THE BOOK OF REVELATION Life-Changing Truths Not Doctrinal Arguments

By Frank Eiklor and Cecilia Contreras

LESSON 44 (Part 6 of 8)

INTRODUCTION        

There is an old song with the words, “And The Walls Came Tumblin’ Down”. Of course, the song referred to Joshua, the Israelites, and the conquering of Jericho.

But now, other walls have come crashing down. I’m speaking of the economic crash in America and the shaking it produced worldwide. The “almighty dollar” has been unmasked as a weak idol that has fallen off its pedestal. Many people are terrified that all their investments will fail and leave them in the poor house. France calls for “one leader” of the world’s economy. China agrees. World leaders, blind to the true and living God, see only one way to have “peace and prosperity”, and that is to call for “Superman”. The prophet Daniel saw it coming some 2500 years ago and described the future antichrist.

God is doing a miracle in our time by using this economic collapse. Many Christian young people had Jesus as their second priority: their first priority was the “American Dream”—get all you can of the riches of this world. Now many are saying, “This dream of wealth may turn into a nightmare. All of America’s money may be gone with the wind of another Great Depression. Why should I build my future on sand? I want what will last. I want God’s plan for my life!”

Part of His plan is to study His Word. The Book of Revelation has plenty to teach us on how to live in our world today. So, let’s continue beginning in Part 6 with chapter 14. Remember, we’re not getting off the trail into doctrinal “last days” arguments, but we are looking at life-changing truths that will prepare us as God’s servant-leaders to reach our lost and frightened world. In our English translation, we shall again use the New International Version of the Scriptures.

·   The Lamb’s Faithful Followers—(God calls each of us to be faithful. That’s why Jesus spells “l-o-v-e” as o-b-e-d-i-e-n-c-e (see John 14:21). Meditate on the character of the 144,00 young men who will follow Christ wherever He leads. Then ask yourself, “Am I obedient today to my Lord so that He can use my life as an example of faithfulness to all who are around me?”)

“And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.” (Revelation 14:3-5)

·   God’s Terrible Wrath—(Never speak of God as “the man upstairs” or as “my buddy”. He is your Father in heaven who has demonstrated incredible love for you by allowing the Son of God (“in whom I am well pleased”) to die a horrific death so that your sin and rebellion against God could be erased. Jesus paid the price to give eternal life. Those who reject the greatest offer ever made will have to pay their own price—and it will be terrible.)

“A second angel followed and said, “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great,” which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries. “ A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If any one worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.” (Revelation 14:8-11)

·   Faith And Obedience—Twin Pillars Of Discipleship—(You have access to God’s very Word—the Bible. Make searching the Scriptures your greatest priority. Faithfulness and obedience to His Word will keep you from Satan’s traps and empower you to fulfill God’s will for your life.)

“This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12)

·   The Ultimate Rest Of God—(Life is a vapor. Some of us die young, but even the old live 70 or 80 years and soon there is that final breath. Each of us have just enough time on earth to glorify God if we learn and do His priorities. Nothing we do for Jesus will ever be lost—including the people we introduce to Him.)

“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”  “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)

CHAPTER 15

·   The Reward Is To The Victors—(Look around you at those the world considers rich and powerful. Yet all their riches and power cease when they die. Now look at those whose only goal in life is to please God and do His will. We will face many temptations and trials, but the Lord will give us His grace and power to be faithful to the end of this temporal life and the beginning of eternal life—just like these we read about in the following scriptures.)

“And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: ‘Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.’” (Revelation 15:2-4)

CHAPTER 16

·   When God Takes Revenge Against Evil—(It is said that in the past century, more martyrs have died for Christ than at any time in history. They receive the reward of the faithful. But what terror awaits those who spill the blood of God’s children if they fail to repent!)

“Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: ‘You are just in these judgments, you who are and who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged; for they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.’” (Revelation 16:5,6)

·   The Madness Of Rebellion—(Learn to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and never harden your heart when He speaks. The best way to hear God is to know and obey His Word—the Bible. Just look at the insanity of hearts that have turned to concrete and bowed at the feet of Satan.)

“They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. Men gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.” (Revelation 16:9-11) (See also verse 21)

·   A Call To Vigilance—(Some believers will shout “Glory!” at Jesus’ return, while others may be ashamed (see 1 John 2:28). Live as if He will return this very hour. Keep your heart pure through obedience to His Word.)

“Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, So that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.” (Revelation 16:15)

CHAPTER 17

·   Called And Chosen—(Never stop appreciating the incredible fact that you have been called and chosen by God Himself. How do we show our gratitude? By being faithful to our Lord Jesus and saying a strong “No!” to the self-life.)

“They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (Revelation 17:14)

·   Even Evil Must Bow To God’s Will—(Don’t ever think that God looks the other way while evil multiplies on the earth and the devil and his children flex their muscles. The house of evil is always divided against itself. Our Father is sovereign and knows when and how to use the worst of hell and earth to accomplish Christ’s final triumph.)

“The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled.” (Revelation 17:16,17)

(TO BE CONTINUED)