Blessing not conceit, God motivates us to explore the labyrinth concerning the antichrist. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3 KJV). Antichrist is both against Christ and in the place of Christ, but he also embodies what humanity already believes is their best and necessary choice of all worlds. “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy” (Revelation 13:1 KJV). The “sea” represents the “isles of the Gentiles” (Genesis 10:5) or the nations of the world (Isaiah 42:10). The early church already had perceived a connection beyond the immediate circumstances of the seven churches of Revelation 2-3, as witnessed by the 3rd-4th century comment on the “beast” (Revelation 13:1) by Victorinus: “This signifies the kingdom of that time of Antichrist, and the people mingled with the variety of nations.” Though John had already written about “many antichrists” (1John 2:18), he now focuses upon the one Daniel identities as the “little horn,” which had “a mouth speaking great things” (Daniel 7:8), NT commentators identify this as the antichrist. Father, bless us with the desire to understand Your Revelation of Jesus Christ. May our comprehension of the character of Christ and the antichrist motivate us in laboring with You in praying for the fulfillment of prophecy. May Your Kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Return quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Author: Ken
Is Satan Really The God Of This World?
As much as it might not sound right or feel good, Scripture labels satan as a god, but certainly not as Almighty God, the Creator of all. “In whom the god of this world [satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2Corinthians 4:4 KJV). Remember how Asaph described the heavenly scene? “God [Hebrew, elohim, singular] has taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods [Hebrew, elohim, plural] He holds judgment” (Psalms 82:1 ESV). Jesus referred to Psalm 82:6-7 defending His claim to be the Son of God in John 10:34-36. But, Asaph noted, unlike the Almighty “like men you [the created, lesser gods or angels] shall die, and fall like any prince” (82:7). LORD, we worship You alone as the Almighty, the High and Lofty One That Inhabiteth Eternity. There is none like You. May we not be frightened by the god of this world. Preserve us from his devices. Give us of Your Word, that we may resist him, as Jesus did in the wilderness. There are “gods many and lords many” (1Corinthians 8:5 KJV), but only one Almighty. Establish Your throne in our hearts, and we look forward to You judging this wicked liar and usurper with his just deserts in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10). Bring this to past. Return quickly, deliver Your people, and judge Your enemies. In Jesus’ almighty name, we pray. Amen and amen.
Does Recycling Work?
Certainly, we should recycle, but only God can “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5 KJV). Microplastic proliferation and diminishing numbers of recycling centers is not encouraging. The great objection of the humanists has always been the raping and pillaging of the planet by unbridled capitalism. But, from the beginning, it was not so. God’s creation of man was not just to “be fruitful, and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), but to “replenish the earth” (1:28 KJV). The LORD repeated the command to Noah after the Flood (9:1). Walking gently upon the earth is not just a pagan tradition, but it was incorporated into the Mosaic law of giving the land a sabbath’s rest. “But in the seventh year you must let it [the land] lie fallow and leave it alone so that the poor of your people may eat, and what they leave any animal in the field may eat; you must do likewise with your vineyard and your olive grove” (Exodus 23:11 NET). Since the earth is not an unlimited resource, it is apparent we need Divine Intervention, not just in the End, but to maintain it in the meantime. Remember the widow’s meal flour and oil, which were miraculously replenished by the LORD (1Kings 17:14)? God will bless the individual and land, who honor Him by healing for their land that science and government regulation alone can never accomplish. “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2Chronicles 7:14). LORD, cause the focus of our hearts to be upon You, not simply upon our frail efforts to accomplish Your work. Help us to do all we can to cooperate with You, but cause us to know only You can make all things new. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Israel: Remnant Seed of the Woman (Revelation 12:16-17)
Israel as the remnant seed of the “woman” (Revelation 12:16) is singled out for satanic wrath, for many reject the worship of antichrist and will embrace the Messiah before the end of the Tribulation Week. “And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:16-17 KJV). Excitement bristles in the Unseen Realm as all eagerly anticipate how the Almighty will conclude the story, while keeping His promise to Abraham of blessing his descendants, as well as the Gentiles (Genesis 22:17-18). Even the earth miraculously helps the fleeing fugitives of Israel, who refuse the worship of the antichrist, and who now “have the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17). Many speculate these flee to Petra, and pray the prayer, “Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?” (Psalm 60:9). Yahweh will “let none of his words fall to the ground” (1Samuel 3:19), as He secured for Samuel. National conversion awaits Israel (Isaiah 66:8), as her Messiah comes the second time. LORD, Your faithfulness astounds us in fulfilling all Your prophecies. May Israel be preserved and saved to their joy and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen.
Why Was the Holy Spirit Given?
Jesus said He would send the Comforter to “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8 KJV). How does reproving us for sin, righteousness, and judgment give us comfort? Of course, when we repent we have comfort, but that is only a remedy for the iniquity that had already occurred. What if the Holy Spirit was able also to prevent sin by guaranteeing our obedience; thus, fulfilling Christ’s words about the Comforter, but graciously giving more? “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?” (Luke 11:13). The OT prophets prophesied of such a gracious gift from Yahweh (Ezekiel 36:27; Micah 7:19). And, Paul wrote by inspiration, “It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). LORD, You are our help from ages past and our hope for years to come, teach us to value Your comfort and appreciate Your Spirit vouching our obedience that we may rejoice Your heart this day. Overcome the wicked one. Return quickly, Lord Jesus, and deliver us. In Your All Powerful Name, we pray. Amen.
They Overcame Him by the Blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11)
Tribulation Saints will overcome the enemy by the blood of Jesus during the Tribulation Week. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11 KJV). Just as demons should be presently cast out in the name of Jesus because of the blood of His sacrifice for us, during the Tribulation, the adversary will be overcome by the “blood of the Lamb” (12:11) coupled with the “word of their testimony” (12:11), which may cost them their lives, for “they loved not their lives unto the death” (12:11). Resisting the devil is necessary for him to “flee from you” (James 4:7). Resisting him “steadfast in the faith” (1Peter 5:9) using God’s Word is key. But, the specific testimony that drives demons out of humans is the value of Christ’s shed blood in cleansing our sin (1John 1:7), thus defeating the devil’s power over us. For the Tribulation Saints, this most likely ends with their martyrdom. Not all, however, will be martyred, since some will enter into the Millennium in the flesh, along with newly converted Israel at Christ’s Second Coming, to be ruled by Christ. LORD, a lot needs to happen before we ever get to the New Heavens and New Earth at the end of the Millennium. In particular, fortify our brothers and sisters at this time in the Tribulation Week. Grant those appointed unto death the Martyr’s Crown. Even now, teach us patience that we would faithfully fight Your battles. Grant us the Victor’s Crown for overcoming. Return quickly, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Explanation: Blood of Jesus
The blood of Jesus is powerful because it represents the forgiveness of sins. “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission [literally, forgiveness]” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). What is the significance of blood? Life given by God must be taken for blood to be offered in sacrifice for sin against life taken from God. “Now where remission [literally, forgiveness] of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (10:18-19). What is the significance of a sacrifice by Jesus? The perfect sacrifice of Jesus takes away the need of any further sacrifice. “10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 14 For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin” (Hebrews 10:10, 14, 16-18). Why does the devil hate the blood of Jesus, which represents the forgiveness of our sins? Not only does it rob him of sinners subject to him, but it represents the forgiveness or freedom from judgment for rebellion, which Yahweh could never wisely give the first heavenly rebels without preparing Heaven’s inhabitants for another uprising. The Ancient of Days would never allow this, for He has sworn by Himself no one will ever again enter into His realm, “whosoever loveth and maketh a lie” (Revelation 22:15). Stand firm in this understanding and the devil “will flee from you” (James 4:7). LORD, may we better appreciate the forgiveness of our sins that we may better share Your gift with others. And, as we cast out demons may we understand the power of Your blood in taking away the enemy’s rights to claim and hold his prey. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen and amen.
Michael Fought Against the Dragon (Revelation 12:7-8)
War will be fought in Heaven between Michael and the dragon. Michael, the archangel (Jude 1:9) designated as the ruler or prince of Israel (Daniel 12:1) will direct his forces against the dragon and his angels. One can only wonder what warfare between supernatural-angelic-beings-who-cannot-physically-die looks like. “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven” (Revelation 12:7-8 KJV). In the satan’s [literally, adversary] battle with Michael over the body of Moses, Michael won by uttering, “The LORD rebuke thee” (Jude 1:9) to the devil. Michael did not embellish his language with impious speech, even at the devil. “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing [Greek, blasphēmia, blasphemous, e.g., filthy swear words] accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee” (Jude 1:9). For Michael, prevailing over the devil was delivering the Almighty’s judgment that the satan no longer had the right to place an accusation against the saints in the Courts of Heaven before the Divine Council. This has been his customary practice as witnessed by his accusation of Job (1:6-12; 2:1-7). Michael’s power in battle is his certainty: (1) of the Almighty’s ability to kill, then “cast into hell” (Luke 12:5), and (2) of the finality of the Second Death, where even “death and hell were cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14). LORD, may we be as bold as Michael, not fearing mortal death, because we have been given immortal life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Subdue Our Iniquities
To subdue our iniquities before entering Heaven is a metaphysical feat worthy of God Only Wise. “He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19 KJV). Subduing means conquering or overpowering but not removing the capacity or ability to produce the iniquity. In other words, God does not remove our moral ability to choose or reject iniquity; rather, He divinely manages or shepherds us so as to cause us to reject iniquity. Why would the Almighty bother with such a delicate distinction, if He could overpower all of His creation and force His will upon all? Because He created us in His image, so He could commune with us. LORD, may we treasure You, as much as You treasure us. May we give our utmost to You in response to the utmost You have given to us. And, may we hate and reject iniquity as much as You do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Woman Clothed With the Sun (Revelation 12:1)
The nation of Israel is portrayed as the “woman clothed with the sun” (Revelation 12:1 KJV), which is the first of seven main characters of this parenthetical section of the Book of Revelation 12-14. Like identifying constellation pictures in the night sky, we won’t be able to understand God’s narrative of future history, which is prophecy, unless we can appreciate the plot’s characters in this meant-to-be-understood story. The “woman clothed with the sun” (12:1) alludes to Joseph’s dream: “Behold, the sun [Jacob] and the moon [Rachel] and the eleven stars [heads of the tribes of Israel] made obeisance to me” (Genesis 37:9). Israel is there depicted. “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars” (12:1). The second two main characters now appear, Christ, who is the “child” (12:2) to be delivered; and a “great red dragon” (12:3), our adversary. “And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads” (12:2-3). LORD, may we be among those who have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Help us to understand the story of the Book of Revelation. May it not be as words wasted upon us. Help us to intelligibly pray for the fulfillment of prophecy that we may be co-workers with You, if we could aspire to such a position. Return quickly, in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 
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