REVELATION 21: 18 - 27 PART 3 of 3

REVELATION 21: 18 - 27

PART 3 of 3

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 18) And the building of the wall of it was of jasper:  and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

   19) And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones.  The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

   20) The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

   21) And the twelve gates were twelve pearls:  every several gate was of one pearl:  and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

   22) And I saw no temple therein:  for the Lord God Almighty and The Lamb are the temple of it.

   23)  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it:  for the glory of God did lighten it, and The Lamb is the light thereof.

  24) And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it:  and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

   25) And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day:  for there shall be no night there.

   26) And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

   27) And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie:  but they which are written in The Lamb's  Book of Life.   King James Version (KJV) Public Domain

COMMENTARY

   Verse 18:  The wall is jasper.  This jasper stone was well known in the ancient world but is unidentified in the modern world.  Reading of extrabiblical references suggest that the jasper stone  is a fine translucent stone, capable of different colors, primarily radiant white, but also with flashing fiery red and purple tints.  You can bet it is more beautiful than we humans can describe.  And the city:  the streets and buildings are made of pure, flawless gold.

   The next verses describe the colors and materials of the foundations.

   Verse 21:  Let's examine the gates.  Are you familiar with how a pearl is formed?  The commentary by John Phillips points out that all the building materials used for the streets, walls, foundations of New Jerusalem were gems or metals.  But not the gates.  The pearl is made by a living creature who has an injury or an irritant introduced and forms a pearl around it to isolate the injury.  The pearl  continues to grow as long as the irritant is in the body of the oyster.  The super size of these pearly gates speak of the suffering of Jesus, Who is The Door, The Way.  Thus, the gates, which are always open, stand as an eternal witness of the sacrifice of Jesus.

   Verse 22:  Before Christ, the temple was a prophecy; during the Dispensation of Grace, the Saints were the temple, where God lives in our hearts; during the Millennial Age, it is a memorial.  In New Jerusalem, God lives among us, both by virtue of creation and by right of redemption.

   Verse 23:  Reference Isaiah 60: 19 - 23 here.  God will illuminate the world.  There will be no need for a sun or a moon.

   Verse 24:  The commentaries want to talk about the "kings of the earth" here and speculate who these people are.  I will not expound on this, as they are of no consequence to me.

   Verse 25:  Again, we understand that the gates are never closed; they are entrances, not barriers.  The night is also symbolic of sin.

   Verse 26:  All that we have and all that we are belong to the God Who created us.   All of us will understand this and glorify God for it; we will bring all the glory and honor into the New Jerusalem constantly and lay it all at the feet of our God, Who deserves it all.

   Verse 27:  There is no conceivable possibility that the wholesomeness of the city will ever be defiled by the entry of an unclean thought or impure motive.  We will have long since been conformed to the image of Jesus and have purified ourselves, even as He is pure.  There is no way we will ever sin again in any way!  Hallelujah!


   Don't you want to be here?  Click here to learn how:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.


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BE A BLESSING MATTHEW 10: 40 - 42

MATTHEW 10: 40 - 42

BE A BLESSING

   I had someone recently talk about "preachers" who "peddle Jesus" for their personal financial gain.  It bothered me, I must admit.  Now, I, too, have seen these people who claim to "heal" the sick and ask for money so you can see them "perform".  I have seen people on television ask for a thousand dollars from their viewers as a "seed" so the giver can "reap a harvest". There is a donate button on this site.  Let me explain why.  Come with me to Matthew 10: 40 - 42 and cliff notes from the commentary book on Matthew by Dr. John MacArthur, Jr.

Jesus is speaking:
   40) "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me welcomes The One Who sent Me.  41) Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward.  42) And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward."  New International Version (NIV)

COMMENTARY

   God has a tremendous economy of grace.  He gave His Only Begotten Son as sacrifice for our sins, so that whosoever believes on Jesus is washed clean of all sin.  That alone is just the most incomprehensible statement ever!  We are as if we had never sinned, just as Jesus never sinned.....but only because of His action and obedience.  We could not save ourselves but our faith in Jesus saves us.

   When God uses a prophet to deliver His message and you "welcome" the prophet, because he is a prophet and is about The Father's business, then you receive the same reward from our Father as the prophet does.  Likewise, a righteous man.  Even a disciple who is young in his faith....when you support him, rather than judge him, you receive the same reward as he does.

   In the words of  Dr. MacArthur, "Whenever we become the source of blessing for others, we are blessed; and whenever other believers become a source of blessing to us, they are blessed.  In God's magnificent economy of grace, the least believer can share the blessings of the greatest, and no one's good work will go unrewarded."

   However, we are still responsible for "testing the spirits" and confirming that The Word that is being shared is true.

   Now, you see why there is a donate button added to this ministry blog.  I don't need your money.  I have lived my entire life without it. When you donate to this ministry, you send a message to me that you are in compliance with God's requirements (tithing).  I can trust that God will hear your prayer when you call on Him, so I can count on your prayers to be added to mine when the occasion arises.  The gifts sent to this ministry are used as a benevolent fund for other believers.  I don't use your gifts for my own personal gain.  When you support this ministry (or any other), and we are used by God to win a soul to Jesus, YOU are receiving the same blessing as does the one who walked him to Jesus!  I love this.  Even if I (or you) play a miniscule role in their blessing, we receive the full blessing!

   God doesn't need your money, either.  He created you, gold, jewels, silver, etc.  He owns everything.  What God wants is your heart and your obedience.  He wants to bless you and not curse you.  You have the first move, though.  Whether it is salvation or blessings, it is up to you to willingly come.  So, be a blessing.....and receive blessings.

Have you accepted the priceless gift of salvation?  Click here to learn more:  https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.


 You are encouraged to leave a comment with your thoughts.

 If this ministry is a blessing to you, please share our post on your favorite social media.  Thank you. 

    

REVELATION 21; 8 - 17 Part 2 of 3

REVELATION 21: 8 - 17

PART 2 of 3

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 8) But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death.

   9) And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

   10) And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the Holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

   11) Having the glory of God:  and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

  12) And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

   13) On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

   14) And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of The Lamb.

   15) And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

  16) And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth:  and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs.  The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

   17) And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.  King James Version (KJV) Public Domain

COMMENTARY

   Verse 8:  After the last promise given to "the overcomer", comes the last warning to those drowning in sin.  The first mentioned is the fearful and unbelieving.  This actually is speaking of those without a trusting faith in the Lord and those who simply don't believe at all. The list of other sinners are not as bad as these two because with a genuine repentant heart, they can be forgiven idol worshiping, those guilty of criminal homicide,  those who promote sexual activity outside of marriage, drug users (drug use is associated with idol worship and often mentioned as sorcery), and all liars.  (1 Corinthians 6: 9 - 11)  The sin of unbelief has no forgiveness.
   If you will allow me just a moment, I would like to say that God has promised that the former things have passed away and "shall not be remembered, nor come into mind".  In my personal life, I had two mis-carriages decades ago.  I frequently think about my babies who I never saw, never held.  So, if I have family and/or friends who reject Jesus, I can't imagine mourning them throughout eternity since I mourn my babies in this short life.  God promises that you and I will not even remember those who were lost.  I personally don't know if it would be worse to forget them or mourn them.  I pray that I don't have to know.

   Verse 9, 10:  Then John saw one of the angels who, a thousand years earlier, had been involved with pouring out the seven vials of God's wrath.  It may, or may not, be the same one who showed John the destruction of Babylon.  Now, he was telling John to come up to a vantage point and witness the New Jerusalem descending out of heaven, but close enough to observe the outer details of it.

   Verses 12 - 14:  John  sees through the brilliant radiance a majestic wall surrounding the city.  The wall is not for protection, however, as there are no enemies, no fear from attack.  It does speak of eternal strength and security.

   First of all, there are 12 gates with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel.  No where in the commentaries do they mention the rainbow over God's throne here, but the names of the tribes of Israel on the gates, in MY opinion, is a reminder of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants.  However, Romans 9:4 is cited:  it was the Israelites "to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the law, and the service of God, and the promises;  whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever.  Amen."
   There is an angel stationed at each gate to attend to God's glory and serve His people.

   Next, we have the names of the Apostles on the 12 foundations, which support the wall.  I pondered these "foundations" for a while, and came up with the "pier and beam" foundations, because I could not reconcile a concrete foundation to the names of the Apostles.  Then, I am curious if the Apostle Paul's name was there as the twelfth Apostle.  Know that I searched three commentaries and could not find the answer.  You are invited to leave a comment if you have the answers to my questions.

   

photo courtesy of house-leveling-diy

   The gates are symbolic of the Old Covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  The foundation is symbolic of the New Covenant through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

   Verse 15 - 17:  Then the angel whips out a measuring rod and measures the length, breadth, and height of the city; and he measures the gates, and even the wall!

   

Where do you plan to spend eternity?  Now is the time to prepare for eternity.  To find out more, please visit our "Pathway to Salvation" page by clicking here:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

If this ministry is a blessing to you, please pray that  God blesses our efforts in spreading The Gospel.  You are also encouraged to share this post on your favorite social media and leave us a comment on this site and tell us how we are doing.  Thank you

REVELATION 21: 1 - 7 Part 1 of 3

REVELATION 21: 1 - 7
PART 1 of 3

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   1) And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:  for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

   2) And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

   3) And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.

   4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:  for the former things are passed away.

   5) And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.  And He said unto me, Write:  for these words are true and faithful.

   6) And He said unto me, It is done.  I am Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and The End.  I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

   7) He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.   King James Version (KJV) Public Domain

   COMMENTARY

    Verses 1 - 3:  Now, John sees the new heaven and earth.  There is no sea.  And he heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.  This is how it was set up in the beginning with Adam and Eve.  This time will be different, as we will have incorruptible bodies, which will be without sin. Can you even begin to imagine how it will be to never sin again?  As much as I try to obey God and glorify Him, I fall so short EVERY day!
   There will be people of every nation, every time period there.  He will give everyone the same language so we can all talk with each other .

   Verse 4:  From the fall of man, sorrow has been multiplied to mankind (Genesis 3:16)  Now, there will be no sorrow, no death, no crying, no pain.  God will wipe away all of our tears.
   Verse 5:  When He says all things will be new, that also refers to us.  It is generally understood that the babies and the old folks will be around 30 years old.  Adam and Eve were created as young adults.  Jesus started His ministry when He was 30, David became king when he turned 30.

   Verse 6:  It is finished:  the creation, the redemption, the consummation, and the restoration.  The "water of life" is both symbolic and literal.

   Verse 7:  In the letters to the seven churches, there was a promise given to those who overcome; here is the eighth promise to them:  we shall inherit all things (1 Corinthians 3: 21-23); and God will be our God and we shall be His son. (Romans 8: 16, 17).  Sometimes, to me, prayers seem like making a phone call and only being able to leave a voice message .  There seems to be a lot of one way conversations.  The response does not always come immediately unless I am praying while in The Word.  But the time is quickly coming when I can talk with my God all of the time and He will communicate with me right then!  Oh, how I am looking forward to that, aren't you?

   Do you know my Lord Jesus Christ?  Where will you spend eternity?  Click here to learn more:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

   You are encouraged to leave us a message.  We would love to know where you are in your walk with Jesus.  If this ministry is a blessing to you, please share this post on your favorite social media.  Thank you.

REWARDS OF FASTING

REWARDS OF FASTING

   In Isaiah 58, we read about the fast our Lord prefers.  It is not making a show of how pious we are.  It is going about our lives in servitude and worship.  Real fasting that God describes results in massive rewards:

8)  ...your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of The Lord will protect you from behind.

9)  Then when you call, The Lord will answer.
'Yes, I am here,' He will quickly reply.

10)...your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

11)  The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.

photo courtesy of cavespringfarm.com

12)  Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes.

14)  ...The Lord will be your delight.
I will give you great honor
and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob.
I, The Lord, have spoken!"

REVELATION 20: 1 - 6 PART 1 of 2

REVELATION 20: 1 - 6
SATAN IS BOUND FOR A THOUSAND YEARS

photo courtesy of Bible Truth About the Second Coming

   1) And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in His hand.

   2) And He laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

   3) And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled:  and after that he must be loosed a little season.

   4) And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:  and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

   5) But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.  This is the first resurrection.

   6) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:  on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.  King James Version (KJV) Public Domain

  

 

COMMENTARY

       Here is another unnamed angel, this one having the assignment of throwing Satan into the bottomless pit and locking him away for a thousand years.   Michael, the Archangel, had thrown Satan and his followers out of heaven.  In fact, some of those angels who chose Lucifer were cast out of heaven in the middle of the tribulation.  (See Jude 6)  The chain with which Satan is bound is obviously not a physical chain that we are familiar with, but it will hold these spirits throughout the millennium.  Satan will be bound for a thousand years.  He will be shut up and sealed.  He will not be able to tempt mankind again until the thousand years are finished.  In fact, he won't even be able to communicate with his "powers and principalities".  You could say it will be a sort of "solitary confinement".

   All of the upheaval on the earth has ridden us of its human and demonic corruption. There will be no "power" to corrupt those who are left living at the end of the tribulation nor those who will be born during the great millennial messianic kingdom.  It is expected, that God will use the physical convulsions of the earth during the tribulation period to also purge and cleanse the lands and waters of earth, to restore it close to how it was in the beginning when He first created it.

   Then the Apostle John saw the thrones and they sat upon them.  Who are "they"?  Let's look in I Corinthians 3: 11 - 15 and Daniel 7: 22 for the answer to this question.  These are the saints who Jesus has washed with His own blood, purified, and sanctified: Old Testament saints and New Testament saints.  We rode with Him at the end of the tribulation, now we rule with Him.  This also includes the tribulation saints who did not deny the faith or receive the mark of the beast.  John first saw these saints near the beginning of the tribulation under the heavenly altar.  Even in Revelation 6: 10, they cried out to God, "how long" were they to wait for Christ to avenge them.  Now, "they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years", which means they, too, have received their resurrection bodies which will live forever.

   Take a minute to read Matthew 24: 29 - Matthew 25: 46 and you will see that immediately following the tribulation is the judgment of the nations.

   Do you know my Jesus, Who will return to earth as a Conqueror?  Now is the time to accept His offer of salvation, while He is still The Sacrificial Lamb offering you grace.  Click here for more information:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

  If this ministry is a blessing to you, I encourage you to pray for us, leave us a comment, and share this post on your favorite social media.  Thank you.  You are important to us.

REVELATION 20: 7 - 15 PART 2 of 2

REVELATION 20:  7 - 15

PART 2 of 2

GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT

 7) And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

   8) And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle:  the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

   9) And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city:  and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

   10) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

   11) And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

   12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened:  and another book was opened, which is the book of life:  and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

   13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:  and they were judged every man according to their works.

   14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death.

   15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.  King James Version (KJV) Public Domain

COMMENTARY

      When the thousand years had expired:  Those who had survived the tribulation and who was judged by Jesus and found with a saving faith in Him, will "inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world".  They will replenish the earth, restoring each of their countries that had been destroyed and remade.  The conditions favorable to human fertility and longevity will have been restored.  People will be having babies when they are 500 years old, as they did prior to the Great Flood.  Those who survived the tribulation will pass down to their children, grandchildren, and generations what they went through and how great and powerful our God is.

   Theirs will be a world with no crime, no war, no external temptation to sin, no evil spirits.  There will be resurrected saints from all ages to witness to those born during this millennium. Each person born during this millennium, will still have to personally accept salvation through Jesus Christ.  They will probably even get to visit with Him in person.

   Satan will be in the "bottomless pit" for a thousand years but it has not changed his heart.  What would it take to change a heart?  Knowing that God rules supreme and He gave everything to Jesus and he (Satan) was just a creation, still, he idolizes himself.  He must overthrow God and assume His position.  Repeat after me:  "Thou shalt not covet."

   When Satan is released after the thousand years, he will find that the people of the earth are many, as the sand of the sea.  The population will be the highest number in history.  He will find many willing to listen to him (and he is a very convincing liar).  Their hearts are naturally "deceitful and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17: 9)  They have inherited Adam and Eve's heart. This will be mankind's last and greatest test.

   Gog and Magog (Russia) and other nations will be envious over the fact that Israel is over them.  They will understand history and how Israel is God's chosen people, how He loved them, how He provided and protected them.  They will covet Israel's position in The Kingdom.  They will be quick to be used by Satan.   They will devise a way to make weapons against Jerusalem and will compass the beloved city.  BUT GOD.  God, Himself, sends fire down upon them from heaven and devours them.  Then Satan is thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where he joins the beast and the false prophet in eternal torture.

   Now, John has seen some mighty things, some glorious things, but now, what he sees is even greater, so blindingly glorious that the earth and the heaven disintegrated.  He sees "the unveiled glory, the pure, white-hot energy of The Creator, in all His ineffable brilliance."  Peter spoke of this event in 2 Peter 3.

   And John saw the dead:  all those in Hades (all who had died without Christ and had been buried) , who were living in the tribulation but had no heart for God and perished in the fire (or any fire, including cremation) ,  those who died in the seas (whether it was the great flood or any body of water and had not been buried).  All these people will be rejoined with their mortal bodies.  Then they will be judged by God!  The books will be opened and all their works will be displayed for all His creation to witness.  I can imagine that each of us have our own book where all our "works" are written.  This may not be the case, but I can imagine it.  I am sure, though, about The Book of Life.  If your name is not written in it, you will be cast into the lake of fire.

   Let's talk about you.  Have you been washed of your sins in the blood of Jesus?  You really don't want to risk being judged at the Great White Throne.  Now is the time to make your decision.  None of us are promised tomorrow.  Please visit our "Pathway to Salvation" page here:    https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.


   Let us know how you're doing by leaving us a comment.  We would love to hear from you.  When you leave a comment, please say whether or not we can publish it.

   If this ministry is a blessing to you, are encouraged to share this post on your favorite social media.

REVELATION 19: 11 - 21 PART 2 of 2

REVELATION 19: 11 - 21

PART 2 of 2
ARMAGEDDON

photo courtesy of Book of Revelation

 11). And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.  

   12) His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself.

   13) And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:  and His name is called The Word of God.

   14) And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

   15) And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations:  and He shall rule them with a rod of iron:  and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

   16) And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.

 17) And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

   18) That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

   19) And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse, and against His army.

   20) And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image.  These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

   21) And the remnant were slain with the sword of Him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of His mouth:  and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.  King James Version (KJV) public domain

COMMENTARY

   And John sees heaven open and Jesus come riding on His white steed with all the saints, dressed in white fine linen with Him.  He is coming to claim His right to His creation, the earth.  He has the deed.  He wears many crowns to show His authority over all the earth. He is The King of Kings.  His vesture is dripping in blood, His blood that paid the price of salvation.  He is the only One who could pay it, as He alone is without sin.

   Notice in verse 15 that it is written that He shall smite the nations and He shall tread the winepress.  We will accompany Him from heaven, but He is powerful enough by Himself to do all that will be done.  We are witnesses. 

   Then the invitation goes out to all the foul of the air to come and gather for the supper of God, to feast on the flesh of all those who denied Jesus, even their horses. 

   You remember in chapter 6 that we had the battle of Gog and Magog.  That was the beginning of the tribulation.  This battle, the battle of Armageddon, brings an end to the tribulation.   Satan has been strategically gathering his armies, powers, and principalities to Armageddon probably since mid-tribulation.  The time is now at hand.  The first casualties were the false prophet and the beast.  It will be terrifying for those who follow them, to see them taken out first,  and cast alive into the lake of fire.  The false prophet and the beast are just men who receive their power from Satan.

   Those who had rejected Christ were terrified that the first casualties were their leaders.  They had thought they were invincible, powerful, could defy death!  Now, they anticipate their own fate but they have come too far in the process to reconsider.  Maybe there is a chance.....?  No, Jesus is The Most Powerful.  He slays all of them.  Blood runs as high as the bridle of the horses and as long as 1,600 stadia.  See Revelation 14: 19, 20

What about you?  Where do you plan to spend eternity?  Jesus paid the price for your sins so that you can spend eternity with Him in heaven.  You cannot buy it.  You cannot work for it.  All you need to do is accept it!  Learn more on our "Pathway to Salvation" page here:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

  
If this ministry is a blessing to you, please pray that all who visit us will accept salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We encourage you to leave us a comment with your thoughts and share this post on your favorite social media.  Thank you.

REVELATION 19: 1 - 10 PART 1 of 2

REVELATION 19
PART 1 of 2

THIS IS THE HOPE OF CHRISTIANS:
GOOD CONQUERS EVIL

photo courtesy of explore Daniel and Revelation

   1) And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

   2) For true and righteous are His judgments:  for He hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of His servants at her hand.

   3)  And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

   4) And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

   5) And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great.

   6) And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia:  for the Lord God omnipotent reighneth.

   7) Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him:  for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.

   8) And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white:  for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

   9) And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of The Lamb.  And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

   10) And I fell at his feet to worship Him.  And he said unto me, See thou do it not:  I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus:  worship God:  for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.  King James Version (KJV) public domain

  
  

COMMENTARY

     The scene switches from the destruction of Babylon on earth back to heaven, where there is much jubilation and celebration that Babylon has FINALLY received her just rewards.   This is a thousand times more exciting than your team winning the super bowl!  This is the ultimate prize!  This is the last time we will see the twenty-four elders at the throne.  Again, these guys represent the heavenly saints, the Old Testament saints.

  In Revelation 4, the saints gave God praise for His creation, ascribing to Him glory and honor and blessing.  In Revelation 5, they praised Him for His redemption, ascribing to Him power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing.  Now, with the first of four Alleluias of Revelation 19, they also praise Him for salvation.  They knew the price of salvation was paid and they were saved and salvation was from God; now, they see the entire satanic empire crumble.  Satan looses.  Righteousness prevails.  Alleluia!

   The celebration continues in verse 3.  Alleluia!  The smoke from burning Babylon rose up to heaven, a sweet aroma to all who have been persecuted and martyred by her.  Not only the city of Babylon, but the inhabitants will burn eternally for their sins.

   Verse 4:  This commentary from Dr. Henry Morris got deep.  Please allow me to quote some of what he says:  "To worship, in the Bible, means to bow down to the will of God, acknowledging that what He says is true and what He does is right.  Many and long had been the years when it seemed that God didn't care about the sufferings of His people nor about the blasphemies of Babylon, and many had even claimed that God was dead."  Have you ever been in a circumstance like this?  When you cry out, "God, where are You?"  Dr. Morris continues, "Such a time is designed for true worship, bowing down in obedient faith, even when the way is dark and the reason fails.  The will of God may be difficult, but the will of God is best, and one day God's will is to be fully manifest in all its perfect wisdom."  

   Then a voice came from the throne telling all to praise our God.  They were praising God now, for Who He is, not just for what He has done for them.  He is the most powerful God,  This is the last of the four "Alleluias".  I have to imagine that this praise is long and loud!

   Now comes The Marriage of The Lamb.  The Church is presented to Him pure.  He loves us so much that He gave His life for us.  Dr. H.A. Ironside says that Christians are filling our  hope-chest here on earth while in our service to The Lord.  He says that everything that is really done for Jesus is something added to that bridal chest.  Dr. Morris says that our "righteous deeds in some marvelous transmutation become the clean white linen robe of righteousness provided by The Savior for His people.  Whatever the case, I am washed in The Blood of my Savior.  My salvation is of Him, not by anything that I could do.  I am in service to Him; where He leads me, I will go.

    Note that The Bride was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white (Isaiah 61:10), where the Harlot was arrayed in scarlet and purple and fine linen.  The Harlot is a fake, an imposter.  Jesus did not grant that she should be arrayed in fine linen.

   Here is another blessing:  "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of The Lamb."  Then, it is written down as assurance that God says so:  "these are the true sayings of God".

   John was so excited that he fell down at the feet of the angel to worship him but was rebuked.  The angel said he is a servant of The Most High God, just as John is, just as we are,  and is our brother!  But, examine his words a little closer.  This angel maintained and proclaimed the same "testimony of Jesus" which we we proclaim.  But "Jesus" is His human name.  All of the angels recognize that Christ is God, but here, they also recognize that God became man to save His people.  This is really the climax of all that John had been shown.  This is the reason that the tribulation saints were beheaded.  It is the "testimony of Jesus" that is the true prophecy; it is what makes the antichrist mad.  Why do you think he is called "the anti-christ"?  So stand up tall and with a loud voice, proclaim Jesus is Lord!  Amen?



Tell me, do you know my Jesus?  You are encouraged to visit our "Pathway to Salvation" page by clicking here:      https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

If this ministry is a blessing to you, 1) pray for this ministry, that God uses us for His glory, 2) leave a comment to encourage us or to ask a question, 3) share this post on your favorite social media, that your friends might also be blessed, 4) click on the "follow" button and follow this ministry, which improves our ranking on google.  Thank you and God bless you.

REVELATION 18: 20 - 24 PART 3 of 3

REVELATION 18: 20 - 24

PART 3 of 3

image courtesy of slideplayer.com

Now the scene switches back to heaven:

   20) Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

   21) And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

   22) And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

   23) And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee:  for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

   24) And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.  King James Version (KJV)  public domain

COMMENTARY

   All the people on earth are horrified and beyond sorrowful.  However, the scene in heaven is just the opposite.  We see the apostles and prophets, whose blood is in the cup of Babylon, avenged.  While they preached The Word unwaveringly, in this life, it appeared that Babylon triumphed.  They were martyred but did not denounce Jesus.  Now, they are avenged.

   Understand this one thing, though, from Ezekiel 33:11:  "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked."  Our Father in heaven loves us and wants a flourishing relationship with us.  He loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to pay for our sins that we could be forever with Him.  No, there is no pleasure for Him in the death of the wicked...if they would have only accepted the gift He provided!

   Babylon is to be thrown down into everlasting oblivion.  No more music, no more luxurious living, no more lucrative commerce, no more raucous pleasure, no more social and cultural events.  The light in the city has been extinguished forever.

  "All that were slain upon the earth" is due to Babylon.  Come out of her and serve The Lord.  Accept the gift of salvation through our Savior, Jesus Christ.  The Day of The Lord is at hand. Click here to learn more:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.


   If this ministry is a blessing to you, please pray for us and share this post on your favorite social media.  Thank you.
  

REVELATION 18: 9 - 19 PART 2 of 3

REVELATION 18: 9 - 19

PART 2 of 3

photo courtesy of Jesus Loves You Today.org

9) And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

   10) Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city!  for in one hour is thy judgment come.

   11) And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

   12) The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

   13) And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

   14) And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

   15) The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

   16) And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

 17) For in one hour so great riches is come to nought.  And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

   18) And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

   19) And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness!  for in one hour is she made desolate. 
King James Version  (KJV) public domain

COMMENTARY

   The kings of the earth have thrown their lot in with Satan.  Angels have warned them.  Just think about that for a moment.  When was the last time you saw an angel flying through the air globally, declaring what God says?  When earth dwellers finally do see this, they harden their hearts and greed takes over.  They sell their souls for that which will rust and moths will devour.  Now, they witness the total destruction of political Babylon.  They keep their distance, lest they be discovered and suffer the same fate.  Oh, snap!  That is exactly what is in store for them!  But they don't cry for their souls, they cry for their wallets, their bank accounts,  They don't repent and turn their eyes to God.  

   The merchandise listed in verse 12 is a representative list.  The first listed are items of timeless value:  precious metals, gems, and pearls.  People have been using these to hedge against inflation since the beginning of time.  Then we have valuable cloth listed in the most desired colors.  This represents the tremendous commerce of clothing for the world.  Next is all kind of materials for both domestic and industrial building uses. Ivory and fine woods are the best materials for construction, furniture, housing, and ornaments.  Two of the most important metals for practical uses are also included, brass and iron, which can be used for building and furnishings, and also musical instruments, appliances, machinery, tools, weapons, etc.

   The next  luxury items represent export-import items, including wine and oil.  Wine includes all intoxicants such as alcohol and drugs.  Currently, we in America are being advised that we have an opioid epidemic.  It will be so much worse during the tribulation..  In the days of the Apostle John, oil was understood as being olive oil.  Today, crude oil is far more valuable than olive oil.  Agricultural commodities, livestock are included.  Sadly, slaves and souls of men are also listed and is probably speaking of prostitution, as Babylon is the "mother of harlots".

   The fruits that thy soul lusteth after refers to those things mostly desired that are just out of reach; just before "ripening"; just as you are expecting all you desire to be yours.  Then, "poof", it is gone.  The "kings" were mourning their losses; the merchants were mourning their losses.  None repented.  This is where Matthew 16:26 comes into play:  "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"  Back in the great depression, men were killing themselves for much less than these lost.

   All those who were employed in these places mourned.  All was lost.  No 401K's, no employment, no unemployment checks, all gone....just like that!


What about you?  Are you banking on the things of this world?  Let me introduce you to my Jesus, Who paid the penalty for YOUR sins and gave you Life!  Please see our "Pathway to Salvation" page:    https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

If this ministry is a blessing to you, please pray for us and share this post on your favorite social media.  Thank you.

SHOULD I THITHE TO THAT MINISTRY?

SHOULD I THITHE TO THAT MINISTRY?

   We were in discussion the other day about tithing see  https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/tithes-and-offerings.html).We are to tithe so God's barns are full AND we receive blessings from our act of obedience. This post was prompted due to the good Reverend Timothy Rogers of Prince of Peace Church in Blytheville, Arkansas; but in reality, this could be so many "preachers" throughout my lifetime and the ages.

   But where do we give our tithe?  We are instructed to test the spirits:  1 John 4: 1 - 6:  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.  2) By this you know the Spirit of God:  every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3) and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.  This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming AND NOW IS IN THE WORLD ALREADY.  4) Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  5) They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.  6) We are from God.  Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us.  By this we know the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.  English Standard Version (ESV)

   The question remains:  WHERE DO WE GIVE OUR TITHE AND OFFERINGS?  When you go to church, watch church on television, or read blogs/websites, it is up to YOU to discern if they are spreading The Gospel or not.  You support those ministries that preach Christ, and Him crucified, and stick to what is in The Holy Bible.  

   Once you give your gift back to God, leave it there.  He will deal with it after that.  If you were unaware that your particular ministry was deviating from The Word, relax.  Once you give it, it belongs to God.  Just give to another ministry next time.  You are responsible for being obedient by giving and for testing the spirits.  See our study of the first three chapters of Revelation in regards to testing the spirits.

   If you do not have a relationship with The One Who loves you so much that He took your sins upon Himself and set you free, you are encouraged to click here to become one of His:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

  You are welcome to leave us a comment with your questions if you have any.