REVELATION SERMONS – Mircheal Jones

Take heed to these problems that may develop in your study of Prophecy:
1) DONT WRESTLE THE SCRIPTURE; ITS DESTRUCTIVE: Any study of Prophecy should heed well the words Peter spoke about the complex writings of Paul: (2 Pet 3:16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Sometimes you get so determined to prove a preconceived point until you wrestle the scripture into a place it is not supposed to go.
2) DONT MAKE A FOREST OUT OF A TREE; ITS DEADLY: (Rev 22:18‑19) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: {19} And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. If you are walking through a pine forest and suddenly you find an oak tree it is foolish to suddenly declare that you have determined that you are in the midst of an oak forest instead of a pine forest! In the same way, one verse of scripture looked at from a certain perspective can be used in an attempt to suddenly make all of the pine trees in the Bible look like oak trees. That can have deadly consequences for you; and for those who follow your teachings.
Remember one of the basic rules of Biblical interpretation: A verse used out of context is simply a pretext. When James stresses the need of works he does not negate the rest of the clear Biblical teaching about being saved by Faith. He simply shows the importance of putting actions with our beliefs. To build a doctrine of salvation by works based on this verse would be tremendously harmful.
A safe guard to help you in your study is to remember the PURPOSE OF PROPHECY
A) A PROOF of God-Ezek 39:27-28 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations: Then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there. (See 38:23, 37:28, 36:38, 35:15, 33:33). The Purpose of Prophecy is not to satisfy your curiosity but to demonstrate God! When we see His words come true time after time then we know that He is GOD- Deut 18:21-22 And if thou say in thine heart, how shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
B) A PURIFYING Influence- I John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. I Thess 5:4-9
C) A PROMISE to look for- John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. I Thess 4:13-18

Rev 01:1 A LIFE CHANGING VISION

“Untold millions are dying untold”. What would you think if I stood today and proclaimed that you have been taught wrong and you were worshipping the wrong person? Instead of calling on Jesus, you should be saying, “Allah is God and Mohammed is his prophet”. That principle is what Missionary Carlisle Hanna has been doing for over 50 years and the lives and circumstances of thousands of people have been changed as a result.
A vision of Christ has a life changing impact on a person:
A) Isaiah- Went from worrying about a dead king to worshipping a living King. Led him to Confess his sins (Woe is me!) and Commit to service (Here am I).
B) Paul- Went from killing Christians to being willing to die for Christ.
C) John (Rev 1:12-18). Went from exile to eternity!
While eating breakfast recently in a local restaurant, I was reading my Bible chapters from the book of Revelation. The waitress brought me some coffee, noticed what I was writing and said, Oh, I never read Revelation. It is much too scary. Sadly, most people seldom read Revelation because they think it is too scary, too complicated, or too much in the future to worry about now. Bad choice. Revelation should be read and studied because:
1) It is a special message given by God to Jesus in order to show us the future- (Rev 1:1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
2) Special Blessings are promised to those who read, hear, and keep the prophecies pronounced in Revelation- (Rev 1:3) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
The first word in the book of Revelation is the Greek word “Apokalupsis” from which we get our word Apocalypse. It means “Uncovering, Unveiling, Disclosing” or, as we have entitled the book, “Revelation”. What people get confused about is what it is revealing!
Many people think of Revelation as a complicated book whose primary function is to allow Preachers to terrorize people with mysterious symbols. It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that we understand that God intended the book to be an “Unveiling” of His Son in a way that we had not known Him before. We must not allow ourselves to become so enamored with the Puzzles of the book until we miss the Person of the Book- Jesus Christ.
John begins the revelation of Jesus by showing
1> He is part of the Trinity:
A) The Eternal God‑‑‑‑‑is, was, to come
B) The Complete Spirit‑‑7 Spirits before God’s throne (Representing the 7-fold ministry of the Spirit: Restraining, convicting, regenerating, sealing, baptizing, indwelling, and filling).
C) The Redeeming Son, Jesus Christ (Only one able to pay the price to buy us from Satan)
2> He is the Consummation of God’s Plans:
A) Who He is‑ Faithful Witness- He that hath seen me has seen the Father.
First begotten of the dead. Others have been raised but He was resurrected.
Prince of the Kings of the earth
B) What He did‑Loved us- even when we were in sin
Washed us from our sins in his own blood
Made us kings and priests unto God
C) How He’s Coming‑ With clouds for all to see
With Judgment‑ so that people will wail because of Him

Rev 01: 1-3 WHAT CHRISTIANS SHARE

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea
From this introduction by John we can see 5 things that Christians Share. [NOTE- In order for John to receive this Vision he had to be willing to pay the price of being alone. Like Paul in Desert- “Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.”(Gal 1:17) and Moses in Desert]
5 things we should emphasize to the world when we talk about Christianity:
I. RELATIONSHIP IN CHRIST- Brother, Part of the same family
II. COMPANIONSHIP IN TROUBLES- All have a Cross to Bear and Satan to fight
III. PLACE IN HIS KINGDOM- Patiently looking for His Kingdom
IV. EMPOWERMENT BY HIS SPIRIT- To enable us to work
V. WITNESSES OF HIS WORDS AND WORKINGS

Rev 01:1-3 A MINISTRY’S MISSION

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand (Rev 1:1-3).
In these verses, John gives 4 requirements for an effective Ministry; something all of us desire.
First, Note THE OBJECTIVE OF THE MINISTRY– To Reveal Jesus Christ. (Remember the Motto of the Ministry of our Church- Using as many methods as possible, to reach as many people as possible, in order to get them “To KNOW and to SHOW CHRIST”).
Question: What do you want to accomplish with your life? Do you just exist day to day or do you desire to make your life count for now and for eternity? How do you expect to accomplish your goal?
Second, note THE SOURCE OF THE MINISTRY– GOD GIVEN- which God gave unto him.
A God Given Ministry provides:
A> Motivation: to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. Plants without roots will whither in the hot sun of trials, troubles, and temptations. Unless you KNOW you’re in God’s will doing God’s work then you will quit when the going gets rough.
B> Mission: To Reveal Christ – this will Lead to (1) Salvation, (2) Adoration, and (3) Dedication Christians are Pilgrims and Strangers in this world. They must never settle down or stop looking up. Our mission involves getting people to stop looking at this life as if it’s the only thing that matters. A thousand years from now it will seem very unimportant.
C> Message: To be effective this message Needs:
(1) Anointing- And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (1 Cor 2:4-5).
(2) Authority- If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (1 Pet 4:11).
You must speak God’s Message with God’s Power if you are to accomplish God’s work. That’s why there is so much activity and so little accomplishment today.
Third, note THE ACTIVITY OF THE MINISTRY – RECORD BEARING
We are to Bear Witness of:
A> The Word of God- What God Said
B> The Testimony of Jesus Christ- What Jesus did
C> All things that he saw.- What we see (I don’t have to understand everything about cars to tell about seeing an accident. I don’t have to understand everything about God to tell People how He saved me).
Finally, Note THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE MINISTRY– BLESSING BRINGING
Blessings are Promised to:
A> To Him that reads this Prophecy- Those who SEE what God is doing
B> To Him that hears the words of this Prophecy- Those who really HEAR God’s Message
C> To Him that keeps the things of this Prophecy- Those who put WORKS with their faith.
God has promised the Blessings. It’s up to us to provide the information. Our Mission is clear. Our God is Powerful. Forward then, brethren, forward.

Rev 1:1-3 HOW WE REVEAL JESUS

The Great Desire of every true Christian is to reveal Jesus to the world (A good “acid test” of a person’s Christianity is whether their main purpose is to build their happiness or a determination to share Jesus Christ with those around them).
Christ is the answer to the world’s problems. A Relationship with Christ is the Abundant Life people crave. Faith in Christ is the way we face life and do not fear death.
John here shows us How we should effectively reveal Jesus:
I. BEAR RECORD OF:
A) The Word of God- Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me (John 5:39). And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).
Study the Bible, Saturate yourself in the Bible, and then Share the Bible: The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it (Psalms 68:11).
B) The Testimony of Jesus Christ. This can only be done in an effective manner when we yield ourselves to, and follow the directions of, the Holy Spirit in our life because He testifies of Christ (This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth 1 John 5:6).
It is important that we do not simply use our wisdom or our human understanding when we testify of Christ: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).
We ask God for the wisdom we need: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5). This wisdom will be revealed by the Spirit but backed by the Word (The Spirit will never contradict the Word of God).
C) All Things that he saw: (Note that this is last on the list). This is God at work in your life. Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul (Psalms 66:16).
Paul gave his personal salvation testimony every chance he had. Write your testimony down and share it as often as possible with others. If you do not have a specific time and place where you trust Christ then you need to look closely as what you have.
II. BLESSING PROMISED: Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand (Revelation 1:3).
A) To those who Read the Bible about Christ
B) To those who Hear the Words of this Prophecy about Christ
C) To those who keep (put into practice) the things written in the Bible (Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone James 2:17).

Rev 01:4-6 The REVEALING of JESUS

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (Rev 1:4-6).
Deaf people cannot hear. Blind men cannot see (It is difficult to get a blind man excited about a beautiful sunset he cannot see). You need more than your human ability in order to reveal Jesus.
John begins to reveal Jesus by showing
1> He is part of the Trinity:
A) The Eternal God—–is, was, to come
B) The Complete Spirit–7 Spirits before God’s throne (Representing the 7-fold ministry of the Spirit: Restraining, convicting, regenerating, sealing, baptizing, indwelling, and filling).
C) The Redeeming Son, Jesus Christ:
2> He is the Consummation of God’s Plans:
A) Who He is- Faithful Witness- He that hath seen me has seen the Father.
First begotten of the dead. Others have been raised but He was resurrected.
Prince of the Kings of the earth
B) What He did-Loved us- even when in sin
Washed us from our sins in his own blood
Made us kings and priests unto God
C) How He’s Coming- With clouds for all to see
With Judgment- wail because of Him

Rev 01:7 THE COMING OF THE LORD

Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen
One of the greatest facts in the Bible is the Return of the Lord. John ends his great acclamation of what Christ has done for us (4-6) with
The Thrill of His Coming. Let’s see what it means.
I. THE FACT OF HIS COMING– Behold, he cometh with clouds;
A> Its Certainty- Every book of the New Testament makes reference to the Second Coming. There are over 1800 references in the Old Testament that prophesy the Advent of a victorious, reigning Messiah. Jn 14:3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
B> Its Effect:
1) Purity for the Present- And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure (1 John 3:3). If you knew the Preacher was going to your house for dinner today you’d clean up your house. If you believe Christ can return at any moment you’ll stay away from even the appearance of evil.
2) Hope for the Future- If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable (1 Cor 15:19). This Hope: (1) comforts us concerning the death of our saved loved ones
(2) enables us to endure trials now, knowing Judgment is on the way. (3) Encourages us as we know that one day we shall see Him Face to Face whom so long we have known heart to heart.
The Second Coming is not Spiritual or symbolic; It is the physical return of our Savior. Acts 1:11 Why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven.
II. THE MANNER OF HIS COMING–
A> PUBLICLY- with clouds; and every eye shall see him. While the Rapture will be an unseen “snatching” away of His people; the Return will be a Public display of His return as King of Kings.
B> SUDDENLY- I Thess 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night Matt 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
III. THE RESULTS OF HIS COMING– all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.
A> World Wide acknowledgement of Him as King. The Millennial Kingdom set up to allow Him to rule with His people.
B> Wailing (Tears). These tears will be because of:
(1) Fear, as men realize that Preachers were right and Politicians were wrong; Education was not man’s greatest need but Salvation; and Momentary Pleasure is not worth eternal Pain.
(2) Missed Opportunities-
a. The Saved will weep over failing to Work for Him
b. The Lost will weep over failing to accept His free Gift of Salvation- Philip Bliss probably said it best, “Almost persuaded, harvest is past! Almost persuaded, doom comes at last! Almost cannot avail, Almost is but to fail! Sad, sad, that bitter wail, Almost, but Lost!
HE COMING! Are You ready to meet Him???

Rev 01:8 GOD DESCRIBES GOD

The first word in the book of Revelation is the Greek word “Apokalupsis” from which we get our word Apocalypse. It means “Uncovering, Unveiling, Disclosing” or, as we have entitled the book, “Revelation”.
Because of the confusion surrounding many of the events in the book we think of it as a difficult book whose primary function is to allow Preachers to terrorize people with mysterious symbols. It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that we understand that God intended the book to be an “Unveiling” of His Son in a way that we had not known Him before. We must not allow ourselves to become entrapped with the Puzzles of the book instead of the Person of the Book.
In the opening Message in our Study of Revelation we are going to spend time learning what God reveals about Himself and His Son. If that’s not clear then the rest of the book will simply be confusing symbols instead of confirming descriptions about God’s Person and Plan.
That’s the reason we’re going to begin our Study of Revelation in verse Eight of Chapter One instead of in verse one. This will allow us to see what God says about Himself and get a good foundation to begin our Study (as well as being something to build our lives on).
God uses a phrase to describe Himself in Revelation that is not used in any other place in the Bible- “I am Alpha and Omega” (the first and last letter of the Greek Alphabet); or as we would say it today, “I am A to Z”- the Beginning and Ending of everything. Four times in Revelation He uses this phrase and each time it declares a vital truth we need to know about God.
I> HIS DEITY– I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Rev 1:8). G Campbell Morgan says “There is no verse in the Bible more explicit than that as a description of absolute and positive Deity”. His Deity means He is our:
A> SOURCE: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.
Of Life- For in him we live, and move, and have our being; (Acts 17:28). If you seek for “life” anywhere else you will find discouragement and disappointment- see Solomon, in the book of Ecclesiastes, where wealth, wine, and women all ended up “Vanity of Vanities” (I’ve had more people talk to me about getting out of the rat race in the last 2 weeks than in the previous 2 years!! Here’s a quick little mini-sermon for you about how to get out of the Rat Race of life- <1> Don’t let Money be your Master. <2> Less is More. <3> Time saving devices don’t save Time; they only add more responsibility. <4> Your Kids need your Time more than Toys).
From Death- For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 6:23). The source of our HOPE is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His Deity extends even through the “valley of the shadow of death”.
B> STABILITY– Which is, which was, and which is to come. He is above history or time. Everything finds its commencement, course, and consummation in Him. No new discoveries, no new inventions, no chaos in life change the fact that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (Heb 13:8).
C> SUFFICIENCY– The Almighty is the Hebrew word “El Shaddai” meaning “The sufficient One”. It was first used in Genesis 17:1-2 when God confirmed the promise He had already made to Abraham to make him a great nation and to make his seed as the stars of heaven. Regardless of the age of Abraham and his wife Sarah, God assured him that He (El Shaddai) was sufficient to accomplish the promise.
When things look their worst; God looks His best. When there is nothing left but God; that’s enough. Disaster, disease, death…He gives victory over or strength for.
II> HIS REVELATION– Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea (Rev 1:11). God reveals Himself as The WORD- the means of communicating with man. His message is written and sent to those who need it (Just like our Outreach Ministry!). If you want to know God look in the Word; The Bible is not a “pill” to shallow but a Person to learn.
III> HIS SALVATION– And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely (Rev 21:6). God’s part of Salvation is compete. Now all He’s looking for are “Thirsty” people. Is God dealing with your heart right now. Are you ready to change your life and your destination???
IV> HIS JUDGEMENT– I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (Rev 22:13-14). In the end, God judges you, not by what you say about Faith, but what you Do about Faith. The right to the tree of life is not for those who say they believe His Commandments but for those whose Faith motivates them to obey His commandments.
This Judgement part of God is tremendously important. The world denies it or ignores it but one day they will face it. No man who reads Revelation expects the world to be converted by Gospel Preaching without Judgment. The world may scoff at the idea of Hell but the Love of God demands the judgement of God.
God is God, who communicates to man, offers man salvation, and is the Judge Man must face. What does that do to your heart? Bring a chill or a shout???

Rev 01:9-18 RESPONDING TO JESUS

Christianity in not about learning new Principles; it is about having a Relationship with the Son of God, Jesus Christ. It is not a TOKEN Commitment to doing better, it is a TOTAL Commitment to live your life for Christ. You don’t jump a canyon in 2 leaps!
I. Our First Response is FEAR:
A) Fear of His holiness – Isaiah – Woe is me
B) Fear of our Past Failures and present abilities- dead but alive forever more
C) Fear of Eternity in Hell- Have the keys of Hell and death.
II. Our Second Response is FAITH:
A) God’s Part is to Offer a chance to change:
Irresistible Grace- God Chooses and Saves whom HE wills
Effacious Grace- (Effective) God’s Grace is Effective to save those whom He knows will be saved but it is not even offered to those whom God knows will not respond positively.
Common Grace- God’s Grace is available to all and “Whosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely.”
B) Our part is to accept His offer- Jenene was offered a House, a Life but never said “I do”.
III. Our Third Response is DUTY:
A) Write – The Things thou hast seen. Tell others about what Christ has done for us. (Christian thrown to Lion. Every time the Lion would try to eat the Christian would whisper in his ear and he would back away. A soldier was sent to find what the Christian was saying. The Answer, “After dinner you will be required to say a few words”.)
B) Be a part of the Body of Christ- Stars and candlesticks. Every part is important and needed.

Rev 01:12-18 THE SYMBOLIC SAVIOR

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev 1:12-18)
JOHN’S PART– To hear and to attempt to see. God Calls; He expects us to answer.
JESUS’S PLACE– In the midst of the seven golden candlesticks (vs 20 says these are the 7 Churches. He is in the Midst of His People.)
JESUS’ PERSON– “One Like unto the Son of Man”- He is revealed in a most unusual way; No longer the “Gentle Shepherd”, now He is revealed in a number of Symbols that speak of His Glorified Person. Each of these Symbols speak of a major aspect of Christ we need to know and consider (They also are used to speak to the various Churches in Chapters 2 and 3).
A) The Garment of the Judge, clothed with a garment down to the foot, God’s Garment is Light. This is the Garment a Judge would wear. JUDGMENT FOR THE WORLD for Sin and Unbelief.
B) The Girdle of the High Priest, girt about the paps with a golden girdle. Around His Heart was the Priest’s Girdle to show His love and care for man – MEDIATOR OF MAN For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Tim 25)
C) The White Hair of the Elder- His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow The “Ancient of Days”, Steadfast, ETERNAL
D) The all seeing eyes of Fire, his eyes were as a flame of fire- Probing, Cleansing. RIGHTEOUSNESS
E) The feet of Brass (Judgment in O.T.), his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace This Brass is like a mirror that reflect Judgement back on you. JUDGMENT ON THE CHURCH
F) The Commanding Voice, his voice as the sound of many waters AUTHORITY
G) The Right Hand holding the Gospel Messengers, he had in his right hand seven stars DELAGATION of Responsibility.
H) The Two Edged Sword of the Word of God, out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword Read and Heed
I) The countenance as the Sun to lighten every dark place- his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength REVELATION

Rev 01:17-20 RESPONDING TO JESUS

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches Rev 1:17-20.
When John saw the Glorified Savior some definite things occurred. These same things ought to happen to us today as we see Jesus in His Word and in His Works. It must be clearly held in our mind that Christianity is not Learning new principles; it’s Living a new life as a result of a Relationship with Christ. As you learn about Christ you MUST respond to Him either positively or negatively- He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad (Mat 12:30).
The three areas of response cover the 3 parts of man- The Spirit has Faith, The Soul worships, and the Body accepts Responsibility. This means Christianity is a TOTAL COMMITMENT to Christ; not a TOKEN Commitment to doing better.
I. WORSHIP– And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. We fall at His feet in Worship because that is a place of:
A) Respect- The Sight of Jesus should HUMBLE us to our knees as we recognize his Holiness and Power. This is the Missing ingredient in many people’s worship today. They come to God as if He’s a banker you must cut a deal with instead of a God you must worship!
B) Adoration- And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment (Luke 7:38). I’ve seen many parents, in times of adoration, kiss the feet of their infant children; yet how seldom do I hear Christians even tell God they love Him when they pray!
C) Praise- And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan (Luke 17:16). I would not get very far kissing my wife if, instead of “sweet nothings” whispered in her ear, I began telling her I wanted a shirt ironed, some pants washed, and the house cleaned! Yet, this is how Christians pray all the time. Don’t be one of the “missing nine”. Always give God thanks for what He has done.
D) Supplication- And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, (Mark 5:22) (See also Mark 7:25). When you begin with respect, adoration, and praise you can expect your supplication to bear fruit. Remember, however, that you come with a petition; not an order.
II. FAITH– And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. When we see God in His holiness and power the human heart is stricken with a sense of dread and fear:
A) Fear of His Holiness- Like Isaiah, when we see the Lord we want to cry, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts (Isa 6:5).
B) Fear of our Ability- People say, “I’d get saved but I couldn’t Hold out”. What a joy to know he has conquered death. Now we know He can help us in Life.
C) Fear of our Past- Our Sins and Our sinfulness condemn us. He who has the keys of hell and death shows us the “Door” to forgiveness.
This Fear can only be conquered by Faith in the Love and Mercy of God. Once we feel His touch and know that He had conquered every thing that can harm us our fear will vanish in the warm glow of our Faith in Him.
III. RESPONSIBILITY– Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. It’s not enough to see Him in His holiness and believe He is able to save us. You must actually COME TO HIM and ask for salvation and then LIVE FOR HIM with a changed life.
This will make us:
A) A Witness- of our vision of God, of His change in our life, and of the Heavenly Home awaiting us.
B) A Worker- as one of the Stars or part of the light of the candlestick.
How will you response to Christ?? Remember, EVERYONE must response in some way. Remember also, that your response will determine HOW you live right now and WHERE you live in the future.

Rev 02:1-7 EPHESUS: LEFT FIRST LOVE

The Apostolic Church (From Christ to around 100AD). This was the church Christ began, its first pastors were trained by Christ, and it still had problems!
The specific church at Ephesus was begun by the Apostle Paul and he stayed at this church longer than at any other church (3 years). One of the greatest letters in the NT is Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. It is called the Heavenly Letter because it soars so high. Yet this is the Christ said, “Repent or else…”
I. THE CONDITIONS OF THE CHURCH 2:1-4
A) Fervent in works and labor. An active going church
B) Fundamental in Doctrine.
1> Could not bear them that were evil; had standards
2> Tried those who had false claims; had principles they believe in. (The Church has a right to screen out bugs while it lets it light shine)
C) Faithful in Life: Had borne it burdens, had patience in its problems, and had labored and not fainted (Not like Israel who had grumbled and complained and turned back in the wilderness)
D) Fault found by Christ: They had left their first Love (Remember the first problem Jesus corrected after His resurrection was Peter going fishing and being asked, “Do you Love me more?”. Like Martha, the church was so busy doing until it had no time to sit at the feet of Jesus and adore Him
Remember, where the heart is the heels will follow. We do not need more campaigns; we need more commitment to spend time with and develop love for, our Savior.
II. THE CURE FOR THE CHURCH 2:5-7
A) Remember where you fell from; the way it was when you had Joy in your time with God and His people (When David repented he wanted God to “restore unto me the Joy of my Salvation”)
B) Repent: Do the first works and come back to square one
1> Clean Heart: cast away the sin that separated and wash your soul in the blood
2> Right Spirit: Crave God and return to a right relationship so the Holy Spirit could cease working ON you and then begin working IN you.
C) Or Removal: Repent or Else. This is no Game, God can close the church doors (Later He is shown as outside the Church knocking on the door for entrance
D) Rebuild on what you still have in common with Christ: You hate the deeds of the Nicolaitians (Which Christ also hates. These were people who wanted “to conquer the laity” by developing the church as an organization led by men instead of as an organism [Living body with Christ as head]).
Keep Christ First in your heart and in your church. You should never love the worship of Christ or the work for Christ more than you love Christ!

Rev 02:1-5 LOST THAT LOVING FEELING

Illustration- The Righteous Brothers song- We have lost that loving feeling and it gone, gone, gone, and I can’t go on. Ought to be the cry of every Christian in their relationship with the Lord. Loving God is the first commandment and our most important priority.
NON LOVING RELATIONSHIPS:
A) Financial – Financial benefits keep together (Some are Christians because of the benefits they hope to obtain)
B) Family- Kids or Mom and Dad keep together (Some are Church Members because of Family pressures)
C) Physical- Meets a need in your life (Some are Christians because it allows them an emotional outlet)
D) Society- Pride, Peer pressure (Some are Christians because of what others think)
Illustration – Diane Bridgeman- Realized her marriage was in trouble when there was no comment or contact from her husband as he passed when always before he had touched or spoken. Paula in passenger’s seat saying we were sitting not as close; I always drove so Who Moved?
How do you rebuild a relationship?
A) Desire to rebuild- want to want to (Remember)
B) Determine to make changes- (Repent and do first works)
C) Despair of life apart from this relationship (or else I will come …and remove thy candlestick)
The Job of the Church is to maintain a Relationship with the Lord. Doing that means we can:
Raise the Dead in Sin (Proclaim the Word of God and do the Work of God)
Rebuke the Enemies of God
Restore the Prodigal
Rejoice in Salvations, Singings, and Service
Realize we are to Show People God; not try to BE God
Some have never had a real relationship to begin with- Lady whose boyfriend prepared her a house ready to live in, went to supper regular, but were never married. Attending Church does not mean you have a Relationship with Christ!

Rev 02:2-5 WHAT LOVE DOES

We have examined “What Love Is” in our Sunday School class; now we want to see “What Love Does”. That’s the Bible way- First we find what we are supposed to Believe and then we learn how to live that Belief in our life.
This is an important subject today. Love affects our relationship with God and with man and is the single most important ingredient in a person’s life. A writer’s famous quote sums it up, “The heart is a desperate hunter, seeking only love”. EVERY ILL in the world today can be traced to Leaving or Lacking Love- Men make gods of wealth, and fame, and 1000 other things because they lack a love for God. Divorce, Strife, and war all come from lack of love. People allow themselves to be abused with Drugs, Drink, and Lust because they are seeking someone to love them or they don’t love themselves.
I want us today to see What Love Does FOR us and FROM God and then I want us to rekindle our Love for God and each other.
I. WHAT LOVE DOES FOR US:
A) Develops Trust- Rom 8:28 We know that all things work together for good to them that love god, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Love allows us to have CONFIDENCE in God even when we don’t understand; and EVEN WHEN WE HURT. This same attitude of confidence will carry over into relationships when we Love people and believe they love us [An Example- The difference between a Murderer and a Doctor; One puts a knife into you to HARM you while the other does so to HELP you! Both hurt, but you submit to one and resist the other].
B) Disciplines Us- Heb 12:6 For whom the lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Love not only Builds Confidence, it also Corrects. Love give you the Right and the Responsibility to correct- Prov 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Failures and Faults can many times be traced to lack of desire; a desire love will give you! If you know someone loves you, instead of becoming angry when they attempt to correct you you will see the need of change.
C) Displays Salvation- I John 3:14 We know the we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. he that loveth not his brother abideth in death. The world is not very interested in Sermons but it’s excited about “Saints”. If your relationship with the Lord has not changed your relationship with others then you need to examine your relationship!
II. WHAT LOVE DOES FROM GOD
A) Provides Salvation- John 3:16 Love brought Jesus to the Cross and sends the Holy Spirit seeking you!
B) Provides Security- Rom 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? as it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. for I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nothing in this world, or out of it!, can separate me from God’s Love. That assurance allows me to endure all life can toss my way and come out “More than conquerors” (You’re more than conquerors when you turn a Problem into a Plus).
Have you left your first Love? You’ll never know Peace and Joy until you return. Remember, it was YOU THAT LEFT LOVE, not God.

Rev 02:5 TURN OUT THE LIGHTS CHURCH IS OVER

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent (Revel 2:5).
A Church is in either “maintenance mode” (staying the same), “slowly dying mode” (Must grow 10% each year in order to remain the same or you are slowly dying), or “victorious mode” (Going, glowing, growing). Revival is to bring us back to where we should be so God will not “Turn out our lights” by removing our candlestick.
We must begin by dealing with the Sins of Sorry Saints: (The Church is people so Correction must begin with them).
A) Grumbling about God’s Program- And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the cam (Numbers 11:1). Did not like the food they were getting, the road they were taking, or the progress they were making. They would not believe God to enter the promised land and now they blamed God because they were going in circles!
B) Gossiping about God’s People- The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly (Proverbs 18:8).

1. Criticism is sometimes necessary but let it be done as a loving friend instead of a deceitful enemy-Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful (Proverbs 27:5-6).
2. Criticism is easy to give but difficult to receive. Look at the long term results of criticism before giving it- Jesus said it was better to let the tares grow with the wheat because of the damage that would result to the wheat if the tares were pulled up (Matt 13:29-30)
3. The Goal of criticism should be to build up; not tear down- Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1).
4. When Jesus corrected the seven churches of Revelation He used this formula: Compliment them on something positive they were doing, point out a specific problem, and present a corrective plan.

C) Robbing God’s Work of Resources- Tithes and Offerings

Hinders the ministry of the Church here.
Cripples the work of God around the world

D) Pride and division among God’s People- Pride is the most destructive force in a church. Pride leads people to tear down other people and to tear up the church (Churches dot our landscape that were built in anger instead of the call of God).

Family problems sometimes enter into the Church- And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it (Numbers 12:1-2). And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed (Numbers 12:9).
Power struggles and personality issues sometimes cripple the church- Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? (Numbers 16:1-3). It ended up with God wanting to kill the entire congregation until Moses and Aaron pleaded for Mercy.
Need I tell you about the division over Paul and Apollos (I Cor 3:)? Or the fact that most of Paul’s letters were written about Church problems.

How can we keep the light burning and the church going? Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent (Revelation 2:4-5).

Return to First Love- Warm your heart at God’s fire
Remember how you used to serve- God has done it before, He can do it again
Repent of your sins- Get the beam out of your eye so you can help your neighbor with his splinter.
Re-do what you did in the past for God. Each one reach one and then each one teach one

ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS: The Eternal destination of a person is determined by that person, not by others. Do not blame the church for the fact that you will not change– Doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him (Ezekiel 18:19-20).

1> What are YOU doing about what Jesus did?

2> How are YOU preparing for Jesus’ Return?

3> What has changed in YOUR life since you met Jesus? Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, … they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Moses’ face shone. Isaiah had a “tongue touch”.

4> When is the last time YOU did something for the first time for God?

Rev 02:5 REVELATION REMOVALS

1) The Removed CANDLESTICK (Church See 1:20): (Rev 2:5) Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
2) The NAME removed from Book of Life: (Rev 3:5) He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
3) The Removed TRIBE of Israel [Ephraim]: And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand (Revelation 7:4-8). [Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb. My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations (Hosea 9:16-17)].
4) The Removed PART of the PROMISES: (Rev 22:19) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Rev 02:8-11 THE PERSECUTION CHURCH

This is the shortest letter to any of the 7 churches; and the hardest to accept! We like to talk about prosperity instead of persecution. We like to tell people about the great things that are happening since we got saved instead of the cross we are called to bear. “Something GOOD is going to happen to you” sounds much better than “Be thou faithful unto Death”! The world is not interested in what it cost to be a Christian but what we get by being one. “What shall we have therefore” has replaced “Such as I have give I thee”.
Christ called on this church to faithfully endure; even unto death. That kind of perseverance is sadly needed in Churches today. People leave churches today if someone fails to speak, or they don’t like the singing, or the notion strikes them! They have no loyalty for their part in the body of Christ; all they care about is having their needs met!
This kind of Church member wilts in the heat of persecution and runs off to a “colder” church where less is required of them. We’re looking for a different kind of member today; a “Few good men” with the metal to stand, and having done all, to stand. That’s the example of the Church at Smyrna, the PERSECUTION CHURCH.
I. The Meaning of Persecution– It’s important that we begin by understanding what we mean by persecution. Persecution is trouble that comes our way BECAUSE WE ARE CHRISTIANS. It is not normal troubles or trials that all men endure.
II. The Time of the Persecution– Jesus said it would be 10 “days”. Some believe this means the 10 different periods of persecution Christians endured under 10 different emperors during this time period. Some believe it means the last persecution under emperor Diocletian which lasted exactly 10 years.
What we must be aware of is that IT WAS PERSECUTION UNTO DEATH!!
III. The Result of the Persecution- Purity. There is no rebuke from the Lord for this Church (The closest He comes is saying “You are poor but you’re really rich”!). Let troubles come our way and see how we change our life style.
IV. The End of the Persecution- A Crown of Life
There are 5 Crowns the Believer may receive:
1. The Incorruptible Crown (Having to do with the way we boss our bodies and faithfully perform our duties) I Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things, Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
2. The Crown of Righteousness (Having to do with our purity as we long for His return) II Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them that love his appearing. I Jn 3:3 Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
3. The Crown of Life (Having to do with our steadfastness in Temptation.) James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
4. The Crown of Glory (For Faithful Pastors) I Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5. The Crown of Rejoicing (The Soul Winner’s Crown) I Thess 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming.

Rev 02:8-11 VICTORY OVER FEAR

John emphasizes to the church at Smyrna to “Fear none of those things which you shall suffer” and then lists things like imprisonment, tribulation, and death in the future of the people!! That sounds like good preaching but hard living!
We don’t face the same “Lions” today that these Christians faced but we do face some very very difficult circumstances dealing with our families, our health, and our jobs— Probably 1/4 of the families in our church have had to deal with divorce; over half of the Deacons in the Church have major health problems; most employers don’t mind you being a Christian as long as it doesn’t interfere with you doing your job, even if that means missing church, being a “social drinker”, or “hedging” on the truth.
How can we learn to be like the church at Smyrna and “Fear none of the Things” that come our way? First we must Face our Fears so we’ll know what we’re dealing with and then we must claim (and live) the victory that God provides.
I. THE FEARS WE FACE
A. Fear of the Unknown- The things we fear the most are the things we know the lest about! We fear “things that go bump in the night” because we don’t know what they are. We’re afraid to make decisions because the “monster What-if” sits in our path. We refuge to get to know people because we don’t know them! Emerson said, “Do the thing you fear, and the death of fear is certain.” You defeat worry and fear by filling your mind with the certain faith that you can do it.
B. Fear of Violence- Locked doors, city wide curfews, being assaulted in your own home; all bring fear to our lives. TV and Movies glamorize violence and death and the nightly news tells us the horrible story each day of war, famine, and destruction.
C. Fear of Suffering- Aids, Cancer, Arthritis; Pain, Problems, Persecution; Debt, Death, Disaster; All bring Suffering to our lives.
What are you afraid of…Teenage Poll
Nuclear War – 57%
My Parents Dying – 54%
Failing in School – 44%
Dying – 43%
Having a Car Accident – 34%
Loneliness – 33%
Not Having a Boyfriend/Girlfriend – 30%
Being Beaten/Injured – 29%
Disease – 28%
Rejection – 28%
Sometimes our fears seem silly- Back in the days of the Roman Empire during a circus in the Colosseum, a Christian was thrown to a hungry lion. As the spectators cheered, the wild beast pounced. But the Christian quickly whispered something in the lion’s ear and the beast backed away in terror. After this happened several times, the emperor sent a centurion to find out what magic spell could make a ferocious lion cower in fear. A few minutes later the guard returned and said, “The Christian whispered in the lion’s ear, `After dinner you’ll be required to say a few words.'”
II. THE VICTORY WE CLAIM
A. A Love to TRUST in- There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18). As most of you know, this verse changed my life. Once I became absolutely convinced that God loved me nothing else could sway me- troubles, trials, tribulations; they all are difficult but I KNOW God loves me and ALL THINGS will work together for my good and His glory.
B. A Faith to LIVE By- For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (Heb 10:34-36,38). You can only take “joyfully the spoiling of your goods” when you know God is in control. Things don’t work out like we want them too very often but God is always there.
C. A Refuge to REST in-
1.From the oppression of Trouble: The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble (Psa 9:9)
2. From the Loneliness of Despair: I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul (Psa 142:4)
3. From the Difficulties of Life: For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. (Isa 25:4)
4. From the Avenger of Death: Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15).
A story is told of a child who had to walk each evening past a dark, spooky house. Some adults sought to give him courage. One handed him a good luck charm to ward off the ghosts. Another gave him a flashlight to carry past the dreaded corner. Still another said earnestly, “It is sinful to be afraid. Trust God and be brave!” The advice was good, but he offered nothing more. Then someone said with compassion, “I know what it is to be afraid. I will walk with you past the house.”
Don’t walk thru life bound by your fears and failures. Walk holding to the Hand of a Victorious God.

Rev 02:12-13 Saints at Satan’s Seat

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth (Rev 2:12-13).
This is the Third Church “age”. Ephesus was the Apostolic Church, Smyrna was the Persecution Church, and now we come to the Compromise Church, Pergamos. The Emperor had declared Christianity the State Religion and Christians has gone from the outhouse to the Penthouse. But they were going to find out the neighbors in the catacombs were much easier to get along with than those in the Castles.
John revealed that the Pergamos Church faced a situation that many Christians are all too familiar with; living next door to Satan! [Pergamos had the first temple dedicated to Caesar. It also had a temple dedicated to Aesculapius, the god of healing (Whose insignia, an entwined serpent on a staff, is still a medical symbol today)].
They found themselves in the same situation as Lot- (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds 2 Pet 2:8). In order to live and prosper they had to pay tribute to Caesar and join Caesar’s unions. In order to receive proper medical care they had to pay homage to the wrong god. It is situations like this that cause people to say, “Everyone has to live” and God’s man to thunder back, “Must you live?” Antipas, the faithful martyr, chose death over compromise.
Our question then becomes, “How do you live right when you live where Satan Dwells?” Your answers are important.
I. CHOSE SIDES– Two things become apparent when a person is saved- He is reconciled to God and he goes to war with Satan! Jesus said if we tried to escape Satan’s Sword then He would fight against us with His sword! (vs 16).
Just as God has a Trinity for Good the Devil has a Trinity for evil. His Trinity is the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. The World System of evil based on man’s reasoning. The Flesh guided by Self Desires. The Devil and his angels who act as a roaring lion or a lying angel of light.
II. LET CHRIST– I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Gal 2:20).
A. Our Sinful Nature is a Problem- Not only does sin destroy our standing before God, Sin has an inward effect; it corrupts and defiles our nature. We sin because we’re SINNERS.
B. Our Human Nature is a Problem- The Two problems we face as Humans are
1. lack of knowledge and
2. lack of will to accomplish what we know is right.
First of all we need Peace with God- That’s Salvation
Then we need Peace with ourselves- The one thing in Life I can call my own is my sin!
Positionally Sanctified by Christ / Personally Sanctified by the Spirit
Both of these are show in our need of Sanctification: set apart FROM Sin FOR God. (God Willed it- For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication (1 Th 4:3). According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love (Eph 1:4). We must will it because GOD wants it- Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy (1 Pet 1:16).
How are we Sanctified?
A) Bible- Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17). Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word (Psa 119:9)
B) Spirit- For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day (2 Cor 4:16 )

Rev 02:14 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Catholic Church today is composed of nearly 875 MILLION members (as compared to less than 250 THOUSAND FWB). It is one of Three major “branches” of the Christian Faith- (1) Roman Catholic, (2) Protestant, and (3) Greek (Russian) Orthodox. It is the only religion that has its own embassy, its own army (Vatican Guard and Jesuits), and occupies a sovereign “state” within another country (Vatican City in Rome). The Pope is treated as a “head of state” when he visits other countries and he is even consulted about many of the national policies of countries.
A Church with this many People and this much Power needs to be studied and understood. If they are the right Church, then we need to join forces with them and combine resources. If they have unacceptable errors then we need to identify these errors and avoid them.
III. THE ESTABLISHMENT:
Catholics claim that the Church at Rome was begun by Peter and is now the only true Church because of APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION (Each Pope is chosen by “Lot” and confirmed into the Apostolic line). They base this on Matt 16:18 where Jesus said to Peter And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. They believe that Jesus said He would build the Church on Peter as the foundation. They fail to realize, however, that Jesus was using a “play on words” to tell Peter the “Pebble” that He (Christ) would be the foundation stone from which all of the Church would originate.
There is also no external evidence that Peter ever headed the Church at Rome. In fact, When Paul wrote his letter to the Roman Church he didn’t even mention Peter. Something he surely wouldn’t have done had Peter been the leader of the Church.
It is most probable that the Church was begun by Jews returning from Pentecost (Acts 2:10); supplemented by people saved from Paul’s Missionary Journey who journeyed to Rome for business reasons.
IV. THE EXPANSION–
A. Physical Location: Located in the Capital City of the Roman Empire (also the largest city in the Empire- 4 million people), the Church would have the greatest opportunity for growth of any Church. Add to this the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and the pressure from the barbarian hordes that caused the Church at Antioch to lose influence and you see why Rome would become the main Church.
B. Leadership Needs: The Roman Government subjected Christians to intense persecution during the first 300 years of the Church. This gave increasing need for someone to lead the Church and define areas that were worth dying for and those that could be compromised on (Note that Paul answered many of these questions during his ministry).
C. Doctrines Defined: The diversity of cultures and backgrounds of the young Christian Church brought about the need for a clear definition of Christian Doctrines- Even Peter said our beloved brother Paul according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction (2 Pet 3:15-16).
The Roman Church was able to take the leadership in calling councils and meetings of spiritual leaders in order to define these Doctrines. So we find the Church at Rome growing because of Natural as well as Theological reasons.
V. THE ERRORS: Sadly, Errors began to creep into the Church, errors that would eventually become so pronounced until the Lord would pull out a group of “Protesters” (Protestants) to maintain the purity and principles of the Word of God. These errors are things that we must avoid also.
A. Compromise with the World- Rev 2:14 When the Persecution stopped, the Church became popular; But it allowed its popularity to sway it’s principles. Whole regiments of soldiers were baptized without any sign of repentance. Barbarians were allowed to bring wrong practices from their worldly religion into the Church- Hero worship became “saint” worship, Church events were corrupted with worldly practices (Found even today in many things done at Christmas, lent, and Halloween).
B. Separation of Priest and People- Rev 2:15 More and more the Priest were considered an “elite” group that controlled the people’s access to God- Confession had to be done to a Priest, Communion “became the actual body and blood” of Christ and as such could only be administered by a Priest, and Latin became the language of the services so that the ordinary citizen didn’t even know what was going on, much less participate.
C. Joining of Church and State- Rev 2:20 Just as Jezebel was the queen that spurred Ahaz to do evil, so the Church joined the government in seizing power. More and more the Catholic Church became a part of the Government; to the place that the Pope many times considered himself equal to the Emperor. Even today the Catholic Church is the only Church with it’s own embassy, secretary of state, and intelligence agency.
D. Erroneous Doctrines- Rev 2:23
1> Worship of the “Virgin Mary”. Mary was highly favored and deserving of honor but she is not to be worshipped or prayed to.
2> Purgatory- Invented as a means of raising money and justifying church members who lived in sin, this practice of “praying and paying” men out of Hell is completely wrong. If the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be (Eccl 11:3).
3> Acts of Penance- Repentance is a part of salvation but to tie special works to forgiveness is to go against the main teaching of the Scriptures that Salvation is by Grace thru Faith AND THAT NOT OF WORKS LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST.
The Catholic Church carried on a needed and meaningful role in the early history of the Christian Church. We rejoice in their early work and share the Joys of God with True Believers in their Church (as we would any Church). As we will see in our continued Study in Revelation, however, major errors developed that caused a need for “Protesters” to stand against, and eventually, leave the church.
These errors are why the Protestant Church today lays such emphasis on the Priesthood of Every Believer, the availability of the Bible for All Believers, The separation of Church and State, and the need of holiness in the Christian life.
It is also the reason that I believe the Protestant Church has so many different denominations. God guards the Purity of the Church by limiting the control exercised by one person while at the same time allowing “iron to sharpen iron” as denominations continually watch each other.
The history of the Christian Church is littered with Churches that have allowed riches and wrong doctrine to steal their testimony for God. Our goal in studying those mistakes is to learn to avoid them. Let us always be on guard against Satan’s wiles and attacks.

Rev 02:12-17 PERGAMOS: MARRIED

Pergamos did not have much industry but they had many temples and God said this was “where Satan dwelleth” (vs 13) [Satan does not rule in Hell; he is the prince of this world].
Historically this represents from 316AD to 600AD. The reason I can be so sure of the first date is because this is the period of Popular Christianity under Constantine. [Constantine and Maxentius were contending for the throne of Rome. Constantine supposedly saw a vision the night before the battle of a cross bearing the words “By this sign conquer”. He said he would declare himself a Christian if he won the battle. He won and Christianity became the state religion. Entire battalions of soldiers were baptized at once and Christians went from Persecution to the Palace. But it happened at the price of COMPROMISE.
Note how Christ begins: “He that hath the sharp sword with two edges (The Word of God).
A) Way to combat false doctrine (Fight error with the Truth)
B) Way to overcome temptation (Christ in the wilderness)
C) Stability to lean on in time of persecution (God’s Promises and Plans)
Note how Christ ends: “Repent or I will fight against you with THE SWORD”
Note the Problem: Satan could not kill the Church so he tried to corrupt it. Satan cannot defeat a Christian (Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world 1 John 4:4) but a Christian can corrupt himself! The Devil cannot make you do it but he can point the way and you can follow his directions.
A) The Doctrine of Balaam: (But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication Revelation 2:14). Balaam had God’s word in his mouth but the world’s praise in his heart (Double minded). He, like a lot of other people, sought popularity so he was willing to make the “church” worldly in order to appeal to the worldly- Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment Exodus 23:2).
1) To Cast a Stumbling Block before the Children of Israel
2) To eat things sacrificed to idols
3) To commit fornication
B) The Doctrine of Nicolaitans: (So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate Revelation 2:15). The “Deeds” of the Nicolaitans in Ephesus was now the “Doctrines”- Popes, Priests, and Government leaders now made decisions and expected the laity to Pay, Pray, and go along with any decision they made.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IT IS RIGHT? Check by the rule of:
A) Expedience: Is it profitable? All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient (1 Corinthians 6:12).
B) Enslavement: Will it control me? All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (1 Corinthians 6:12).
C) Edification: Does it build up the Body? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not (1 Corinthians 10:23).
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth (Revelation 2:16).

Rev 02:17 PERGAMOS PROMISES

Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
In spite of the persecutions and problems described in the church at Pergamos Jesus gives them some Great Promises. That’s something all of us need to come back to from time to time. Life’s difficulties and disasters tend to discourage and defeat us. We need to know that there are PROMISES to go along with all the problems.
I. Hidden Manna– A Source of Supply
A) Daily Word- Jesus is Bread of Life- John 6:48-59 Like a sponge that’s wrung out by the pressures of life; you need a constant infusion of the water of life. We need the strength of the Bread every day.
B) No Hunger- Even God can’t fill something that’s already Full!! We’re satisfied with the onions of Egypt and don’t desire the Bread of Life.
II. White Stone– A Knowledge of Acceptance. This was the “lot” stone that meant you had been chosen from among all the black stones. We are accepted in the beloved!
III. New Name– Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name (Rev 3:12).
A) REGULAR NAME: given at birth but Adoption changes your name- Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah. Saul the Pharisee became Paul the Apostle. Simon the fisherman became Peter the Apostle. PART OF THE FAMILY
B) RELATIONSHIP NAME: Marriage changes your name- Bride of Christ. PART OF THE BODY
C) REPUTATION NAME: The Name you’re Known by- And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead (Rev 3:1). Actions and Attitudes give you a name. PUBLISHED BUT NOT PRACTICING. [Two men named “Pee Wee”- One was Pee Wee Gaskins who died in the electric chair Friday. One was Pee Wee Gore who was buried with 31 preachers in attendance Friday afternoon].
D) RIGHTEOUS NAME- Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (James 2:7. Christian, do your actions show you are PARTAKER OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS?
Do you live in the Promises of God or are you defeated by the Problems of Life??? Repent of Sin, Believe on Christ, Accept Him as your Savior.

Rev 02:18-29 THYATIRA TROUBLE

Why is the Church so ineffective today?? If 1/4 of the people in America claim to be Christians; why doesn’t a quarter pound of salt affect a pound of meat!! The world is going to Hell and the Church either can’t, or won’t, do anything about it.
Not only that, but even Christians seem to be plagued by the same problems that worry the world; nerves, disobedient children, the “rat race” mentality, giving in to peer pressure, etc.
In His message to the Church at Thyatira, Jesus shows them why they are being condemned to these “Depths of Satan” (2:24). I want to see how these “Thyatira’s Trouble” have become TODAY’S TROUBLES. Then I want us to understand that God has the answers; if you will just ask the right questions!
The Church has now graduated from “Persecution Pergamos” into an accepted State Religion that is Popular with the people. Instead of using this opportunity, however, the Church lays down in the lap of “Jezebel” and loses it’s testimony.
That is the same problem today. Never have we had more opportunity to do something for the Lord. Yet, over and over, the Church is hobbled by members who are not committed to God’s work or faithful to God’s House. Let’s see the consequences of that.
I. SECOND HAND SIN– vs 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols (Rev 2:20). God was not condemning them because of the wrong THEY were doing; He was condemning the fact that they were not standing against wrong doctrine! They became partakers of “Second Hand Sins”.
These “Second Hand Sins” effect several major areas:
A) SOCIETY SINS- “Second Hand Sins” are a prevalent evils in society today- No ones wants to be an “outcast of society” by going into “Gross sins” so they won’t have an affair; but they don’t mind viewing “R” and “X” rated movies. Many people wouldn’t take drugs or alcohol but they don’t mind making a profit from those who sell them.
The Secondary Sins of “Accomplice” are the BAD we Condone or Congratulate- ROM 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. We don’t participate in the wrong but we encourage it by our support as spectators. We won’t commit Adultery but we’ll laugh at, and support, TV shows that promote it. We allow our children to pay Rock Stars Millions of dollars to glamorize drugs and sex; and then wonder why they go wrong!
B) SAINT SINS- The GOOD we Fail to do- James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Much Church work “dies on the vine” because no one is against it; but they won’t support it either.
[ Just a little “side bar”. It’s also possible to have Second Hand Faith– Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. I think there are numerous times when others “travel along” with someone else’s faith- Sometimes Pastors lead a lot of “doubting Thomases”. And how many times in a Church have you heard someone say, “I don’t think it will work but I’m willing to let you try”!]
It was bad enough that they had “Second Hand Sins”. To make matters even worst there was also:
II. REJECTED REPENTANCE– vs 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not (Rev 2:21)
A) Space to repent- The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9). God has given us all the “ROPE” we need. We can use it to escape from the pit of sin or we can use it to hang our self!
B) She repented not-
1> Believed Mercy was Deserved instead of due to the Goodness of God: Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Rom 2:4)
2> Refused to face the fact of their sin: When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mark 2:17).
If I was God I’d open the pits of Hell today and tell people, “You wanted to play games with my Grace. Let me show you what the losers get!”. He doesn’t; He just continues to offer His Love and Grace to “whosoever will” accept it.
There does come a time, however, when this Rejected Repentance leads to :
III. DESERVED DESTRUCTION– vs 22-23 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works (Rev 2:22-23).
A) The “irony” of her destruction- cast into a bed. She wanted to be “loved” so God used her desire to destroy her.
B) The Example of her destruction-
1> Those that commit adultery with her into great tribulation- Those that go along with her will suffer greatly.
2> Kill her children with death- The effects of sin will “ripple” down to those who come later (Remember, Every man stands for HIS OWN SIN; but the sins of the Father effect the children by leading them wrong).
3> All the Churches shall know that I am he that searches the mind and heart- Nothing Hid from God
4> I will give every one of you according to your works- You decided to trust in your works instead of my Word so I’ll bring you into judgment based on your works–When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. (Ezek 33:13)
God has given us every privilege we could ask for. What a great punishment will be ours if we:
1) Allows “Jezebel’s” Teaching to go unchallenged
2) Continue to live in our sinful ways and refuse to follow God
3) Continue to play games with God until His wrath begins to come.

Rev 02:24 DEPTHS OF SATAN

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden (Rev 2:24).
While warning the Church at Thyatira about the awful consequences of allowing the “woman Jezebel” to control the Church, Jesus inserts into a promise an ominous phrase- The Depths of Satan. He refers to it as something used in a manner of speaking (“as they speak”) but it is a very real situation we need to understand and avoid.
This “depths of Satan” can be something as “simple” as periods of intense Depression or Doubts or something as serious as the full Degradation of a life of sin. I want us to see How we open the Door to allow Satan to lead us into these depths, What we Must do to Close the Door, and How we can keep the Lock on the Door.
VI. HOW DOES SATAN GET INSIDE THE DOOR?
A. Sometimes it’s a necessary part of God’s work in our lives:
1. There are times that sin in the life of a man causes us To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor 5:5). This delivering unto Satan is to bring about repentance and restoration and never has as its ultimate goal the destruction of the person.
2. Sometimes Satan’s sifting is to purify men- And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (Luke 22:31-32). Remember also, the example of Job. God allowed Satan to lead him thru a tremendous valley in order for Job to develop from one who simply “heard with the ears to one who saw with the eyes”.
B. Most times, however it’s the result of our own sins:
1. PRIDE: And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. (1 Chr 21:1). David “put himself in a corner” and then felt he had to go thru with the numbering of the people to prove his power. How many people today start on drugs or drink on a “dare”!
2. PUTTING FLESH ABOVE SPIRIT: But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men (Mat 16:23). Multitudes of people today know that attending Church and following God is important. They just get so busy meeting their needs in the world until they find themselves bogging deeper and deeper in the quicksand of everyday living. And the harder they try on their own, the deeper they go into the depths of Satan.
3. FAILURE TO FOLLOW GOD’S DIRECTIONS: Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency (1 Cor 7:5). Husbands and Wives begin to take each other for granted. Then someone at the Office begins to pay you a little attention. Soon that grass on the other side of the fence looks extremely green and another marriage is on the rocks. Hatred and bitterness replace love, the kids are forced to chose sides, and divorce becomes another name for the depths of Satan.
4. BAD LANGUAGE: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme (1 Tim 1:20). One of the first commandments was to honor God’s name. When you treat God’s name lightly you treat God lightly, and are a prime candidate for Satan’s control
5. DELIBERATE SIN- Rom 1:28 Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Sometimes people deliberately chose to do wrong. They want the Pleasures of Sin without considering the Price they will have to pay. Misery and trouble in this world and Hell to come. Oh, the Depths of Satan!
6. CURIOUS SIN- Astrology, Horoscope, etc. When you “knock on Satan’s Door” he’ll generally let you in!
7. EMPTY PLACES- When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first (Luke 11:24-26). Something will occupy our heart. If we’re not filled with the things of God then Satan will plant his “weeds” there.
8. CONTINUED SIN- Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; (Heb 12:15). Things like Anger, Hate, and Bitterness come into our life and CONTROL us. We treat these emotions like friends and lovers; not realizing they are slowing but surely destroying us and those around us.
VII. CLOSING SATAN’S DOOR
A. Will to do it- If you are satisfied in your sin then you’ll never change. We call it Repentance but it’s just looking at sin from a different view. Satan becomes an unwelcome guest instead of an invited friend. The only way you’ll get Satan out of your life is to look him in the face and tell him directly and convincingly, “Get thee behind me Satan”.
B. Work to do it- Eph 6:10-18 tells us to Put on the whole armor of God. It doesn’t say, “Try to work up a certain feeling” or “Pretend everything is going to be alright”. It says to put on the proper clothing, take up the proper weapon (the Bible), hold up the proper shield (Faith) and stand steadfast against Satan. It’s work and warfare; but worth every effort.
C. Faith to Believe it- For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4). We face a defeated foe. When he comes to our door we tell him, “We don’t want any!”. If he tries to insist that we must yield to his temptations and threats we simply say, Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:57).
Remember, if you don’t wade in the shallow water with Satan then he’s less likely to drag you into the depths. Don’t allow him to build Strongholds in your life. If they are already there, destroy them completely. If he is trying to establish them then defeat him with the power of God.

Rev 3:1-6 LIVING A LIE

About Sardis, church of the reformation (Around 1500 -1700AD). NOTE:
1. Seven Spirits of God (Holy Spirit) to guide them into Truth. Seven Stars (Preachers) that are True and Sent by God
2. I know what you do and what you say: as far as the world is concerned you’re working and active but as far as God is concerned you are Dead!
3. The Advice: Be on guard and strengthen what is left that is ready to die (As coals that have fallen away from the fire). Remember, Hold fast, and Repent. You do not know when the Lord is coming; be ready
4. There are a Few who are worthy because they care for their “clothes”. Straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life and FEW there be that find it.
THOSE WHO WERE LIVING A LIE:
I. THRU HYPOCRITICAL FAME: A name to live and are dead
A) Believed to be one thing and actually another. Hypocrites are “actors” who pretend. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (Matthew 23:28). Wearing a mask of righteousness but they were like graves full of dead men’s bones (or a dish that appears bright on the outside but is filled with decayed and molded food inside)
B) Assuming an alias: Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: (Isaiah 29:13).
Assume Church Membership is good enough (My Church Piano Player realized she was lost)
Good people according to society (Lord, I thank you that I am not as other men). Probably belonged to lodges, clubs, and manmade organizations
Probably claimed to have visions, dreams, religious feelings, great baptisms, tongue speaking, wore long dresses and had short hair (Have we not cast out devils and done miracles in thy name? Depart from me, I never knew you)
II. THRU WRONGLY DESIGNED WORKS; I have not found they works perfect (complete) before God.
A) Not carrying out God’s purpose for life and ministry but doing your plans and goals.
1> Living for Pleasure instead of God: But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth (1 Timothy 5:6).
2> Only serving God as “insurance” for Heaven: They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence (2 Kings 17:33).
B) Working to gain worldly approval: But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, (Matthew 23:5). They needed to learn to fear not him that can kill only body but fear him who can cast into hell.
Conclusion: A WARNING ABOUT BLOTTING YOUR NAME OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE: He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:5-6).
At the end will your name be blotted out or Confessed before the Father??

Rev 03:3 THIEVES

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee (Rev 3:3).
Normally when we talk about a Thief it is in a bad light. Even Jesus said in John 10:10 that The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I think it’s important, therefore, to look at a few of the negative things about Thieves before we look at them from a different light:
1> You should not be a thief of this world’s goods- I Peter 4:15 let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. We’re living in the day of situational ethics- If I feel my need is greater than your need then it’s alright for me to take it from you (Sam Walton would never miss a little item stolen from Wal-Mart. My company wouldn’t miss these paper clips, or stamps, or piece of equipment). If you have more than me then it’s alright for me to steal from you (Government, insurance, etc).
2> You should not steal from God-
A) His Tithes– Mal 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. God deserves and demands 1/10 of your income; regardless of how much that is! It’s not for YOU to decide if God needs your tithes or if you can use them better somewhere else. Many people rob from God and then wonder why there are “bars on God’s Blessing Window”.
B) His Time– We are to redeem the Time; that is, “Buy up” every opportunity. Only one life, will soon be past; only what’s done for God will last.
C) His Honor– Mark 11:17 Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves. When Church becomes a “Power Base” or a Profit Scheme then it loses its Prayer Power; and if it loses that it loses everything! That’s why we have a policy here of never selling anything. God is our source as well as our strength.
Remember this, A Thief can’t remain a thief and go to Heaven– I Cor 6:10-11 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Now that we’ve seen how Bad being a thief is I want us to consider the fact that there is coming a day in which Jesus will act like a Thief!! (See the Text verse as well as I Thess 5:2-4 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night). This is a very serious day; a day that we are commanded to WATCH for, A day in which the Lord will return for His Church. Because of this I want us to see the PLAN of a Thief as it relates to Christ acting like one and then I want us to see how we should PREPARE for His coming as a Thief.
I. JESUS: THE PLAN OF A THIEF–
1. A Thief does not announce his coming- Verily , verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber (John 10:1). You must be ready at all times. That’s why Matt 6:19 says you’d better lay up your treasures in Heaven. You won’t have time to run to the bank.
2. He comes for a certain purpose- He’s not going to come to debate with unbelievers, or exhibit His wonders; He’s coming to claim a prize- His Bride.
3. He does not take everything in the house- Jer 49:9 If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough. He leaves more than he takes- The Broad way has many while the straight and narrow has few. Just because you’re attending a Church does not mean you’ll be taken! You must be Born again.
4. He takes only the most precious things- The gold, silver, and precious items- Malachi 3:17 says that those who witness for Him are His Jewels.
5. He does not come to stay- as soon as he gets what he came for he departs- You must be ready WHEN he comes! or you’ll be left
II. PREPARING FOR A “THIEF”. His Coming calls for:
1. Alertness- Matt 24:43 know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. You must be on Guard at all times.
2. Holiness- II Peter 3:10-11 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night: in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. There won’t be time to “take a bath” when He comes. Keep clean.
3. Awareness- I Thess 5:2-4 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye brethern, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief. When you know it’s time for the baby to come you pack your bags, gas up the car, and stay when you can be contacted. We don’t know the day or the hour that Christ is coming but we know the time is near!
4. Covering- Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Make sure you are wearing your Garment of Righteousness, as well as, the Armor of God. This garment of righteousness is free to all who are willing to repent of sins and trust Christ as Savior.
One of the saddest things I know of is the fact that some thieves read the death notices in the paper and use the time that the family is at the funeral home to rob their home. Even sadder than that, however, is the fate of those who know the Lord is coming back as a thief and, yet, make no preparations. HAVE YOU???

Rev 03:8 CLOSED DOORS

Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it:
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
One of the things I have had to get used to in recent years is locked doors!! For years and years I unlocked the door to the parsonage when I went to the Church first thing in the morning and then locked it again as we went to bed at night. Now it must remain locked most of the time and it’s difficult for me to get used to it (I still bang into it regularly!). That same type situation exist in our Christian lives. God has doors that are opened for us and we can freely go and come; and then for some reason the door must be closed. I want us today to look at some of the open doors God has and WALK THRU THEM, and then see some of the doors God has closed and LEARN FROM THEM.
I> THE DOORS GOD OPENED
A) The Door of Access to God- The Door to the Holy of Holies (Where the Glory of God dwelt) was closed until Christ died on the Cross. Then God tore it in two; from top to bottom, to show us that God will make a way for man to fellowship with Him.
B) The Door of Resurrection- Matt 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. The door to the Tomb was closed and sealed and, yet, God brought Jesus forth. Then God commanded the Angel to open the Door. The door was not opened to let Jesus out but to allow men to see that he had conquered death. Death is our greatest enemy; if Christ can conquer that then there is no problem He can’t conquer.
C) The Door of Service- I Cor 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
1. Satisfying Service– Ps 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
2. Service Door Opportunities: God has the ability to open doors that you thought were impossible to open (But you must use be willing to walk thru when God opens the door). I have seen God open Doors to free Radio time, Free Newspaper time, and a multitude of ministries. “Doors” are not a problem for a Doer!
God has opened the Door to His Presence, shown his Power to overcome any of our Problems, and lets us know that He can open any door to help us be Productive. The Doors are Open; but they do no good unless you’re willing to go thru them.
II. THE DOORS GOD SHUT
A) The Door of Service- Doors of opportunity can change to “trap doors” when misused- Bakker. How many Christians have an opportunity to do something great for God and allow the door to close; never to reopen!
B) The Door of Speaking- Ps 141:3 Door of lips- Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. May we allow God to Shut the door of our lips when Gossip would come out and open them wide when the Gospel would come forth.
C) The Door of Supplication- Matt 6:6 The Door to your Prayer Closet is supposed to be shut. When you start praying to impress men then God begins to tune you out (But, Remember, God is willing to open this door to someone who will consistently knock on it- Matt 7:7).
D) The Door of Salvation- The door to the ark shows us that God’s Patience will finally come to an end when we ignore His warnings. When Noah, his family, and the animals finally were aboard the ark the LORD shut the door and no one could open it. No man can come to the Father unless the Spirit draws him. What an awful thing it would be to have God close that door and send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth; but had pleasure in unrighteousness (II Thess 2:11-12).
E) The door of Spiritlessness- The door was closed to the virgins without oil (Matt 25). This shows us God won’t let us in even if we look good but aren’t born again. It’s not our outward look but our inward heart that produces the light for God to see.
Jesus Stands at the closed door of your heart and asks to come in-John 10:9 I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The door to the Ladiocean church with Christ outside shows us that we must let Christ in if we are to be saved. Will you open to Him today??

Rev 03:14-22 SHOPPING AT GOD-MART

Re 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
#1. JESUS IS TELLS THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA, SOMETHING HAS BLINDED THEM, SOMETHING HAS DULLED THEIR SENSES, SOMETHING HAS CAUSED THEM TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY POVERTY STRICKEN.
A. Re 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
B. Mt 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
C. Isa 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
D. A MISSIONARY IN AFRICA HAD BEEN WITNESSING FAITHFULLY TO A CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL. FOLLOWING THEIR CONVERSATION ONE DAY, THE UNCONVERTED MAN PLACED A SMALL STATUE AND A SILVER COIN ON THE TABLE BEFORE HIM. THEN HE TOOK TWO SLIPS OF PAPER AND WROTE SOMETHING ON EACH. PUTTING ONE BESIDE THE IMAGE AND THE OTHER WITH THE MONEY. ON THE NOTE BY THE IDOL WERE WRITTEN THE WORDS, “HEATHEN GOD.” THE SHEET NEXT TO THE COIN BORE THE INSCRIPTION, “CHRISTIAN GOD.”
#2. BUYING GOLD FROM GOD – THE BLESSINGS OF GOD
A. Re 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich;
B. Mt 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
C. THEY EMPHASIS THAT IS IT COMES FROM GOD
#3. BUYING WHITE RAIMENT FROM GOD – THE RIGHTEOUS OF GOD
A. Re 3:18 …and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
B. Re 7:9 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; 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.
#4. BUYING EYESALVE FROM GOD – THE VISION OF GOD
A. Re 3:18 …and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
B. 2Pe 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
C. Pr 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Rev 03:15-18 LUKEWARM LOVE MAKES LOUSY LIVING.

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Revelation 3:15-18)

What is the most annoying thing your Husband /Wife; Son/Daughter does? (Reveals your character, your ability to have relationships with others, and the state of your family life)
If you could live anywhere in the world except SC where would it be? (Reveals your stability and your “escape plan process”)
Who is the first boy/girl you ever kissed on date? (You will be surprised at the amount of Intimacy issues I can discover in discussing this answer)
What is your favorite book of the Bible? (Reveals you spiritual maturity as we talk about why this book is your favorite)
What do you like the MOST about yourself? (Getting to the heart of your problem)
What do you like the LEAST about yourself? (Root of your problem that is producing the fruit that you have come to talk about!)
What are you doing to CHANGE? (Finally, we can begin to move forward as we get you to see that only God has the power to produce permanent change in your personality). Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

If we do not live for God with a passion we make God “look like a religious side interest that may be useful for escaping hell in the end, but does not make much difference in how we live and what we love here” “(John Pipper).
Why your fervent Faith matters: If we believe what we claim, and behave as we should, others will see the worth of God in our life and marvel at our faith: “When the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39).
Then people will realize all they need they can find in HIM: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field (Matthew 13:44).
If you are not changing the world then the world is changing you- But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (Luke 12:20-21). And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. (2 Corinthians 12:15)
“The underdeveloped societies suffer from one set of diseases: tuberculosis, malnutrition, pneumonia, parasites, typhoid, cholera, typhus, etc. Affluent America suffers from a different set of diseases: obesity, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, strokes, lung cancer, venereal disease, cirrhosis of the liver, drug addiction, alcoholism, divorce, battered children, suicide, murder.
TYPES OF LOVE: Loyal Love, Zealous Love, Committed Love. All of this toward a God of:

Chaos- Pre Creation
Creation
Covenant
Cross
Comfort
Coming

Leaving your First Love is manifested by:
A) No Hunger for the Word or Work of God
B) Desiring Fellowship with the World more than Fellowship with God and His people
C) The “Joy of the Lord” is replaced with depression and lack of desire
D) “Faithful Faith” is seldom at work in your thinking or life
E) Sacrificial Service is replaced with skipping services and loveless labor
We do not want to end up like Lot, all you own burned up by God’s Judgment, Wife an unbeliever, committing incest in a cave with daughters.

Rev 04: FIRST HALF OF TRIBULATION

A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE EVENTS OF THE FIRST 3½ YEARS OF TRIBULATION
[This is what MAY HAPPEN. The Lord has not spoken on some of these events and I have simply pieced together what I believe MAY Happen]
The Church is raptured. In spite of its downward fall, there are still probably more Christians in America than in any other country. Thus the Rapture will cause havoc in America and Russia will seize this opportunity to bomb America (Destroying for all practical purposed all of North America). The European Common Market countries will become one basic unit for Security and Economic survival (Rev 13:1-4). The Center of this community will be Rome (Which will also be the center of “Christianity” since the Catholic Church is headquartered there and most Protestant denominational headquarters will be destroyed in the bombing of America. The Catholic Church will have tremendous power due to it’s wealth and will lead in the “Peace” movement– Remember that Washington and the UN will be destroyed).
Because of the necessity of rebuilding the world’s economy, Anti-Christ will sign a peace treaty with Israel to ensure stability in the area and to keep the Arab oil flowing. The Jews will rebuild the Temple and it will appear that Peace has finally come to the world.
This will be a time of tremendous “Natural” catastrophe: earth-quakes, sun darkened, stars changed, etc (Rev 6:12-14); possibly caused in part by the bombing of America. There will be great Famine (Rev 6:5-8) as the “breadbasket” of America is lost to the world. Millions of people will die (Around 1 billion- Rev 6:8) from war, hunger, disease (Again, remember that the center of world relief efforts for disease is America), and attack by wild beast (Pets will be left to survive the best they can as people use all available food just to survive).
During this time 2 great Witnesses of Christ will appear in Jerusalem and proclaim Christ as Messiah by Word and Wonder (They will call for droughts, cause water to turn to blood, and devour anyone who seeks to harm them with fire- Rev 11:3-6). By their preaching they will win 144,000 Jews to Christ who will become Sealed Servants to carry the Gospel of the Kingdom to all the world (Rev 7:4, Matt 14:14). These 144,000 witnesses will win many to Christ from every nation, kindred, people, and tongue (Rev 7:9-17). These Gentile converts will suffer martyrdom for their faith and many will be tortured (Imagine how cruelly they will be treated by the forces of Communism and the Moslems). There will not be any among these converts who have had the opportunity to respond to the Gospel previously (II Thess 2:8-12) so if you live in America your chances of being saved after the Rapture are slim and none!! If the bombs don’t get you, hardness of heart will!!
At the end of the first 3½ years of Tribulation the Beast will enter into the rebuilt Temple at Jerusalem and proclaim himself as god to be worshipped (Dan 9:27, Rev 13:11-15). This will cause Russia to decide to make its move to conquer the Mid-East and become ruler of all the world. They will join with Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, and Libya (Ez 38:3-5) and seek to wipe out Israel once and for all (Ez 38:14-16, Dan 11:40-44). When all seems lost, God will intervene in Israel’s behalf and Russia will be defeated with only 1/6 of it’s army remaining (Ez 39:1-3) and so many dead until it will take 7 months to bury them all (Ez 39:11-13).
These are some of the basic things that may happen during the first half of the tribulation. Still to come is the “Great Wrath of God” when the Religious and Economic centers of the world will fall (Rev 17, 18), the invasion by the 200 million man Chinese army (Rev 16:12), and the Return of Christ in Glory (Rev 19). This will be a time of tremendous trouble for those on the earth– but I will be in Heaven singing the Praises of God. WHERE WILL YOU BE???

Rev 04:10-11 THRONE CROWNS

(Revelation 4:10-11) The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
“After this” (Rev 4:1) means that the church ages has ended. It ends with a luke warm church making God sick and Christ standing outside the Church knocking on the door seeking entrance. This is when the Rapture takes place: Heard the Trumpet, In the Spirit. Every Chapter after Chapter 4 begins with “and”. The Tribulation begins in chapter 6.
Chapters 4 and 5 show the scene in Heaven and reveal the reasons for the horrible wrath of God that is soon to descend on the rebellious people left on earth. Included in this revelation of the heavenly home is a description of 24 elders (The heavenly Sanhedrin). Prominent in their description is the fact that they have on their heads crowns of gold (vs 4). It is those crowns that we want to look at today.
1. Salvation is by Grace through Faith: (Ephesians 2:8-10) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2) Faith that does not generate works is a faulty Faith- (James 2:17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
A) This will impact the way we live in this life: (2 Corinthians 5:17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
B) It will also have an impact when we meet God: (2 Corinthians 5:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
The Bible lists 5 crowns that Believers can obtain–
(1) The Proper use of your Talents Crown (I Cor 9:25) Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things, They do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. How you use the time and talents God has given you.
(2) The Pure Living Crown (II Tim 4:8). Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.- He that hath this hope purifieth himself
(3) The Personal Soul Winner’s Crown (I Thess 2:19). For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
(4) The Pastor’s Crown (I Peter 5:4). And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Faith service and management.
(5) The Perseverance under Trial Crown (James 1:2). Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him. Sticking with God in spite of Society’s pressures.
Sometimes I hear people say there will be no tears in Heaven but(Revelation 7:17) 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. God will wipe away our tears when we arrive and then will wipe away our tears at the end of the millennium when crying will cease forever (Revelation 21:4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
I wonder if the tears that are shed in between these times are shed by those who look at Crown Mountain and realize how foolishly they wasted the time and talents God had so graciously given them.
THREE PRINCIPLES:

Love God First- There is a God and you are not Him.
Love Life Lots- I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13). God created us to be Blessing Sharers; not just burden bearers!
Remember Judgment follows Life’s Journey- And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27).

What should we do?

Christians: Repent and get your priorities in order. (Revelation 4:11) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. God must be first in your time, money (First fruits), and service. Realize your responsibility to God and His work
UnSaved: Receive Christ as Savior. The end is near. A good real estate agent can tell you there are 3 things that matter about eternity: Location, Location, Location.

Rev 05:1-4 HEAVENLY HOMECOMING

What a week it’s been! Cleaning up, Fixing up, Decorating, cooking, Practicing, and inviting people to this Special Home Coming Service. This is GREAT- To get together with Family and Friends for Food and Fellowship; Sermons and Songs. But as good as this is it’s nothing compared to that Heavenly Home Coming. I can’t tell you all about it because Paul said “Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, the things God has prepared for them that love him” (I Cor 2:9); But I do want to tell you about 3 aspects of THAT Home Coming:
I. JOINING – The Rapture has taken Place.
A) Families will reunite- David will be with his Baby, Friends and Family will get together (Won’t that be a shouting time on the streets of Glory!!). Everyone there will have a new Body free from pain and problems so everyone can worship together.
B) We’ll See Christ- I have heard of him with the hearing of my eyes but then shall I see Him Face to Face- Job 19:25-27 For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. Jesus will be what makes it Heaven for me; He saved me and loved me when no one else could or would– And I’ll be ready to be His Bride!
II. JUDGMENT– (We kind of do that even today- “Put on a few pounds haven’t you!”. The part of my hair that not turning Gray is turning loose!!.)
A) Judgment Seat of Christ- II Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Some things we may be judged for:
1. How we used our Talents- Hid or invested
2. How we suffered for Christ- Phil 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake:
3. How we spent our Time and Money- I Cor 4:2 It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.
4. Whether we followed God’s Plan or our own ways- Rom 12:1-2
5. How we reacted to Temptation- Did it build us up or break us down (James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him).
6. How Faithful we were to Church, Prayer, and the Word of God- (Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, Pray without Ceasing, Study to show approval to God)
This Judgment will be for REWARDS and the more we love Jesus the more we want to have crowns to cast at his feet.
B) Judgment upon Earth will begin- While we’re enjoying the good things of God today some are battling “hang overs” and Heartbreak. In that day while we enjoy fellowship in Heaven they will cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them!
III. JOY–
A) Christ will finally take control of the earth
B) We’ll see how God values our Prayers- Stored in vials Rev 5:8,8:4
C) We’ll sing a New Song!! Note the elements in that song:
1. The Worthiness of Jesus- Praise Him! (There is a Name I love to..
2. The Sacrifice of Jesus- Thou was slain (Alas, and did my Savior..
3. The Blood of Jesus- (What can wash away my sins, nothing but blood
4. The Servant of Jesus- (Follow, Follow, I would Follow Jesus)
Are you Ready for the Heavenly Home Coming??

Rev. 6:- THE BEGINNING OF THE END (The Seals)

The Scene shifts from Heaven to Earth. The 70th week of Daniel is about to begin. The Lamb is about to open the 7 sealed “Title Deed” of the earth and eviction is about to begin.
I. FIRST SEAL vs. 1‑2 White Horse: Antichrist. This Rider carries a bow instead of a sword (see Rev. 19:11‑15) and appears at the beginning of the Tribulation. He is the False Man of Peace (no arrows for his bow) that unites much of the World after the chaos of the Rapture.
II. SECOND SEAL vs. 3‑4 Red Horse: War. The Peace last but a short time as powers seek to take advantage of the disorder in the World. (Communism is represented by Red.) There will be wars and rumors of war as nations attempt to gain hold over earth’s few remaining resources.
III. THIRD SEAL vs. 5‑6 Black Horse: Famine. The destruction of America and the continued war produces World Wide Famine. “A measure of wheat for a penny” ‑ A quart of wheat for a day’s pay! (At $30 per day that is $960 a bushel!) But the rich will still have their oil and wine and the luxuries of life. (The Dead Sea of Israel is a vital source of Potash ‑ Fertilizer to grow food will be worth more than Gold.)
IV. FOURTH SEAL vs. 7‑8 Pale Horse: “Death” followed by Hell. War and Famine brings death ‑ 1/4 of the World population of over 4 billion will die from war, hunger, disease, and attack by beasts of the earth (add pets, zoos, circus, etc. to other wild animals.) Hell follows death ‑ The Christians are already raptured. Most of the remaining people will go to Hell when they die (see notes on Chapter 7)
V. FIFTH SEAL vs. 9‑11 Martyrs
Slain for Word of God and their testimony.
Cry for vengeance (How things change!)
Told to wait
Two views as to who these are:
1. Old Testament saints who were not raptured with the Church. (The Rapture is for the Church, the Resurrection for the Jewish Saint)
2. People who heard the testimony of the 144,000 and died for their faith during the Tribulation.
VI. SIXTH SEAL vs. 12‑17 “Natural” Catastrophes
Great Earthquake (one of 3 in Rev. ‑here, 11‑13, 16:18‑20)
Sun Black, Moon as Blood, stars fell, Heavens closed
1. Many think this is a symbol of the world governments in chaos
2. Real Catastrophes caused by God’s Wrath and Man’s wars. Notice that instead of turning to God these men try to hide from Him!

Rev 7:- IN WRATH GOD REMEMBERS MERCY

Chapter 7 (This is a Parenthesis between the 6th and 7th seal)
I. THE SEALED (On Earth) 1‑8 [Jews first; then to the Gentiles]
A) Preserved– Hurt not the earth…till we have sealed the servants of our God
NOTE 1) In verse 1 & 2 it’s almost as if the 4 angels are nearly ready to pass out judgment and the angel from the East comes rushing in saying, “Wait! God’s people must be cared for first”.
NOTE 2) The seal in their foreheads‑ NO SECRET DISCIPLESHIP! I take this to be a physically seen stamp just as later 666 is visible on the hands and foreheads of Antichrist’s men.
B) Picked‑ 12,000 from each tribe except Dan [which went to idolatry]. These Jews will preach the Kingdom of God during the first 3 ½ years of tribulation while there is a period of relative peace under Antichrist. The 2 witnesses of Chapter 11 will have won these to Christ and they will go world wide preaching.
A SEAL is a sign of Possession and Protection. Christians today are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ep 1:13). When the Church is raptured the Holy Spirit will be taken also (II Thess 2:7) and a Physical sign will be needed.
II. THE SAVED (In Heaven) 9‑17
A) What‑ A great multitude of all nations, people, and tongues
B) Who‑ They have come out of great Tribulation, washed in blood. (Saved Gentiles of the Tribulation period who believed the preaching of the 144,000 Jews and PROBABLY suffered martyrdom for their belief)
NOTE‑ 1. I think it will be very difficult, if possible, for those who have heard the Gospel before to be saved. (2 Th 2:11‑12) 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.
2. Remember Matt 24:14 And this gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matt 24 is dealing with events involving the Jewish nation and not the Church. There is no sign of the Rapture of the Church but there will be signs of the Return of Christ to set up the Millennium).
C) Where‑ Before the Throne of God.
1. Serve God day and night in His temple
2. God dwells among them (Oh Glorious Truth! The Great God of the universe will dwell among His creation. No wonder the host of Heaven can no nothing but Praise His Name.)
3. No more hunger, thirst, or discomfort (What a promise for those who died from lack of food and water or from torture.)
4. Tears wiped away (Is 25:8) He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.
AS ENOCH WAS TRANSLATED BEFORE THE FLOOD (The Church Raptured) AND NOAH WAS PRESERVED IN THE FLOOD BY THE ARK (Jews in Tribulation) SO GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES FOR HIS CHILDREN.

Rev 8:‑ TRUMPETS

The pause of Chapter 7 is over. The 7th seal is about to be opened
I. THE SILENCE vs 1
1. Measure‑ ½ hour (A long time when you are waiting.)
2. Meaning‑ eye of hurricane: GOD’S WRATH IS ABOUT TO BEGIN.
II. THE SOLEMN PREPARATION vs 2‑6
1. 7 Angels given 7 Trumpets‑ “Get Ready to sound!”
2. Angel with censer‑ incense and prayer on altar (See Rev 6:10)
3. Censer with fire cast into earth: Voices, thundering, lightening, and an earthquake.
III. THE SINNER’S PUNISHMENT vs 7‑13 (Trumpets)
1. Hail/Fire mingled with blood cast upon earth. 1/3 of trees burnt up and all green grass.
2. As it were a great mountain burning with fire is cast into the sea. 1/3 of sea became blood; 1/3 of sea creatures die; 1/3 of ships destroyed.
3. Star “Wormwood” falls on rivers. 1/3 of water bitter‑ many die
4. 1/3 of sun, moon, and stars darkened. Day and night shone not for 1/3 of it. (Perhaps clouds of smoke blotted out sky)
(Remember, we are now seeing foolish men killing and being killed because they are attempting to occupy land that Christ has the title deed to!). Men need to be made aware of the Goodness AND Severity of God. Goodness toward them that in Faith trust in Him and EQUAL severity on those who deny and disbelieve Him.
3 Woes to Come!!! LOOK OUT!!! (3 more Trumpets)

Rev 9:- WOE WOE

I. THE FIFTH TRUMPET (The First Woe see 9:12) 9:1‑11
1. vs 1 An Angel (Star‑ See Job 38:7) is given the key to the bottomless pit. (Not Satan for the same angel binds Satan in the Pit later‑ Rev 20:1‑3)
2. vs 2‑10 Locust (?) came out of the smoke of the pit.
a. Perhaps Demons who are seen. (But demons have only been able to work by occupying a person until now‑ not stinging).
b. Perhaps humans who are in number like locust dressed for battle with gas mask and driving tank like equipment. They would probably use a type of nerve gas to torment but not kill. This goes on for 5 months (vs 5,11) or the effects of the gas are for 5 months
3. vs 11 Apollyon [Destroyer]‑ probably not Satan for this angel is evidently bound in the bottomless pit. There are a number of powerful fallen angels (Comp. Dan 10:12‑13).
II. THE SIXTH TRUMPET (Second Woe) 9:12‑21
1. The River Euphrates is the dividing line of East and West
2. The Angels were released at the specific hour, day, month, and year ordered by God to slay 1/3 of men. (It would do us well to remember that although God uses men; they are under HIS control).
3. 200 million “horsemen” (Again probably mobile soldiers) kill 1/3 of men by fire (Atomic explosion is mainly heat), smoke (fallout), and brimstone (contamination).
4. AND THE REST OF THE MEN REPENTED NOT. Now stubborn and hard is the wicked heart of men!!!!

Rev 13:- THE UNHOLY TRIO

After the war in Heaven (Rev 12:7), Satan will realize that his time is short (Rev 12:12) and he will boldly seek to claim men’s souls by imitation and intimidation. He will abandon his peaceful take-over begun during the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation and now openly force men to worship his Christ instead of the real Christ. Antichrist will go into the rebuilt Jewish Temple and proclaim that he is to be worshipped now and then he will begin an intense campaign of wrath against any followers of Jesus (Rev 12:17). (These are people that believed during the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation under the ministry of the Two great Witnesses (Rev 11) and the 144,000 Jews (Rev 7). The Church Saints have been raptured and are in Heaven).
The 3 main characters in Satan’s plan are:
1. The Dragon- Satan. Who wants to be God
2. The First Beast out of the sea (13:1)- Antichrist. He does not just deny Christ. He seeks to replace Him. (The sea is normally used to designate Humanity in general. The Antichrist will probably claim to be a Gentile but possibly will have a Jewish background (Many Nazis did this during WWII)).
3. The Second Beast out of the earth (13:11)- The False Prophet He seeks to exalt the Antichrist as the Spirit exalts Christ. (The earth here is the word used many times to signify the land of Israel. This leads many to believe the False Prophet will be a Jew)
The main Vehicles for this Trio to work thru are:
1. Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots (Rev 17:5)-This is the false Religious System headed by the Catholic Church headquartered at Rome (17:9). Antichrist will probably use this for the beginning of his work but then abandon it to be raped by his kingdom (17:16) when he declares himself God in Jerusalem.
2. Babylon the Great (Rev 18)- The world Economic System that will eventually be headquartered in the region of ancient Babylon (Iran, Iraq).
I. THE DESCRIPTION OF ANTICHRIST 13:1-2
A) His Beginning- out of the sea of humanity
B) His Base- 7 heads (each with a blasphemous title written on it) 10 horns with 10 crowns. The ten nation revived Roman Empire (3 of the nations will be under 1 ruler ship but will retain their identity). (See 17:8-18
C) His Beastliness – Like a Leopard-Greek empire (Swift), Feet of a Bear-Medo-Persia Empire (Savage), Mouth of a Lion- Babylon (Smart)
D) His Benefactor- The Dragon (Satan) gave him:
1. Power- ability to perform
2. Seat- Throne (Place to reign from) (See Rev 2:13, 16:10)
3. Great Authority- Dominion over people
II. THE DETAILS OF HIS REIGN 3-10
A) The Wound vs 3. Either Antichrist will be killed and brought back to life (vs 12, 17:8-10), or one of the kings of his empire is killed and Antichrist restores him to life.
B) The Worship vs 4 (This is Satan’s Goal- Is 14:14
1. The Dragon vs 4
2. The Antichrist vs 4, 8, 12
3. The Image of the Antichrist vs 15 (People will not accept and Worship Christ but they will worship all about this Antichrist.)
C) The War vs 4b-7
1. He will defeat many by his resurrection (4b)
2. He will defeat many by his rhetoric (5)
3. He will defeat Saints (6-7)
4. He will conquer the world (7b)
D) The Warning vs 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity; he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
III. THE FALSE PROPHET 11-18
A) His Description vs 11
1. Out of the earth – Probably a Jew. Is he the High Priest of the rebuilt Jewish Temple before Antichrist proclaims himself God? Does he now recognize this false Christ as the Messiah? (Remember that the Jews are looking for a world ruler that will restore Jerusalem’s glory. When Antichrist moves from Rome to Jerusalem and conquors the world it would be easy to convince many that this is the coming Messiah).
2. 2 Horns like a Lamb– A Lamb does not have horns, a Ram does This false prophet will pretend to exalt Christ but will actually promote Antichrist. The 2 horned Ram of Daniel 8 was the Medo- Persian Empire. Will this False Prophet be able to convince the Moslems to worship this Messiah also? ? Joining Jews and Moslems together to fight False Jews that still proclaim Christ as Messiah
3. He spake as (for) a Dragon– He identified himself as Satan’s spokeman. In a world gone Mad that worships Satan and Satan’s man (Antichrist) this will make him someone to listen to instead of someone to scorn.
B) His Power-
1 All of the Power of the first Beast-who obtained his power from Satan (13:4).
2. Establishes World-wide worship of the Antichrist. He does this by means of:
a. Wonders- calling down fire from Heaven (as Elijah who would precede Messiah- Mal 4:5).
b. Deception- calling down fire could be done in the sight of men but other miracles must be done in the sight of the beast. Were these real Miracles or manipulations by electronic or mechanical means? The example given is the erection of an image of the Antichrist that is made alive and speaks as well as controls those who do not worship the image. Is this a super computer that can deceive men with it’s vast store of information and destroy men by means of an implant as the mark of the Beast?? (See 16:2)
C) His pressures- This false Prophet will use every means avail-able to get people to worship the Beast and his Image knowing that once people worship them their fate is sealed- Rev 14:9-11 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
1. Religious Pressure– 13-15 Wonders and deceptive works are used to bring men to worship. In a world that is being trained to believe only feelings and sight instead of faith (Heb 10:38) men will fall easy prey to this clever trickster. This will be the most popular Religion ever and everyone will be pressured to jump on the bandwagon . Matt 24:24 For there shall arise False Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
2. Physical Pressure– 15b as many as would not worship should be killed This will make the Catholic Inquisition look like a picnic Torture and death will be common- with no chance of escape because the mark will be clearly visible on all who worship. Matt 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no nor ever shall be.
3. Social Pressure– 16 All, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their forehead . This will be the Communist ideal-no social classes, no races, no division of any kind. All men will join together in one great Brotherhood . (Christianity does not seek to make all men equal – one is a hand , one is a foot , etc. and every Christian has a different gift according to the diversity of the Spirit (see I Cor 12:-). It is the Humanist that say every man should get an equal share of the pie. God says if a man can work and will not work that he is to do without II Thess 3:10).
4. Economic Pressure– 17 No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark . Men will watch their business close, their families starve, their bank account become useless, and see their life slowly be squeezed away if they refuse to worship. Today men will do almost anything to get and keep a job- what will it be like in that day?? Mk 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
IV. THE MARK OF THE BEAST 16-18
A) -The Location of the Mark- On right hand or Forehead. The Mark will be public and obvious so everyone will know you worship the Beast. There will be no secret discipleship. (This is a Satanic copy of God’s program- Rev 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their forehead. See also 9:4, 14:1 and 3:12). Today the Holy Spirit is our seal (Ep 1:13) but, evidently, after the Rapture men will have a physical seal when they follow Christ. Before the Church it was the Physical sign of Circumcision.
B) The Need of the Mark- Could not buy or sell without. Men will be forced to chose between their physical body and their eternal soul- – the same choice facing them today
C) The Description of the Mark- Note that ANY ONE of the three would enable you to buy or sell.
1. The Mark- Symbol of the Beast
2. The Name of the Beast- Signature of the Beast
3. The Number of his name- 666. Wisdom and understanding are necessary to interpret the number. It is therefore more than the numerical amount of 666- and MAY mean that the number 666 will not be used during the Tribulation. Instead it may refer to what the number represents (Wrath is pronounced on those who have the mark of the Beast- not the number of the Beast ).
a. The number of (a) man- The number may simply signify man as opposed to God. (7 is generally considered a holy complete number to represent God. 6 is as close as you can come to that. Also remember that man was created on the 6th day.) It being 3 times repeated may refer to the Unholy Trio
b. The number may represent the Revived Roman Empire. (In Roman Numerals 666 is DCLXVI which are the first 6 symbols of Roman numbers- I=1, V=5, X-10, L-50, C-100, D-500). Perhaps the number will be 710 (7 heads and 10 horns ) and 666 is only God’s way of showing us the meaning of that number.
c. The number may be Shorthand for the name of a man (The numerical value of Jesus is 888). Here are a few of the MANY ideas men have come up with:

The Greek Name Euanthas If A=6, B=12, C=18… If A=100, B=101, C=102…

E = 5 K = 66 C = 18 H = 107

U = 400 I = 54 O = 90 I = 108

A = 1 S = 114 M = 78 T = 119

N = 50 S = 114 P = 96 L = 111

Th = 9 I = 54 U =126 E = 104

A = 1 N = 84 T =120 R = 117

S = 200 G = 42 E = 30 666

666 E = 30 R =108

R = 108 666

666

Ronald Wilson Reagan = (6 letters in each name) 6 6 6

Rev 13:18 (Amp. Bible) Here is (room for) discernment- a call for the wisdom (of interpretation); let any one who has intelligence (penetration and insight enough) calculate the number of the beast, for it is a human number-the number of a certain man; his number is six hundred and sixty-six

Rev 14:13 WELL DONE OR NOT DONE?

When you are done with life you are not done with what you have done with life.
For the Christian, this means Rest, Rewards, and Rejoicing– And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them (Revelation 14:13).
HARVEST For Sinners it means Rejection, Regret, and Eternal Ruin: And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death (Revelation 20:12-14).
Grace does not save you BY Good works but FOR Good Works so a “Well Done” instead of a “Not Done” will greet you at death. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.)
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:2, 8).

Rev 14:13 WHAT WILL FOLLOW YOU HOME?

Young city boy who visited his grandparents in the country. He came running into the house exclaiming, Mommy, mommy. A little black and white dog followed me home. Can I keep him? When the Mother and grandparents went out to see the dog they found it was a skunk!
When you get to Heaven what will follow you home??
I. WORKS– And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. (Revelation 14:13)
A) Permanent Works (Talking about what will follow us to Heaven)- For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (1 Corinthians 3:11‑15)
1) Works of no lasting value (Wood, hay, and stubble) will be destroyed by the fire of Gods Judgement.
2) Gold, Silver, and Precious stones Works will be eternal
B) Practical Works- Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:17)
II. WORDS- But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (Matthew 12:36‑37)
1) Idle Words- Inoperative, Non working
2) Insulting Words- But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, (Contempt and insulting) shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (Matthew 5:22)
III. WEALTH: You can’t take it with you but you can send it on ahead- Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (Matthew 6:19‑20)
A) Avoid Coveting- Coveting is a Sin- One of the ten commandments. Jesus said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (Luke 12:15‑20)
B) Arrange your priorities Heavenward – Lay up treasures
IV. WITNESS– Friends and family in Heaven because you told them about Jesus. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30)
Where will your home be for eternity? What will follow you there?

Rev 18:- FLEE OUT OF BABYLON

Deals with the fall of Babylon, the Economic center of the world. Every indication is that this is the actual city of Babylon that will be rebuilt by the oil rich Arabs. The city will be destroyed at the end of the 7 years of tribulation in an hour’s time by God.
I. THE WARNING vs 1‑8 Come out of her!
A) A command from Heaven ‑ better be obeyed! (Remember Lot) This is especially addressed to any Jews and Believers that have survived this long.
B) The Reasons ‑
1. That ye be not partakers of her sins ‑ Christians are not to practice isolation but are to practice separation.
2. That ye receive not of her plagues ‑ Don’t get caught in Sin’s Punishment.
II. THE WARES vs 9‑14 Fruit that thy soul lusted after. Things and People are all sold. (Compare to today ‑ Prostitution, drugs, “Million Dollar” athletes, children who want more and more and more!) They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (I Tim 6:9)
III. THE WEEPING vs 15‑19
A) In one hour the end will come and all their dreams will crumble. (Notice who weeps ‑ Monarchs vs. 9, Merchants vs. 11, and Mariners vs. 17)
B) A Christian weeps when he sows (Ps 126) A sinner weeps when he reaps!
IV. THE “WIPE‑OUT” vs 20‑24
The World’s Economic system is completely done away with. No money in Heaven or Hell!
What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul??
HOW CHEAP WILL YOU SELL OUT??
1. Profit ‑ Judas: 30 pieces of silver Lost life and Apostleship Acts 1
2. Pleasure ‑ Esau: mess of pottage Gen.25:34 Lost his birthright and couldn’t get it back (Heb 12:16‑17)
3. Prestige/Popularity ‑ Lot: Well watered valley of Sodom Lost his testimony and family
4. Personal Gain ‑ Gehazi: 2 talents of silver and 2 changes of clothes (II Kings 5: 20‑27) Lost his health (Leprosy)
WHAT’S YOUR PRICE??? WHAT WILL KEEP YOU IN BABYLON???

Rev 21:7-8 WHO IS GOING TO HEAVEN?

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Revelation 21:7-8).
There is a Heaven to gain and a Hell to shun. We need to know who God says will go where.
I. WHO IS GOING TO “INHERIT ALL THINGS”?
A) Overcomers- For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4). Faith is the key- But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:8-10).
Jesus was an Overcomer: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
We can be Overcomers in Christ: Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
B) Born Again (“my son”)- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12). He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18).
II. WHO IS GOING TO HAVE A PART IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNS WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE?
A) Fearful: Lacking in courage to trust by faith and fight the fight of faith
B) Unbelieving: Faithless. Refused to accept Christ because of unbelief
C) Abominable: Depraved and defiled who do not want to serve a Holy God
D) Murders: Jesus said to hate was to “Murder”. It is not always the physical act of murder
E) Whoremongers: Lewd and adulterous who love worldly pleasures and passions more than God
F) Sorcerers: Partakers of magic arts, conversing with demons, drug influenced (demon possessed)
G) Idolaters: Those who give supreme devotion to anyone or anything other than God. Remember “This ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Ephesians 5:5).
H) All Liars: Who knowingly conveys untruth by word and deed; hypocrites
Are you an overcoming Son of God or are you looking at the torment of the Second Death?

Rev 22:1-5 WHY I WANT TO GO TO HEAVEN

1. CHRIST: I get to be with Christ- “Having a desire to depart and to be with Christ; which is far better” Phil 1:20
2. DAD and MOM and BROTHER: I’ll have a reunion with loved ones who have gone on before
3. BATTLES: I’ll be through with the battle against sin
4. REJECTION: I’ll be through with the heartbreak of people rejecting God
5. SORROWS: I’ll be through with sorrow, sickness, and death
6. REST: I’ll be at Rest from my labors
7. REWARD: I’ll see my riches stored in Heaven and receive my Reward from God.
This will be worth EVERY TRIAL, EVERY HEARTACHE, EVERY DAY OF WORK.

Rev 22:14 15 DEALING WITH DOGS

One of my favorite “mis-quotes” in the Bible is, “there won’t be any dogs in Heaven!” (adapted from Rev 22:14 15 which states that the dogs are without the gates). I know that that reference is not to physical dogs but it does me good sometimes to know it’s there! Don’t get me wrong, Dogs are wonderful pets and even good “friends” but it gets hard to remember that sometimes as they chew on my leg, or knock my bicycle over, or tote off everything that’s not tied down. So I thought it would be a good idea to look at what the Bible really has to say about dogs and see if our attitude is right.
God promised safety from Dogs:
Their Bark-Ex 11:7 “There shall not a dog move his tongue against you”
Their Bite-Ps 22:20 “Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.”
A Dog exemplifies Backsliding: Prov 26:11 “As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.” II Pet 2:20 22 “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”
Dogs exemplify lack of courage: Ecc 9:4 “For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” “Dog Actions” were the way God culled Gideon’s army-Jud 7:5 6 “So he brought down the people unto the water: and the Lord said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.“
Dogs exemplify meddling: Prov 26:17 “He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.” (How do you let go without getting bit?)
Dogs exemplify common, unholy things: Matt 7:6 “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” The price of a dog was not to be given in your offering to the temple.
Dogs exemplify mercy: Luke 16:21 “And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.” (So Dogs aren’t all bad!) Dogs do indeed represent a great many things in the Bible (Cat lovers may need to know that the word “cat” is not in the Bible!),
There were 3 people who said that they were “Dogs“. These represent some of the basic truths of the power and plan of God. Let’s look at these 3 situations and allow God to teach us some valuable lessons.
1. The dreadful Dog: Goliath the Giant. I Sam 17:43 “And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.”
Some times in life we face situations that seem to be more than we can handle. Whether it is a Giant of a man or the Growling of a dog we become scared and unable to accomplish our mission. We need to realize that just as a Dog’s “bark is worst than his bite” so many of the problems that we face are more scare than substance.
2. The Desperate Dog: The Canaanite Woman. Matt 15:25 28 “Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the Children’s bread, and cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth,Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.”
Sometimes it seems as if God is ignoring your prayers and pleas and pains when you’re willing to be satisfied with “scrapes” if that is all you can get. You need to understand that God is not ignoring your pleas but is trying to use your problems to produce Faith in your life. (Sadly, most people seem to think present pains are more important than Christian Character.) Sometimes desperation is the only method God has to build us into Faithful Followers.
3. The Dead Dog: Mephibosheth, shown mercy for Jonathan’s sake. II Sam 9:7 8 “And David said unto him, fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?” The only claim Mephibosheth had on the King was mercy and kindness for Jonathan’s sake. So it is today with us. We cannot come to God on the basis of our goodness or ability. We are of no more value to God than a Dead Dog”!! It is only His love and mercy thru Jesus that allows us to come to his table and become a “child of the King”.
The sad truth is that Dogs do not have a soul. When they die they simply cease to exist. Man, on the other hand, is an eternal creature. He will spend eternity in Heaven or Hell. The question for you today is “Do you act like you’re a Dog?” That is, do you live as if this life is all there is? Dogs are supposed to be “man’s best friend” but I want to introduce you to someone who is a real friend–and he sticks closer than a brother–his name is Jesus.