2018-08-12 – Part twelve – Chapter Eleven –The two witnesses and the seventh trumpet

We had some technical difficulties the past few weeks so there are some missing episodes.

John is commanded to measure the Temple area. He is going out to surround a space that is holy and protected. The temple was a safe place and a place of refuge. He was not to measure the outer space where the gentiles could come in because the city had been overrun. So he was only to measure the inner sanctuary. The message is that there is a place of protection for us from the spirit of this world. But we can only be protected if we go there. You need to have a place where you go to praise God in your home. Have regular times of prayer and devotion at home every day.

Revelation is not like a movie telling the events of history one at a time. like a DVD (although many people interpret it that way). The purpose of Revelation is to give people who are facing trying times a HOPE so they will remain FAITHFUL TO GOD.

THE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION IS TO PERSUADE US TO BE FAITHFUL TO GOD (both ancient readers and today’s readers) IN SPITE OF PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE SUFFERING.

There is a single message of revelation: to the people of earth who are threatened by the political leaders and deadly forces, we are assured of heavenly victory!!!!! That’s it. Because our Jesus has victory

The head that once was crowned with thorns Is crowned with glory now. The Savior knelt to wash our feet, now at his feet we bow.

The one who wore our sin and shame, now robed in majesty. The radiance of perfect love now shines for all to see.

Yesu Anakupenda!

The security of the church.

The church is held secure and safe in the time of the anti-christ. Jerusalem, the holy city, has been given over to the world. Only the temple is secure. The world is trying to overrun us.

Parents, beware of what your kids are watching on TV. In fact, beware of what you are watching on TV and the internet! Ask the Lord to show you what is OK.

In the Bible, the story of Lot is a picture of how we interact with the world. At first his tents were way outside the city of Sodom. Then he moved them closer and eventually his tents were inside the city. This was Sodom with all of the evil associated with it. We need to not compromise on our morals. God has called on you to be like Abraham and intercede on behalf of your family.

In verse three, we read about the two witnesses. Who are they? They speak for God in the midst of the holy city.

These witnesses have the power of Elijah and Moses. The olive tree and lamp stands are symbolic of the church in its prophetic and priestly capacity, like Elijah like Moses. You are the prophet and the priest. You need to represent God to your neighbors. We need to use this power in school. in work. in your neighborhood. The people next door. This is your battle.

Sodom, Egypt, Jerusalem. = all together rejected and killed the Son of God. But after 3 and a half days the breath of God raises them. This is a picture of a revival so tremendous so as to awe the whole world.

The seventh trumpet begins to sound at the end of this chapter. It signals the beginning of the rest of the events of revelation. It starts a 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth.

In verse 18 it says “The nations were angry and your wrath has come.” People are angry and God’s wrath is coming. There will be judgment of the wicked and rewards for the righteous.