Tribulation- 7

Future: The 2 witnesses. A dearth of End Time teaching.

In what kind of world do we live?

Apparently one that will enable the antiChrist to do what is prophesied in:

Revelation 13:11–18 (LSB) Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and he was speaking as a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. 13 And he does great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which were given to him to do in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. 15 And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, that they be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, 17 and that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of man; and his number is 666.

(Side note: we have among our ministers meeting on Tuesday, at least 1 person who believes that Revelation is ALL history (well, all of it before Revelation 20. Really? how about 19?)

Proclaim: Image of AI

Article: Google has launched Gemini, a new artificial intelligence (AI) system that can seemingly understand and talk intelligently about almost any kind of prompt - pictures, text, speech, music, computer code and much more.

This type of AI system is known as a multimodal model. It's a step beyond just being able to handle text or images as previous ones have. And it provides a strong hint of where AI may be going next: being able to analyze and respond to real-time information coming from the outside world.

The Editor of the publication says:

The Bible describes a time in the future where an image of the Antichrist is given life to speak on his behalf.  This has been a challenging passage for scholars to try and understand... until now.  While we can only speculate as to just what type of technology John saw when being revealed almost 2,000 years ago - the advances of AI technology may be progressing to where an all powerful world leader incorporates AI in some fashion that allows him to be present worldwide (an attempt to copy God's omnipresence) through AI technology in real time.

Imagine AI technology in the hands of a dictator and you can only imagine the power at his fingertips to control the population.  He could use AI to assist his rule in making sure all of mankind follows his policies including the requirement that in order to buy or sell one must accept his mark that will also allow for greater monitoring and control of what we can and can't buy.

And then Debra Smith sent me this headline:

Satan Club

Which reminded me of:

Iowa satanic display

Is the USA a Christian nation?

As socialism, antisemitism and other hateful and destructive philosophies are condoned (actually promoted) in our “top” universities?

Colossians 2:8 (NLT) Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

Handouts: Events during Day of the Lord & Last days of History (basis of Tribulation studies)

Continuing using handout from last week - correction: 5th Seal.

Tonight we continue a series of studies based on Daniel’s prophesied 70th week (or the (Great?)Tribulation

We believe 69 of the 70 weeks of years have been fulfilled.

AND that we are currently in a pause between the 69th and 70th week.

But we look for events such as the chart on your handout portrays.

Tonight the 5th seal being opened

The Opening of the 7 Seals (Revelation 5-8)

TONIGHT…

We continue looking at the opening of the seven seals

We looked at the dynamics leading up to the first seal being opened In Revelation 5 …

The Seals Opened

The seven seals opened

Some interpreters understand the opening of the first seal as the beginning of the seven-year tribulation the future time of unprecedented suffering and judgment leading up to Christ’s second coming to destroy the forces of the antichrist and reign on earth (see Da 9:27; cf. Jer 30:7; Da 12:1; Rev 6:17; 7:14;).

God’s judgments are revealed in three successive series.

The first series is the seven seals (ch. 6);

the second, the seven trumpet judgments (chs. 8–9; 11:15–19);

and the third, the “seven bowls of God’s wrath” (ch. 16; see 8:1, note).

Note, however, that while the releasing of the various plagues and judgments is described in sequence, these descriptions are not necessarily meant to convey a strict chronological order of events.

That is to say, the visions do not mean that each plague lasts only until the next is released or that each catastrophe follows the completion of the one before it.

Once unleashed, it is likely that the effects of several plagues or disasters are going on at the same time and may linger throughout much of the tribulation period.

Some of the events described with the opening of the seals (e.g., the fifth seal) clearly seem to anticipate or preview things that will be fully revealed or executed in later judgments.

The sixth seal actually appears to give an overview of the entire period of judgment yet to come.

It is quite possible that nothing is actually happening on earth until the seventh seal is broken.

Up to that point, as each of the preceding seals is broken, John simply receives a vision of what will happen after the final seal is broken and the entire scroll can be opened, revealing what is to come.

From that point on (see 8:1, 7, notes), God’s direct judgments will begin to throw the visible universe out of its natural order, eventually leading to the destruction of the present world system and ushering in Christ’s millennial (thousand-year) reign of peace on earth to close out time as we know it (see Da 2:34–35, 44–45). See v. 12, note, for further comments on how the series of judgments fit together.

**************

Let’s continue with the the 5th seal:

With the reminder:

We are NOT studying these scriptures to engender fear.

Revelation 6:9–11 (LSB) And when He opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the witness which they had maintained; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Master, holy and true? Will You not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 And a white robe was given to each of them; and it was told to them that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow slaves and their brothers who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

Fire Bible:

6:9 Slain because of the Word of God.

When the fifth seal is opened, John’s attention is drawn away from visions of what is going to happen on earth, and he again sees what is happening in heaven.

Those “slain because of the word of God” are those who are killed for their faith in Christ and their stand for the truth of his Word.

Some suggest this could be a fulfilment of what Jesus said in:

Matthew 24:4–14 (LSB) And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one deceives you. 5 “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 “And you are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains. 9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 “And at that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11 “Many false prophets will arise and will deceive many. 12 “And because lawlessness is multiplied, most people’s love will grow cold. 13 “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. 14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in the whole world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Especially: Matthew 24:9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.”

But it this really a Tribulation scripture?

This is coming true RIGHT NOW!

Vs. 14 says, “after this, the end will come.”

Hated by all nations NOW:

Here in the U.S. there is a relentless attack of so-called Christian Nationalists:

Which is broadly defined as anyone who believes the teachings of the Bible should in ANY way impact the laws or politics of this nation.

Here is Babylon Bee’s recent (December 9) satirical comment:

U.S. — VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer has announced a new episode that will feature superhero LarryBoy taking on his most dangerous foe yet: anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables who want to live in a Christian nation.

Here’s why I live in a constant belief that my head is going to explode:

Also December 9, 2023 The Western Journal Headline (the source of the Babylon Bee satire): 'VeggieTales' Creator Joins Rob Reiner (Meathead from “Alll in the Family”) to Create Anti-Christian Documentary

Apparently Vischer is joined by David French (a so-called Evangelical political commentator) and Russell Moore (left-wing ex-president of Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission). They and other so-called Christians are joining atheist Reiner who says:

"Not since the Civil War has our country been so divided. ‘God & Country’ throws a spotlight on the role that Christian Nationalism has played in stoking that division," Reiner said of his film.

"With the deepest respect for Christians who are sincere in their faith, but who are misinformed about the dangers and history of Christian Nationalism, I was compelled to produce this film to use my voice to draw awareness to the threat it poses," he said.

In an X post on Thursday in which he shared the film's trailer, Reiner said, "Christian Nationalism is not only a danger to our Country, it’s a danger to Christianity itself. Our film will be coming to theaters In February 2024. … "

The episode will see LarryBoy team up with new sidekick Russell Asparagus [Russell Moore] to defeat the grapes and carrots who do evil things like pray and vote. "LarryBoy will demonstrate the love of Jesus by crushing those working towards the establishment of a Christian society," explained Vischer. "Christian morality guiding society is literally the biggest threat to humanity today. We hope this episode shows how incredibly heroic it is for people like me, Phil Vischer, to viciously destroy Christians trying to do terrible things like stop baby murder."

The plot revolves around the grapes and carrots voting for a mean orange named "Donny" in order to stop the murder of baby grapes. LarryBoy shows up just in time, firing a plunger at carrot protesters outside Planned Veggiehood and helping kill off the baby grapes once and for all. The eponymous hero then heads off to a school board meeting to fire a plunger at carrot parents concerned about schools showing adult carrot images to baby carrots.

At publishing time, Vischer had announced another episode where a boy onion learns that he makes everyone cry because he's white.

We are CURRENTLY hated by all nations and peoples.

Can Christians stand NOW?

Last year I had talked about doing a course called “Prepare to Stand: Guidance for Christians in Times of Persecution” but I felt there was no real desire in the church for such a course.

BUT, to be clear, I believe that times of GREATER persecution are coming here in the US.

And like covid before it, there will be a winnowing of Christianity until only a TRUE remnant will remain.

Andrew Brunson says:

A few years ago, the Catholic Church commissioned a study of practices used to attack any specialized, target group. This covered persecuted groups of all types from throughout history.

The study identified five stages of persecution:

1) Stereotyping of a target group so that they are seen as different than the norm. This is applying an overly simplistic caricature of a group. People at this stage say, “All Christians are superstitious, hypocritical, self-righteous, repressed, and sexist.”

2) Vilifying the target group as harmful to others. This makes bigotry permissible. We might hear, “Christians are against human dignity, in opposition to science, homophobic, and intolerant. Christianity is a negative force

on the planet.”

3) Marginalizing the group’s influence to the periphery of society. The secularists comment, “Since Christians are harmful, faith (and Christmas trees) must be kept in private, and excluded from education, workplaces, social media, and political dialogue.”

4) Criminalizing the target group or their practices. This includes litigation, legal injunctions, and rulings limiting religious freedom: “If you—a Christian—refuse to bake a cake/do a wedding for religious conscience reasons, we will punish or compel you.”

5) Persecuting the targeted group outright. The group is a danger so it must be stopped. This includes fines, restrictions, incarcerations, or killings. Those in power believe, “Christians must be removed from our society, shut down, and punished.”

Any of this sound familiar?

So as we look at this 5th seal, think about what it will cost Christians who become Christians in the Tribulation, to stand for Jesus.

Once again, it would seem that this passage tells us that those WHO KNEW BETTER but did NOT turn to Jesus will be lost:

2 Thessalonians 2:7–12 (LSB) For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 And then that lawless one will be revealed—whom the Lord Jesus WILL SLAY WITH THE BREATH OF HIS MOUTH and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming— 9 whose coming is in accord with the working of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of unrighteousness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 And for this reason God sends upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in unrighteousness.

Does this possibility impact you at all?

How?

1 Peter 4:17–19 (LSB) For it is time for judgment to begin with the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? [Proverbs 11:31] 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God must entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing good.

If we are concerned about our prodigals, our lost neighbors (who used to be in church), indeed MOST of those living in this area, what should we do?

But let’s get back to the 5th seal being opened:

(1) The period of tribulation will be a terrible time of persecution for those who accept Christ during that period and remain faithful to God and his Word (see 3:10, note; 7:9, note; 14:6, note).

It is not directly stated who the martyrs are, though it seems certain that many are those who took a stand for Christ and were killed during the first part of the tribulation.

Perhaps this group includes all those of past ages who were killed for their faith in Christ.

Either way, they are alive with God in heaven.

These saints cry out in Revelation 6:10 Judge … and avenge our blood.

Those in heaven pray that the wicked who have rejected God and killed his followers will get what they deserve — judgment.

The prayer is not for personal revenge; rather, it comes out of a concern for God’s honor and the suffering of his people.

Along with that, those who paid this high price for their faith also eagerly look forward to the fulfillment of prophecy (see 2Th 1:4–10), when Christ will ultimately be glorified and they will share in his final victory.

2 Thessalonians 1:4–10 (LSB) so that we ourselves boast about you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5 This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 6 Since it is right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to give rest to you who are afflicted and to us as well at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 executing vengeance on those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, AWAY FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND FROM THE GLORY OF HIS MIGHT, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our witness to you was believed.

6:11 Speaks of those martyred to “rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow slaves and their brothers who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.. “

Revelation 7:9–17 (LSB) After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen, the blessing and the glory and the wisdom and the thanksgiving and the honor and the power and the strength, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These, clothed in the white robes, who are they, and from where have they come?” 14 And I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 “For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His sanctuary; and He who sits on the throne will dwell over them. 16 “THEY WILL HUNGER NO LONGER, NOR THIRST ANYMORE; NOR WILL THE SUN BEAT DOWN ON THEM, NOR ANY HEAT; 17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of the water of life. And God WILL WIPE EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES.”

Revelation 13:15 (LSB) And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

Revelation 20:1–6 (LSB) Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were finished. After these things he must be released for a short time. 4 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their witness of Jesus and because of the word of God, and who also had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection. Over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

Some people will be given the opportunity to receive Christ and be spiritually saved during the tribulation.

Primarily, this will include those living through that period who had never adequately heard or understood the message of Christ.

They are told to have patience, for many more will yet die for their faith

But those who heard the gospel before the rapture of the church and yet continued to resist God and live in sin will not likely be given further opportunity for salvation after the church is suddenly taken out of the world (see article on The Rapture).

Some people think that those who knew the truth but formerly rejected Christ will surely turn to him after they realize that the church is gone and see the antichrist rise to power; but the Bible seems to indicate the opposite.

The tribulation judgments will not cause people to repent (Revelation 9:21; 16:9, 11, 21).

Revelation 9:18–21 (LSB) A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came 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, having heads, and with them they do harm. 20 And the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. 21 And they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their sexual immorality nor of their thefts.

Revelation 16:8–11 And the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with fierce heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has the authority over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory. 10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, 11 and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and they did not repent of their deeds.”

After the 7th Bowl: Revelation 16:21 (LSB) And huge hailstones, about one talent each, came down from heaven upon men; and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, because its plague was extremely severe.

The tribulation is primarily the time of God’s judgment, not his mercy.

In addition, the Bible indicates that those who do not respond to the truth now will be even further deceived by Satan.

In fact, God himself “sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie” (2Th 2:10–12, notes).

It is highly unlikely that anyone who knows the truth but does not turn to God now when it is relatively easy to do so will turn to him during the tribulation when it will be extremely difficult and will cost many their lives.

The Bible warns that there is no second chance for those who deliberately reject Christ prior to the rapture.

We must not put false hope in delaying a decision to follow Christ.

The message is clear: now is the day of salvation”

2 Corinthians 6:1–2 (LSB) And working together with Him, we also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain— 2 for He says, “AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.” Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”—