Week in Review

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Mark Shields

This week, I have posting some thoughts after a study of Revelation 10-11. One question asked was what is the mystery of God brought out in this reading? The second coming of Jesus is the great mystery because we do not know the day or hour. Maybe the purpose for a delay in His return is to gain more followers before the end of time. Let us pray for patience while the future unfolds.

Let us read the Bible to make it internal and a part of who we are. The taste of God’s Word is both sweet and bitter. What is sweet is to rejoice in the triumphs of Christ but the judgments and plagues are bitter and this motivates us to pray for those that do not know Christ so they will be protected while the world is in turmoil. 

Revelation 11 starts the first half of the Tribulation and Spiritual War. John explains in this vision that during the first half of the tribulation, Christ will give two witnesses power to preach. The two witnesses along with other servants of God (the universal church) will be given power over the antichristian empire. They will take on the character of Christ as they receive spiritual power and testify to the glory of God; being struck down only to rise again in joyous victory over evil. 

Next week, the study will finish Revelation 11 and head into Revelation12. Have a great weekend my friends!

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Receiving the Power to Overcome

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Mark Shields

I posted yesterday about the Two Witnesses who take on the character of Christ; receiving spiritual power and testifying to the glory of God. After being struck down, they rise again in joyous victory over evil.

Life is a challenge and can strike us down at times but if we rely on the power of God, we can overcome just like this video points out: Overcomer – Mandisa.


And call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me. – Psalm 50:15

 

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The Two Witnesses

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Mark Shields

Reading in Revelation 11:1-14, Christ gives two witnesses power to preach during the first half of the tribulation. Some have speculated these two to be Moses and Elijah. They witness that Jesus is the Son of God, the heir of all things, and ask that all repent, fear, and glorify God.

The two witnesses along with other servants of God (the universal church) are given power over the antichristian empire. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. They have power to strike the earth with plagues and give testimony.

So in this vision, there is a battle between good and evil. Then the beast from the abyss attacks and kills the two witnesses. They lay in the street without burial for three and one half days until they are resurrected to life.

At that moment, fear came over the antichristian empire since they knew God was on the side of the witnesses. The two witnesses hear a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on (v. 12). Then, a severe earthquake destroys one tenth of Jerusalem. Seven Thousand people were killed.

The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon (v. 14).

A lesson we can take from this reading is to not be influenced by world opinion of the universal church. The world will not like the judgment but God works through the church to fulfill His purposes.

This day with God, let us pray for the power to face our challenges. Let us rely on God to bless us with strength to overcome difficulty in life by accepting His power. Let us make it a priority to listen, praise, and worship God even in difficulty. Let our witnessing be genuine and from the heart.

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The Day or Hour is Not Known

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Mark Shields

God has revealed all we need to know and now all that is left is patience while the future unfolds.Let us read the Bible to make it internal and to be a part of who we are. The taste of God’s Word is both sweet and bitter. What is sweet is to rejoice in the triumphs of Christ but the judgments and plagues are bitter and this motivates us to pray for those that do not know Christ so they will be protected while the world is in turmoil.

The second coming of Jesus is a great mystery because we do not know the day or hour. We do know that Jesus was sacrificed to gain victory over sin. With Jesus, the victory celebration begins because Satan has been defeated. This video celebrates this win: My Savior My God – Aaron Shust.


The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. – Psalm 103:19

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The Great Mystery

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Mark Shields

As we read in Revelation 10, there is some question as to the identity of the seventh angel. Is it Jesus Christ? Even though not fully sure of the identity to some, the angel’s purpose is clear; to pronounce the final judgment on earth. The angel holds a scroll which is the great mystery of God.

What is in the scroll is not revealed at this time. Could it be the great mystery is revealed to us in Romans 11:25-26? To me, this gives a hint that the great mystery of God is the return of Jesus Christ. What is the purpose for the delay? No one knows when that time will come. It is a mystery.

The tribulation period is a time of great desolations on earth and we should not want anyone to have to go through this. We have this opportunity to pray for those that we would like to see come to Christ. Perhaps there has been a delay of the return of Jesus Christ to gain more followers. Perhaps the delay of the second coming of Christ is to allow time for more to be saved and not have to go through the agony.

The Bible gives us great advice and it tells us that there is victory assured through Jesus Christ. This day with God, we should want victory for those we know. Here’s an idea you may want to try: make a list of ten people that you would like to see come to Christ. Make this list available so you can review it each day. Before you pray, review the list and lift these ten people up in prayer. Ask God to make you available to them and use the scripture below as inspiration.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

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