Rev 14 - Six Angelic Actions

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ToDo list for today

Prep for the board meeting

Sermon for Sunday

What we cover in tonight

An angel proclaims Gospel to ends of earth

Warnings about taking the The Mark

A final call for Endurance & faith in Jesus

A blessing over Martyrs

The great Harvest of Salvation on the earth

The great Wine press of Gods Wrath

Welcome

(Opener for each class ) who am I: Ken Geer

Thanks for visiting our church. If your a member of another church, you remain a member of that church, and we bless your church, and thank you for joining us for this study. We look foreword to more unity in the body of Jesus.. each church of Jesus is a candle in the dark and we are praying that we may all grow brighter, in these end times. we must all work together.

if you have a different perspectives on Revelation . That is just fine. I am comfortable with that . I will give you my view, and reasons, and what the significance is (if any). I will do my best to accurately represent other major views. we are looking to study the Bible, not confirm our bias. so we must be willing to study.

Our desire is to be like the good Bereans. they were challenged with a strange new teaching that Jesus was the messiah and had been crucified. they had to deal with a pretty unsettling set of thoughts. but they got through it.

If you do have corrections for me. you may briefly state you concern in the class in the form of a question, but it would be best for others if we hold our discussion/or disagreements on these things till after class. - I am happy to learn and grow. I am not the final authority on revelation. For that I refer you to Jesus.

Pray

Invite the Holy spirit, ask him to give us a spirit of humility unity and love. Make us more like Jesus.

Jesus let us know and LOVE with our whole heart: “Your word, your Will and your Ways”

Opener: “A logical Progression”

Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910) was a prominent abolitionist and women's suffrage leader, best known for writing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Published in 1862, the hymn became a significant anthem during the Civil War. Howe was also the first woman member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

She penned the lyrics to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." in November 1861, inspired by her visit to a Union Army camp near Washington, D.C., during the American Civil War. Her poem was set to the music of the song "John Brown's Body," which was a popular tune among Union soldiers at the time.

According to various historical accounts, one from Lincoln's friend, Joshua Speed, Lincoln was deeply moved when he first heard the song. In 1862, when Julia Ward Howe's lyrics were set to the tune of "John Brown's Body" and published, Lincoln reportedly became emotional upon hearing it. Speed recounted that Lincoln's eyes filled with tears as the song was sung to him, indicating a strong personal connection or appreciation for its lyrics and message.

See if you can spot the places this Battle Hymn takes inspiration and makes direct connection to the events in Rev 14.

"The Battle Hymn of the Republic" by Julia Ward Howe:

Verse 1:Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on.

Chorus:Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

Verse 2:I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps; His day is marching on.

Chorus:Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! His day is marching on.

Verse 3:I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel; "As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal"; Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel, Since God is marching on.

Chorus:Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Since God is marching on.

Verse 4:He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat; Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! Be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on.

Chorus:Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Our God is marching on.

Verse 5:In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me; As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, While God is marching on.

Chorus:Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! While God is marching on.

Glory = Rev 21:24 - glory of God give the new Jerusalem light so God has Glory any tme you see him.

Fateful lighting

Grapes of Wrath = judgement of the wicked

Sword = Rev 1:16; Rev 2:12,16; Rev 19:15,21; power of the Word of God, Heb 4:12 , Judgement (without excuse).

Righteous

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Last Week: The Antichrist and the False Prophet

Previously in the Revelation of Jesus Christ....

The 144,000

Summarize this first section on 144,000:

Who are the 144,000?

Where are the 144,000 located (in general) as they are described in Rev 14?

The 144,000 appear to be the first Jews out of the tribulation to Come to faith in jesus.

They have a 100% level of devotion of the 144,000 to Jesus first above all.

These 144,000 are so in love with the Lamb (Jesus), that they are not unfaithful backslidden, barely making it into heaven with the smell of hell’s smoke and fire on their clothing.

Dedicated to Jesus In Song (composing unique songs only they can sing)

Dedicated to Jesus in body (virgin, and following him around),

Dedicated to Jesus in mind & mouth without deceit or lies

Dedicated to Jesus AS FIRST FRUITS of the Jewish redeemed preceding the final conversion at Jesus return and defeat of their enemies.

God expects us ti recognize when it is appropriate to view his words as symbolic and when not to.

Example: When Jesus says eat by flesh and drink my blood we should say wait. That is not right literally. Moral issue. So does it make more sense if treated metaphorically? yes it does! so we recognize that those ideas were in metaphor.

IN this passage we several reasons it should be interpreted with some symbolic understanding…

1. . The Depiction as Virgin Men is very odd, As it is at least as likely to have 144,000 women as it is to have 144,000 likely or more to believe in Jesus and trust him. I think the group would naturally include women. 2 but make much more sense and harmonize with the rest of scripture if symbolic of the dedication, and not literally just "men" or "excluding Married men"

2. The way it describes them a virgin men. and indicates they had not been defiled with women. the marriage covenant is sacred and this if it is read without recognition of symbolic refrences would be at odds with other scripture.

3. The size of the group. Regardless of the size of each Jewish tribe the same number of believers are found. each one of the 144,000 Jews from each tribe must be from their own free -will to choose Jesus againt the wishes of their culture and in the last days were they must love & trust Jesus so completely they face of severe persecution and loose their lives conquering the antichrist’s demands for worship and against the threat of not being able to buy or sell without the Mark is astounding. It just happiness that it the exact number each of the 12 tribes freely chooses to beleive and trust JEsus with ot reservation? I find that unlikely (but God can of course do it), so I tend to see it as more likely that this heavenly vision of Jophn is seeing a representative number of Jews 144,000 that hold symbolic significance indicating a full and complete set of Jews from all tribes representing a full acceptance of Jesus is possible no matter what sort of Jew you might be.

. The Bible treats the numbers 12, and 1000, as symbolically significant.

"12” in the bible is symbolic of Governmental Perfection and Completeness: The number 12 is highly symbolic in Hebrew numerology, often representing governmental perfection or divine authority. This symbolism is drawn from several key biblical references:

12 Tribes of Israel: Jacob had 12 sons who became the founders of the 12 tribes, symbolizing the completeness of Israel as a nation under God's covenant.

12 Apostles: Jesus selected 12 disciples, further echoing this theme of divine governance and authority, symbolizing the foundation of the church.

12 Gates and Foundations in Revelation: The New Jerusalem is described with 12 gates, 12 foundations, and the names of the 12 apostles, emphasizing the perfection and completeness of God's eternal kingdom.

Other Uses: The number 12 is also associated with the 12 precious stones on the high priest's breastplate, representing each tribe, and various other instances where 12 signifies completeness or a full cycle (e.g., 12 months in a year, 12 hours in a day and night).

“1000” is Divine Completeness, glory of god, and Perfection:

Time and Eternity: In biblical prophecy, 1000 often relates to God's perspective on time, with one day equating to 1000 years, symbolizing the vastness of divine time or eternity.

Abundance and Completeness: It can signify an immense quantity or completeness. For instance, God's blessings to Abraham are described as extending to "a thousand generations," symbolizing endless blessings.

Judgment and Salvation: In the context of Revelation, 1000 years (the Millennium) is the period when Satan is bound, representing a time of divine peace and judgment before the final judgment. This reflects a period of divine order and salvation.S

Does that fact that the #'s from each tribe is so perfectly identical # even though salvation depends on free choice choosing god suggest that the numbers are to be taken as symbolically significant that that actual numbers of these people was probably going to be different than the number given here. It would be odd indeed if God limited this company based solely on numbers, hear we see that they are unique not just form the numbering, but also from their dedication obedience and love. To have that exact number of people of their own free will from each genetic tribe of Israel that has vastly different populations to arrive to precisely at these numbers. That is very, very odd.

Today's Meditation: Rev 14: The 144,000 and Six Angelic Actions

Reading the Scripture

Revelation 14:6–13 ESV

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

Immediately after these 6 Angelic actions, we will

Some Big Questions:

This Chapter is among the hardest part of Rev to interpret. It forces us to understand it is symbolic, but unlike most of Revelation there is not a clear legend given. So we have to study the Bible carefully and seek God’s wisdom to understand it. It will not make sense in the most literal understanding.

Now after the 144, 000 on to the 2nd section:

6 angelic actions:

An angel proclaims Gospel

An angel give a prophetic warning about the destruction of Babylon the Great. (Which feels out of place since it is discussed in later chapters giving a hint that these angelic actions are not to be taken as chronological, but extra angelic and prophetic info about things happening in the last days)

An angel give a Warning about the Mark of the Beast

An angel gives the command to start the Harvest of of the ripe Earth

An angel from the altar commands another Angel to begin the harvest of Grapes from the Earth

Bible scholars have many “templates” to apply to this verse, but what does a straight forward reading without trying to fit it into a template say to us?

What wrong with the Mark of the beast?

Who will join in sharing the Gospel to the final believers?

What are grapes of Wrath?

Section 2: 6 Angelic Actions

Revelation I. Introduction: Julia Ward Howe and the Civil War

Julia Ward Howe was perhaps the most famous American woman of the nineteenth century. Not only did she write the “Battle Hymn,” but she also innovated the idea of Mother’s Day. In later life she campaigned tirelessly for women’s rights, particularly the right to vote, and served as first president of the New England Woman Suffrage Association.

Her famous song was set to the tune of “John Brown’s Body.” She wrote it as a result of visiting Union military camps near Washington, D.C., in 1861 after the American Civil War began. Mrs. Howe was familiar with chapter 14 of Revelation. She saw in the events of her day a fulfillment of the gruesome prophecy of a horrible bloodbath between the forces of righteousness and the powers of darkness. While the Civil War may have been a preliminary shadow of what John foresaw in Revelation 14, by no means did it fulfill the prophecy. The events of our day may also be preliminary fulfillments of the prophecy. One day, however, the final consummation will come.

Angel #1: The Gospel Angel

Revelation 14:6 ESV

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.

Angels proclaiming the eternal gospel

I remember an atheist friend of min asking me “if God wants us to believe in him, he can just write it in the sky and that will be enough for me”.

looks like God might get that obvious with the message in the final moments before the end.

why doesn’t he do it earlier? I think there is great reward in seeking and finding , knocking and opening, and Asking and listening. I think perhaps that reward is so important that it is only before the very end, when there will not be any more time to ask, seek, knock, that he cuts to the final solution.

its like the famous Lord of the Rings ending with the Eagles. they could have had the eagles do it from the start… but then none of the characters would have had so learn, sacrifice and grow into the finest version of themselves that they could be.

in Matt 24:14 Jesus had indicated that:

Matthew 24:14 ESV

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

This may indicate that the gospel does not need to reach every tribe and nation before the Tribulation starts, but only before it ends! as at this point it is completed.

I had not realized it could go that way! that eliminates one of my pre-cursors to the start of the tribulation!

Jesus said the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to ALL NATIONS

to all nations and then the end will come. Every nation and tribe and language - From Matthew 24:14-15

I had thought the gospel reaching the world was a prerequisite for the antichrist. But it might not have to be that way.

The pre tribulation view could point to the angle and indicate this is one way that multitudes could repent and trust Jesus during the tribulation without the church to evangelize. However, this angel appears to appear too late to help them with the evangelization of the 144,000… as this one could be showing up after the 144,00 are already gone to heaven. It looks that way to me.

Angles spreading the good news

just like they did at the day of his birth to the shepherds, now Angles spread the People to the ends of the earth.

When will the angles do this?

Not sure exactly when this angelic support for evangelization will occur. But it must be before the great harvest, and it looks like it might be after the 144,000 go to heaven, and thus after the intense persecution of the Christians has started on the earth with the Mark of the Beast.

If it happens after the 144,000 are in heaven as the order of this passage indicates, then they had to Choose Jesus without that angelic support.

Making the strength of their conversion all the more miraculous!

A summary of the message of the Gospel Angel

Revelation 14:7 ESV

And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

How important is the fear of God if it is the first part of the proclamation to the entire world about the Gospel?

The hour of his judgement has come.

Not sure if the angel will be seen or unseen by all the ungodly or not or if they can all hear these words.

But at the 6th seal the people of the earth are hiding in caves of the mountains and asking the rocks to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of the lamb. We wondered how they knew what was going on. And this verse helps explain how they may all be informed of the situation, that there is judgement and what they should do.

If the 6th seal is aligned with the end of the tribulation as I think. They could have all got this idea of the wrath of the lamb from proclamation of the Angel!

Fear God .

The only good choice in the wrath of the lamb is to do what the Angel suggests…

fear God. (they got that much perhaps), but instead they Ran and Hid and asked the Rock to crush them! (so sad!)

and give him Glory

GIVE HIM GLORY! This is an outstanding prophetic message.

Judgement is come, so repent and revere God, and give him glory before it is too late.

At this point is the Angel asking those who may have taken the Mark to repent and turn to Jesus?

What do you think God will do for those that would want to repent from taking the mark? (lets get to that a bit later)

The Summary of the Gospel Angel:

Matt 24:14 occurs not just by the church, but also by angels!

2 Peter 3:9 God is unwilling that any should perish - so brings in the heavy artillery for convincing people to repent.

Repent and Worship God, fear him, and God will forgive.

Angel #2: The “great” city Babylon has fallen.

Revelation 14:8 ESV

Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”

What is Babylon the City?

It has not yet been introduced.. We see it in Rev 16 and Rev 18. I will cover it in detail when we get to Rev 16 and Rev 18.

Some bible interpreters say Babylon is the Literal Babylon in Iraq, other say it was Rome, other that it is a symbolic metaphor for any corrupt worldly system apposed to God’s truth.

It will fall, it is falling, or it has Fallen!

This could be a prophetic message that Babylon the great will fall . If we assume that this is chronological and happens later in Rev 18.

If a Prophetic Message: Not sure who is receiving it, but if it is to the ends of the earth and the non-Christians are included, then it will be all the more powerful when Babylon the great city does fall because they were told before it happened.

or if could be another sign that these angelic actions are collected here under the topic of Angelic actions, but actually occur at the appropriate time in the tribulation.

Do you think the Angel action are listed chronologically? or gathered here to show the angelic work in the tribulation, and actually occur at other times?

Drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality

Think sexual immorality in NYC and San Francisco taken up to to even more absurd heights of sin against the living God.

And exported to all nations. This was one of the more wicked aspects of the Biden administration and the United Nations. They started making help and support contingent on adopting sinful laws.

United nations is sometimes considered a type of Babylon the Great.

From Grok” How has the United Nations pressured nations to allow abortion and trans rights” 1/8/2025: The United Nations has engaged in various activities to advocate for abortion and transgender rights, often framing these issues within the context of human rights. Here's an overview based on available information:

Abortion Rights:

UN Human Rights Bodies and Recommendations:

* The UN Human Rights Committee, through its general comments and country-specific recommendations, has emphasized that access to abortion should be protected under international human rights law. For instance, comments on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) have clarified that abortion should be available in cases where the life or health of the pregnant woman is at risk.

* UN treaty bodies like the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) have consistently urged countries to decriminalize abortion and ensure safe access, particularly in cases of rape, incest, or when the woman's health is at risk.

Public Statements and Urgent Calls:

* Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, UN experts denounced the ruling, calling it a "huge blow to women's human rights," and urged the U.S. to adhere to international human rights obligations regarding abortion access. * There have been calls to the UN to intervene or make official visits to assess and address the human rights implications of restrictive abortion laws in various countries, including the U.S.

Support for Legal Reforms:

The UN has supported countries liberalizing their abortion laws by citing international human rights norms as a basis for such reforms, with actions aimed at reducing maternal mortality and morbidity associated with unsafe abortions.

Transgender Rights:

UN Advocacy and Statements:

The UN has been vocal about transgender rights through various initiatives. For instance, the UN Human Rights Council has held side events focusing on defending the lives of transgender people, highlighting the need for equality and non-discrimination. UN agencies and special procedures have condemned violence and discrimination against transgender persons and advocate for their rights to be free from such abuses, often linking these rights to broader issues like health, education, and employment.

Policy Influence and Guidelines:

Through its agencies like the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the UN promotes policies that protect transgender rights, including legal recognition, protection from violence, and access to healthcare services. Global Advocacy Campaigns:

The UN supports global campaigns to raise awareness about transgender rights and to push for legal and societal changes that recognize and protect these rights under international human rights law.

Angel #3: What will happen if you worship the Beast and take his Mark

The Mark of the Beast

The Beast’s mark was referenced in Rev 13:16-17. another sign of angelic actions applies to various points in the tribulation timeline!

For if we were right that the people holding the harps in Rev 15:2, were among the 144,000 and

Revelation 13:16–17 ESV

Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.

This is similar in some ways to the Vax Passport, that they were trying to setup during covid. You could only travel if you had the vaccine. Many people got stuck for many months unable to travel home when laws were changing rapidly without and transitions.

This could be like this for the Mark. The "proposed" formal reasoning to get this in place might make allot of sense.

Digital currency,

not lose your card,

stop credit card theft,

stop drug trafficking,

stop sex trafficking,

stop terrorists, etc.

This tool is clearly something that would be a part of any Global government plans, and we should expect that. It will no doubt sound very good to non Christians when it comes out. Just like the VAX sounded good to most.

But we should also expect that it will not be that hard to put Christians back on the terrorist list, and suddenly find ourselves in trouble if we are trusting in the world system.

The advantage to getting the Mark is clear, ability to buy and sell -- without this mark you may quickly find yourself without the essentials of life.

It will be tempting to take the Mark.

“no one can buy or sell” = again the scale of this has been assumed often to be the entire world for the Antichrist is given authority over the whole world, but is it the who middle east like it ment in the rest of teh bile or is it universally global? the scope in my mind is going to be massive, but it might be limited to the 10 Kingdoms are so that the Antichrist controls directly, and the influence over the rest of the world may be less direct. However, after seeing how COvid Vax passpoerts got started so quickly, i don’t have a problem with beleiving it could be world wide. I just don’t think it HAS TO BE fully global..

The Warning is mostly about Worship of the Beast!

but now in Rev 14:9-10 we get more warning about the disadvantage…

Revelation 14:9–10 ESV

And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

NOTE Carefully what it did not say:

Note that is is both the Worship, and receiving the mark. “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark”

The Mark itself is not what send you to hell. It is clear that it is abodning FAITH and Love otf God and betraying him by turning aligence to the antichrist.

For some reason people only mention getting the mark like it someone could go and stamp your forehead in the middle of the night and send you to hell for eternity.

That is not how anything in the kingdom of God works. It is about our Stony Hearts, and God’s desire to give us hearts of flesh that will love him, and if we love him, we will not betray him by worshiping a false God.

My Thought on this:

The mark is not our current bar codes

The mark is not our current Credit Cards

The mark is not embedded chips in the skin So far…

Because taking a mark even a mark that helps you buy and sell, does not yet included denying Christ and worshiping the beast.

When the mark comes if we are here during that time, we will need faith and endurance to stand. make your decision now.

The Nature of Hell

Revelation 14:11 ESV

And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”

The Nature of Hell:

We will need to dive into this a bit more in a later study for this requires us to recognize what the bible teaches about hell.

The biblical reality of hell vs. the ideas man make up.

How many Churches churches have a sermon on Hell or mention it in all but the vaguest of ways?

Ken: We do not like the way the Bible talks about eternal punishment. It sounds very cruel. And yet I think it sounds that way because we identify with the criminals (cause we are one saved by grace, and stumbling), and if we knew the full horror of the crime that is committed, we would probably find ourselves wanting to punish them even more if we were in God's place.

Our God is righteous, and Just, and through he is Loving He is also a consuming fire.

Proverbs 9:10 ESV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Deuteronomy 4:24 ESV

For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Polls of Christians that do not believe eternal Christian torment, and believe in what we find easier to contemplate… Barna poll: https://www.barna.com/research/americans-describe-their-views-about-life-after-death/

While there is no dominant view of Hell, two particular perspectives are popular.

Four out of ten (39%) adults believe that Hell is “a state of eternal separation from God’s presence” and

one-third (32%) says it is “an actual place of torment and suffering where people’s souls go after death.”

A third perspective that one in eight adults believe is that “Hell is just a symbol of an unknown bad outcome after death” (13%).

Other respondents were “not sure” or said they that they do not believe in an afterlife (16%).

From <https://www.barna.com/research/americans-describe-their-views-about-life-after-death/>

In other words, the more education a person gets or the more income they earn, the less likely they are to believe that Heaven or Hell exists. While most high-income households and college graduates maintain belief in Heaven and Hell, the finding reinforces the popular notion – and, indeed, Jesus’ teaching – that people of economic means and those with considerable education struggle to embrace biblical teachings on such matters

From <https://www.barna.com/research/americans-describe-their-views-about-life-after-death/>

Definitions of Hell: (my thanks to Joel Richardson)

Traditionalism - wicked ultimate destiny is in Hell where there is eternal conscious torment / suffering

Obviously, Traditionalism has the high ground from a biblical bases, and the others are increasing in popularity because of our emotional proclivity.

Annihilationism - wicked ultimately cease to exist, erased. No consciousness

Also called sweetly called "conditional immortality" Its the new name. like Liberals --> (upgrade the label) --> "Progressive"

Those that are dead right now are "asleep" on pause (soul sleep) , and at resurrection they will be resurrected for judgment, and wicked are either immediately or after a time will cease to exist.

False Idea is : Consciousness = life = only exists with a body.

Truth is: Life requires a fullness are abundance of life - it is not a pagan idea.

Universalism - even after death god will eventually redeem everyone, after a time of purging and restoration

false obviously for people are only saved through belief in Jesus

Isaiah 66:23–24 ESV

From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord. “And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”

Jesus believed that even during the interim period people would be consciousness while dead (asleep).

Therefore idea that the concept of being conscious after death is not a Pagan idea, see:

Luke 23:43 ESV

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Matthew 25:41–46 ESV

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Revelation 20:10 (ESV)

and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Story of Rich man and Lazarus - dead but clearly conscious in hell and heaven.

Luke 16:19–31 ESV

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ ”

Daniel 12:2 ESV

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

2 Peter 2:4–10 ESV

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones,

Endurance required

God is not telling us this stuff to scare us. He is telling us this stuff to save us. To save the most possible.

This is huge insentive to share the Gospel and tell others so they will not worship false god like the Antichrist (who will appear at first to be Jesus and look fair and fine, and deceive many)

Revelation 14:12 ESV

Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

This is the final call for endurance to the Saints in Revelation. Deserves its own study.

Revelation uses the word 7x & calls for endurance explicitly 2x.

Example Rev 1:9

Example Rev 2:2 & Rev 3:3

Example Rev 2:19

Example Rev 3:10

Call Rev 13:10

Call Rev 14:12

It is clearly a major theme in Revelation, and is seen in other last days scripture as well.

Col 1:11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with Joy.

2 Thes 1:4 & 2 Tim 2:12 if we endure, we will reign with him.

2 Tim 4:5 endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill you ministry.

Heb 10:32-39 (36) Heb 12:1 cloud of witnesses…

1 Peter 2:19-20 suffer for doing good, and endure it is a gracious thing in the site of God.

grace (outworking) n. — the resulting activity that is a necessary consequence of genuine, beneficent goodwill; especially used of the outworking of God’s goodwill.

Blessed are those who die now...

Revelation 14:13 ESV

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

Dying is not a big problem for Christians with strong Faith - it is a ticket to meet Jesus. DO not love the world or anything in the word.

It is hardest on our loved ones. But we have The God of all comfort and our Hope of the resurrection to comfort us!

Blessed indeed:

Encouragement in these LAST days!

Death will bring a blessing during this time.

We get to rest from our labors.

It will free us from any suffering we may be under at this time.

We have had verses here in revelation that says that people will be seeking death during the tribulation and not be able to find it! Rev 9:6,

Things may need to difficult indeed when we see death as a blessing.

But to die (fall asleep) in the Lord, we will Wake up in Jesus. This was Something Paul yearned for in 2 Cor 5:8

God will bless us, bless us everyone! who die in the Lord.

Do not fear death at this time.

We should never fear death. The fear of death is used by the enemy to manipulate entire nations.

Again in Covid we saw people easily and even eagerly give up some of their most basic freedoms, freedom to leave you homes, freedom to work, freedom to breath without a mask, freedom from common sense, freedom from science.

At this time there will be a Martyrs grace extended I think were the Christian will not fear death.

Deeds follow them

You Deed will follow you to heaven because of the rewards for the faithful.

Be bold to do the good deeds unto God has he has called you to do, regardless of the cost.

We are unable to take material possessions with us, but our deeds of obedience will bring rewards.

Our attempts at evangelism,

Our love in the face of wickedness, hatred and persecution,

Our endurance through it all.

all these deeds will bring rewards heavenly eternal rewards that will be meaningful in heaven.

Not as bragging rights but as something to give to Jesus. (elders around throne casting crowns Rev 4:10)

Summary of the Warning: Partner With God

These first three angelic actions are the work that God is doing in the tribulation , probably the last half.

Those Christians that are alive in this time should ask, "God show us what you're doing". and will be able to know of these Angel actions.

And he will show you often times what his angels are doing.

Ask him "God what are you doing and how can I be a part of it?"

Once we see what God is doing we can join in and partner with God in His work.

In time of the tribulation the saints can supporting the work of the Angels by:

Share the gospel to the ends of the earth!

Get out of Babylon and it's carnal sexual influence.

Encourage others to do the same.

Fight against the growing Babylon influence were you are.

Preach and Prophesy against it.

Do not worship the beast or his image and don’t take the Mark associated with the Beast

tell others of the dangers, and reality of hell and the certainty of the coming judgement.

Angel#4 and the Reaper: Harvest is ready.

Who could this be?

Revelation 14:14 ESV

Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand.

This is a bit like Jesus, in that there is a cloud, and someone looking like a man with a golden crown.

But I don’t think that means it is Jesus.

Revelation 14:15–16 ESV

And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped.

This conjures up a picture of the grim reaper holding a scythe. Perhaps this is partially were that imagery came from, but this is not described as the personification of death and hades (the grave) like Rev 6:8 .

Angel#5 and the Sharp Sickle

Revelation 14:17 ESV

Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle.

To be continued. See the next angel, this angel will do the work, but does not have the authority to start.

Angel#6 from the Altar with authority over fire:

Revelation 14:18–19 ESV

And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Angel with authority over fire.

Why Fire? (burns the sacrifice)

Harvesting ripe Grapes,

for wrath - very destructive to the grape, and undignified, to be trodden over

Imagery of a winepress:

A rock or stone treading floor were the grapes are squashed. With a slope so the grape juice will flow down to a collecting vat. Initially the treading is done by foot, but later on there would be a screw that press wood against the pulp to extract the juice better. The collection vat may allow setting to remove the sediment from the juice.

Arch Excavations in regions like Israel and Palestine have uncovered numerous winepresses from this period, giving us a clear picture of their design. For instance, at sites like Herodion or in the Hebron hills, various types of winepresses have been found.

From <https://x.com/i/grok>

Revelation 14:20 ESV

And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia.

It is clear we are using the winepress as a metaphor

as the grape juice is now called blood, and there is vast quantities of it.

How much blood is that?

1 stadion (or stadium) ≈ 185 meters or approximately 606.96 feet.

1600 stadia * 185 meters/stadion = 296,000 meters.

Converting this to more familiar units:

Kilometers: 296,000 meters / 1000 = 296 kilometers.

Miles: 296,000 meters * 0.000621371 (conversion factor from meters to miles) ≈ 184.29 miles.

So, 1600 stadia would be approximately 296 kilometers or 184.29 miles.

Israel's length from north to south is approximately 263 miles (424 kilometers).

So 70% of is

Summary

What would it be like to be Living in the time of the antichrist

Mostly appears to be the last 3.5 years of the 7 year tribulation, that crazy stuff will happen.

The Nazi vortex is a good example of what this antichrist vortex will be like

But Hitler will be a wannabe pretender compared to the Antichrist.

The signs of the Antichrist & False Prophet

God has given us the signs of the Antichrist that tells us for certain that time we are in.

rising up out of the sea of peoples / nations.

10 horns & 7 heads & 10 Diadems - same as dragon

new details

v1: Blasphemous names on the heads.

v1: coming out of the sea (not the Mediterranean but the peoples of the Gentiles)

7 heads, 10 horns, 10 crowns = kings and kingdoms and authority - need to understand better.

v6 Utter blasphemies against god - attacking the jeudeo CHristian religions. - aginst his dwelling and those who dwell in heaven!

v7 antichrist is allowed by God to make war with the saints

v8,12- non Christians ( not in the book of life) will worship the antichrist. (mortal wound caused by a sword that was healed appears to play a role, as will false signs and fire coming down from heaven - the worship will be idolarty as they )

v9 Some it appears will be slain with teh Sword (odd tool - as decapitation is not common today except by Issis - Islamic radical terrorists)

v10 Christians must have enduring faith in this time… live day by day with dependance and endurance on JEsus.

v

God is in Control,

god gives authority to the antichrist to make war on the saints.

He allows the the 2 beasts to do their thing because it will accomplish something that will be of much greater significance than the evil they bring.

At the very least There will be people that come to Know God because of these times, and place their faith in HIM.

when all else they have trusted is shaken. The faith of many Christians will be refined and trengthened and purified!

2 calls:

CALL: endurance, faith and patience

CALL: wisdom (to understand 666) - has anyone had enough wisdom to understand it?

(theory that it was code for the roman emperor)

Q& A

Ask for further questions… or cover issues in the parking lot.

What are the main themes explored in Rev 12 and its relation to Israel and the Church?

What are the main themes explored in Rev 12 and its relation to Israel and the Church?

What is the significance of the mention of the 'beast' and the 'false prophet' in Revelation 13?

In what ways does the sermon suggest that we may be living in similar times to those before the rise of the Antichrist?

What are the two main calls to action for the saints as mentioned in Revelation 13:10 and 13:18?

What are your thoughts about the concept of endurance and faith to the experiences of believers in the end times?

Prayer

for anyone everyone that needs prayer.

Next week

Outline of revelation

Intro

5 LESSONS: Bible is one unified story, Keys to eschatology 1,2,3,4 Matt 24, Daniel 9, Matt 25.

ch1 The Introduction: The revelation of Christ’s Person, Authority, and Presence

1 LESSON: Its all about Jesus

ch2, 3 The Epistles to the Churches: The revelation of Christ’s Administrating of His Church

7 LESSONS: Each of these Letters from Jesus are important! Dont speed past these.

ch4, 5 The Throne of God in Heaven: The revelation of Christ’s Right and Claim to Earth (The Lamb receives title to this planet.)

3 LESSONS: Basic approaches to Rev, Throne in heaven, Lamb of God,

ch6 The Breaking Open of Seals 1-6: The revelation of Christ’s Ministry as Savior and Judge (Savior, “going forth”; Judge, “great wrath”)

ch7 The 144,000–The Redeemed Host: The revelation of Christ’s Own: Sealed and Delivered (Both are the Church; on earth/in heaven)

ch8, 9 The 7th Seal–the first 6 trumpets : The revelation of Christ’s People Precipitating release Through Prayer (Opening a mighty concept)

ch10 The Mighty Angel Announcing the End: The revelation of Christ as Consummator of History and as Commissioner of the End Times’ Message

ch 11 Christ’s Two Witnesses & 7th trump: the witnessing of the Gospel to the onlooking world

ch 12 The Dragon’s War:The revelation of Christ’s Church in Confrontation with Evil (In persecution, in spiritual warfare, and in conflict with the world-system)

ch13: The 2 Beasts: The Rise of the Antichrist and his False Prophet and how they afflict the world.

ch 14 The 144,000 and Six Angelic Actions: Christ’s Own Redeemed in Triumph (Each angelic action indicating victory)

ch 15, 16 The 7 Vials of God’s Wrath: Christ’s Commission Unto Final Judgment (Set in an atmosphere of worship)

ch 17, 18 The Destruction of Babylon: Christ’s Sovereign Triumph Over Evil’s Spiritual and Economic Control of Mankind

ch 19, 20 The Two Last Battles: Christ’s Final Triumph Over and Banishment of All Evil (Pre- and post-millennial)

ch 21, 22 The New Heaven and New Earth: Christ’s Ultimate and Eternal Union With His Own Bride

Tribulation

Wrath

How long is the tribulation?

Is the Tribulation 7 yrs? or 3.5 years? or longer? Good teachers have decide there is a credible proposition that it could be much longer. (Jack Hayford). Jack thinks the tribulation started with Jesus leaving. In the World you have “tribulation” but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.

Come Quickly (for god it is quick)… and if you are upset about it that he has waited 2000 yr, it is not His fault. It is your fault for not recognizing that it could be up to him to decide what it means.