Day 357 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 23 December 2023 reflections - 28th Day of Advent
Day 356, 23 December 2023 - 27th Day of Advent
1) Revelation 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Revelation 6
The Seals
1 (Rev 5:1; 5:5-7) I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals. Then I heard
one of the four living creatures saying, with voice like thunder, "Come
and see."
2 (Rev 14:14; Zec 1:8) And I looked, and there before me was a white horse.
He who sat on it had a bow. And a crown was given to him,
and he went forth conquering that he might overcome.
3 (Rev 4:7) When He opened the second seal, I heard the second
living creature say, "Come and see."
4 (Zec 6:2; 1:8) Then another horse that was red went forth.
Power was given to him who sat on it to take peace from the earth,
causing people to kill one another. Then a great sword was given to him.
5 (Zec 6:2; Eze 4:16) When He opened the third seal, I heard the third
living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there was a black horse,
and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.
6 (Rev 9:4) Then I heard a voice in the midst of the four living
creatures saying, "A quart (Gk. choenix, or a kilogram.) of wheat
for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages,
(Gk. denarius.) and do not harm the oil and the wine."
7 (Rev 4:7; 6:3) When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice
of the fourth living creature say, "Come!"
8 (Hos 13:14; Zec 6:3) So I looked, and there was a pale horse,
and the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed him.
Power over a fourth of the earth was given to them, to kill with sword,
with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.
9 (Rev 14:18; 20:4) When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar
the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God
and for the testimony they had held.
10 (Zec 1:12; Rev 3:7) They cried out with a loud voice,
"How long, O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until You judge
and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"
11 (Heb 11:40; Rev 7:9) Then a white robe was given to each of them,
and they were told to rest a little longer, until the number of their
fellow servants and brothers should be completed, who would be killed
as they were.
12 (Mt 24:29; Rev 16:18) I watched as He opened the sixth seal.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake. The sun became black,
like sackcloth made from goat hair, and the moon became like blood.
13 (Rev 9:1; Isa 34:4) And the stars of heaven fell to the earth,
as a fig tree drops its unripe figs when it is shaken by a strong wind.
14 (Rev 16:20; Isa 34:4) Then the heavens receded like a scroll
when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed
from its place.
15 (Isa 2:19; 2:10) Then the kings of the earth and the great men
and the rich men and the commanding officers and the strong and everyone,
slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and
in the rocks of the mountains.
16 (Hos 10:8; Lk 23:30) They said to the mountains and rocks,
"Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne,
and from the wrath of the Lamb,
17 (Ps 76:7; Jer 30:7) for the great day of His wrath has come.
Who is able to withstand it?" (144 cubits, or 65 meters.)
[1] And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were
the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
[2] And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow;
and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to
conquer.
[3] And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say,
Come and see.
[4] And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to
him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill
one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
[5] And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come
and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a
pair of balances in his hand.
[6] And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of
wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou
hurt not the oil and the wine.
[7] And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth
beast say, Come and see.
[8] And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was
Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the
fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with
death, and with the beasts of the earth.
[9] And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls
of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which
they held:
[10] And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and
true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the
earth?
[11] And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto
them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their
fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were,
should be fulfilled.
[12] And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a
great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the
moon became as blood;
[13] And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth
her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
[14] And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and
every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
[15] And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and
the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free
man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
[16] And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the
face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
[17] For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
Revelation 7
The 144 000 of Israel Sealed
1 (Da 7:2; Mt 24:310 Then I saw four angels standing at the four corners
of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind would
not blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal
of the living God. He cried out with a loud voice to the four angels
who had been given power to harm the earth and the sea,
3 (Rev 14:1; 6:6; 22:4) saying, "Do not harm the earth or the sea
or the trees, until we have sealed the servants
of our God on their foreheads."
4 (Rev 9:16; 14:1) Then I heard the number of those who were sealed,
one hundred and forty-four thousand
out of every tribe of the children of Israel:
5 Twelve thousand from the tribe of Judah were sealed,
twelve throusand from the tribe of Reuben were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Gad were sealed,
6 twelve thousand from the tribe of Asher were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Naphtali were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Manasseh were sealed,
7 (Ge 35:23) twelve thousand from the tribe of Simeon were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Levi were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Issachar were sealed,
8 twelve thousand from the tribe of Zebulun were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Joseph were sealed,
and twelve thousand from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.
[1] And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of
the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not
blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
[2] And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the
living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it
was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
[3] Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have
sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
[4] And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed
an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of
Israel.
[5] Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben
were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve
thousand.
[6] Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed
twelve thousand.
[7] Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi
were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve
thousand.
[8] Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed
twelve thousand.
The Multitude From Every Nation
9 (Rev 5:9; Lev 23:40) Then I looked. And there was a great multitude
which no one could count, from all nations and tribes and peoples
and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,
clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.
10 (Ps 3:8; Rev 19:1) They cried out with a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb!"
11 (Rev 4:6; 4:10) All the angels stood around the throne
and the elders and the four living creatures and fell on their faces
before the throne and worshipped God,
12 (Rev 5:12-14; 19:4) saying:
"Amen!
Blessing and glory
and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever!
Amen."
13 (Rev 7:9) Then one of the elders asked me, "Who are these clothed in white
robes, and where did they come from?"
14 (1Jn 1:7; Zec 3:3-5) I said to him, "Sir, you know."
He said to me, "These are those who came out of great tribulation
and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 (Rev 22:3; Isa 4:5-6) Therefore,
they are before the throne of God,
and serve Him day and night in His temple.
And He who sits on the throne
will dwell among them.
16 (Isa 49:10; Ps 121:6) 'They shall neither hunger any more,
nor shall they thirst any more;
the sun shall not strike them,' (Isa 49:10.)
nor any scorching heat;
17 (Isa 25:8; Jn 10:11) for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne
will shepherd them
and 'He will lead them to springs of living water.'(Isa 49:10.)
'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.' "
[9] After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could
number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before
the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in
their hands;
[10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth
upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
[11] And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders
and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and
worshipped God,
[12] Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and
honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
[13] And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which
are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
[14] And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are
they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
[15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and
night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among
them.
[16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the
sun light on them, nor any heat.
[17] For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and
shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all
tears from their eyes.
Revelation 8
The Seventh Seal
1 (Rev 6:1; 5:1) When He opened the seventh seal,
there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
2 (Rev 11:15; Lk 1:19) And I saw the seven angels who stand before God,
and seven trumpets were given to them.
3 (Rev 9:13; 5:8; Heb 9:4) Another angel, having a golden censer,
came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer
with the prayers of allthe saints on the golden altar
which was before the throne.
4 (Ps 141:2) The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints,
ascended before God from the angel's hand.
5 (Rev 4:5; 11:19) Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire
from the altar, and threw it onto the earth. And there were noises,
thundering, lightning, and an earthquake.
[1] And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven
about the space of half an hour.
[2] And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were
given seven trumpets.
[3] And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer;
and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the
prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
[4] And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints,
ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
[5] And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and
cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and
lightnings, and an earthquake.
The Trumpets
6 (Rev 8:2) Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets
prepared themselves to sound them.
7 (Rev 9:4; Eze 38:22; Rev 9:15) The first angel sounded,
and there followed hail and fire mixed with blood,
and they were thrown upon the earth.
A third of the trees and all the green grass were burned up.
8 (Jer 51:25; Ex 7:17-21) Then the second angel sounded,
and something like a great mountain, burning with fire,
was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea became blood,
9 (Isa 2:16; Rev 8:7) a third of the living creatures in the sea died,
and a third of the ships were destroyed.
10 (Isa 14:12; Rev 9:1) The third angel sounded, and a great star from heaven,
burning like a torch, fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs
of waters.
11 (Jer 9:15; 23:15) The name of this star is Wormwood. A third of the waters
became wormwood, and many men died from the waters,
because they were made bitter.
12 (Isa 13:10; Joel 2:10; 2:31) The fourth angel sounded,
and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon,
and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened.
A third of the day had no light, and likewise a third of the night.
13 (Rev 11:14; 9:12; 14:6) Then I watched, and I heard an angel flying
through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice,
"Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth,
because of the other trumpet blasts of the three angels, who are yet to sound!"
[6] And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to
sound.
[7] The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with
blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was
burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
[8] And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning
with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
[9] And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life,
died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
[10] And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven,
burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers,
and upon the fountains of waters;
[11] And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the
waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were
made bitter.
[12] And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was
smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so
as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third
part of it, and the night likewise.
[13] And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven,
saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by
reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet
to sound!
Revelation 9
1 (Rev 8:10; Lk 8:31; Rev 1:18) The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star
fallen from heaven to the earth. The star was given the key to the bottomless
pit.
2 (Ge 19:28; Joel 2:10) He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke ascended
from the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace. The sun and the air
were darkened by the smoke from the pit.
3 (Eze 2:6; Rev 9:5) And out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth.
Power was given them as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4 (Rev 6:6; 8:7) They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth,
or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who did not have
the seal of God on their foreheads.
5 (Rev 9:10; 9:3) They were given authority, not to kill them,
but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like
the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man.
6 (Jer 8:3; Rev 6:16) In those days men will seek death but will not find it.
They will desire to die, but death will elude them.
7 (Da 7:8; Na 3:17) The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared
for battle. On their heads were something like crowns of gold,
and their faces were like faces of men.
8 (Joel 1:6) They had hair like the hair of women,
and their teeth were like the teeth of lions.
9 (Job 39:25) They had breastplates like breastplates of iron,
and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots
with many horses running to battle.
10 (Rev 9:5; 9:3) They had tails like scorpions and stings in their tails.
Their power was to hurt men for five months.
11 (Eph 2:2) They had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit,
whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek his name is Apollyon.
(Or Destroyer.)
12 (Rev 11:14) The first woe is past. Now, two more woes are yet to come.
13 The sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns
of the golden altar which is before God,
14 (Rev 16:12) saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet,
"Release the four angels who are bound at the great Euphrates River."
15 (Rev 8:7; 9:18) And the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour
and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.
16 (Rev 7:4; Ps 68:17) The army of horsemen numbered two hundred million.
I heard their number. (Currently The People's Army of the Republic of China
has such a great number)
17 (Rev 9:18; 14:10) Thus I saw the horses in the vision: Those who sat
on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow.
The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their
mouths came fire and smoke and brimstone.
18 (Rev 9:15; 9:17) A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues-by
the fire and by the smoke and by the brimstone,
which came out of their mouths.
19 The power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails.
For their tails are like serpents, with heads by which they inflict injury.
20 (Da 5:23; Dt 31:29) The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these
plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not cease
to worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood,
which cannot see nor hear nor walk.
21 (Rev 17:2; 17:5) Nor did they repent of their murders or their
magical arts or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
[1] And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the
earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
[2] And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the
pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened
by reason of the smoke of the pit.
[3] And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them
was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
[4] And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the
earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which
have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
[5] And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they
should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a
scorpion, when he striketh a man.
[6] And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall
desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
[7] And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto
battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces
were as the faces of men.
[8] And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the
teeth of lions.
[9] And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the
sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to
battle.
[10] And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their
tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
[11] And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless
pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue
hath his name Apollyon.
[12] One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
[13] And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of
the golden altar which is before God,
[14] Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels
which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
[15] And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a
day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
[16] And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand
thousand: and I heard the number of them.
[17] And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them,
having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of
the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire
and smoke and brimstone.
[18] By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by
the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.
[19] For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails
were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.
[20] And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet
repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship
devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood:
which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
[21] Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of
their fornication, nor of their thefts.
Revelation 10
The Angel and the Little Scroll
1 (Mt 17:2; Rev 1:15-16) Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from
heaven, clothed with a cloud and a rainbow on his head. His face was
like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.
2 (Rev 10:5) He had a little scroll open in his hand. He set his right foot
on the sea and his left foot on the land,
3 (Isa 31:4; Joel 3:16) and cried out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring.
When he cried out, seven thunders sounded their voices.
4 (Da 8:26; 12:4) And when the seven thunders sounded their voices,
I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me,
"Seal up those things which the seven thunders said, and do not write them."
5 (Da 12:7; Ge 14:22; Dt 32:40) The angel whom I saw standing on the sea
and on the earth lifted up his hand to heaven
6 (Rev 4:11) and swore by Him who lives forever and ever,
who created heaven and the things that are in them, and the earth
and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are
in it, that there should be no more delay.
7 (Ro 16:25) But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound,
the mystery of God will be fulfilled, as He has declared to His servants
the prophets.
8 Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said,
"Go, take the little scroll which is open in the hand of the angel
who is standing on the sea and on the earth."
9 (Jer 15:16; Eze 2:8) So I went to the angel and said to him,
"Give me the little scroll." He said to me, "Take it and eat it.
'It will turn your stomach sour,
but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.'(Eze 3:3.)"
10 I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it.
It was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it,
my stomach turned sour.
11 (Eze 37:4) Then he said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples
and nations and tongues and kings."
[1] And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a
cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun,
and his feet as pillars of fire:
[2] And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot
upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
[3] And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had
cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.
[4] And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to
write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things
which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
[5] And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted
up his hand to heaven,
[6] And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and
the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are,
and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no
longer:
[7] But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin
to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his
servants the prophets.
[8] And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said,
Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which
standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
[9] And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book.
And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly
bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
[10] And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and
it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly
was bitter.
[11] And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and
nations, and tongues, and kings.
Revelation 11
The Two Witnesses
1 (Rev 21:15; Eze 42:15-20) I was given a reed like a measuring rod.
The angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar,
and those who worship in it.
2 (Lk 21:24; Rev 12:6; Da 7:25) But exclude the court which is outside
the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations.
They will trample on the Holy City for 42 months.
3 (Ge 37:34; Rev 11:2) And I will give power to my two witnesses,
and they will prophesy for 1260 days, clothed in sackcloth."
4 (Ps 52:8; Jer 11:16) These are the two olive trees
and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. (Jer 51:45.)
5 (Jer 5:14; 2Ki 1:10-12) If anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds
out of their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone desires to harm them,
he must be killed in this way.
6 (1Ki 17:1; Lk 4:25) They have power to shut heaven, that it may not rain
during the days of their prophecy. They have power over waters to turn them
into blood and to strike the earth with every plague as often as they desire.
7 (Rev 13:7; Da 7:25) When they have finished their testimony, the beast
that ascends from the bottomless pit will wage war against them
and overcome them and kill them.
8 (Jer 23:14; Heb 13:12) Their dead bodies will lie in the street
of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt,
where also our Lord was crucified.
9 (Ps 79:2-3; Rev 10:11) Those from every people and tribe and tongue
and nation will see their dead bodies for three and a half days,
and will not allow their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10 (Rev 3:10; 1Ki 18:17) Those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over
them and make merry and send gifts to one another,
because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
11 (Ge 2:7) After the three and a half days, the breath
(Eze 37:5-14.) of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet,
and great fear fell on those who saw them.
12 (Ac 1:9; 2Ki 2:11; Rev 4:1) Then they heard a loud voice from heaven
saying to them, "Come up here!" And they ascended to heaven in a cloud,
while their enemies watched them.
13 (Rev 6:12; 14:7) At that same hour there was a great earthquake,
and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand men were killed
in the earthquake, and the remnant were frightened and gave glory
to the God of heaven.
14 (Rev 8:13; 9:12) The second woe is past.
Listen, the third woe is coming quickly.
[1] And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood,
saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that
worship therein.
[2] But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not;
for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under
foot forty and two months.
[3] And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a
thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
[4] These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before
the God of the earth.
[5] And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and
devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this
manner be killed.
[6] These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their
prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the
earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
[7] And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that
ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall
overcome them, and kill them.
[8] And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which
spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
[9] And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see
their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead
bodies to be put in graves.
[10] And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make
merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets
tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
[11] And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered
into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them
which saw them.
[12] And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up
hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld
them.
[13] And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of
the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and
the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
[14] The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
The Seventh Trumpet
15 (Rev 12:10; Da 7:14; 7:27) The seventh angel sounded,
and there were loud voices in heaven, saying:
"The kingdoms of the world have become
the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ,
and He shall reign forever and ever.”
16 (Rev 4:4; 4:10) And the twenty-four elders, who sat before God on
their thrones, fell on their faces and worshipped God,
17 (Rev 1:8; 19:6; 1:4) saying:
"We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
who is and was and who is to come,
because You have taken Your great power
and begun to reign.
18 (Rev 19:5; 20:12) The nations were angry,
and Your wrath has come,
and the time has come for the dead to be judged,
and to reward Your servants the prophets
and the saints and those who fear Your name,
small and great,
and to destroy those who destroy the earth."
19 (Rev 16:21; 4:5) Then the temple of God was opened in heaven,
and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple.
And there came lightning, noises, thundering, an earthquake, and great hail.
[15] And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven,
saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and
of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
[16] And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats,
fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
[17] Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast,
and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast
reigned.
[18] And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the
dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto
thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name,
small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
[19] And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his
temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and
thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
2) Our Daily Bread for 23 December 2023 titled
Fellowship in Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15
11 (Eph 4:29; Heb 10:25) So comfort yourselves together,
and edify one another, just as you are doing.
Final Exhortations and Greetings
12 (Heb 13:17; 1Co 16:16; 16:18) We ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those
who labor among you, and are appointed over you in the Lord, and instruct you.
13 (Mk 9:50) Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.
And be at peace among yourselves.
14 (Ro 14:1; Ac 20:35) Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly,
comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, and be patient toward everyone.
15 (1Pe 3:9; Gal 6:10) See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone.
But always seek to do good to one another and to all.
[11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as
also ye do.
[12] And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and
are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
[13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at
peace among yourselves.
[14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the
feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
[15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that
which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
I'm not sure who's responsible for turning out the lights and locking up the
church after our Sunday morning service, but I know one thing about that
person: Sunday dinner is going to be delayed. That's because so many people
love to hang around after church and talk about life decisions, heart issues
and struggles, and more. It’s a joy to look around twenty minutes after the
service and see so many people still enjoying each other's company.
Fellowship is a key component of the Christlike life. Without the connectivity
that comes from spending time with fellow believers, we'd miss out on many
benefits of being a believer.
For instance, Paul says we can "Wherefore comfort yourselves together,
and edify one another, even as also ye do." (1 Thessalonians 5:11). The author
of Hebrews agrees, telling us not to neglect getting together, because we need
to be "encouraging one another" (10:25). And the writer also says that when
we're together, we "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (v. 24).
As people dedicated to living for Jesus, we prepare ourselves for faithfulness
and service as we "comfort the feebleminded, support the weak," and are "be
patient toward all" (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Living that way, as He helps us,
allows us to enjoy true fellowship and “ut ever follow that
which is good, both among yourselves, and to all” (v. 15).
By: Dave Branon
Reflect & Pray
What benefits do you gain from being with believers?
How can you help others experience fellowship in Christ?
Dear God, please help me to be a "fellowshiper"-one
who generously encourages others in love and compassion.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 7 Our God reigns!
Is 52:7
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who proclaims peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good
tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that
publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
A messenger has a single duty: to carry information. During World War II, many
parents dreaded the arrival of the Western Union messenger, believing that
delivery of a telegram meant that their son has been wounded or killed.
Isaiah 52:7, however, indicates that a messenger's word is not always
unwelcome. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring
good news ..." the prophet says. The "Good news"? Peace , salvation,
and the resultant message: "Your God reigns!"
Our God reigns - in forgiveness, in reconciliation, bringing peace and freedom
and joy. Our God reigns, controlling our lives with a loving hand, ordering
our experiences for our good, and his glory. Our God reigns in relationships,
in professional circumstances, in families, in churches. The good news is
proclaimed: Life is not unmanageable. Our God Reigns!
When we know that God reigns in our lives, we can relax, let go of the reins
of control, and live in peace. We can forgive those who have hurt us, knowing
that God will reveal to them what they need to know. We can live
with good times and bad, recognising that God uses every circumstance
of our lives to conform us to the image of his Son. We can rejoice in his
grace, free from the compulsion to earn his love and acceptance, and
we can live in the peace that comes only through his lordship in our lives.
Our God reigns - that is , indeed "Good news".
Application
a) Have I ever felt that life was "out of control"? Why?
b) What does it mean in practical terms to know that "Our God reigns"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ps 37:25-26
25 I have been young, and now am old;
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor their offspring begging bread.
26 The righteous are gracious and lend,
and their offspring are a source of blessing.
25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth;
And his seed is blessed.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are ill or injured
Matthew 8:14-17
The Healing of Many People
Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41
14 When Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother,
lying sick with a fever.
15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she rose and served them.
16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many
who were possessed with demons.
And He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all who were sick,
17 to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,
"He Himself took our infirmities
and bore our sicknesses."
[14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother
laid, and sick of a fever.
[15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and
ministered unto them.
[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed
with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that
were sick:
[17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,
saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 23 of the Month
a) Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
b) Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
(
John 13:34-35
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another."
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love; prefer one another in honour
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another;
Heb 10:24
24 And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works.
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1 Peter 3:8
8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious,
and be kind.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1 John 3:23
23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name
of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name
of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
)
Advent Day 27
FRIDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Early Offering
to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
-Luke 2:5
Luke mentions that Mary was "great with child" (KJV) so candidly that we don't pause to ponder how difficult it
must have been for her to travel all the way (about 70 miles!) from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. Even more significant, the Christ Child she carried must have been jostled and jarred by the movement, Loo.
Those of us who use statements of faith in our worship services declare
in the Apostles' Creed that Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified ... " I believe instead we should say, "suffered, under Pontius Pilate was crucified" to be more accurate to the original. Jesus suffered all his life, not just under Pilate. When we reflect on the appalling journey that he endured in the womb, we might imagine that his sufferings on our behalf began even before he was born. What amazing love that Christ sustained such adversity for us!
prayer
Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can
conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.
Read Luke 2:1-7.
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the power of His judgments and His Word.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to be a "fellowshiper"-one
who generously encourages others in love and compassion."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Good News of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to establish a generation of righteousness .
Pray to the Lord and pray for healing from Him.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can
conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.
Praise God for the Christians in Southern Burkina Faso who boldly continue
to worship despite attacks on their churches.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Revelation 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Revelation 6
The Seals
1 (Rev 5:1; 5:5-7) I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals. Then I heard
one of the four living creatures saying, with voice like thunder, "Come
and see."
2 (Rev 14:14; Zec 1:8) And I looked, and there before me was a white horse.
He who sat on it had a bow. And a crown was given to him,
and he went forth conquering that he might overcome.
3 (Rev 4:7) When He opened the second seal, I heard the second
living creature say, "Come and see."
4 (Zec 6:2; 1:8) Then another horse that was red went forth.
Power was given to him who sat on it to take peace from the earth,
causing people to kill one another. Then a great sword was given to him.
5 (Zec 6:2; Eze 4:16) When He opened the third seal, I heard the third
living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there was a black horse,
and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.
6 (Rev 9:4) Then I heard a voice in the midst of the four living
creatures saying, "A quart (Gk. choenix, or a kilogram.) of wheat
for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages,
(Gk. denarius.) and do not harm the oil and the wine."
7 (Rev 4:7; 6:3) When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice
of the fourth living creature say, "Come!"
8 (Hos 13:14; Zec 6:3) So I looked, and there was a pale horse,
and the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed him.
Power over a fourth of the earth was given to them, to kill with sword,
with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.
9 (Rev 14:18; 20:4) When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar
the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God
and for the testimony they had held.
10 (Zec 1:12; Rev 3:7) They cried out with a loud voice,
"How long, O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until You judge
and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"
11 (Heb 11:40; Rev 7:9) Then a white robe was given to each of them,
and they were told to rest a little longer, until the number of their
fellow servants and brothers should be completed, who would be killed
as they were.
12 (Mt 24:29; Rev 16:18) I watched as He opened the sixth seal.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake. The sun became black,
like sackcloth made from goat hair, and the moon became like blood.
13 (Rev 9:1; Isa 34:4) And the stars of heaven fell to the earth,
as a fig tree drops its unripe figs when it is shaken by a strong wind.
14 (Rev 16:20; Isa 34:4) Then the heavens receded like a scroll
when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed
from its place.
15 (Isa 2:19; 2:10) Then the kings of the earth and the great men
and the rich men and the commanding officers and the strong and everyone,
slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and
in the rocks of the mountains.
16 (Hos 10:8; Lk 23:30) They said to the mountains and rocks,
"Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne,
and from the wrath of the Lamb,
17 (Ps 76:7; Jer 30:7) for the great day of His wrath has come.
Who is able to withstand it?" (144 cubits, or 65 meters.)
[1] And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were
the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
[2] And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow;
and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to
conquer.
[3] And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say,
Come and see.
[4] And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to
him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill
one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
[5] And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come
and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a
pair of balances in his hand.
[6] And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of
wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou
hurt not the oil and the wine.
[7] And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth
beast say, Come and see.
[8] And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was
Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the
fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with
death, and with the beasts of the earth.
[9] And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls
of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which
they held:
[10] And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and
true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the
earth?
[11] And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto
them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their
fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were,
should be fulfilled.
[12] And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a
great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the
moon became as blood;
[13] And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth
her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
[14] And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and
every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
[15] And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and
the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free
man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
[16] And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the
face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
[17] For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
Revelation 7
The 144 000 of Israel Sealed
1 (Da 7:2; Mt 24:310 Then I saw four angels standing at the four corners
of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind would
not blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal
of the living God. He cried out with a loud voice to the four angels
who had been given power to harm the earth and the sea,
3 (Rev 14:1; 6:6; 22:4) saying, "Do not harm the earth or the sea
or the trees, until we have sealed the servants
of our God on their foreheads."
4 (Rev 9:16; 14:1) Then I heard the number of those who were sealed,
one hundred and forty-four thousand
out of every tribe of the children of Israel:
5 Twelve thousand from the tribe of Judah were sealed,
twelve throusand from the tribe of Reuben were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Gad were sealed,
6 twelve thousand from the tribe of Asher were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Naphtali were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Manasseh were sealed,
7 (Ge 35:23) twelve thousand from the tribe of Simeon were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Levi were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Issachar were sealed,
8 twelve thousand from the tribe of Zebulun were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Joseph were sealed,
and twelve thousand from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.
[1] And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of
the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not
blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
[2] And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the
living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it
was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
[3] Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have
sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
[4] And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed
an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of
Israel.
[5] Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben
were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve
thousand.
[6] Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed
twelve thousand.
[7] Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi
were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve
thousand.
[8] Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed
twelve thousand.
The Multitude From Every Nation
9 (Rev 5:9; Lev 23:40) Then I looked. And there was a great multitude
which no one could count, from all nations and tribes and peoples
and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,
clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.
10 (Ps 3:8; Rev 19:1) They cried out with a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb!"
11 (Rev 4:6; 4:10) All the angels stood around the throne
and the elders and the four living creatures and fell on their faces
before the throne and worshipped God,
12 (Rev 5:12-14; 19:4) saying:
"Amen!
Blessing and glory
and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever!
Amen."
13 (Rev 7:9) Then one of the elders asked me, "Who are these clothed in white
robes, and where did they come from?"
14 (1Jn 1:7; Zec 3:3-5) I said to him, "Sir, you know."
He said to me, "These are those who came out of great tribulation
and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 (Rev 22:3; Isa 4:5-6) Therefore,
they are before the throne of God,
and serve Him day and night in His temple.
And He who sits on the throne
will dwell among them.
16 (Isa 49:10; Ps 121:6) 'They shall neither hunger any more,
nor shall they thirst any more;
the sun shall not strike them,' (Isa 49:10.)
nor any scorching heat;
17 (Isa 25:8; Jn 10:11) for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne
will shepherd them
and 'He will lead them to springs of living water.'(Isa 49:10.)
'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.' "
[9] After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could
number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before
the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in
their hands;
[10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth
upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
[11] And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders
and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and
worshipped God,
[12] Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and
honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
[13] And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which
are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
[14] And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are
they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
[15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and
night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among
them.
[16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the
sun light on them, nor any heat.
[17] For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and
shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all
tears from their eyes.
Revelation 8
The Seventh Seal
1 (Rev 6:1; 5:1) When He opened the seventh seal,
there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
2 (Rev 11:15; Lk 1:19) And I saw the seven angels who stand before God,
and seven trumpets were given to them.
3 (Rev 9:13; 5:8; Heb 9:4) Another angel, having a golden censer,
came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer
with the prayers of allthe saints on the golden altar
which was before the throne.
4 (Ps 141:2) The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints,
ascended before God from the angel's hand.
5 (Rev 4:5; 11:19) Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire
from the altar, and threw it onto the earth. And there were noises,
thundering, lightning, and an earthquake.
[1] And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven
about the space of half an hour.
[2] And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were
given seven trumpets.
[3] And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer;
and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the
prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
[4] And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints,
ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
[5] And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and
cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and
lightnings, and an earthquake.
The Trumpets
6 (Rev 8:2) Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets
prepared themselves to sound them.
7 (Rev 9:4; Eze 38:22; Rev 9:15) The first angel sounded,
and there followed hail and fire mixed with blood,
and they were thrown upon the earth.
A third of the trees and all the green grass were burned up.
8 (Jer 51:25; Ex 7:17-21) Then the second angel sounded,
and something like a great mountain, burning with fire,
was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea became blood,
9 (Isa 2:16; Rev 8:7) a third of the living creatures in the sea died,
and a third of the ships were destroyed.
10 (Isa 14:12; Rev 9:1) The third angel sounded, and a great star from heaven,
burning like a torch, fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs
of waters.
11 (Jer 9:15; 23:15) The name of this star is Wormwood. A third of the waters
became wormwood, and many men died from the waters,
because they were made bitter.
12 (Isa 13:10; Joel 2:10; 2:31) The fourth angel sounded,
and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon,
and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened.
A third of the day had no light, and likewise a third of the night.
13 (Rev 11:14; 9:12; 14:6) Then I watched, and I heard an angel flying
through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice,
"Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth,
because of the other trumpet blasts of the three angels, who are yet to sound!"
[6] And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to
sound.
[7] The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with
blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was
burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
[8] And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning
with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
[9] And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life,
died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
[10] And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven,
burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers,
and upon the fountains of waters;
[11] And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the
waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were
made bitter.
[12] And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was
smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so
as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third
part of it, and the night likewise.
[13] And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven,
saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by
reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet
to sound!
Revelation 9
1 (Rev 8:10; Lk 8:31; Rev 1:18) The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star
fallen from heaven to the earth. The star was given the key to the bottomless
pit.
2 (Ge 19:28; Joel 2:10) He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke ascended
from the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace. The sun and the air
were darkened by the smoke from the pit.
3 (Eze 2:6; Rev 9:5) And out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth.
Power was given them as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4 (Rev 6:6; 8:7) They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth,
or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who did not have
the seal of God on their foreheads.
5 (Rev 9:10; 9:3) They were given authority, not to kill them,
but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like
the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man.
6 (Jer 8:3; Rev 6:16) In those days men will seek death but will not find it.
They will desire to die, but death will elude them.
7 (Da 7:8; Na 3:17) The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared
for battle. On their heads were something like crowns of gold,
and their faces were like faces of men.
8 (Joel 1:6) They had hair like the hair of women,
and their teeth were like the teeth of lions.
9 (Job 39:25) They had breastplates like breastplates of iron,
and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots
with many horses running to battle.
10 (Rev 9:5; 9:3) They had tails like scorpions and stings in their tails.
Their power was to hurt men for five months.
11 (Eph 2:2) They had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit,
whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek his name is Apollyon.
(Or Destroyer.)
12 (Rev 11:14) The first woe is past. Now, two more woes are yet to come.
13 The sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns
of the golden altar which is before God,
14 (Rev 16:12) saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet,
"Release the four angels who are bound at the great Euphrates River."
15 (Rev 8:7; 9:18) And the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour
and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.
16 (Rev 7:4; Ps 68:17) The army of horsemen numbered two hundred million.
I heard their number. (Currently The People's Army of the Republic of China
has such a great number)
17 (Rev 9:18; 14:10) Thus I saw the horses in the vision: Those who sat
on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow.
The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their
mouths came fire and smoke and brimstone.
18 (Rev 9:15; 9:17) A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues-by
the fire and by the smoke and by the brimstone,
which came out of their mouths.
19 The power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails.
For their tails are like serpents, with heads by which they inflict injury.
20 (Da 5:23; Dt 31:29) The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these
plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not cease
to worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood,
which cannot see nor hear nor walk.
21 (Rev 17:2; 17:5) Nor did they repent of their murders or their
magical arts or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
[1] And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the
earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
[2] And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the
pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened
by reason of the smoke of the pit.
[3] And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them
was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
[4] And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the
earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which
have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
[5] And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they
should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a
scorpion, when he striketh a man.
[6] And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall
desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
[7] And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto
battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces
were as the faces of men.
[8] And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the
teeth of lions.
[9] And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the
sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to
battle.
[10] And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their
tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
[11] And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless
pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue
hath his name Apollyon.
[12] One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
[13] And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of
the golden altar which is before God,
[14] Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels
which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
[15] And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a
day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
[16] And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand
thousand: and I heard the number of them.
[17] And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them,
having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of
the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire
and smoke and brimstone.
[18] By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by
the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.
[19] For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails
were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.
[20] And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet
repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship
devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood:
which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
[21] Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of
their fornication, nor of their thefts.
Revelation 10
The Angel and the Little Scroll
1 (Mt 17:2; Rev 1:15-16) Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from
heaven, clothed with a cloud and a rainbow on his head. His face was
like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.
2 (Rev 10:5) He had a little scroll open in his hand. He set his right foot
on the sea and his left foot on the land,
3 (Isa 31:4; Joel 3:16) and cried out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring.
When he cried out, seven thunders sounded their voices.
4 (Da 8:26; 12:4) And when the seven thunders sounded their voices,
I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me,
"Seal up those things which the seven thunders said, and do not write them."
5 (Da 12:7; Ge 14:22; Dt 32:40) The angel whom I saw standing on the sea
and on the earth lifted up his hand to heaven
6 (Rev 4:11) and swore by Him who lives forever and ever,
who created heaven and the things that are in them, and the earth
and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are
in it, that there should be no more delay.
7 (Ro 16:25) But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound,
the mystery of God will be fulfilled, as He has declared to His servants
the prophets.
8 Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said,
"Go, take the little scroll which is open in the hand of the angel
who is standing on the sea and on the earth."
9 (Jer 15:16; Eze 2:8) So I went to the angel and said to him,
"Give me the little scroll." He said to me, "Take it and eat it.
'It will turn your stomach sour,
but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.'(Eze 3:3.)"
10 I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it.
It was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it,
my stomach turned sour.
11 (Eze 37:4) Then he said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples
and nations and tongues and kings."
[1] And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a
cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun,
and his feet as pillars of fire:
[2] And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot
upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
[3] And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had
cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.
[4] And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to
write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things
which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
[5] And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted
up his hand to heaven,
[6] And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and
the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are,
and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no
longer:
[7] But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin
to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his
servants the prophets.
[8] And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said,
Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which
standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
[9] And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book.
And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly
bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
[10] And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and
it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly
was bitter.
[11] And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and
nations, and tongues, and kings.
Revelation 11
The Two Witnesses
1 (Rev 21:15; Eze 42:15-20) I was given a reed like a measuring rod.
The angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar,
and those who worship in it.
2 (Lk 21:24; Rev 12:6; Da 7:25) But exclude the court which is outside
the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations.
They will trample on the Holy City for 42 months.
3 (Ge 37:34; Rev 11:2) And I will give power to my two witnesses,
and they will prophesy for 1260 days, clothed in sackcloth."
4 (Ps 52:8; Jer 11:16) These are the two olive trees
and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. (Jer 51:45.)
5 (Jer 5:14; 2Ki 1:10-12) If anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds
out of their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone desires to harm them,
he must be killed in this way.
6 (1Ki 17:1; Lk 4:25) They have power to shut heaven, that it may not rain
during the days of their prophecy. They have power over waters to turn them
into blood and to strike the earth with every plague as often as they desire.
7 (Rev 13:7; Da 7:25) When they have finished their testimony, the beast
that ascends from the bottomless pit will wage war against them
and overcome them and kill them.
8 (Jer 23:14; Heb 13:12) Their dead bodies will lie in the street
of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt,
where also our Lord was crucified.
9 (Ps 79:2-3; Rev 10:11) Those from every people and tribe and tongue
and nation will see their dead bodies for three and a half days,
and will not allow their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10 (Rev 3:10; 1Ki 18:17) Those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over
them and make merry and send gifts to one another,
because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
11 (Ge 2:7) After the three and a half days, the breath
(Eze 37:5-14.) of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet,
and great fear fell on those who saw them.
12 (Ac 1:9; 2Ki 2:11; Rev 4:1) Then they heard a loud voice from heaven
saying to them, "Come up here!" And they ascended to heaven in a cloud,
while their enemies watched them.
13 (Rev 6:12; 14:7) At that same hour there was a great earthquake,
and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand men were killed
in the earthquake, and the remnant were frightened and gave glory
to the God of heaven.
14 (Rev 8:13; 9:12) The second woe is past.
Listen, the third woe is coming quickly.
[1] And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood,
saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that
worship therein.
[2] But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not;
for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under
foot forty and two months.
[3] And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a
thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
[4] These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before
the God of the earth.
[5] And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and
devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this
manner be killed.
[6] These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their
prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the
earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
[7] And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that
ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall
overcome them, and kill them.
[8] And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which
spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
[9] And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see
their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead
bodies to be put in graves.
[10] And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make
merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets
tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
[11] And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered
into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them
which saw them.
[12] And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up
hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld
them.
[13] And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of
the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and
the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
[14] The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
The Seventh Trumpet
15 (Rev 12:10; Da 7:14; 7:27) The seventh angel sounded,
and there were loud voices in heaven, saying:
"The kingdoms of the world have become
the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ,
and He shall reign forever and ever.”
16 (Rev 4:4; 4:10) And the twenty-four elders, who sat before God on
their thrones, fell on their faces and worshipped God,
17 (Rev 1:8; 19:6; 1:4) saying:
"We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
who is and was and who is to come,
because You have taken Your great power
and begun to reign.
18 (Rev 19:5; 20:12) The nations were angry,
and Your wrath has come,
and the time has come for the dead to be judged,
and to reward Your servants the prophets
and the saints and those who fear Your name,
small and great,
and to destroy those who destroy the earth."
19 (Rev 16:21; 4:5) Then the temple of God was opened in heaven,
and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple.
And there came lightning, noises, thundering, an earthquake, and great hail.
[15] And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven,
saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and
of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
[16] And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats,
fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
[17] Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast,
and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast
reigned.
[18] And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the
dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto
thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name,
small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
[19] And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his
temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and
thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
2) Our Daily Bread for 23 December 2023 titled
Fellowship in Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15
11 (Eph 4:29; Heb 10:25) So comfort yourselves together,
and edify one another, just as you are doing.
Final Exhortations and Greetings
12 (Heb 13:17; 1Co 16:16; 16:18) We ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those
who labor among you, and are appointed over you in the Lord, and instruct you.
13 (Mk 9:50) Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.
And be at peace among yourselves.
14 (Ro 14:1; Ac 20:35) Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly,
comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, and be patient toward everyone.
15 (1Pe 3:9; Gal 6:10) See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone.
But always seek to do good to one another and to all.
[11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as
also ye do.
[12] And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and
are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
[13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at
peace among yourselves.
[14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the
feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
[15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that
which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
I'm not sure who's responsible for turning out the lights and locking up the
church after our Sunday morning service, but I know one thing about that
person: Sunday dinner is going to be delayed. That's because so many people
love to hang around after church and talk about life decisions, heart issues
and struggles, and more. It’s a joy to look around twenty minutes after the
service and see so many people still enjoying each other's company.
Fellowship is a key component of the Christlike life. Without the connectivity
that comes from spending time with fellow believers, we'd miss out on many
benefits of being a believer.
For instance, Paul says we can "Wherefore comfort yourselves together,
and edify one another, even as also ye do." (1 Thessalonians 5:11). The author
of Hebrews agrees, telling us not to neglect getting together, because we need
to be "encouraging one another" (10:25). And the writer also says that when
we're together, we "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (v. 24).
As people dedicated to living for Jesus, we prepare ourselves for faithfulness
and service as we "comfort the feebleminded, support the weak," and are "be
patient toward all" (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Living that way, as He helps us,
allows us to enjoy true fellowship and “ut ever follow that
which is good, both among yourselves, and to all” (v. 15).
By: Dave Branon
Reflect & Pray
What benefits do you gain from being with believers?
How can you help others experience fellowship in Christ?
Dear God, please help me to be a "fellowshiper"-one
who generously encourages others in love and compassion.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 7 Our God reigns!
Is 52:7
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who proclaims peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good
tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that
publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
A messenger has a single duty: to carry information. During World War II, many
parents dreaded the arrival of the Western Union messenger, believing that
delivery of a telegram meant that their son has been wounded or killed.
Isaiah 52:7, however, indicates that a messenger's word is not always
unwelcome. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring
good news ..." the prophet says. The "Good news"? Peace , salvation,
and the resultant message: "Your God reigns!"
Our God reigns - in forgiveness, in reconciliation, bringing peace and freedom
and joy. Our God reigns, controlling our lives with a loving hand, ordering
our experiences for our good, and his glory. Our God reigns in relationships,
in professional circumstances, in families, in churches. The good news is
proclaimed: Life is not unmanageable. Our God Reigns!
When we know that God reigns in our lives, we can relax, let go of the reins
of control, and live in peace. We can forgive those who have hurt us, knowing
that God will reveal to them what they need to know. We can live
with good times and bad, recognising that God uses every circumstance
of our lives to conform us to the image of his Son. We can rejoice in his
grace, free from the compulsion to earn his love and acceptance, and
we can live in the peace that comes only through his lordship in our lives.
Our God reigns - that is , indeed "Good news".
Application
a) Have I ever felt that life was "out of control"? Why?
b) What does it mean in practical terms to know that "Our God reigns"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ps 37:25-26
25 I have been young, and now am old;
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor their offspring begging bread.
26 The righteous are gracious and lend,
and their offspring are a source of blessing.
25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth;
And his seed is blessed.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are ill or injured
Matthew 8:14-17
The Healing of Many People
Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41
14 When Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother,
lying sick with a fever.
15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she rose and served them.
16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many
who were possessed with demons.
And He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all who were sick,
17 to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,
"He Himself took our infirmities
and bore our sicknesses."
[14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother
laid, and sick of a fever.
[15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and
ministered unto them.
[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed
with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that
were sick:
[17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,
saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 23 of the Month
a) Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
b) Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
(
John 13:34-35
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another."
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love; prefer one another in honour
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another;
Heb 10:24
24 And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works.
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1 Peter 3:8
8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious,
and be kind.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1 John 3:23
23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name
of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name
of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
)
Advent Day 27
FRIDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Early Offering
to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
-Luke 2:5
Luke mentions that Mary was "great with child" (KJV) so candidly that we don't pause to ponder how difficult it
must have been for her to travel all the way (about 70 miles!) from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. Even more significant, the Christ Child she carried must have been jostled and jarred by the movement, Loo.
Those of us who use statements of faith in our worship services declare
in the Apostles' Creed that Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified ... " I believe instead we should say, "suffered, under Pontius Pilate was crucified" to be more accurate to the original. Jesus suffered all his life, not just under Pilate. When we reflect on the appalling journey that he endured in the womb, we might imagine that his sufferings on our behalf began even before he was born. What amazing love that Christ sustained such adversity for us!
prayer
Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can
conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.
Read Luke 2:1-7.
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the power of His judgments and His Word.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to be a "fellowshiper"-one
who generously encourages others in love and compassion."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Good News of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to establish a generation of righteousness .
Pray to the Lord and pray for healing from Him.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can
conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.
Praise God for the Christians in Southern Burkina Faso who boldly continue
to worship despite attacks on their churches.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
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