7-10-2013 Vol. 7 Part 21 Book of Revelation (Revelation 8:1-6)

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7-10-2013 Vol. 7 Part 21 Book of Revelation

Psalms 104:1-17 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire. You who laid the foundations of the earth, So that it should not be moved forever, You covered it with the deep as with a garment; The waters stood above the mountains. At Your rebuke they fled; At the voice of Your thunder they hastened away. They went up over the mountains; They went down into the valleys, To the place which You founded for them. You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, That they may not return to cover the earth. He sends the springs into the valleys; They flow among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild donkeys quench their thirst. By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches. He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the service of man, That he may bring forth food from the earth, And wine that makes glad the heart of man, Oil to make his face shine, And bread which strengthens man's heart. The trees of the LORD are full of sap, The cedars of Lebanon which He planted, Where the birds make their nests; The stork has her home in the fir trees.

In the name of Jesus we pray to you Father God. Bless us and our loved ones, and guide us in the truth of you Holy Word. Convict us of the truth Holy Spirit in a way that will bring us to our knees. Amen!

Revelation 8:1-6 NKJV

This lesson brings us to the introduction of the Seven Trumpet Judgments. As stated in a previous lesson the seventh seal introduces the first of the seven trumpets. All the judgments are recorded in the scroll that Jesus is unrolling. As we go through these judgments the intensity of each one gets greater and deadly for mankind and the universe. Do you remember what these judgments are? They are the Seven Seals, Seven Trumpets, and Seven Bowls.

As I read ahead about these judgments that God will pour out on people and the universe I shudder. These will not be pleasant times. You do not want to be here on earth during this time. Those that will be in close proximity to some of these disasters, will die out of fear. Luke 21:25-26 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;  26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

I pray that the Revelation lessons so far has gotten you to think about your relationship with Jesus, and if you’re not saved, I ask the Holy Spirit to convict you in such a way with future lessons, you will seek Jesus in a whole new dimension and ask Him into your heart to rule and reign your life, so you will not have to go through the Tribulation if you are alive when it starts. How far away is the Tribulation? No one knows, but with each passing day and the events that are happening around the world, it isn’t far off. Do a little research and you will find the natural disasters that are happening are on the rise compared to 50 years ago. Yes society blames these things on global warming, but the truth is, God is sending wake up calls to the world, but the world is ignoring them because man thinks and believes they have all the answers through science.

After reading the last paragraph you are probably thinking, Bill what are you saying? Is the only reason to get right with God is so you won’t go through the trials of the Tribulation? No, I’m not saying that at all. If a person is not saved they need to seek a personal relationship with Jesus so that when one dies or is alive when the Rapture happens they will go to Heaven for eternity and be with their Creator and Saviour. What I’m saying is the Book of Revelation has brought fear into people’s lives by realizing they are sinners by birth, and they have repented of their sins because they realized there is a Hell which is eternal punishment. Just like the Book of Romans that has brought multitudes to their knees in repentance by means of the Holy Spirit convicting them of the truth of God’s Holy Word, and revealing the deception of what Religion and manmade doctrine teaches.

It is the Holy Spirit that opens the door of our soul and spirit to be convicted of our false beliefs and the truth is revealed if we will allow it. Many times our flesh will not allow it because we think we know best and cling to our tradition, religious beliefs, manmade rules, upbringing, etc. and will not allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

OK, I’d had better get going on this week’s lesson, so let’s see what scripture has for us.

1  When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven; This silence that takes place in Heaven is in expectation of what will happen next. So far the opening of the first six seals some pretty awful things took place, or will take place. Do you remember what the first six seals revealed? The four horsemen, seals 1-4 representing the Antichrist, wars, famine, and death; the martyred souls under the altar that would not deny Jesus name, seal 5; and the shaking of the earth, seal 6.

With those in Heaven seeing what has happened with the opening of each seal, are they concerned about what the seventh seal is to reveal? Yes they are! The expectation of what woe it will bring upon those on earth, is such that its opening has caught the attention of all in Heaven causing silence.

Have you ever experienced silence due to some type of expectation about to take place? What about at a basketball game and the winning point rests on a free throw shot; or at a graduation and the silence of the audience in expectation of what the speaker or valedictorian has to say; or watching a suspenseful movie and all the previous scenes are leading up to something but you don’t know what. This is what takes place in Heaven causing those to be silent in great expectation of what is going to happen next. Jesus is reaching for the seventh seal and everyone sees Him reaching for it and this creates silence of great anticipation.

For about half an hour; John states the silence is about ½ and hour. We don’t really know how long of time span this will be, but with the suspense that is building it seems like ½ hour to him. It is the suspense of what is to come next that causes this to seem so long.

2  And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.

Seven Angels Seven Trumpets

Art used; by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site, http://revelationillustrated.com.

And I saw the seven angels who stand before God; These seven angels are not the angels referred to in previous lessons. The angels mentioned before represented the seven spirits of the seven churches that are sent out into all the earth. Revelation 1:4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, Revelation 5:6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

These seven Angels are totally different than the seven Spirits of God. Quite possibly Gabriel is one of these Angels, for he said to Zacharias, “I am Gabriel who stands in the Presence of God.” So we know Gabriel stands in the presence of God and who the other six are we do not know for certain. These Angels are God’s elite angels of high rank and are in the presence of God continually to serve Him. Luke 1:19 And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.

And to them were given seven trumpets; These seven trumpets represent the next seven judgments that God will pour out on the world. Each of these trumpets will be a different misery to those on earth. Trumpets were used then for various purposes to summon an assembly; to gather the troops for battle; to inspire troops in conflict; to announce some type of decree. Here they are given to announce a series of important events producing great changes in the world. Trumpet examples:

Exodus 19:16 Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. Exodus 20:18 Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar; This angel is of unknown identity and the fact that we don’t know who this angel is, makes no difference. If we were to know who this angel is it would have been recorded by John. This angel has a golden censer and stands before the altar of incense.

A censer is a small portable vessel of metal, fitting to receive burning coals from the altar, which incense was sprinkled on the coals for burning.

The altar is the “Altar of Incense.” This altar is of the same nature as the one God had Moses build and it stood before the Veil in the Tabernacle here on earth.

He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne; This angel was given a lot of incense because the occasion was one on which many prayers might be expected to be offered. The prayers of God’s Saints on earth going through the Tribulation, those Raptured up into Heaven, and the martyred souls under the altar crying out for vengeance. Now remember these Saints are God’s children. Individuals that have given their heart to Jesus and are cover by the atoning blood of Jesus. These are not man proclaimed saints.

The purpose of the incense is that it be burned and offered up the same time the prayers of the Saints are offered up. It was a Jewish custom to burn incense during prayer time or pray during the burning of incense. Incense was burned in the Temple twice daily. When the people saw the smoke from the burning incense, they prayed. Exodus 30:7-8 "Aaron shall burn on it sweet incense every morning; when he tends the lamps, he shall burn incense on it.  8 And when Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense on it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.

4  And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand.

An incense burner filled with live coals was used in Temple worship. Incense was poured on the coals, and the sweet-smelling smoke drifted upward, along with believers' prayers ascending to God. Prayers are very precious in the sight of God, but at the same time imperfect. Incense added to our prayers is a type of sweet delight that symbolizes the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

5  Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

This verse is telling us that God’s wrath will be poured out on earth in such a way that has never been seen before or in the future. Matthew 24:21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. It is also telling us the Trumpet Judgments will be worse than the Seven Seal Judgments.

God’s wrath is not to be taken lightly. Many people believe that God will look the other way or they can barter their way into Heaven. They don’t want to believe that He would send them to Hell for eternity because He is merciful and He will forgive them. The problem is that every human being has had a chance in their earthly life time to accept Jesus as their Saviour. God sent His only begotten Son to earth in human form to die in our place. What an act of love this was on God and Jesus part. There is no other definition of love! Yet only a remnant give their heart to Jesus. Our God is a just God, there is no gray area with God, only black or white; guilty or not guilty. There were only 8 people saved from Noah’s time because all other humans were living a life of sin. Only 3 people were saved from God’s wrath at Sodom and Gomorrah because of sinful life styles. This is what a remnant is!

Sin is sin in God’s eyes unless one is washed in the shed blood of Jesus our Saviour. If one is not saved and they keep all the laws except one and die without repentance, they are doomed for Hell. James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

6  So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

The seven angels are getting ready to sound their Trumpets of Judgment. These Trumpet Judgments will start to take place a little before mid Tribulation. Next week we will kick off the Trumpet Judgment!

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock     https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Almodad?

Answer: Almodad was one of Joktan’s sons, a descendant of Noah through Noah’s son Shem. Genesis 10:26; 1 Chronicles 1:20.

This week’s Trivia: Who was Amalek?

6-26-2013 Vol. 7 Part 20 Book of Revelation (Revelation 7:9-17)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.

6-26-2013 Vol. 7 Part 20 Book of Revelation

Psalms 103:13-22 As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them. The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Bless the LORD, all His works, In all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!  In the name of Jesus we pray to you Father God. Bless us and our loved ones, and guide us in the truth of you Holy Word. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever, Amen!

Revelation 7:9-17 NKJV

I didn’t have space for this picture last week in part 19. This picture relates to last week’s lesson where the fifth angel came carrying the Seal of God. God’s name will be placed on the foreheads of the 144,000 Jews of the Tribes of Israel. As stated last week we don’t know much about these 144,000. They will received this seal in the first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation here on earth. I will raise some questions in this lesson pertaining to their purpose.

Receiving the Seal of God

Art used; by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site, http://revelationillustrated.com.

This week’s lesson is about the Tribulation Saints (great multitude), not to be confused with the 144,000, but I do believe there is a connection between the two groups.

9    After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number; John goes from one vision to this vision and it can get very confusing, in fact I think many theologians are confused also, because there is no consistency. After spending 3 hours studying these two groups here is what I have come to understand and makes sense to me. Is it right, maybe and maybe not, but this seems to be one of the mysteries of God’s Word. This is one of those facts in the Bible that is not essential to salvation, so if it makes sense and you want to believe it you can, but I would never argue about it because we really don’t know. If we argue about non-essential facts of the Bible what does it profit anyone. What we stand up and steadfast for is the sacrifice Jesus did for us, meaning the works of the Cross. We also stand fast for what the Ten Commandments stand for, meaning sin. As a Christian we hate sin, but love the sinner and we are to point sin out to those that live a sinful live in hope of them repenting and asking Jesus into their life.

The sealing of the 144,000 takes place early in the first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation. When these 144,000 are sealed it is like in the book of Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  3  Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  4  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit ………….. I use these verses as an example of boldness only and what caused the boldness and not a filling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. When the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit they became bold and preached the Gospel in a bold way. So keep this boldness in mind for the upcoming paragraphs.

Here is where the confusion lies. Some Theologians claim the Holy Spirit is removed from earth at the Rapture and others claim He isn’t. I believe the Holy Spirit is removed at the Rapture in regards to non-believers and a delusion will come over them to believe a lie, which in turn allows Satan and his band of evil doers to do as they please to those that don’t believe and will never believe. But to those predestined and haven’t accepted Jesus because they don’t understand or never heard the Gospel, the Holy Spirit will be active in bringing them home to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is necessary in the lives of non-believers for conviction of sinfulness which leads to repentance. Conviction + Repentance = Salvation. In a previous lesson I made a statement regarding the removal of the Holy Spirit at the Rapture which was wrong so I retract that statement because the Holy Spirit is necessary for this great multitude to come to Jesus during the Tribulation.

This is where I believe the 144,000 come into play. They are sealed with a zeal that causes them to go out among nations to proclaim the Gospel and multitudes will be saved. The Holy Spirit will lead this event by residing within these that are sealed and in those saved. Through this outpouring of the Holy Spirit this great multitude is the result.

Of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb; This phrase tells us the great multitude is different than the 144,000. They are from around the world, of many nations, nationalities, and languages. They are Born Again and standing at the Throne, before their Saviour.

Clothed with white robes; The white robes of course signifies they are children of God and have been made righteous through faith in Jesus and given white robes like the Saints under the altar.

With palm branches in their hands; What is the significance of the palm branches? We know they were used when Jesus rode into Jerusalem and can be interpreted as a symbol of triumph and joy. John 12:12-13 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,  13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' The King of Israel!"

The palm tree is mentioned many times throughout the Bible. Branches were gathered and huts were made out of them for the Feast of the Lord in the seventh month. Nehemiah 8:15 and that they should announce and proclaim in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, "Go out to the mountain, and bring olive branches, branches of oil trees, myrtle branches, palm branches, and branches of leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written."

The palm is, in truth, a beautiful and most useful tree. Its fruit is the daily food of millions; its sap furnishes an agreeable wine; the fibers of the base of its leaves are woven into ropes and rigging; its tall stem supplies a valuable timber; its leaves are manufactured into brushes, mats, bags, couches, and baskets. This one tree supplies almost all the wants of the people of ancient times.

10  and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

These that are saved just like the believers in the verse above, John 12:12,13 cry out the message of salvation that Jesus brought into their lives and that they will enjoy eternal happiness for eternity. They know with their hearts and not their lips who Jesus is, and only through Him can salvation be found.

11  All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,

The angels, elders, and the living creatures all fall on their face to worship God. Why do they fall on their face? It is out of reverence and submission. Have you ever submitted to Jesus by laying on the floor, face down in prayer? It is a submissive posture to Jesus when we do this.

12  saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen."

This verse is a seven fold worship starting with amen and ending with amen given to God and Jesus. God and Jesus are one, but two separate beings, therefore they are both entitled to a seven fold praise. The “Amen” at the beginning denotes truth about what is to be said, and the “Amen” at the end denotes total agreement in what is cried out.

13  Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?"

Did this elder answer a question of Johns before he could ask it? Was John wondering this and the elder asked the question for him? It very well could be. John may have been standing there in awe and not knowing what to say, think, or ask so the elder asked for him. What would have been going through your mind if you were in John’s sandals? I think John gave a very appropriate answer by what the next verse states.

14  And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

John’s answer was one of respect and reverence of an elder. This type of respect is missing in today’s society. Many children do not respect their parents and this type of respect carries over into the workforce. Just look around whether at work, school, shopping, recreational events, or anywhere you go and you can observe disrespect for fellow human beings whether elders, authoritative individuals, or fellow human beings. Many times I have seen people reprimanded for not respecting people in the places I have and currently work. Many times the inherited sin nature rises in these individuals because they don’t see anything wrong with their behavior, it is all about them, they are number one and that is who they live to please. They actually are practicing idolatry, idolatry of self by placing themselves first instead of God. Once you know what the sin nature is, it is so easy to see it in practice through people’s actions and speech anywhere you go.

The elder goes on to explain to John who and where this great multitude came from. They are the saved individuals that were witnessed to during the Tribulation and accepted Jesus as their Saviour. They are washed with the life saving blood of Jesus Christ, the only life giving blood that can be transfused into our veins that will give us everlasting life. Jesus is the only way; religion is religion; Jesus is Salvation. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. It is a miracle that a white robe can be dipped in the shed blood of Jesus and come out white as fresh fallen snow. Praise God Almighty!

15  Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.

Therefore they are before the throne of God; Who are “they”? They are the great multitude standing before the Throne of God. They have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. They have been fully accepted by God as His faithful and true children.

And serve Him day and night in His temple; This phrase can be viewed as contradictory in two ways based on the following two verses. Revelation 21:25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day; there shall be no night there. Revelation 21:22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

Day and night is a way of expressing a continuous thing without any interruptions. Verse 25 is referring to the state of what the New Jerusalem will be like which is what the throne room of God is like. There is no darkness there because God/Jesus is the light of the world. Go back to the lesson that covers Revelation 4:3 and see the description of the throne room of God and the light that is present. This light is constant. There will be day and night on earth, but not when one is in the presence of God.

Jesus and God are the temple. When one is in their presence, they are surrounded by their attributes, which is the temple. That is why verse 22 above states there was no temple. The temple was done away with when Jesus died on the Cross. The temple veil was rent from top to bottom and from that time forward no one had or has to go to a priest for their spiritual needs. They go directly to Jesus our one and only advocate.

And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them; At some point in time Jesus will rule and reign here on earth. He will take up residence and live among the people.

16  They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;

17  for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

As stated previously, at some point in time Jesus will be among us and life will take place in a perfect environment. No more sorrow, hunger (physical or spiritual), tears, worries, etc.

To attain this perfect eternal life we must repent of our life style and accept Jesus life blood into our blood stream and then keep our faith placed in the finished works of the Cross. Where does your faith lie?

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock     https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Alian?

Answer: Alian was one of the sons of Shobal. He is listed among Seir’s descendants in the family tree of Esau, Genesis 36:23; 1 Chronicle 1:40.
This week’s Trivia: Who was Almodad?

6-19-2013 Vol. 7 Part 19 Book of Revelation (Revelation 7:1-8)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.

6-19-2013 Vol. 7 Part 19 Book of Revelation

Psalms 103:1-12 A Psalm Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

In the name of Jesus we pray to you Father God. You are Holy and the creator and ruler of all things. Open our minds and hearts to fully understand this lesson with our hearts. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever, Amen!

Revelation 7:1-8 NKJV

This lesson is about things that transpire in Heaven. It is a behind the scene of what we know and see here on earth in a physical world compared to what takes place in the spiritual world, which in turn triggers events that affect us here on earth. These things that John describes to us in the book of Revelation, boggles our minds and is hard for us to understand. These events are in Heaven which is a whole different dimension than what we live in. We can’t comprehend these spiritual things at times. All we can do is believe. Just like the wind blowing, we can feel the wind, but we can’t physically see it, we can’t see where it is coming from or where it is going, and we can’t see what is causing it. We just know it is there from time to time and we accept it for what it is and that it is a product of God’s will. The gift of grace from God, a product of Salvation is the same way. We can’t see, touch, or hold faith in our hands, but we know it is real and all we have to do is believe in what Jesus did for us on the Cross and place our faith in the finished works of the Cross.

This little side track that John is taking us on describes some events that will take place after the sixth seal. These are events that are outside of the realm of the judgments (Seals, Trumpets, and Vials). They are events that God orchestrates to take care of His children.

We will also see another duty of angels and what they do that we cannot see, but it affects us here on earth. So let’s get started.

1   After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.

After these things; This is referring to the judgments that would be poured out with the opening of six seals. To refresh your memory they were the four horsemen (antichrist, war, famine, death), the martyred souls under the altar, and the great earthquake.

I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth; Angels come and go from the Throne of God. They are messengers, warriors, and servants of God. The Bible is chucked full of events that Angels have done through the will of God. They also have a free will, because the fall of Lucifer attests to that. Isaiah 14:11-14 Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, And the sound of your stringed instruments; The maggot is spread under you, And worms cover you.'  12 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!  13 For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north;  14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' Here is just a few other things mentioned in the Bible that angels do; messengers to Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, and Sampson’s mother and father. Judges 13:6-7 So the woman came and told her husband, saying, "A Man of God came to me, and His countenance was like the countenance of the Angel of God, very awesome; but I did not ask Him where He was from, and He did not tell me His name.  7 And He said to me, 'Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. Now drink no wine or similar drink, nor eat anything unclean, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.' ", Judges 6:11-23; assistants, I Kings 19:5–7; II Kings 19:35; Genesis 32:1; Joshua 5:13–15; they are associated with the giving of the Law, Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2; with final judgment Matthew 16:27; Mark 8:38; 13:27; Luke 12:8; II Thessalonians 1:7; carrying the righteous dead into Heaven, Luke 16:22; Jesus received the help of angelic ministry on several occasions, Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43, and many more.

Holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree; This represents the judgments of God. The judgments are to be held back for a period of time until God’s servants are sealed in His Grace.

These four angels must be anxious to bring an end to evil that plagues this earth. They want to see judgment and evil wiped off the face of the earth just like the souls under the altar want to see their death avenged, but Jesus says hold on for a bit longer, there are some on earth that still need to be saved.

2  Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,

Then I saw another angel ascending from the east; Appearing here is another angel carrying out a task for God. He is a messenger and also the bearer of God’s seal of salvation. Why does this angel appear coming out of the east? Why not the west, north, or south? We don’t really know, but could it be because the sun rises in the east and brings us a new day? Just as a new day is born with the rising of the sun, a person that receives the gift of grace from God by placing their faith in the Cross of Christ, will have a new life, a new spiritual life.

Having the seal of the living God; This angel is carrying a seal. It is a seal that is place upon an individual when they give their heart to Jesus. It is the seal of salvation that they are a child of God. This is not a seal that can be seen by humans, but one that can be seen by the spiritual world. This seals ones heart, with the Holy Spirit taking up residence within our body, which becomes a temple for God the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are? If we claim to be Saved, and our body becomes a temple, they is it right to pollute our temple with sin like drinking, smoking, drugs, foul language, idolatry, sexual sensuality, etc.?

So what seal do we have if we have one before a spiritual birth? I’m glad you asked this question. We are sealed with the seal of the, “sin nature”. Every human being is born with the sin nature because of the fall of Adam and Eve. The only way this can be washed away is with the blood of Jesus. If we believe with our hearts in why and what Jesus did on the Cross for us and keep our eyes fixed on the works of the Cross, our sins will be covered with the shed blood of Jesus and God our Father will no longer be able to see our sin nature. Without repentance and asking Jesus to come into our hearts, a person cannot experience a Born Again life. Salvation cannot be obtained any other way. Many believe baptism does this but scripture stated otherwise. When one has a spiritual birth at some point in time they will or should have a desire to be baptized by immersion. Baptism is an outward sign to others, meaning your Christian family, immediate family, friends, and others around them that they have died to their old way of life and starting a new Christ like life. Baptism is like wedding vows (repentance of sinful lifestyle) and rings (baptism) to a couple, it is a commitment and sign of a relationship with Jesus. Baptism represents Jesus death and resurrection in a Born Again Christian’s life by being submersed in water (Jesus burial) and raised (Jesus resurrection) up out of the water. This signifies the person’s desire to die to the carnal flesh and to strive to live a new life. Baptism will not save anyone, and you don’t have to be baptized to be saved, only a Spiritual Birth (faith in Jesus and what he did) will save a person. One must be born of the flesh (human birth) and of the spirit (spiritual birth) to inherit the Kingdom of God, otherwise we are enemies of God. Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. James 4:4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea; This angel is crying out with a loud voice to the other four angels that have the assignment to pour out God’s judgment upon the earth, to hold off for a little while longer. The next verse tells us why.

3  saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads."

The one thing that stands out here is the word, “we” that the angel used. This tells us that this angel with this seal will be assisted in some way in the task of placing God’s mark on the forehead of His children.

4  And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:

So who are these 144,000? One thing we know for sure is, they are Jewish people of the tribes of Israel. They are on earth and judgment is being held off till they receive the seal of God. In Revelation chapter 14 we learn a little bit more about them. Revelation 14:1-5 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads.  2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.  3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.  4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.  5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. Verses 4 does not refer to moral adultery, but rather spiritual adultery. They are true to Jesus and the way of the Cross.

144,000 is the square root of 12. Twelve is mentioned many times in the Bible, which in general, is regarded as suggestive of divine administration. In the Gospels for the twelve apostles, and in Act_6:2; 1 Corinthians_15:5; Revelation_21:14; of the tribes of Israel, Matthew_19:28; Luke_22:30; James_1:1; Revelation_21:12; in various details relating to the heavenly Jerusalem, Revelation_21:12-21; 22:2.

This list of the 12 tribes is a different list that is in the Old Testament, because it is a symbolic list of God's true followers. Judah is mentioned first because Judah is both the tribe of David and of Jesus the Messiah Genesis_49:8-12; Matthew_1:1; Levi had no tribal allotment because of the Levites' work for God in the Temple Deuteronomy_18:1, but here the tribe is given a place as a reward for faithfulness; Dan is not mentioned because of rebellion and idolatry, traits unacceptable for God's followers (Genesis_49:17); The two tribes representing Joseph (usually called Ephraim and Manasseh, after Joseph's sons) are here called Joseph and Manasseh because of Ephraim's rebellion. See Genesis 49 for the story of the beginning of these 12 tribes.

5  of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed;

6  of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed;

7  of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed;

8  of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.

The 144,000 Sealed

Art used; by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site, http://revelationillustrated.com.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock     https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Aliah?

Answer: Aliah was one of Esau’s descendants. He was an Edomie chieftain. Genesis 36:40; 1 Chronicles 1:51.

This week’s Trivia: Who was Alian?

6-12-2013 Vol. 7 Part 18 Book of Revelation (Revelation 6:12-17)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.

6-12-2013 Vol. 7 Part 18 Book of Revelation

Psalms 102:13-28 You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come. For Your servants take pleasure in her stones, And show favor to her dust. So the nations shall fear the name of the LORD, And all the kings of the earth Your glory. For the LORD shall build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory. He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, And shall not despise their prayer. This will be written for the generation to come, That a people yet to be created may praise the LORD. For He looked down from the height of His sanctuary; From heaven the LORD viewed the earth, To hear the groaning of the prisoner, To release those appointed to death, To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, And His praise in Jerusalem, When the peoples are gathered together, And the kingdoms, to serve the LORD. He weakened my strength in the way; He shortened my days. I said, "O my God, Do not take me away in the midst of my days; Your years are throughout all generations. Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will have no end. The children of Your servants will continue, And their descendants will be established before You."

In the name of Jesus we pray to you Father God. You are Holy and the creator and ruler of all things. Open our minds and hearts to fully understand this message from You. We give you all the Praise!  Amen!

Revelation 6:12-17 NKJV

I left off last week with verse 12 which is the opening of the sixth seal and that is where we will continue in the description of the earthquake being described in the rest of this chapter along with chapter 7.

12  I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.

There was a great earthquake; With the opening of the sixth seal a great earthquake will happen and it will be of such magnitude it will affect the universe. It will be one that will strike fear in the hearts of all left on earth. Isaiah prophesized it this way; Isaiah 24:18-21 And it shall be That he who flees from the noise of the fear Shall fall into the pit, And he who comes up from the midst of the pit Shall be caught in the snare; For the windows from on high are open, And the foundations of the earth are shaken.  19 The earth is violently broken, The earth is split open, The earth is shaken exceedingly.  20 The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, And shall totter like a hut; Its transgression shall be heavy upon it, And it will fall, and not rise again.  21 It shall come to pass in that day That the LORD will punish on high the host of exalted ones, And on the earth the kings of the earth.

The sun became black as sackcloth of hair; Sackcloth was a coarse black cloth, normally, but not always made of hair. It was used for sacks, for strainers, and for mourning garments. The thought here, is the sun will put on a dark, dingy, doleful appearance. This appearance will be the result of the great earth quake that will spew dust into the atmosphere. With a shaking of such magnitude there will undoubtedly be global volcanic eruptions.

The moon became like blood; Due to this great movement of the earth the moon will appear red like blood. It doesn’t mean it turns to blood, just that it appears red. Will the moon appear red, to all around the earth, or just to those in the Middle East area? We don’t really know, but the appearance will be due to the dust particles sent up into the heavens from the earthquake.

  

Destruction in Nature

Art used; by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site, http://revelationillustrated.com.

13  And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.

The stars of heaven fell to the earth; This shaking of the universe could very well mean meteorites or shooting stars will shower the earth.

In the past, there has been damage by meteorites that failed to burn up when they enter the earth’s atmosphere and hit the earth. Just recently there was one that exploded in Russia that cause some damage. These meteorites could be immense, causing great harm when they hit.

These giant slabs of rock, some could be the size of a town, when they slam into Earth, whether on land or sea, will cause untold damage. Those that land in the sea, may create great tidal waves killing people.

Isaiah also describes this event. Isaiah 34:4 All the host of heaven shall be dissolved, And the heavens shall be rolled up like a scroll; All their host shall fall down As the leaf falls from the vine, And as fruit falling from a fig tree.

As a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind; A fig tree will develop late fruit that will never ripen because of the changing season into winter. The figs will drop after a freeze and a strong wind comes along.

Just as this happens to a fig tree, the same will happen to the universe. There will be meteor shower like never seen before in history of great destruction. Just like what happened to Sodom and Gomorra because of their wicked ways of sodomy and turning away from God. The big difference here is it won’t be an isolated area but a vast area. Genesis 19:24 Then the LORD rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens. God is saying it is time for my creation to rid itself of the poison of all evil. The thief meaning Satan has been allowed to roam the earth long enough and it is time for him to go. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

14  Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.

Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up; The KJV states this phrase as, “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together”. This refers to the shaking of the Heavens which produces the meteorites. This shaking ultimately produces the great earthquakes and shifting of the land. This all seems unimaginable, but all things are possible with God. He is omnipotent, meaning all powerful, there is nothing He can’t do.

Picture someone that get highly agitated with someone or something and takes that person or object and violently shakes them or it. This is what God will be doing with the universe. He will finally come to the end of His patience and starts shaking the universe because of people’s wicked ways. He is saying why won’t you people turn to Me, and place your faith in Me, and let Me take care of you? When will you quit thinking you are smarter than Me? What do I have to do, I hate your sinful lifestyles. My Son Jesus died on the Cross for you, what more must I do? Quit trying to work your way to Heaven through your thoughts, actions, good deeds, manmade religious doctrine, etc. and let me take care of you.

What is sin? When you follow your own desires, the result is sin: Romans 1:22-32 NLT Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.  23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.  24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies.  25 They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.  26 That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other.  27 And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.  28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, He abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.  29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip.  30 They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents.  31 They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy.  32 They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.

Galatians 5:19-21 NLT When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,  20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,  21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5:3-7 NLT Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people.  4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.  5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.  6 Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey Him.  7 Don't participate in the things these people do.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.  Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; (Hell) but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Romans 5:8 But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. John the Baptist preached repentance. Meaning turn from sin and believe in what Jesus did on the Cross. One must place their faith in the works of the Cross to be saved.

Salvation Prayer: Jesus I’m a sinner, I’m sorry for my sins, please forgive me. I don’t want to sin anymore. I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life. I believe you died to set me free of my sins. You are the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life. I believe in you Jesus! If you are sincere He will save you!

Every mountain and island was moved out of its place; This moving of mountain and island may be one part of the regeneration and appearance of earth in the Kingdom Age.

15  And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,

16  and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!

There will come a day, that seems to be in the near future, that mankind will awaken and realize there really is a God and what has been prophesized is true. Those that live during the Tribulation, the light bulb will come on in their brain, but it will be too late. The rich, poor, famous, rulers of countries, common people, etc. will cower and look for places to hide from the Judgment of God that will befall upon them and the world. All the money of the world, worldly possessions, fancy name titles, religious prestige, etc. will not save these people and their unrighteous mind will tell them they are doomed to everlasting Hell. They will seek a place to hide, just like Adam and Eve, but it will be a vain act. God will call out, “Where are you?” Not that He doesn’t already know where you are physically, but where are you Spiritually, is the ultimate question.

It will be the biggest prayer group ever known to mankind during the Tribulation, but to no avail. Billions will be praying to their man made religious saviour’s and co-redeemers which do not exist. Jesus is the only one that can save!

17  For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"

The “great day of His wrath” is the coming Great Tribulation. God’s judgment will be poured out on this world in an unprecedented manner and no one will then be able to stand against that judgment.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock     https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Akan?

Answer: Akan was the son of Ezer, he was a descendant of Seir, a Horite chief who was one of the descendants or Esau. Genesis 36:27; 1 Chronicles 1:42.

This week’s Trivia: Who was Aliah?