by Pastor Peter Lim
Sometimes war is inevitable. There is an intensse spiritual battle going on and we're in the part of the cosmic war.
Big idea:
Jesus shows us the supernatural conflict behind the events of human history
Seven signs from Christ birth to His return which is second coming
Rev 12:1-6
A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. 4 Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.”[a] And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6 The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.
Christ defeated satan through the cross
So the scene open with conflict between woman and dragon. Biblical scene is garden of eden, serpent caused eve to fall into sin. Such conflict brings back first divine rebellion led by fallen being. This divine rebellion started a war between good and evil through to birth of Christ and continue to this last days
We see three signs:
#1 The Woman - The people of God
#2 The male child - Jesus Christ
#3 The dragon - satan/devil
Fallen divine being going all out to attack the people of God especially attacking the promised Messiah Jesus Christ because satan knew the descendant of eve would bruise his head and exact a crushing defeat on him. When Christ was born, satan sought to destroy Him.
verse 5: a child was caught up to God
Christ overpowered satan and his works together with Stars of heaven which are the fallen divine beings. This did not happen at some pre-historic time like before the fall of man, this vision describe the time where the enemy was persecuting the people of God. That was the time satan lost his place in the heavenly realm.
Woman was kept safe by God for 1260 days which symbolises the church age. Between first and second coming of Jesus Christ. Is similar to the 42 month period we read in Daniel and Rev says time, time and half a time. Not a literal 1260 days but symbolic to first and second coming of Jesus Christ. We are also being protected during this period of time. Church is unstoppable.
next scene is the heavenly battle which is
#4 The heavenly battle
Revelation 12:7-12
Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.”
John sees a large scale war taking place. On one side, he sees Michael and the angels. On the other side he sees the dragon and his angels.
What is the significance of that?
According to verse 10, from heavenly position from persecuting the people of God, satan the accuser have been thrown down from the heavenly realm to earthly realm so that he can no longer accuse the saints before God. From earthly perspective it seems as though that evil is rampant, evil unstoppable, wicked prosper and righteous suffer and devil seems to reign, look from heavenly perspective, evil rages not because it is powerful but it is desperate. Satan is not invinsible like wounded animal, his time is short.
Revelation 12:11
They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
They refers to people of God under satan attack and we have conquered because of Jesus blood and word of our testimony, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The suffering of the saints is actually a sign of their victory. A declaration of allegiance to Jesus alone and will not compromise even they had to die.
Revelation 12:17
Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
Satan cannot destroy the child of God so he turn to persecute the woman which is the people of God carries on until today. When christian suffers for Jesus and even die as martyrs because of their faithfulness to God, does that mean victory to devil everytime a martyr dies? No! Throughout revelation, true conquering and victory are accomplish when we stay faithful to God even through circumstances.
Revelation 13:1-3
The dragon[a] stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. 2 The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast.
Christ defeat satan through the church
#5 The beast of the sea
(evil worldly kingdoms that persecute God's people)
Imagery of sea monster in Old Testament to represent evil worldly kingdom who persecute people of God. Also known as anti christ. Aka ancient Rome in John's days
Daniel 7
4 beast here.
In revelation All beast combine to one
This beast seems to have wounds that heal and people believe it and follow it.
This beast oppress saints, blesphemous against God....
Revelation 13:10b
“If anyone is to go into captivity,
into captivity they will go.
If anyone is to be killed[a] with the sword,
with the sword they will be killed.”[b]
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people. beast is powerful but only to what God allows.
There is a call for endurance and faith of saints. This is a way to defeat the first beast
Second beast :
Revelation 13:11-13,
Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. 13 And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people.
Revelation 13:16-18
It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.
18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man.[a] That number is 666.
#6 Beast of the earth
(false religions and economic systems that mislead nations to idolatry)
This beast is equally powerful, signs and miracles like Elijah, represent false prophets persuading people to worship first beast to idoltry which is the anti christ. By economic pressure. If you didn't have mark, you cannot buy and sell.
What is this mark?
This was not the first time that a mark or seal was mentioned.
Revelation 7 and Revelation 9, the servants of God were sealed on their forehead to save them from the coming judgement of God.
Almost contrasted against that, undying allergiance and devotion to God. The mark of beast is not a tattoo or outward labelling.... the mark of beast is found on those who identify themselves with the essence of his name, the essence of anti-christ. They wilfully align themselves with satan and against Jesus.
What is 666?
Reinterpret the number as a number of imperfection which falls short of perfection which is seven. Represents Failure upon failure upon failure, the demonic trinity of imperfection.
#7 Seven angels with seven plagues
Revelation 15
What does this means for all of us in light of all the supernatural conflict happenings?
Application #1 : Take the mark of the lamb by fully committed to Christ, full commitment and full devotion
Application #2 : Triumph in spiritual warfare through our testimony.
It may be scary and will cause us something but urgency is calling for our family, relatives and loved ones. Even if is inconvenient and distrupt our lives
Choose to be fully committed follower of Jesus
Our lives on earth matters how we live. How we live it out
Discern the ways of the earth that are at work and choose to live the opposite in christlike ways.
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Book of Revelation - Danger ahead
by Pastor Wilson
unpack seven trumpets, liken to main russian doll, has a russian doll effect. God's wrath on earth. The layers point to end time stories leading to Christ return.
God idea:
God is merciful and desire the repentance of all
Seal 1: White horse - Conquest (Rev 6:2)
I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
Seal 2: Red horse - Violence (Rev 6:3-4)
When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.
Seal 3: Black horse - Economic hardship (Rev 6:5-6)
When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds[a] of wheat for a day’s wages,[b] and six pounds[c] of barley for a day’s wages,[d] and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
Seal 4: Pale horse - Death (Rev 6:7-8)
When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
Seal 5: The Redeemed's cry for justice (Rev 6:9-11)
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters,[a] were killed just as they had been.
Seal 6: The Wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:12-17)
I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, 13 and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. 14 The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us[a] from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their[b] wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”
Seal 7: Silence in Heaven (Rev 8:1)
When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
The first four seals unveiling of each horse does not mean they will come one after another. It may take place concurrently. John saw in sequence cause God lets him see. All the seals may not be sequential. Eg. church service, same time but can have many background happenings take place, different scenes taking place simultaneously at a certain time. Although this may be explained to John in sequence but may not happen in sequence.
FIRST TRUMPET, ECO SYSTEM
Revelation 8:6-7
Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them. 7 The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
Similar happenings during Moses day:
Exodus 9:30-35
But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the Lord God.” 31 (The flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley had headed and the flax was in bloom. 32 The wheat and spelt, however, were not destroyed, because they ripen later.) 33 Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the Lord; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. 34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. 35 So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the Lord had said through Moses.
SECOND TRUMPET, MARINE LIFE
Revelation 8:8-9
The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
THIRD TRUMPET, FRESH WATER POLLUTION
Revelation 8:10
The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood.[a] A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.
FOURTH TRUMPET, DARKNESS ON THE EARTH
The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night. 13 As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”
Similar happenings during Moses day:
Exodus 10:21-23
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” 22 So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23 They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.
First four trumpet remind us of what God had done to Egypt, God use natural disaster as a repentance call to warn the world to give their loyalty to Jesus before the judgement and destruction.
FIFTH TRUMPET, RELEASE DEMONIC LOCUSTS ON EARTH
Revelation 9:1-11
The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. 2 When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. 3 And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. 6 And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them. 7 In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8 their hair like women's hair, and their teeth like lions' teeth; 9 they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. 10 They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails. 11 They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.[a]
These are fallen angels chain in the abyss, to torture those without seals of God. To inflict psychological torture to those who rejected God. Seals were placed on loyal believers in Revelation 7. Demonic locusts allow to torment people for five months.
Revelation 7
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. The Great Multitude in White Robes 9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” 13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” 14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 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 shelter them with his presence. 16 ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’[a] nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[b] ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[c]”
SIXTH TRUMPET, RELEASE DEMONIC ARMIES
Revelation 9:13-20
Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. 17 And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire[a] and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions' heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound. 20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk,
Killing a third of mankind through smoke, sulfur and fire those without seals. However, those escape still do not repent. Such is the depth of depravity and harness of hearts.
Two witnesses giving testimonies, got killed and resurrected. There will be major turnaround after two witnesses resurrected Why we need two witnesses to represent the church? Old testament requirement two witnesses for testimony purpose, is God's witnesses which symbolise telling the world to repent, repent, repent. Earthquake brought many people back to God
Revelation 11:3-13
And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. 6 They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire. 7 And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit[a] will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, 8 and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically[b] is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, 10 and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. 11 But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. 13 And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
SEVENTH TRUMPET
Revelation 11:15
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
1st APPLICATION:
NATURAL, ECONOMIC & DEMONIC CALAMITIES
(all these to bring the world to repentance)
Demonic activities and attacks cannot be shielded through financial and economic stability. It is God's seal upon our lives. It is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Am i confident to have the seal of God over my life to protect me?
2nd APPLICATION:
PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH
(we will be persecuted, even lose our lives. Be prepared. God will raise many "two witnesses" in this last days. God is already seeking, preparing many of us to live a radical life for Him, not about us, but about Christ.
Are we ready to be the two witnesses?
unpack seven trumpets, liken to main russian doll, has a russian doll effect. God's wrath on earth. The layers point to end time stories leading to Christ return.
God idea:
God is merciful and desire the repentance of all
Seal 1: White horse - Conquest (Rev 6:2)
I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
Seal 2: Red horse - Violence (Rev 6:3-4)
When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.
Seal 3: Black horse - Economic hardship (Rev 6:5-6)
When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds[a] of wheat for a day’s wages,[b] and six pounds[c] of barley for a day’s wages,[d] and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
Seal 4: Pale horse - Death (Rev 6:7-8)
When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
Seal 5: The Redeemed's cry for justice (Rev 6:9-11)
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters,[a] were killed just as they had been.
Seal 6: The Wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:12-17)
I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, 13 and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. 14 The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us[a] from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their[b] wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”
Seal 7: Silence in Heaven (Rev 8:1)
When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
The first four seals unveiling of each horse does not mean they will come one after another. It may take place concurrently. John saw in sequence cause God lets him see. All the seals may not be sequential. Eg. church service, same time but can have many background happenings take place, different scenes taking place simultaneously at a certain time. Although this may be explained to John in sequence but may not happen in sequence.
FIRST TRUMPET, ECO SYSTEM
Revelation 8:6-7
Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them. 7 The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
Similar happenings during Moses day:
Exodus 9:30-35
But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the Lord God.” 31 (The flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley had headed and the flax was in bloom. 32 The wheat and spelt, however, were not destroyed, because they ripen later.) 33 Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the Lord; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. 34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. 35 So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the Lord had said through Moses.
SECOND TRUMPET, MARINE LIFE
Revelation 8:8-9
The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
THIRD TRUMPET, FRESH WATER POLLUTION
Revelation 8:10
The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood.[a] A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.
FOURTH TRUMPET, DARKNESS ON THE EARTH
The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night. 13 As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”
Similar happenings during Moses day:
Exodus 10:21-23
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” 22 So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23 They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.
First four trumpet remind us of what God had done to Egypt, God use natural disaster as a repentance call to warn the world to give their loyalty to Jesus before the judgement and destruction.
FIFTH TRUMPET, RELEASE DEMONIC LOCUSTS ON EARTH
Revelation 9:1-11
The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. 2 When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. 3 And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. 6 And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them. 7 In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8 their hair like women's hair, and their teeth like lions' teeth; 9 they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. 10 They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails. 11 They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.[a]
These are fallen angels chain in the abyss, to torture those without seals of God. To inflict psychological torture to those who rejected God. Seals were placed on loyal believers in Revelation 7. Demonic locusts allow to torment people for five months.
Revelation 7
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. The Great Multitude in White Robes 9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” 13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” 14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 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 shelter them with his presence. 16 ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’[a] nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[b] ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[c]”
SIXTH TRUMPET, RELEASE DEMONIC ARMIES
Revelation 9:13-20
Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. 17 And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire[a] and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions' heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound. 20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk,
Killing a third of mankind through smoke, sulfur and fire those without seals. However, those escape still do not repent. Such is the depth of depravity and harness of hearts.
Two witnesses giving testimonies, got killed and resurrected. There will be major turnaround after two witnesses resurrected Why we need two witnesses to represent the church? Old testament requirement two witnesses for testimony purpose, is God's witnesses which symbolise telling the world to repent, repent, repent. Earthquake brought many people back to God
Revelation 11:3-13
And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. 6 They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire. 7 And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit[a] will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, 8 and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically[b] is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, 10 and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. 11 But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. 13 And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
SEVENTH TRUMPET
Revelation 11:15
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
1st APPLICATION:
NATURAL, ECONOMIC & DEMONIC CALAMITIES
(all these to bring the world to repentance)
Demonic activities and attacks cannot be shielded through financial and economic stability. It is God's seal upon our lives. It is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Am i confident to have the seal of God over my life to protect me?
2nd APPLICATION:
PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH
(we will be persecuted, even lose our lives. Be prepared. God will raise many "two witnesses" in this last days. God is already seeking, preparing many of us to live a radical life for Him, not about us, but about Christ.
Are we ready to be the two witnesses?
INVESTigate - Spiritual Wellness
by Ps lee MENG cham
Shalom
health, well-being, wholeness, blessing, bliss, soundness, completion, salvation, justice
Big idea:
God desires our lives to reflect His shalom-peace
Embrace, Experience and Enjoy
Turn worries to wonder. Focus on God supernaturally turn to wonder
1. EMBRACE THE SHALOM-PEACE FROM GOD
Where does our shalom-peace comes from? God.
Ephesians 2:13-18
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Our spiritual wellness is shalom-peace, unmerited, undeserved, awed
How can one without God's shalom-peace invite others to God's peace?
a. A competitive spirit (easily given to envying achievement to others)
b. An argumentative spirit
c. A suspicious spirit (skeptical of future hope, everything is dark)
d. A dissatisfied spirit
e. An anxious spirit (pressured to perform, wanting to control)
2. EXPERIENCE THE SHALOM-PEACE OF GOD
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Life throws many dangers at us, illness, fear of uncertainty, fear of abandonment, loss of job, insecurity etc. If we do not let go and go on, our spiritual well will dry up. Response in prayer with a heart of thanksgiving. Look in wonder, look to God in prayer. Say "God you are God and I am not"
When we encounter life's problem, we should rest easy and leave it to expert to run my life. The expert is God! Take my cues from Him. Not to resolve alone but in partnership with God. It is the presence of God where peace comes through, guarding my heart and my mind.
How can we know Him more?
a. Understand your Pathway
b. Establish a Routine (checking in with God on matters close to His heart and my heart)
c. Defer the solution to God's Way
d. Keep an attitude of Gratitude (Dear God, I don't know what is happening to me but I thank You and trust You looking out for me)
3. ENJOY THE SHALOM-PEACE WITH GOD
Spiritual wellness does not requires our lives to be perfect
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:11
Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Crisis doesn't stop us from finding joy
Shalom
health, well-being, wholeness, blessing, bliss, soundness, completion, salvation, justice
Big idea:
God desires our lives to reflect His shalom-peace
Embrace, Experience and Enjoy
Turn worries to wonder. Focus on God supernaturally turn to wonder
1. EMBRACE THE SHALOM-PEACE FROM GOD
Where does our shalom-peace comes from? God.
Ephesians 2:13-18
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Our spiritual wellness is shalom-peace, unmerited, undeserved, awed
How can one without God's shalom-peace invite others to God's peace?
a. A competitive spirit (easily given to envying achievement to others)
b. An argumentative spirit
c. A suspicious spirit (skeptical of future hope, everything is dark)
d. A dissatisfied spirit
e. An anxious spirit (pressured to perform, wanting to control)
2. EXPERIENCE THE SHALOM-PEACE OF GOD
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Life throws many dangers at us, illness, fear of uncertainty, fear of abandonment, loss of job, insecurity etc. If we do not let go and go on, our spiritual well will dry up. Response in prayer with a heart of thanksgiving. Look in wonder, look to God in prayer. Say "God you are God and I am not"
When we encounter life's problem, we should rest easy and leave it to expert to run my life. The expert is God! Take my cues from Him. Not to resolve alone but in partnership with God. It is the presence of God where peace comes through, guarding my heart and my mind.
How can we know Him more?
a. Understand your Pathway
b. Establish a Routine (checking in with God on matters close to His heart and my heart)
c. Defer the solution to God's Way
d. Keep an attitude of Gratitude (Dear God, I don't know what is happening to me but I thank You and trust You looking out for me)
3. ENJOY THE SHALOM-PEACE WITH GOD
Spiritual wellness does not requires our lives to be perfect
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:11
Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Crisis doesn't stop us from finding joy
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