tried

 

Joel 2:32

 

Zephaniah 3:8, 9

There is coming a time when they will learn righteousness. When God pours out his wrath, this is when he will go forth conquering and to conquer.

 

Let scripture interpret scripture.

 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES ~ DAILY

 

4-14-06

Because iniquity would abound the love of many would wax cold.

The world will not get better just because God is dealing with His people

Praying Hyde went 65 days without eating before he died.

 

For a person to get to the point where they will cook their own children and cooking them to eat; they had to be to the place where they were out of their minds.

 

Compromise comes from the leadership.

Luke 21:23

 

Whenever you find whoa in the scripture it is a time of distress.

 

1968-1969 ~ We were buying a loaf of bread for 11 cents

Today we pay much more than that.

 

Saying a man will work from morning to night to make a days substance.

 

Can’t get away from it, the “mercy of God”

The Mercy, the Mercy, the Mercy of God…what a thought

 

 

God is looking for people that will follow Him. You don’t have to go live in some cave somewhere, you can live in this world but not be a part of this world. You can live right.

 

5-5-06

Even in judgment God remembers mercy.

Hebrews – Only that which cannot be shaken will remain

 

 

 

 

5-12-06

4. The Palm-Bearing Multitude

 

Revelation 7:9-17 9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

 

If you can identify who they are not, than it seems to be easier to identify who they are.

 

Daniel 12:10 …the wicked shall do wickedly…

It is getting a whole lot worse, sin is ever abounding.

 

Will some go to heaven and even suffer lose. Everything that we do will be tried by fire. There are motives to why we do things.

If I was going to keep the bills paid, I would have to be a politician. I learned on the Cap, pasturing. It averaged between 25-30 a week. Which would not pay the bills. And in the congregation there was some members with a good job. But when I put the money down and let them come, then they wanted to be seen so they brought their money down to be shown.

Some will get in as by fire. Different people will receive different awards. There are different levels.

Some will produce 60, some 80, some 100. People will receive different rewards. Some will have a trumpet entry.

 

Always let God receive the honor. If the Lord should use you, give glory to Him. The devil would like to pat you on the back.

 

Chapter 8: Opening of the Seventh Seal

Revelation 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

 

à Study Questions

 

Just because the devil fell from the status that he was placed in, does not mean that he is without power.

 

 

What do the angels in response to the devil, do.

 

We pray to the Father but through the Son. Our prayer to the Son, who in turn gives them to the Father.

 

Acts 2:3 ~ Not burning them but empowering them

 

God’s presence is a consuming fire

His fire is both a consuming fire and also a empowering fire

 

Revelation 8:3-5 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. 5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

 

The life and death of the Son of God is that incense. The Life of Christ is the fulfillment of that census.

 

 

[archived] Song of the 144,000

#Song of the Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand

##INTRODUCTION Revelation 13 concludes with a gloomy tale of a reign of darkness. In Chapter 13 we read of two terrible beasts and their great deception against those who would receive the Beast's mark. Chapter 14 opens with a glorious scene featuring firstly the Lamb and secondly 144,000 redeemed souls who were marked, but it was God the Father's name on their forehead! We find the details surrounding the Song of this 144,000 in Revelation 14:1-5.

##The Lamb on Mount Sion (vs. 1)

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion,

###The Lamb

The "Lamb" appears in 27 verses throughout Revelation and His identity cannot be mistaken!

Revelation 5:6—And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
John 1:29—The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

####Was Slain

the Lamb that was slain unto the Lamb for ever and ever. the wrath of the Lamb: made them white in the blood of the Lamb. overcame him by the blood of the Lamb the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

####Standing in the midst of the Throne

Revelation 22:3—And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

#####And the four beasts, and the elders (5:6) #####With the Sealed Book [WAS slain!] (5:8; 6:1) #####With Wrath (6:16) #####With an Innumerable Multitude worshipping before Him (7:9) #####Feeding and Leading the Innumerable Multitude (7:17) #####Overcoming those that Make War with Him (17:14) #####Marrying His Bride (19:7; 21:9) #####As the Temple (21:22) #####As the Light (21:23) #####Having a Book of Life (21:27) #####Having a Pure River of Water Proceeding out of His Throne (22:1)

###Standing on Mount Sion

Psalm 87—His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2 The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. 4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. 5 And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. 6 The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. 7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.

Matthew 21:5 and John 12:15 say to Tell the daughter of Sion that her King is coming to her! Hebrews 12:22 says the Believer has not come to a smoking and burning physical mountain that cannot be touched but unto Mount Sion the City of the Living God.

Hebrews 12:22—But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

The word "zion" expresses ideas of strength and permanence such as a fortress, monument, or landmark.

Zion is called both the city of David (1 Kings 8:1; 1 Chronicles 11:5; 2 Chronicles 5:2) and the city of God. The fortress was considered so impenetrable they mocked David saying he would not be able to take fortress even with blind and lamb sentries on guard. David captured the Jebusite fortress in 2 Samuel 5:7:

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

Mount Zion is also the highest and southernmost mount of Jerusalem, rising about twenty-five hundred feet above the Mediterranean, but Scripture emphasizes Mount Zion more as a Spiritual concept and less as a physical place. Mount Zion is most importantly understood as the people of God.

Psalm 48:2—Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. 12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. 13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following. 14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

##The 144,000 (vs. 1-2)

and with him an - hundred forty and four thousand, - having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder:

and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

##A New Song (vs. 3-5)

3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand,

	which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. 
These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. 
These were redeemed from among men, 
being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: 
for they are without fault before the throne of God.

[archived] Babylon is Fallen

Second Message – "Babylon is Fallen" (vs. 8)

Revelation 14:8—And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

With the hour of judgment comes the work of judgment. The messengers of God are busy declaring the mind of God. The same cry is made both in chapter 14 and chapter 18.

Revelation 14:8—…Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Revelation 18:2,3—…Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, … 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,…

This cry is declaring something in the future and yet the sense of the declaration is given as though it is already past. When God says it, future judgment is no less definite than history. Because He is sovereign, God calls things that aren't as though they were. The utter destruction of Babylon is certain.

###What Babylon is Destroyed

Babylon is fallen

####A Place and Its Religious System

There are some that make a great difference between the Mystery Babylon in Chapter 17 and the City of Babylon in Chapters 14 and 18, but both "Babylons" are two parts of the same thing: 1) a place 2) a system. The emphasis is put on the system in the 17th chapter and in 14:8 and the 18th Chapter the emphasis is on the city itself.

####Literally, the City of Babylon

####Emphasis Should be on the Reason for her Destruction

Believers can and do differ over what Babylon literally is, but it is important to unite in emphasizing what the Scripture does say about it. "Babylon" will be destroyed because of her false teaching and murder of the saints.

The name Babylon is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Babel. Throughout the Bible, Babylon is a symbol of the confusion caused by godlessness.

The unveiling of the real enemy is found in what Babylon DOES and SAYS and not an inherent evil because of where it can be found on a map or because of historical sentiment towards it. The City of Rome or even the area near Baghdad, Iraq are only in danger of God's Wrath for the same reasons any people or nation will suffer judgment—if they set themselves as the enemies of God.

#####Not Just Rome

Babylon, who is the Mother of Harlots (17:5) and the Habitation of Devils (18:2) is fallen. As Rome, Italy (or more specifically Vatican City) has been instrumental in both Christian martyrdom and the spread of false doctrine, this prophecy concerning the fall of the City of Babylon is generally believed to be a prediction concerning the city of Rome, Italy. This interpretation is seemingly influenced by the long standing prejudice of the Protestant church historically at war with the Roman Catholic church.

The passage does not say Rome, but it does say Babylon. To be consistent in our method of interpretation of the this great Book, we will interpret Babylon literally as the city originally built by Nimrod in the land of Shinar and rising and falling throughout history, but being utterly destroyed in the Day of God's Wrath. Truly, Babylon is the birth place of the false doctrine woven throughout Roman Catholicism and not the other way around (i.e., Mother-Infant worship).

The Roman Catholic church is not the only religious system guilty of spiritual adultery. God would not be justified in sparing one and punishing another unrepentant group for the identical criminal act. Babylon is not just Rome. It is bigger than that. It is an apostate religious world.

#####Not Utterly Destroyed, Yet

The City of Babylon was situated in the Land of Shinar on the Euphrates River, about 50 miles south of modern Baghdad, Iraq. Although Babylon was effectively eliminated as an empire when it was taken by the Medes and Persians after the 70 year Jewish exile, all prophecies concerning it have not yet been entirely fulfilled.

The conquering empire of Persia did not destroy Babylon, but instead made it a royal city. Babylon appears importantly in history 500 years after Christ, for it was at Babylon that Jewish Academics compiled the Talmud (the basis of all codes of Jewish Law). Also Modern Day Bahgdad, Iraq stands near the original location of Babylon.

Isaiah 13:6,19-22; Jeremiah 50:40; 51:64 and Revelation 14:8; 17; 18 give an image of an extreme and absolute destruction not yet seen. Much of this has been fulfilled, but not all will be fulfilled until the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 13:6).

Isaiah 13:19,20—And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. 20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

Jeremiah 51:64 And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.

#####Rebuilding Babylon

Babylon will fall, but first it must be rebuilt. Before her utter destruction that will take place in the Day of the Lord's Wrath, the city of Babylon will first become instrumental in centralizing apostasy. What the Vatican is for just 1.2 Billion Roman Catholics, Babylon will arise for the greatest apostate ecumenical group the world has ever seen. Read Zechariah 5:5-11.

Zechariah 5:10,11— Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? 11 And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.

###How Babylon is Destroyed

Babylon is destroyed by fire

Revelation 18:18—And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

Revelation 18:21— And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

Isaiah 13:19-20; Jeremiah 50:40.

###When Babylon is Destroyed

Revelation 18:10—…in one hour is thy judgment come.

###Why Babylon is Destroyed

Babylon is destroyed because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

What is the wine that she made all nations to drink? False doctrines. As harlots would utilize love potions and intoxicating drinks so Babylon has used false doctrine to

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12—And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

All who drank of her wine are guilty of spiritual adultery or idolatry.

Third Message – "Drinking of the Wrath of God" (vs. 9-11)

Archived Textbook

Revelation.html