Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.
Psalms 138:7 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.138.7.NASB
“If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” John 11:48
The religious leaders were perplexed with Jesus. If they continue to allow him to teach the truth about God and demonstrate the miracles and powers of God, nobody will follow their religion anymore. If nobody follows their religion anymore, then they will all lose their positions and big salaries.
Think about this, this is exactly why they rejected Christ. It wasn’t about truth or seeking God, it was about money and power. This is exactly what religion is still about today, money and power. “Modern Day Pharisees” are denying the Word of God to please the culture of society today. Its not about serving Jesus its about power and money. Its all about feeding the religious machine of human greed
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. Matthew 16:24
Jesus message is pretty clear “Get over yourself!” The religious leaders greatest failure is they couldn’t get over themselves to believe in Christ. They loved their power, they loved their money, their loved their sin, they loved themselves! Jesus isn’t interested in feeding your ego or wallet, he came to give you salvation. You must deny yourself first, repent, and accept Jesus Christ as Lord.
Don’t be a Modern Day Pharisee who decided it was better to kill the Son of God then repent of their sins. Jesus is offering you salvation, humble yourself and come to Christ Amen!
Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. v1-2
Beast = Anti-Christ
Sea = Nations
7 Heads = 7 Kingdoms (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, Final Kingdom)
10 Horns/10 Crowns = Kings/Rules = Power and authority
Leopard = Greece = Swiftness
Bear = Medo/Persia = Strength
Lion = Babylon = Fierce
Dragon = Satan
We begin this scene with seeing the “Trinity of Satan” (Satan, AntiChrist , and False Prophet We notice throughout the Bible, Satan try’s to copy or mimic God to fool the masses. The Ten Horns are the Ten Nations in unity against God. The Seven Heads are kings/leaders over time who wages war against God. We can speculate who all the nations and leaders are, we have a good idea who most of them are. But the point is to focus on the Anti Christ is a collective force of Evil, the Prophet Daniel had this same vision (Read Daniel Chapter 7)
Next, as I watched, suddenly another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying—dreadful and extremely strong—with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns. Daniel 7:6-7
And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” v3-4
One of the Evil world leaders will be fatally wounded and then miracously recover. This will fool the masses , and a majority of the world will be misled into worshipping Satan. Notice again, Satan tries to copy God but mimicking the resurrection
Wounded Head = Revived Kingdom = New World Order
Worshipped Drago = Satan
‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ Isaiah 14:14
And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. v5-6
42 Months = 3.5 Years = The Great Tribulation
The Beast will continue to speak Blasphemy against God. And God will allow this to go on for almost 2 years of the Great Tribulation. Notice it says “ The Beast will speak blasphemy against those who dwell in Heaven” so there are already Christians in Heaven with God at this time
He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 2 Thessalonians 2:5
He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. Daniel 7:25
It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. v7-8
Satan and his demons are making war with Gods people – notice doesn’t say the Church, it states saints
Everyone who is not saved, will worship The Beast
The Lamb, Jesus Christ (John 1:29) who was slain at the cross, has given us victory over Satan and the world
May they be blotted out of the book of life And may they not be recorded with the righteous. Psalm 69:28
If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. v9-10
Remember Jesus said in Chapters 2 and 3, The Spirit says to the Churches” here there is no reference of the Church, same statement
Here Jesus is giving a final message to the Saints! Persecution on a great scale is coming, most likely death. However whatever happens to us , let it be done, because we are already free and victorious with Christ!
“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. Matthew 24:9
Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. v11-13
Another Beast = False Prophet = False Religious System
2 Horns like a Lamb = Tries to mimic Christ = A False Christ
Speaks like the Dragon = Satan
Notice this Beast (False Prophet) will look like a Lamb (Christ) This False Prophet will deceive the entire world and get everyone to worship Satan. Notice Satan tries to copy God again by performing miracles to deceive the masses
For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will m islead many. Matthew 24:5
And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed v14-15
Make an image of the Beast = Image comes to Life = Artificial Intelligence?
Notice this miracle performed by the False Prophet, a statue of Satan will be made and the False Prophet will make it come to life. The entire world will be deceived and worship Satan.
This is a good reminder that not all spiritual power comes from God, as the Bible tells us “Test all Spirits to see if they are from God”
that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 2 Thessalonians 2:9
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. v16-18
Mark of the Beast = physical and spiritual = not sealed with the Holy Spirit
666 = Demonic Trinity = 6 = man
What is the Mark of The Beast? This subject has been highly debated for centuries. Obviously we are living in the technological age, so it could be a microchip implant. However I believe the “Mark” is your alliance in your heart, mind, and soul to Satan.
As Christians we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, those who follow Satan will probably be marked by Satan. I believe its more of a spiritual thing than a physical thing.
Who is 666? Remember the number 6 is symbolic for man, three 6’s is the Trinity of Satan (Satan, Anti-Christ, False Prophet) Its most likely not one individual by the entire evil empire of Satan
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation– having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13
4“Hear, O Israel: [b]The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
6“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. Isaiah 65:17
Everyone wants to get to “Heaven” but does anyone even know where they are going? Many people have this thought they are going to float around on clouds and play harps….but none of this is in the Bible! In fact the Bible tells us our final destination is Earth, a New Heavens and Earth!
Think about it, in the beginning when everything was perfect, there was no death or sin, where did Adam and Eve live? On Earth, the Earth was made specifically for us, however because of our disobedience and sin, we allowed the curse of death to enter this current Earth, which is why its not currently Paradise anymore
“They will not labor in vain, Or bear children for calamity; For they are the offspring of those blessed by the LORD, And their descendants with them. Isaiah 65:23
God promises we will be reunited with our loved ones (descendants) forever in his Kingdom, right here on Earth! No longer will we struggle and suffer to provide for our family either, just as God provided for Adam and Eve, he will provide for us also
“The wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox; and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will do no evil or harm in all My holy mountain,” says the LORD. Isaiah 65:25
There will be no more death, no more evil, no more sorrow, and no more SIN. The wolf and lamb will graze together, meaning total peace here on Earth!
And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, Revelation 21:3
Jesus reveals a lot more of the new Heavens and Earth in Revelation 21. God will live among us, Jesus will sit on his throne and rule as King of Kings. Heaven is coming down to Earth! What a wonderful day it will be when Gods Kingdom is restored Amen!
Give thanks to the Lord of Lords, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalms 136:3 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.136.3.NASB
Jesus wept. John 11:35
Probably one of the shortest scriptures in the Bible is also one of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible. Just think about it, our Lord and God, feels the same emotions we feel. Jesus experienced the same temptation and suffering we feel. Jesus weeps over You, he’s calling you home back to his flock!
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
Jesus was brought to a town called Bethany, because his friend Lazarus had passed away. The death of his friend made him weep, but as Jesus revealed, Jesus is the Resurrection, he holds the keys to life and death. Even though Lazarus had been dead for 4 days, Jesus has the power to Resurrect Lazarus back to life
Notice Jesus asks Martha, Do you believe this? Do you have faith in Jesus Christ that he is your Lord? Do you believe that Christ can save your soul? Jesus said “Everyone who believes in Him will Never Die” That’s the power of our Lord, The Resurrection!
After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” John 11:43
Jesus calls out Lazarus name and immediately he comes back to life! Jesus is calling out our names also, are you listening? Can you hear the voice of the Good Shepherd? Jesus is calling all the “Dry Bones” back to life! Amen!
Your name, O Lord , is everlasting, Your remembrance, O Lord , throughout all generations.
Psalms 135:13 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.135.13.NASB
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Today is my youngest Son, Evans birthday! How do I describe Evan, he’s a fearless leader and highly creative. Even though Evan is only going to be 5 today, it was very clear from an early age, that Evan was born to lead. He has a very strong personality, he wears his heart on his sleeve, very emotional but everyone ends up loving him, because he is pure and loving
This summer Evan played his first team sport, baseball, and he loved it. However when he was on the field he wanted to make every single play. When the ball didn’t come his way, he was mad, he voiced his displeasure, sometimes even with tears! I tried to explain to Evan about being part of a team, we all contribute collectively, you support your teammates through good and bad
This is a lesson we as adults continually need to learn or remember as well. Being a leader , doesn’t mean you control every situation. Whether its being a leader of your team, or your family, whatever you are leading when we try to control things too much, we don’t allow others to thrive as well. Sometimes being a good leader is knowing when to step aside or to even remain quiet. Sometimes being the leader is speaking up and encouraging someone, a good leader recognizes the situation
It’s a pleasure being Evans father, his creativity and passion are amazing! I look forward to another great year full of memories and blessings! May God continue to shine on him and bless him in Jesus name Amen!
Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, That the mountains might quake at Your presence—Isaiah 64:1
Isaiah prayed that God would come down to Earth and save Israel. God did even better than that, Jesus came down and not only saved the Jewish people, but he saved the entire world. This is exactly the expectations for the Messiah (Christ) God made in the flesh
When you understand what Jesus being the Messiah (Christ) means then you understand, that Jesus did say he was God.
For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. Isaiah 64:6
The world had a sin problem and humanity could never provide its own salvation. We needed God to save us, we need a Savior, we needed Jesus Christ! Without the love, mercy , and grace from God through Christ, we would all perish! But thanks to our God coming down to Earth, to take our place, he saved us all
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:12
The Name Jesus (Yeshua) means salvation, God came down to Earth to give us salvation! Amen!
Behold, bless the Lord , all servants of the Lord , Who serve by night in the house of the Lord !
Psalms 134:1 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.134.1.NASB
Unashamed of Jesus 