Another Seal, Another Horse - More Truth.

Suffering at the hands of those who claim to be Christians is AWFUL, just awful. When a Christian claims to love Jesus in one breath and beat up a person in the next believing they are doing the will of the Savior they are NOT true Christians, they can't be.  There are a whole lot of pseudo Christians in the world. I don't mean the Christians who are struggling to follow Christ's mandate to love ALL even their enemies, and finding it hard not to be angry, or upset with those who are hurting them. The saying Christians aren't perfect just forgiven is true actually.  But we can't claim to be Christ's followers while believing we need to hate our enemies and retaliate against them.  Christ did NOT torture ANYONE into believing in Him. Christ did not torture those who He knew outright hated Him.  Christ did not raise up an army to destroy those who believed differently.  Christ did not tell His disciples to raise up armies to destroy those didn't love Him, never did He say that, never! So why have so many done so in His name and still claim they are Christ followers?

We continue our study and may God help us see the truth in His word, only the truth!

Help us, Lord! Save us!

In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord now and forever!!!!!!!

******* Continuing our prophecy study--  Please GO back and READ the study from the beginning to gain full understanding of where we are if you haven't been following this study daily.  Thank you :)  We are on lesson number 75. God bless you! ******

Rev 6:7  And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
Rev 6:8  And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Jesus opened the fourth seal of the very special book and the fourth beast - the beast like a flying eagle with six wings and covered in eyes back and front- told John to come and see.

John looked and saw another horse and this one was the color of pale, not white, but pale. There is no purity here but rather something off color.

Recently a doctor saw a friend of mine and immediately noticed how 'pale' he was. To the doctor's trained eye he knew something was wrong instantly where I only partially suspected something was off color. Why was my friend so pale? Because he was extremely sick. When we see someone who is off color- or pale we suspect that there is something wrong. Sometimes it's as simple as having a fright, but more oft than not it's because there is sickness involved.

This horse John can see is pale and the rider was named Death. Death!

 Aren't the majority of sickly people laying upon their deathbeds on the pale side? Seriously. The very ill have that look about them don't they? If you've no firsthand experience such as working in a nursing home, or a hospital, or even nursed someone at home who was dying you might not know for yourself personally but surely most people have seen movies with such scenes in them where an actor is made up to be dying and one of the first things happening when applying that camera makeup is working on making that person's complexion pale- sickly. The same with the tortured and wounded, rarely will they simply just look fine other than their wounds. Those who are horribly abused and near death, those who are awfully sick, they LOOK sick and when we say they look sick we instantly mean off color- pale. Is it any wonder Death is the rider of this time period shown? That Hell(in the margin of the Bible is the word 'the grave'), that the Grave followed Death?

During this period of time the false church is fully entrenched in people's lives and reigning with an unbelievable power over people. The papacy with its religious/political dual purpose in existing corrupted the purity of any that would be truly God's people. Mingling the pure message of Christ's love and redemption with so much that is worldly- clearly shouts falsehood. The papacy during this period had great authority in many, many ways and during that time just as it says- ' And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth,' surely this papal power held such authority, and they were able to kill with the sword, with torture such as hunger and yes, the beasts of the earth. For when the civilized powers are gone what remains but beasts to rule? And in another note- during this time the Black Death came into play killing millions and millions of people, and what brought the black death but black rats -carrying the diseased fleas.

Yes, during the middle ages the papacy reached the height of its power and wield its awful authority by order of inquisitions and it also suffered its eventual downfall as the end of this time period drew nigh in the 1500's and the birth of Protestantism began.

To read a bit more on the subject - look it up on the internet, there is a wealth of information out there.

No, Protestantism didn't immediately squash the papacy but it had its beginning there in the 1500's after a terrible reign of ruler ship for over a thousand years. That the papacy wasn't fully squash until 1798 its downfall can be noted as beginning in the 1500's.

This fourth horse truly did bring with it the rider called Death and the Grave most certainly followed.

May the Lord bless and keep us as we continue our study, realizing how truly separate God's way is from man's. Jesus did not wield power and authority by any force whatsoever, in fact He acted the part of the Lamb being led to the slaughter only unlike our animal lambs, Jesus was fully aware of the death that awaited Him and He didn't offer any protest at all. He didn't cause an uprising of followers to wage war on the corruption around them, He encouraged love of enemies, doing good to those who misuse you- hate you- despise you- and all His followers were to follow that example of His and where can you find that in any way with the things the papacy has done under the guise of being Christ's church? May we today recognize the truth of Jesus' love and call to us to follow Him and know that all else even with its disguise of purity and goodness is filled with evil and there will be those who cry out to Jesus about knowing him but in truth He will call back to them that He knows them not. May we not be among those, but be safely in the kingdom as true followers of Jesus' love, covered in His righteousness by His mercy, His grace towards us sinners who beg forgiveness and repent of all that would keep us from His love, from His knowing us.


Amen!

Do we study God's word, really study?

Satan doesn't want us studying God's word.

Let me rephrase that, Satan doesn't want us studying to know the truth in God's word. He doesn’t mind if we study God's word as long as we aren't studying to know the deep truths God wishes to reveal to us.  Hold up the Book of Daniel, hold up the Book of Revelation and see who truly wants to study the meat of the word not the milk. I'm not talking about the 'famous' stories such as Daniel in the Lion's Den, or Daniel and the worthies in the fire, or the ultimate return of Heavenly Jerusalem to earth where Christ will dwell with us.  We need to know the truth revealed and if we don't want to know that truth isn't it time we start asking ourselves why? Why don't we know the story of the great golden statue in Daniel?  Why don't we know about the beast in Daniel and Revelation?  Why aren't these stories from God's word that we know by heart? Why?

God help us! In Jesus' name, help us!

******* Continuing our prophecy study--  Please GO back and READ the study from the beginning to gain full understanding of where we are if you haven't been following this study daily.  Thank you :)  We are on lesson number 75. God bless you! ******

Rev 6:5  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.

Jesus opened the third seal of this very important book and the third beast (the one with a face of a man, with six wings and full of eyes like all four beasts had in common) spoke and told John to come and see, to come look. And John was shown a black horse. What is the opposite of white? Black. If white is purity and light, black is impurity and darkness isn't it? White raiment is known as being the righteousness of Christ, if there were black raiment it would be the unrighteousness portray- filthy garments. The white horse traveling through a period of time when the early church prospered without gross persecution. The red horse traveling through a period of time where there was much blood shed for God's people, in fact the bloodiest period of time in 303AD to 313AD before Christianity was finally accepted by the mainstream. Now this black horse and a rider with a pair of balances enters the picture.

Balances- even today we use them to denote what? Justice.

Symbolism-

The scales (specifically, a two pan, beam balance) are one of the traditional symbols of justice, as wielded by statues of Lady Justice. This corresponds to the use in metaphor of matters being "held in the balance". It has its origins in ancient Egypt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weighing_scale

*******

When you have two forces in play a balance can be tipped in favor of one or the other- or remain in its non-tipped state symbolizing equality.

You have two forces good and evil, Christ's way or Satan's way. 

The church of good and the church of evil perhaps are represented in the balances.

With the balance held as such in this time could it denote the birth of the corrupt church that would counter the pure church? It was historically a time when paganisn began to mingle with Christianity making it impure while retaining the title pure. Corruption, deception, darkness winds its way into the church and a corrupt church suits the purposes of Satan rather well. When you add the commerce of goods and payments to the picture we're adding what to the mix? A government, yes? An economy and every economy is ruled by a government. With the balances in the picture we have can imagine that symbol of civil power, of governmental power because once more meting out justice is government function. The involvement of government with religion - the beginning of the very corrupted pure Christianity began.  Christ would have His disciples render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's, He did  NOT promote a Christian government or a time when the church would work as any type of civil power, but rather claimed this was not His world, not our world. Yet during this period of time- church and state entwined ever further as our study in Daniel revealed. The political sway of the apostate pagan infused Papacy grew stronger and stronger.  Jesus NEVER intended that His followers would hold powerful sway over worldly matters- never. Jesus came to preach the gospel of the kingdom and instructed His followers to spread that word- NOT to join with the world in any way.

Rev 6:6  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.

This time it's not saying where the voice is exactly coming from rather from the midst of the four beasts. It's not pinpointing the One Worthy who is opening the seals either. This voice is in the midst of the beasts and thus far 3 of the beasts have spoken as the seals were broken. This additional voice makes it stand out- makes us take notice.

A measure of wheat for a penny.   Food /money.

Three measures of barley for a penny. Food /money.

Buying and selling. The great concern here isn't the purity of Christ but rather money, goods.

Yet there's an admonition- see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. 

Could it be that the wheat and the barley were being hurt? How could such commodities be hurt? For that matter how could you hurt oil and wine?  Corruption can hurt it all.

Here there is pointed mention of the wheat and the barley being sold and the admonition not to hurt the oil and wine. Nothing about selling the oil and wine but the fact the oil and wine could be hurt. If I tell you not to hurt something then the possibility exists that it can be hurt or else there need be no mention of it, right?

Throughout the Bible oil has had its special place as well as wine in the service of God. Even Jesus in the parable of the Samaritan helping the wounded man had the man tending him with oil and wine- healing him, soothing him.  If the oil and wine are hurt there can be no healing perhaps.

 Also consider the parable of the virgins and the oil in their lamps- those who brought extra were commended and welcomed to the feast while those who did not bring extra were shut out. Already in the vision of the seven churches the last church was admonished to buy eye salve to see, oil, so that their eyes would be open to the truths of Jesus that there would be Spiritual guidance. Wine, as we know, Jesus used to symbolize the blood He spilled for mankind. If there is a hurting of the oil and the wine there is a lack of spirit and blood both necessary to be in Christ fully.

Those true to Christ while the corruption began in earnest during the time of the third seal needed to guard the truth of the oil and wine, the spirit and blood and hold fast to that truth as it was being corrupted and brought into ruin so easily, so deceptively.

May God keep our eyes and hearts open to Him. May we remember these words and understand that during great famines of a spiritual nature we can hold fast to Christ and His sacrifice for us through the Holy Spirit's comforting, guiding, admonishing.

As the end approaches the Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth and we who long to be His and stand fast in Him need to protect the spiritually precious gifts that cannot be bought but need to be given to us by Christ, who counsels us to buy of Him- Him who has paid the highest price so that we may have the gift of eternal life in Him, now and forever He reigns! All glory to God in the Highest! All praise, all honor, all majesty heavenward. 

By His grace and mercy.   Amen.

Opening Seals, Opening Understanding

There are movies about the signs in Revelation, fictitious movies mostly that like to take bits and pieces of the Bible and twist them into some sensationalize nonsense that will thrill people and bring in the money.  The truth of the Bible prophecy doesn't need sensationalizing.  If you tell people things about signs and such being fulfilled they tend to want to disbelieve you because to them it is supposed to be all in the future, not the past. They want all of it to  be in the future and they want it to be incomprehensible, why, because they like the sensationalism of the unknown. 

Studying the real truth, studying prophecy isn't always easy, but we need to study and pray for understanding. God will give us the truth if we are desiring it, truly desiring it beyond all else, desiring to know God's will and not seeking sensationalism in any way.

May God help us to know HIS WILL, HIS TRUTH! 

******* Continuing our prophecy study--  Please GO back and READ the study from the beginning to gain full understanding of where we are if you haven't been following this study daily.  Thank you :)  We are on lesson number 74. God bless you! ******

Rev 6:1  And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

Rev 6:2  And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Jesus opened one of the seals on that very important book in His hands. When He did so there was a great noise- isn't thunder a great noise? Thunder sounded. How ominous does that sound? You break a seal and thunder sounds. Again we can't help but imagine a movie scene here- the thunder booming as the seal is broken signifying something of importance taking place. And something important did take place-

One of the four beasts surrounding the throne spoke to John telling him to come and see... come look... And John was allowed  to see the vision of a white horse with a person sitting upon the horse holding a bow and then someone was giving the person on the white horse a crown and after that the rider on the white horse when forth conquering right away, his mission to conquer.

White is a symbol of purity. Christ's righteousness is as a white raiment. To ride upon a white horse is symbolic of going forth in purity, the righteousness of the new faith in Christ. This coincides with the first Church- Ephesus and the time line that was established there.  There was a sense of purity as our Savior brought the gospel message to the world. That new message so different than any other message was given to us in the pure righteousness of our Savior. The conquering our Savior did was over sin, over eternal death resulting from sin. On the cross Jesus Christ secured forever His right to save humanity, the victory over Satan was won. God's people having lived in expectation of a Messiah now would live with the Messiah realized. Our Lord conquered and His Apostles were given the command to continue to preach the gospel of salvation in Christ to all.

Rev 6:3  And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

Rev 6:4  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.

Jesus opens the second seal and right away John hears the second beast - remember the second beast around about the throne is like a calf filled with eyes- this beast tells John to come and see. Again John is allowed another vision. He looks and he sees another horse- this time a red horse going forth. A red horse, no longer a white horse. If white symbolizes purity and righteousness, red symbolizes what? Blood, destruction, impurity. The one who sat upon the red horse was given power, power to take peace from the earth. This lull was to be destroyed, when you take peace from something you bring what? Discord. The peace was to be taken and power so people would kill one another, a great sword of death was being wielded by the one upon the red horse. Think about what history reveals for the time after the early church...
Note this-

'The spirit of this period perhaps reached its climax as we come to the days of Constantine, the first so-called Christian emperor, whose conversion to Christianity in A.D. 323 brought about a compromise between the church and the Roman Empire. The Edict of Milan in A.D. 313, is said to have granted toleration to Christians and allowed conversions to Christianity. Kenneth S. Latourette declares that the acts immediately preceding and culminating in the Edict of Milan in 313 "still remain the most significant of the many milestones in the road by which the church and the state moved toward co-operation.' [4]

[4] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A History of the Expansion of Christianity, Vol. I, The First Five Centuries, p. 159.

And Note this-

'The Diocletianic Persecution (or Great Persecution) was the last and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman empire.[1] In 303, Emperor Diocletian and his colleagues Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius issued a series of edicts rescinding Christians' legal rights and demanding they comply with traditional religious practices. Later edicts targeted the clergy and demanded universal sacrifice, ordering all inhabitants to sacrifice to the gods. The persecution varied in intensity across the empire—weakest in Gaul and Britain, where only the first edict was applied, and strongest in the Eastern provinces. Persecutionary laws were nullified by different emperors at different times, but Constantine and Licinius's Edict of Milan (313) has traditionally marked the end of the persecution.'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletianic_Persecution


The persecutions of the early Christians grew so intense that it is noted in history as - the 'last and most severe persecution' this took place under the red horse period and it's fitting isn't it?

'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.'

A great sword indeed and it was geared towards the destruction of Christians, the destruction of the early church, truly a horse of red with a rider set to destroy.

The purity of Christianity was quickly corrupted and then corrupted fully. History reveals to us that all but one Apostle was murdered. These were God's chosen! These men walked with Jesus and learned from the Master Himself. Given a charge they knew that after the Savior was crucified that they could hope for no less of an end. All who truly follow our Savior understand that persecution is to be expected- physical and spiritual persecution.  The greatest accepted persecution of Christians took place  during a ten year period before 313 AD- this is all factual.  Read this…

'Nevertheless, all above should not reflect Pope`s visit to Serbia in 2013, for the celebration of 1700 years of the Edict of Milan.'

Pasted from <http://thesop.org/story/20110616/will-the-pope-visit-serbia-for-the-edict-of-milan-in-2013.html>

Celebrations for the EDICT of MILAN- 1700 years ago this took place. This historic event is something we have to recognize when we look at prophecy. We are historic witnesses to the fact that for two hundred some years after Jesus' death there was intense Christian persecution, the followers of Christ were not accepted. Great persecution took place and then…it was declared unacceptable to persecute Christians.

Today Christians are still persecuted, but NOT in a widely accepted manner at all.

May God bless us and keep us and may the Holy Spirit guide us into a fuller understanding of His word. By the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, now and forever, all honor, praise and glory to him!

Amen.

Present in our Prayers- Before the Lamb Who Was Slain.

We are in PROPHECY!  We are, over and over we are represented. We who belong to Christ are His saints, His people.

In the following study there is the following verse-

Rev 5:8  And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Golden vials full of odors are held by the twenty-four elders who are worshipping Jesus and in those vials the odors represent the PRAYERS of the saints! Our prayers!

Yes, we pray and we believe that our prayers are heard and answered, but to read this even in symbolic form, our prayers are right there before Jesus is amazing! We are there represented by our prayers, present in our prayers.  Praise the LORD!

Revelation Study continued…. By the grace of God may we see.

******* Continuing our prophecy study--  Please GO back and READ the study from the beginning to gain full understanding of where we are if you haven't been following this study daily.  Thank you :)  We are on lesson number 73. God bless you! ******

Rev 5:1  And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

John saw a book in God's hand. A book that had words inside it (as most books do) and words on the back of the book. And the book was sealed not with just a single seal, but seven seals! This book is important, very important. Someone wanted that very important book sealed up good and tight. In our fictional movies of fantasies with dragons and wizards and such it hasn't been unheard of to have special books sealed up and always the sealed books are of great importance. This is in a REAL book. This is a HEAVENLY book and even if it is figurative in a vision that John is witnessing it is symbolic of something extremely important.

Rev 5:2  And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

A strong angel is seen. Clearly an angel that is different from the rest so far seen by John- this angel appeared to be strong- bigger perhaps, wider in the shoulders? However the difference is- it is clearly noted.

This strong angel asks in a loud voice- Who is worthy to open the book, to loose the seals on the book. Obviously just like those fictional movies and such only someone who is worthy can open the special books. This reality isn't fiction. This amazing book sealed with seven seals needs someone worthy to loose the seals and open the book.

Rev 5:3  And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

No man any where- no man in heaven, no man in earth, no man under the earth- that just about covers everywhere. No man was worthy to open the book or to even LOOK at the book.

Rev 5:4  And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

No wonder John wept. The special book he's shown, this amazing book containing something equally amazing has to remain unopened because there is no one worthy to open it, no one. The champion, the worthy is no where to be found. And it is tragic to lose that hope of enlightenment for books hold enlightenment, don't they? Their hidden contents so special we can't even imagine.

Rev 5:5  And one of the elders saith unto me…

One of the four and twenty elders surrounding the throne speaks to John as he's crying.

Rev 5:5  And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

What does the angel say to John, weep not. Why? Because there is one worthy! A worthy one has been found! The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David- Rev. 22:16 - I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

JESUS! Jesus is worthy!

Rev 5:6  And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

A lamb- a lamb as slain- seven horns and seven eyes - perfect king, perfect ruler, perfect sight - perfect Spirit! A complete, a whole, a perfectness sent from God into all the earth! Perfect Savior! The worthy, the only one worthy to open the book bound by seven seals.

Rev 5:7  And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

Jesus took the book from God, from His father.

Rev 5:8  And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

As the book changed hands the four beasts, the twenty-four elders fell down before Jesus. The beasts, the elders all having harps, and golden vials full of odours-- the prayers of saints. How amazing is this, how amazing. All those surrounding the throne of God bow down before Jesus, and with them they bow holding the prayers of saints. The prayers of God's people - in essence our very words to Jesus are there present before Him- we are represented in our prayers.

Rev 5:9  And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Rev 5:10  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Such amazing words! Jesus is worthy to take the book to open the seals because He gave His life for us! Because He gave His life to save us. All glory to God! Jesus who alone is worthy died to make us kings and priests, true followers of God that will reign on earth with our Glorious Maker!

Rev 5:11  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

WOW! Suddenly John can hear the voice of many angels- thousands and thousands and thousands of angels! So amazing!

Rev 5:12  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.

The voices were saying Jesus is worthy! Worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing! Amen!

Rev 5:13  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.

Blessing, honor, glory, power unto God and to the Lamb-Jesus forever! All, everywhere in existence will give this praise. So amazing!

Rev 5:14  And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

So wonderful! The four beasts say- amen. The 24 elders fell down and worshipped Jesus who lives forever and ever!

How glorious this all is!  So incredibly amazing. For us to envision this is an honor, a true honor. We are blessed, so wonderfully blessed and we don't even realize it. 

More tomorrow by the amazing grace of our Savior!!!!!!!

In His love!

AMEN.

If only all people would realize the love of their Creator.

Isa_40:28  Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

Psa 138:8  The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Psa 146:5  Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God

Psa 146:6  Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever

Isa 40:27  Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?

Isa 40:28  Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

Isa 43:7  Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Isa 43:21  This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

Col 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him

Col 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Col 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Col 1:19  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

Col 1:20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Heb 1:1  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Heb 1:2  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Heb 1:3  Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high

Rev 4:10  The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

Rev 4:11  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

******* Continuing our prophecy study--  Please GO back and READ the study from the beginning to gain full understanding of where we are if you haven't been following this study daily.  Thank you :)  We are on lesson number 72. God bless you! ******

Revelation {1:10} I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet
{1:11} Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Revelation {4:1} After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

The voice as if a trumpet told John to write in a book and send what he'd written onto God's people in various areas- a message truly for God's people throughout time.

The voice as if a trumpet afterwards said - 'Come up hither and I will shew thee things which MUST be hereafter.'

Must be- not might be, this isn't any fictional character of a spirit nature with a big scary voice saying he was going to show John things that might come to pass. This big voice (for how else would you categorize a voice as if a trumpet?) told John he was going to be shown things which MUST be hereafter. So all that would be shown is factual in the nature of having to come to pass at some point in time after the vision.

Prophecy.

Revelation {4:2} And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne

When we talk of John being in the spirit it's sufficient to note that He was caught up into heavenly things, yes? All the while he's being shown things, hearing things he's in the spirit- the Holy Spirit is there opening his eyes, his heart, his mind to all that is going on-- he's truly being led by the spirit he's not doing any of this of his own accord and refuses to have anyone even think he is. He was in the spirit as all this took place, this was of God.

The vision given to Him was one of heaven- a throne in heaven with someone upon that throne.

{4:3} And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

That someone sitting there was amazing to look upon- they weren't like humans, but rather they had an appearance of precious stones, not only precious stones but a rainbow was around the throne and then there is mention of an emerald- again a precious stone. We know for a fact God had Moses use precious stones when creating the Breastplate of Judgment-

Exo 28:15  And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

Exo 28:16  Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.

Exo 28:17  And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.

Exo 28:18  And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

Exo 28:19  And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

Exo 28:20  And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

Exo 28:21  And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

The breastplate of judgment- modeled after the Ephod.

It's amazing to imagine such a sight isn't it? Such beauty- and with a rainbow round about the throne- yes, it certainly gives the imagination something to work with- something amazing.

Rev 4:4  And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Rev 4:5  And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Such a vivid picture! A throne and around about the throne 24 seats.

In those 24 seats were 24 elders.

These 24 elders have to be very important just by the fact they are surrounding the throne of God. You don't get such an important seating unless there is something special about you- as a rule. We can't help but think of the two important 12's in the Bible- the 12 tribes of Israel (the 12 sons of Joseph) of the Old Testament and the 12 Apostles of Jesus of the New Testament (12 being the one that replaced Judas after Jesus' death). The old and the new brought together- yes, this is pure conjecture it doesn't say the 24 elders are such, but it's one possibility.

The mention of their clothing is important- white raiment. We just studied about the various churches Jesus gave admonishments and promises to. Remember this-

'Rev. {3:5} He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.'

He that overcomes will be clothed in white raiment- the symbolism of overcoming through Christ. Only the worthy are clothed in white raiment so the 24 elders are obviously worthy of such garments depicting their overcoming.

What about the crowns they wore- 'Rev. {2:10} Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.'

There's the 'crown of life'.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1 Pet. 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Interesting bit of information here- http://refbible.com/c/crown.htm

One of two Greek words for crown-

(1) Stephanos means a chaplet (wreath) made of leaves or leaf-like gold, used for marriage and festive occasions, and expressing public recognition of victory in races, games and war; also figuratively as a reward for efficient Christian life and service (see GAMES). This symbol was more noticeable and intricate than the plain fillet. Only in the Re of John is stephanos called "golden." The "crown of thorns" which Jesus wore was a stephanos (woven wreath) of thorns; the kind is not known (Matthew 27:29 Mark 15:17 John 19:2, 5). Luke makes no mention of it. Whether intended to represent royalty or victory, it was caricature crown. Stephanos is found in 1 Corinthians 9:25 Philippians 4:1 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8 James 1:12 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 6:2; Revelation 12:1; Revelation 14:14; plural in Revelation 4:4, 10; Revelation 9:7; "crowned" in 2 Timothy 2:5 Hebrews 2:9; "crownedst" in Hebrews 2:7.

A reward for efficent Christian life and service. These 24 elders wore the raiment of white- the righteousness of Christ and the golden crown of victory in Christ, life in Christ - the elders service, their devotion to Christ is uncontested and rewarded by their positions on thrones, their clothing, their crowns. We might not know exactly who the elders are but we know beyond a doubt they are worthy and overcomers in Christ. Some might say they can't be representatives of the 12 tribes of Israel and have the white raiment of Christ, and they'd be wrong. The hope of the Savior is known throughout the entire Old Testament. That hope is Christ.

Rev. {4:4} And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. {4:5} And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Out of throne came lightning, thundering, and voices. Wow! Such noise!

Also amongst all of this were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne of God, the seven Spirits of God. Seven the number of perfection, of completeness.

This is an amazing heavenly vision to behold, it's powerful and thought provoking.

Rev. {4:6} And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

A sea of glass like crystal- we have a saying that something is- crystal clear. This sea of glass like crystal- a clear sea, such an amazing sea. Can you for a moment imagine a sea of glass, a sea of crystal clear glass? It boggles the mind it really does and it invokes such beauty.

Now the next bit- 'round about the throne were four beasts...' This immediately seems to take away from what we envision to be a perfect, glorious scene- beasts introduced to such beauty. Beasts full of eyes before and behind. Truly the imagination can picture these beasts and they're not very pretty at all. Of course that's because of the translation really- read this--

'Four beasts. Four living creatures, as in the Revised Version. Four beasts, as in the Common Version, is an incorrect idea. The Greek for beasts is different ( thiria ). They are four zoa, living forms.' http://bible.cc/revelation/4-6.htm

Invoking the image of a beast doesn't do justice to this vision at all- changing that word to 'four living creatures' lets the imagination free to see beauty once more- not something hideous at all. Living creatures with the ability to see everything for what else could having eyes everywhere front and back mean? The ability to see the past and the future?

We're not left to imagine just any old living creatures though, we are given examples to implement-

'And the first beast [was] like a lion'

Like a lion. Lions are majestic creatures aren't they? Powerful to be sure.

'and the second beast like a calf'

Like a calf. What do you think of when you think of a calf? Young and yet powerful, right? A calf with the ability to grow up into an amazing creature.

'and the third beast had a face as a man'

Well we know what men look like so having a beast with a face of a man does what? Tends to let us believe that there is intelligence beyond what is normal in an animalistic living creature.

'and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.'

We imagine eagles and can't help but envision the sheer majesty and power of that bird, it's truly in a class by itself for invoking power and majesty isn't it? The strength of an eagle is something often used as a descriptive term. Strong as an eagle, swift as an eagle. Power.

 {4:8} And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him

These four living creatures with attributes of the familiar all had six wings! Wings we know depict          swiftness, speed. Two powerful wings can get you far, four double that, six triple the powerful speed behind such wings.

'and [they were] full of eyes within'

Again the mention of eyes- of having that ability to see all and it has to be all. To be full of eyes you are seeing every which way. You are limited by two eyes looking forward but if you're full of eyes you are seeing everything at once without limits.

'and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. '

Amazing! A constant praise of our Lord God almighty! These super amazing living creatures using their voices to praise God, so wondrous.

{4:9} And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, {4:10} The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, {4:11} Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Too awe inspiring for words really. True worship, true honor, true praise to our Creator! Our Lord! None deserves such worship but God and God alone by whom ALL things were created! What a privilege for John to be able to see such wonders. How blessed we are to have the vision told to us. Blessed.

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In the book of Daniel which we studied recently, we learned that in prophecy beasts usually represent what? Kingdoms, kings, rulers.  Another aspect for us to look at is these beasts surrounding the throne as representative of kingdoms.

We just read what the beasts were but let's do it again-

Rev 4:7  And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

A lion.

A calf.

A man.

A flying eagle.

All these beasts full of eyes.

These four beasts, these four living creatures will give glory and honor and thanks to God.

When these beasts do this those 24 elders fall down before the throne.  Will kingdoms, will rulers bow down before God? Yes.

Rev 15:4  Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Whatever these living creature are representative of we know they are all seeing, we know they give honor, glory, and thanks to God. We know that the 24 elders will fall down before the throne- no longer sitting around it but on the sea of glass before God. Moved out of their place of honor- an honor bestowed upon them by God, all in order to give worship unto God.

{4:11} Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

God the creator of all things.

God the creator of all things for His pleasure.

Our CREATOR.  

If only all people would realize the love of their Creator.

There will be a day when all will bow down before their Creator- the God of love.  That day is fast approaching. May God find us worthy through His Son's sacrifice, through His Son's righteousness!

By His grace, by His mercy may we be witnesses to this scene before the throne of God, may we find understanding in all that our Savior has given us in this prophecy to understand.

Amen.

We are NOTHING without Christ! We forget that so easily.

******* Continuing our prophecy study--  Please GO back and READ the study from the beginning to gain full understanding of where we are if you haven't been following this study daily.  Thank you :)  We are on lesson number 71. God bless you! ******

Rev 3:14  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Rev 3:15  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Rev 3:16  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

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In the employment world we might call a lukewarm performance weak and unacceptable because we want someone to be energetic about their job. If you submit work to someone and they say it's so-so, what are they telling you? That it's on that borderline between being not quite bad enough to say it's bad and not quite good enough to call it good.

A lot of people live in that type of existence- getting by without being too bad or too good. We actually silently applaud those who don't get into trouble and understand that not being high achievers is the standard. Being mediocre is the norm in our world. The bright and brilliant are among the few, the bad encompass too many, and the in-between, the mediocre are the just right. A Goldilocks and the Three Bears scenario. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right-- only in this case it is unacceptable.

There is no 'just right'. It's an all or nothing situation and many people don't like that at all because they'd rather just get by. They'd rather just give enough to get by and no more. That isn't how Jesus works. You can't give just enough, you have to give all your heart to Him not just a piece of it.

When we give our whole heart to Jesus our lives reflect that- they reflect Christ. Jesus would have us either hot or cold because being lukewarm has him spewing us out of His mouth.  Have you ever taken a mouthful of what you thought would be a hot liquid only to find it cooled and because it's grown cool you just want to spit it out? What about taking a mouthful of something you hope to be cold and finding it lukewarm, you want to spew it out right? You can actually hear yourself go ewwwwwwwwwww, yes? I know I can. The grimace, the ewww, it's icky, and unless you're extremely thirsty you won't drink any more of that warm beverage you really can only enjoy when it's cold.

Jesus wants to spew all those who are merely lukewarm in their walk with Him - spew them out of His mouth. The lukewarm will never be acceptable to our Savior. Is it any wonder there will be few that really know Him and are known by Him? 

We love being lukewarm for Christ- it allows us to live as we please without being too bad, without us rocking any boats, without us feeling as if we are making a spectacle of ourselves. We love fitting into that mold of a Christian without being a fanatic.

Typically those who are alive for Christ, living for Christ are often branded fanatical, strange, different- and you know what? That distinction dates back to the days when Jesus walked the earth before His ascension.  Obviously, fitting in with society and blending in with the majority is NOT something we are to strive for, yet isn't that just what we are told to do- over and over.

Rev 3:17  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked

We boast though, don't we? We try to puff ourselves up even when we know inside that we are nothing. We don't like the idea of being nothing because we hear a constant barrage about how special and wonderful we are and how we have to think positive about ourselves. Our lives are geared towards trying to be the best we can be all on our own because no one else can help us. We have to believe we are very special in and of ourselves because people don't like to hear others go on about how awful they are and it's not good at all to agree with someone who says they are awful, we're supposed to turn around and tell them how wonderful they are- it's the good and proper thing to do, isn't it?

As a result of how society would have us feel good about ourselves,  having a high self-esteem is being beaten into us and it's no wonder we believe we are rich, that we need nothing. Not necessarily rich in a monetary sense -  we at least can believe we are rich in and of ourselves, right? The poorest person in the world can still believe they have need of no one, right? Sometimes we applaud the poorest person refusing to accept any charity because they have pride. Well, with Christ our pride means nothing.

Christ even says- 'knowest not'. Don't you know? Listen up. You think you are one thing but in truth you're not at all.

You are in truth miserable, you are in truth poor, you are in truth blind, you are in truth naked. This is our TRUE condition. This is the condition of mankind in relation to God.  An NO amount of our self-posturing will make us any different. We have NOTHING we ARE NOTHING without our Savior yet the world wants us to believe we are EVERYTHING all by ourselves in need of NOTHING and NO ONE!

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

We are counseled to buy of Christ- gold tried in fire to be rich, to buy white raiment to be clothed and our nakedness doesn't show, and eye salve to see.

Only in Christ can we find true riches- faith in Him for all our needs.

Only Christ's white raiment, Christ's righteousness can cloth our nakedness. We can try as we might to cloth ourselves but nothing we put on will hide out true vile condition, nothing but the righteousness of Christ.

And to see, to truly see we need the Holy Spirit opening our eyes to the truth in Christ. Anointed by the Holy Spirit we are no longer blind.

We can't depend upon ourselves and if we try to do that in the least way- all we'll hear from Christ is that we are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked to Him.

Depending upon Christ for all things truly is a job for those living in the last times before His return- as it has been throughout all time.

Satan would have us look to ourselves and away from Christ and as long as we are focused on ourselves he has us in his snare. As long as we believe we are to build ourselves up and feel good about ourselves, loving ourselves being extremely important- so important that we feel as if we don't want to live if we don't love who we are and that to hate ourselves is a reason to quickly seek counseling. As long as we are so caught up in the world's idea of how our lives should be then we are on very dangerous ground because all our hope, all our worth must be found in Christ and Christ alone.

We are NOTHING without Christ! We forget that so easily. We want to be something good so Christ will like us- just as we assume others love and like us because we are good people. 

Rev 3:19  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Rev 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Rev 3:21  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Rev 3:22  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

We can't think being chastised by God is something extraordinary- it's through His love for us we are tried, we are rebuked, chastened so that we may see the truth in Christ and in Christ alone!

We need to be zealous and repent! Be quick to repent, to recognize our sad state and cling to Christ for all our needs.

We have to STOP trying to find repentance in ourselves, from ourselves, stop trying to absolve ourselves and make ourselves feel good, to feel better.

We need to thank God when our true horrifying selves are revealed to us- even if it's daily, hourly, minutely- because then we can KNOW that our Savior is all for us because we are nothing.

Anything good in us is from CHRIST and we forget this all the time. 

Many even hearing me saying the things I am would think I'm crazy for believing this, why? Because the world has taught us otherwise. We are taught to focus on ourselves and our self worth and where we should find that worth- in beauty, in thinness, in being smart, in having a good job, a wonderful career, a great education, in obtaining a good match in a marriage, in having children and raising them well-- these are the things we are taught to believe give us self-worth.  In truth we should be taught we are not to seek self worth but to seek worth ONLY through the righteousness of Christ, our Lord and Savior!

Christ stands before us knocking- if we hear Him- if we open the door- He will come into us and sup with us. He will be our all in all, our everything. If we overcome through Him we will sit on His throne. Jesus had to overcome as well and He did so by complete dependence upon His Father. We overcome by complete dependence upon Jesus. Let us listen.

May God Bless and keep us all in Him, only in Him in none other not even ourselves. May our dependence on life be in Him solely now and forever. May our riches be found in Him, may we be clothed with His righteousness, may our eyes be opened to see the truth in Him- only in Him, by His mercy and His grace now and forever.

Amen. 

We overcome through Christ alone!

Joh_16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Jesus overcame the world, praise God!

Rom_12:21  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Overcome evil with good.  Not overcome evil with even more evil. Not overcome evil with man's perception of good. Not overcome evil with our ideas of good, but GOD'S good.

We are told-

Rom 12:19  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Rom 12:20  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

If our ENEMIES hunger we are to FEED them!

If our ENEMIES are thirsty we give them something to DRINK!

We are to be GOOD to our enemies, we are NOT to hurt our enemies in any way!

Yet we all too often believe we are justified in hurting our enemies because they hurt us.  Hurt and hurt a like, but that is NOT our SAVIOR'S way at all whatsoever!

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We must overcome evil with good and that good is our SAVIOR! He alone can overcome evil. Any good in us is HIS. If we overcome and evil it is by His power, His will.  We overcome through Christ and Christ alone.

******* Continuing our prophecy study--  Please GO back and READ the study from the beginning to gain full understanding of where we are if you haven't been following this study daily.  Thank you :)  We are on lesson number 70. God bless you! ******

We must overcome through Christ

Rev 3:7  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth

Isaiah {22:22} And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

Jesus. Jesus alone holds the keys of all God's people. David is one of God's beloved - a representative of God's true people, the faithful. The key of the faithful is Jesus- faith in Jesus is the key- without faith it's impossible to please God. All of God's faithful had that special faith in God, that special belief.

There are many things one man can open and another close, it happens all the time. But when God opens something no man can close it save God. And what God closes, no man can open. God alone has the power of such magnitude, God alone. We can't doubt this. We've been given such a special gift from God- proof beyond doubt of His reality.  Some say there is no proof. Others say that bits and piece of discovered archeological treasure points to some of the reality of what is in the Bible. But we have skeptics that refuse to believe the Bible, and will keep refusing to believe unless they are given tangible proof- they don't want historic proof- but something they can touch. Faith isn't by touch,  faith is the substance of things hoped for- the evidence of things NOT seen.

History along with prophecy is proof, irrevocable proof of the Bible's validity and yet many people will not touch prophecy at all. God has the power of shutting and no one opening, and the power of opening and no one closing. God has this amazing power of shutting and then allowing something to be open when the appropriate time arrives. This power is God's and God's alone. Man doesn't have this power and yet throughout history we know that some men who claim to have power given to them by God and they have made rules, they have made their own laws that keep mankind from the truth in God. They claim to have this power of shutting and opening, and people that believe in them rather than in God allow them to believe they truly do have that power- when in truth they have none.

Rev 3:8  I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

He knows us our hearts, He knows the deeds of our heart which are our works. God sets before us a way to Salvation and no man can take the from us, not one. Compared to the wonders of God we are very weak creatures. Even with the smallest of strength we can be strong in the Lord if we keep His words, if we don't deny His name. We can't deny God, we can't deny our Salvation. If we deny the power of salvation in Jesus Christ then we have no right to salvation at all.  The open door the way to God is given to us- we don't have to create the door ourselves, we don't have to manufacture a way, that way is given to us- such a gift is beyond our true comprehension. No man can shut this way to Christ, as long as our Lord gives us time to seek Him before all human probation is over, that way to salvation exists.  We need this way because we could never have the strength to create a way, never! Our strength is nothing compared to God's, NOTHING. We need to keep God's word, we need to NEVER deny the name of our Savior!

Rev 3:9  Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

What are Jews but God's chosen people? God's chosen. Those who say they are God's chosen and aren't they will be accounted on Satan's side where all liars dwell. Satan is the father of lies and all his children liars with him, deceiving themselves and all they can deceive with lies.

Jesus will reign and all the liars will one day realize He is Lord of Lords, King of Kings, He is the Truth! And all those who cling to the truth through Him will stand on His side and in that day the liars and followers of Satan realize this they will be worshipping at the feet of Jesus realizing where true love is found.

Rev 3:10  Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Rev 3:11  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Rev. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

The saints will have kept the word of God's patience. Faith! Faith in Jesus! Keeping the commandments of God! If we keep through Jesus we will be kept by Him from the temptations that come about all- trying that patience and trying to rip it from us.

Before all in the world are caught in the snares of satan, before there are none faithful left, Christ will come.

We have to hold fast! HOLD FAST! Keep believing, keep the faith so that we will have our crown of life in Christ. We can't let any man take our crown and yes, men will try. All that belong to satan will try to take that crown from us, to fill our minds, our hearts with deception, with lies, convincing us to lose faith. Our trust, our hope must be in Christ and Christ alone.

Rev 3:12  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

We must overcome through Christ- if we overcome we will stand in the temple of God and be with Him and never leave Him. We will have the name of God upon us, the name of the city of God, new Jerusalem, a city that will come down from heaven. We will have the new name of Christ- a new life in Christ- we must listen! We must hear the Spirit!

May God bless and keep us in Him now and forever though satan would have us and use all in his power to keep us from God. By the mercy and grace of Christ alone we live.

Amen