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LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 23

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Revelation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

“And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”  (Revelation 6:3-4).

 The activity of the white horse centers in theMiddle East and is a forerunner to that which follows. The unseen army of the red horse takes peace from the earth. (This probably refers to Israel and the surrounding nations.)  The nations fall apart morally and politically. Leaders are not able to contain the anarchy and the rebellion.

     These events will parallel the days of Noah prior to the flood, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah… the earth is filled with violence through them” (Genesis 6:11-13). Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 24:37, “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

             The breakup of the nations will force them to join in alliance with the Antichrist. This will add to his power base, and call for the murder of all who oppose him. This is the “red horse” aspect of the vision.  “And they that understand among the people (Jews) shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days” (Daniel 11:33).

 “And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6).

             We must keep in mind that the intended purpose under the illustration of the white horse is progressing and continues under the imagery of the other three horses. Although they are presented chronologically, they are, to some extent, contemporary.

             The figure of black and a pair of balances speak of famine, “Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine” (Lamentations. 5:10). This is exactly what Jesus said would occur in Israel’s last days. “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” (Matthew 24:7).

             Famine always follows and accompanies war; factories are destroyed; fields are burned. Jobs are lost, and people have no means to buy what is available. Embargoes, sanctions, and prohibiting the movement of merchant ships in and out of ports lead to the starvation of many. The lack of rain, extreme heat, and cold produces famine. Millions are starving today in Africa. The price of petroleum and food are out of control, and no one knows where it will stop. This escalation will result in a price increase of life’s necessities. Although food will be available, most will not be able to afford the basics. Many nations will crumble from within and famine will follow. Should the surrounding nations place an embargo on Israel, starvation would result.

             The statement, “…and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine,” may be a point of sarcasm and irony. We need not assume that every nation and person on the earth will be penniless. While millions will be affected by events of those days, many will be rich and living in luxury. The book of James is a Tribulation book, and fits here. James 5:1-3. “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.  Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.  Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.” (See also Matthew 25:” (See also Matthew 25:1-44.) The idea of not hurting the oil or wine mean: don’t upset the life style of the rich by calling their attention to the famines of their people.

 

LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 22

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Revelation

The events covered in the book of Revelation are spoken of throughout Scripture. They are described in Joel 1:15 “Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.” See also, “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;… And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.” (Joel 2:1, 11, 31).  “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” (Joel 3:14).

             That time is called, “Jacob’s Trouble” (see Jer. 30:7). And in the Book of Daniel it is called the “seventieth week” (see Daniel 9:27). During that final “week,” the fourth beast in Daniel’s vision; the ten kings come to power. The Lord Jesus said it would be a time of trouble like the world has never seen (see Matt. 24:21). Therefore, these four horses represent the progression of sorrows that leads to the full-blown wrath of Satan upon the earth, which is primarily in the land of Israel, and directed toward the Jews.

In Matthew 24, Jesus’ disciples ask Him about the future signs of His return and the end of that age. His first warning was the need for vigilance against deception, “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:4-5).

The condition in Israel today is ripe for false messiahs’. The Orthodox Jews find themselves abandoned by their own secular nation as more and more of their promised land is given away to their enemies. They are being imprisoned daily by their own government for refusal to accept these conditions. They pray and speak passionately of the coming of the Messiah. Not since A. D.70 have circumstances been so perfect for false messiahs’ to present themselves in Israel. These false Christs’ will make war on the true saints of God. No doubt, Matthew24:5 describes the opening of the first seal.

Events leading up to the Day of the Lord were impossible for the past 2000 years. Israel must be in the land prior to the fulfillment of Matthew 24. Verses 6-7 describe devastation brought on by war and by “natural” causes. Israel has experienced continuous war since becoming a nation over fifty years ago. War will continue until Christ returns. Only a blind man could fail to see the increased destruction around the world caused by earthquakes and violent weather. One must not confuse today’s events with what Jesus prophesied. These are only a precursor and illustrate with what ease these riders will accomplish their purpose.    Jesus says, “All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8).

The increased pressure on Israel compels them to give away land for peace, and will force them to accept protection from a coalition of nations within the area of the old Roman Empire. The union of ten kings, spoken of in prophecy, will probably consist of a union of Moslem, Jewish and Roman Catholic nations. These ten are symbolized in Daniel by the ten toes (Daniel2:40-45), and ten horns (Daniel 7:7-8, 19-24), and the ten horns in Revelation 12:3; Revelation 13:1; Revelation 17:9-17. “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast” (Revelation 17:12).

In the beginning, these ten kings form a loose alliance. Their government will be a forced democracy (this is probably the outcome of white horse and his rider). The ten horns or kings constitute the seventh head on the beast. There will be infighting within and between radical religious groups within their kingdom. This will force a tighter cohesion between them. It is from within this alliance that a man, called “the little horn,” will arise to take control of that kingdom. Since the union of those ten nations does not exist today, that man cannot rise to power.

These ten kings, with the “little horn” ruling over them, (constitutes the eighth kingdom “And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.” Revelation 17:11) will be unable to provide protection for Israel from the radical element within their kingdom. Daniel 7:8 says, “I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.” He will go forth, conquering in the name of peace. Out of one of these nations comes, “…a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, (Egypt)… toward the east,(Jordan)  and toward the pleasant land (Israel)” (Daniel 8:9). This “little horn” rises to power, and it appears that Israel makes a covenant with the Antichrist and the remaining seven nations within his kingdom. “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate” (Daniel 9:27).

Rather than being Israel’s messiah, he becomes “that man of sin” and would destroy all Jews if Jesus Christ delayed His coming.  “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The first seal introduces steps which lead to his rise to power.

THE MANDATE TO PREACH SOUND DOCTRINE

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BY Ken Blue

The first five books of the Bible have the word doctrine mentioned just one time. Next, it is found only once in Job, once in Proverbs, twice in Isaiah, once in Jeremiah, three times in Matthew, five times in Mark, once in Luke, three times in John, four times in Acts, twice in Romans, twice in I Cor, and once in Ephesians. However, in the three small pastoral books it is found no less than sixteen times. The doctrine we preach must be subject to this dispensation.

 The pastor must avoid being sidetracked by the novel teachings and vain jingling of others. The pastor told to: 1. Fight a good warfare. 2. Hold faith. 3. Maintain a good conscience. 4. Pray for those in leadership. 5. Teach modesty. 6. Be an avid reader. 7. Maintain purity. 8. Be self-motivated. 9. Hold fast to sound words. 10.  Rightly divide the word of God.

 Stay off the issues that hinder a well-rounded ministry. If the ministry is balanced, God’s people will be encouraged and edified. Three key issues that will protect your church from factions and the Devil are sound doctrine, their personal involvement in ministry, and leading the saints to love one another. We must take people from where they are to where we want them. That takes lots of patience and a long time. Don’t wait for people to be perfect before you use them.

 I suggest that the pastor plan his preaching calendar for the coming year. This should be done in the previous fall. All the planning should be done with this question in mind; what do I want my members to know and what do I want them to do? You will get what you go after.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LET’S STUDY REVELATION #20

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Revelation

“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”  (Revelation 5:10-12).

It is the believing Hebrews who overcome, that are represented by this song. The statement, “we shall reign on the earth,” signals us that Hebrews are the subjects. Verse 10 sheds more light on who they are. “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” We covered this in the letters to the churches (see Revelation 1:6; 2:26, 27).

Although the scene in verse 11 is in heaven, it has fast-forwarded to the end of the Day of the Lord, and perhaps the end of the Millennium. The number of those, who are compelled out of love and gratitude to worship the Lamb and Him who sits on the throne, continues to grow. Innumerable hosts of angels, along with the beasts and the elders, have gathered to give glory and praise to Him on the throne. Johncan only describe the scene as, “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.”

Like an endless sea, every creature with breath is now singing in unison to the One who is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing (v.12).

“And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.”  (Revelation 5:13-14).

We must lay aside our pen and join with these in giving praise to so great a God and Savior! What words can one use describe Him who is indescribable? That is why there is so much symbolism in this wonderful book. He is clothed with a garment down to the foot, girded with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs are white as snow. His eyes, as a flame of fire; his feet like fine brass in a furnace; his voice as many waters. In his right hand are seven stars and out of his mouth, a sharp sword. His countenance is as the sun. His voice is like a trumpet. He is like jasper and a sardine stone to look upon. There is a rainbow round His throne and He has the appearance of an emerald. Lightning, thundering, and voices sound through the heavens. There are lamps of fire, a sea of glass like unto crystal; four beasts full of eyes before and behind who looked like a lion, like a calf, as a man and like an eagle. There are crowns and a choir with millions of creatures singing praise to Him day and night! All this is an attempt to describe the wonder and the greatness of the indiscernible Almighty God!

 

THE MISUNDERSTOOD TRANSITION # 3

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The transition ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ reveals that John the Baptist, and  none of the disciples knew or understood that Jesus must die and be raised again. These articles are about that transition.
II. HIS BURIAL AND RESURRECTION WAS NOT PART OF THEIR KINGDOM GOSPEL- Again, our text makes it clear that John, Jesus, and the Twelve preached the gospel, or good news, in the four gospels. Yet, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus was completely absent from their gospel!
a. Notice that His resurrection was not part of their gospel. “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day” Matthew 16:21.
b. Notice that they had no knowledge of his upcoming death, burial and resurrection. “Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken” Luke 18:31-34. Notice carefully verse 34. They could not have been preaching what they did not understand or believe. Yet, they preached a gospel!
c. Notice that the preparation of His body showed that they did not believe in His upcoming resurrection. “Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury” John 19:40. They would not go to the effort of wrapping the body in burial cloth if they expected His resurrection in three days. Yet, they had heard His gospel.
d. Notice that the concern of the women was who could roll the stone away from the tomb. “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him… And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?” Mark 16:1, 3. If they expected His resurrection, they would not be coming to anoint His body or be concerned about the stone.
c. Notice the unbelief of the eleven when Mary Magdalene brought news of His resurrection. “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not” Mark 16:9-11. Now, we can’t believe that the Twelve preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for three years, and then all of them changed their theology! Yet, they had preached a gospel.
d. Notice that Thomas did not believe the report of the other disciples. “But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” John 20:24-25. Are we to believe that Thomas preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for sin for three years, and now he is an unbeliever?
e. Notice that Jesus rebuked the eleven sharply for their unbelief. “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen” Mark 16:14. The Lord actually scolded the eleven for not believing that He was alive. Now, are you going to hold on to a tradition that has not one verse to support it?