Great end time battle – part 2

(Revelation 12:7-10)

(12:9)

1. The heavens are cleansed as Satan is cast down to the earth. This is future, not his original fall described in 12:4.

2. Jesus foresaw Satan being cast from heaven to earth (Luke 10:17-19).

3. Just as the disciples were involved in undermining Satan’s kingdom, the church will also be involved in Satan’s coming downfall.

(12:10)

1. Satan will no longer be the “accuser”, using trickery, shrewdness, and appeals. He will not be able to claim to be a victim of injustice, jealous over the fact that man gets second chances when he gets none.

2. Satan will be full of rage as he tries to do by force what he has not been able to do by craftiness. He will now be exposed as the true rebel that he is.

3. Jesus said that the casting out of demons was, in principle, the coming of the kingdom of God (Matt 12:22:29). In Revelation 12 Satan is cast out of the heavens, a sign that the kingdom of God has come.

(12:11) 3 victories for the church over Satan

Stage 1: in our own lives, to varying degree in the lives of others

Stage 2: casting Satan out of heavens by force (Eph 6:12)

Stage 3: not yielding to him after he is cast to the earth in a rage

• This is only after we pass stage 2.
• During this period of great tribulation, the church will experience an open heaven, with great power, authority, and harvest, strengthening the new converts through prayer and nurturing (Song 8:8).

This is a summary of a message brought at Christ the King Church on November 21, 2010. The complete audio is available here:
http://www.mercychristianfellowship.com/html/audio1.html
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Great end time battle – part 1

Revelation 12 and 13 contain the core theme of the Book of Revelation: the battle between the church and Satan (and his primary agents: the antichrist and false prophet).

(12:1-2) The woman is Israel. In Joseph’s dream, the sun and moon represent his parents, hence, the patriarchs. The 12 stars represent the 12 tribes. Israel births Christ (see 12:5).

(12:3) Seven heads represent seven empires under the control of Satan that persecuted Israel: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, the revived Roman Empire (Revelation 17:3, 7, 9, 10). The ten crowns represent a confederation of ten nations (Revelation 17:12). (See also Daniel 2:41-42; 7:7, 20, 24; 11:36-45.)

(12:4) Satan took 1/3 of the angels with him in his original rebellion (Isaiah 14:12-14); Ezediel 28:12-19). The male child is Christ.

(12:5-6) Some Israelites flee for 1260 days, 3½ years (12:14). During this time many of them will be protected by Christians and will come to repentance (Ezekiel 20:33-44). Jesus will not return until they say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (Matt 23:37-39).

(12:7-9) Michael casts down Satan. Then he stands still (Daniel 12:1; 2 Th 2:7-8). Satan is not yet cast out of the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:2; 6:12), but continues to have access to God, like in Job 1:6. Note 12:10 where he accuses the saints day and night.

(12:10) Satan no longer operates by accusation, trickery, and deceit. Having been cast down, he relies completely on force. All authority is given to the saints.

(12:11) This will be the time of the church’s greatest test (like Daniel 3:18).

• The blood works only if we walk in forgiveness.
• The love of many will grow cold (Matt 24:12).
• We cry out for justice (Psalm 89:14; Isaiah 30:18); we do not take vengeance (Romans 12:17-21).

This is a summary of a message brought at Christ the King Church on November 14, 2010. The complete audio is available at
http://www.mercychristianfellowship.com/html/audio1.html
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Seven seals timeline – part 6

Review of last week

(Daniel 10:21; 12:1; 2 Thes 2:6-7; Matt 24:21, 15)

Daniel 12

If our timeline is correct, all Scripture should align with it without any contradiction. We will look at Daniel 12 to see if it lines up.

Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2 (NASB)

This is a reference to the resurrection and rapture at the time of Jesus’ coming. The “others” refers to those who have rejected Christ and are resurrected 1,000 years later (Revelation 20:4-6).

The eternal state of believers will be one of glory (Daniel 12:3). Foretastes of such glory will be manifest prior to Jesus’ return (Isaiah 60:1-3).

3½ year tribulation begins when Michael stands still (Daniel 12:1, 5-7).

Believers cry for justice

The great tribulation will be a time of the greatest spiritual battle for the church.

In the midst of great darkness, the church will demonstrate great power and glory. She will not be passive, but will cry out for justice (Luke 18:1-8).

1. Justice and righteousness are the foundation of God’s throne (Psalm 89:14).

2. There is much injustice in the land, as there was in Israel (Isaiah 59:14).

3. Jesus asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). In context, the question really is: will He find faith for justice? He wants us to call out to Him in faith, that He might grant justice on our behalf (Isaiah 30:18).

• When Satan inspired the killing of Steven, he lost Paul (who became the well known apostle)
• When Satan inspired the killing of Jesus, he lost everything.

This is a summary of a message brought at Christ the King Church on November 7, 2010. The complete audio is available at
http://www.mercychristianfellowship.com/html/audio1.html
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Seven seals timeline – part 5

And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 (NASB)

Who restrains the Antichrist?

1. Some say the Roman Emperor, but the Emperor is now gone and Antichrist has not fulfilled these Scriptures.
2. Some say the Holy Spirit, but

• the Holy Spirit is everywhere at all times (Psalm 139:7-8).
• the Holy Spirit will still be active in the lives of the remaining Jews (Matthew 23:39).
• it is not the job of the Holy Spirit to restrain evil (John 16:8).

3. There are beings who constantly resist spiritual forces of wickedness.

• After 21 days the angel came to Daniel with Michael, the prince over God’s people (Daniel 10:2, 13, 20-21). He stands guard over Israel (Daniel 12:1).
• In Daniel 12:1 Michael will arise (Hebrew: amad, meaning “to stand”). Literally, this verse reads: “At that time, Michael shall stand, the great prince who stands over the sons of your people.”
• If the subject is sitting, amad means he would stand up. If the subject is already standing, amad means he would stand still.

• (Joshua 10:13) the moon stopped. . . the sun stopped in the middle (NKJ: sun stood still)
• amad can mean stop or desist, as in Job 32:16.
• Rashi (1040-1105), one of Israel’s greatest teachers and scholars, wrote of Daniel 12:1, “The Holy One, blessed is He, said to Michael, ‘You are silent? You do not defend my children?’”

• In Daniel 10:21, the Hebrew hazaq is translated “stands firmly”. Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary says hazaq can also mean “to bind, restrain”. Recall 2 Th 2:7 where we read: “he who now restrains….”

Why does Michael desist?

1. Israel must repent from joining Satan and be prepared to receive Christ.
2. The gospel will be preached with power so people do not take the mark of the beast.
3. The saints must be prepared to rule

• by overcoming the world system, trusting only in God
• by coming into unity, faith, and holiness, displaying unprecedented power over the enemy (Psalm 149:5-9)

The importance of learning to engage in spiritual warfare now (2 Samuel 22:20-40)

He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 2 Samuel 22:35 (NASB)

This is a summary of a message brought at Christ the King Church on October 31, 2010. The complete audio is available here:
http://www.mercychristianfellowship.com/html/audio1.html
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Preparing for “A Day of Consecration”

A Day of Consecration

When? Saturday, October 16, 2010, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where? Christ the King Church in Conroe

Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (Joel 2:15-16)

Why now?

On October 31 of last year, we celebrated our 30-year anniversary as a church. Remembering that the Jews considered a man to be a mature adult at age 30 (explaining why Jesus did not begin His public ministry until He was 30), I felt that God would now begin to bring our church into a new level of fruitfulness. I fully expected revival to begin this year (and still do).

In July, as we observed the judgments being released upon this nation, I also remembered the promises God has given us concerning coming revival. I began to feel that now is the time for us to position ourselves to enter into what God has promised. The leaders were in agreement and chose October 16 as the date for gathering the whole church for a time of seeking God together.

Since that time we have seen God moving powerfully in people’s lives. These are signs of imminent revival. In the last few months we have seen a number of people making a solid commitment of their lives to Christ. Some of them had been with us years ago; others are new. The number of supernatural encounters people are having is also increasing. I could go on. The point is that God is beginning to move in a fresh way, and this is the time to prepare ourselves to move with Him.

Things will get worse. The Antichrist is coming, why bother to pray?

We know that the Antichrist is coming, but there are several things we don’t know:

1. How long until he comes? What kind of world do you want for your children, grandchildren?
2. What nations will be delivered from his hands (Daniel 11:41)?
3. What states or cities will be protected like Israel in Goshen?
4. What degree of authority will be granted believers to shape the course of their nation’s history? Think of David, Solomon, Moses, Esther, Samson, Daniel, Deborah and others.

“Heroes are not made in war; they are made in peacetime and revealed in war.”

Above is what we don’t know. Now here is some of what we do know:

1. Mature sons of God are coming forth (Zech 12:18). We should make it difficult for the Antichrist, not just hand things over to him.
2. One poor man can save a city (Eccl 9:15)

The U.S. is on a precipice. There are many reasons why God should judge America.

So what should we do?

1. Repent (Joel 2:2, 12-16)
2. Intercede for the lost (Isaiah 59:15-16; 64:1-2)
3. Move in faith and power (Isaiah 60:1-3)

This is a summary of a message brought at Christ the King Church on October 3, 2010. The complete audio is available here: http://www.mercychristianfellowship.com/html/audio1.html.

Seven seals timeline – part 3

The Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:15-27)

1. The Abomination of Desolation

• takes place mid-week (Daniel 9:27). The “wing” of abominations could mean “extreme” abomination.
• marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21)

2. God delivers believers in Judea.

• There was a partial fulfillment in 70 AD.
• It was not a complete fulfillment of Daniel 9:27 because it was not mid-week (2 Thess 2:1-4)

Cosmic signs (Matthew 24:29)

1. These signs precede the Day of the Lord (Joel 2:31; Acts 2:20:21; Revelation 6:12-17)

2. In Jewish thought, a “blood-red moon” is a term for describing a total lunar eclipse, in which the earth darkens the moon with its shadow.

Rapture (Matthew 24:30-31)

1. Why does it appear here on the timeline?

• It is immediately after the tribulation (Matt 24:29)
• It cuts short the tribulation (Matt 24:22)
• It leaves time for the wrath of God upon the wicked (1 Thess 5:9)

2. The rapture involves the physical return of Jesus (1 Thess 4:15-17; 1 Cor 15:51-52).

3. The Greek word “harpadzo” means to seize, catch up, snatch away. The Latin equivalent is “rapio”, from which we get “rapture”.

The word “harpadzo” is also used in Acts 8:30; 2 Cor 12:2, 4; Rev 12:5, and it conveys the idea of a forceful sudden seizure (Matthew 11:12; 12:29).

This is a summary of a message brought at Christ the King Church on September 26, 2010. The complete audio is available here:
http://www.mercychristianfellowship.com/html/audio1.html
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4 horsemen of the apocalypse – part 6

The ashen horse

(Isaiah 35:1-7) God speaks to His people in the context of judgment upon the nations.

There are two kinds of believers in the last days:

1. those like Israel in the wilderness, cared for by God
2. those like Joshua and Caleb, aggressive warriors, eager to take the Promised Land

(Revelation 6:7-8) The ashen horse brings death and terror. It is more severe than the red and black horses.

Hades is the Greek god of the underworld, showing that the target of the ashen horse’s activities are unbelievers. Why? To gain greater control.

¼ of the earth’s population will die.

This will increase in intensity over a period of time.

Antidote— resurrection life

A healing revival is coming, restoring the truth about resurrection life (Hebrews 6:2), similar to how previous movements restored the other foundational truths mentioned in Hebrews 6:

1. 1517— Martin Luther and the Wittenburg door, restored repentance from dead works
2. Mid 1700′s— John Wesley, restored faith
3. 1906— Azusa Street Pentecostal outpouring, restored the baptism in the Holy Spirit
4. Late 1940′s— Latter Rain, restored the laying on of hands

The ashen horse is announced by the fourth living creature, the eagle. Each horse has a counterpart in heaven, demonstrating that God is in control.

This is not meant to invalidate the work of medical doctors. Modern medicine works to destroy the physical bacteria or virus, whereas we attack the life force that animates the offending disease.

This is a summary of a message brought at Christ the King Church on August 29, 2010. The complete audio is available here:
http://www.mercychristianfellowship.com/html/audio1.html
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4 horsemen of the apocalypse – part 5

The black horse

When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6 NASB)

Food shortages

1. Scales signify that food will become expensive. Although the famine will be severe, it is not yet devastating as it will be with the ashen horse (Rev 6:8).
2. Barley is for the poor and for animals. They will still have food, although it will be expensive.
3. Oil and wine will still be available, meaning that the wealthy will still be able to have what they want.

What will cause the shortages? There are a number of possibilities:

1. Weather. The EU Times quotes Britain’s Channel 4 News this week:
   “Normally the jet stream is a giant loop of high speed winds that whip round the upper atmosphere. The jet stream isn’t involved in day to day weather – it’s too high up – but because it pushes the atmosphere around it’s very important in steering large scale weather patterns below.
   The stream has split in two. One arm has gone north, another south. The patch in the middle is Russia’s drought. A circulating pattern of air has been sitting over Russia for far longer than normal, causing the extreme temperatures and wildfires they’ve had there.
   But what’s happening over Pakistan is even stranger. The southern arm of the Jet stream has looped down so far it has crossed over the Himalayas into north western Pakistan. Experts at the Met Office tell me this is very unusual.
   And the result is that the fast moving jets stream winds high up has helped suck the warm, wet, monsoon air even faster and higher into the atmosphere – and that has caused rains like no-one can remember. It has turbo charged the monsoon if you like. They’re not sure that’s ever happened before.”
   … The catastrophic flooding in China and apocalyptic heat and fires in Russia put both of these … [countries] in the position of having to ask the Americans for food aid as their summer crops are being destroyed on an unprecedented basis.
2. Terrorism, war
3. Blight
4. Genetically modified foods

How can we prepare?

1. This is an economic issue. The usual principles apply: work hard, avoid debt, give. Also, stock up for short-term, plant a garden.
2. Some will not be able to stock up. God will supply. Both oil and wine are associated with major miracles of supernatural provision in the Bible: oil (1 Kings 17:14), wine (John 2).

• God supplies for the righteous during famine (Psalm 37:16-29).
• God supplies for even the birds (Matthew 6:26)
• Just like Joseph built storehouses prior to the famine in Egypt, Jesus has a storehouse. Through our giving, we are storing up. Jesus will release His provision during time of need (Malachi 3:10-12).

Antidote— oil and wine

1. Oil signifies the anointing of the Holy Spirit, meaning displays of power, supernatural faith, and miracles of provision. If the enemy’s plan is to create great lack, God will respond by creating supernatural provision.

• God provided for Elijah, joined to God by covenant, at the book Cherith (from “to cut”) (1 Kings 17:3-4).
• God provided for the widow during the 3½ year famine (1 Kings 17:14). God will raise up a generation of Elijah-deliverers.
• Satan’s purpose is to destabilize, create desperation, so people will look to His government for safety. His ultimate goal is to increase his control. However, God is in control. Jesus is the One who breaks the seals. God’s purpose is to draw people to His house where there is plenty (1 Kings 17:15).

2. Wine signifies supernatural joy (Isaiah 61:3). The color of each horse is associated with a feeling:

• White: good feeling (a deception)
• Red: agitation, violence
• Black: sorrow, sadness, mourning, hopelessness, depression
• Ashen: fear, death

This is a summary of a message brought at Christ the King Church on August 22, 2010. The complete audio is available here:
http://www.mercychristianfellowship.com/html/audio1.html
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4 horsemen of the apocalypse – part 4

The red horse

When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him. (Revelation 6:3-4 NASB)

How do we know the four horsemen are sent to prepare the way for the Antichrist?

1. The Antichrist cannot just “show up”. Having laws in place, creating crises and interdependent relationships among nations, and preparing people’s thinking make him more acceptable when he does appear.
2. We can see world leaders now speaking openly about the New World Order.

The White Horse allows the Antichrist to come by stealth, as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14)

The Red Horse reveals the true nature of Satan.

1. He comes to “take peace” from the earth. Satan has no peace in himself (Ezekiel 28:12, 16, 18). His desire is to control, to possess.
2. The word “red” in Rev 6:4 (purros) comes from the word for fire (pur). It means fiery red.
   God also is fire (Ezekiel 28:14, 16; 1:26-27; Dan 7:9-10). The fire of God speaks of His passionate love. The fire in Satan speaks of his intense desire to possess and control; whereas God has an intense desire to give, bless, strengthen, nourish, comfort and love.

Some observations:

1. Satan’s true nature cannot be contained forever. Once his position is secure, he will no longer try to hide his true intent.
2. Satan’s true nature is underlying, but can be discerned. It easily turns to violence.
3. By “taking peace” Satan creates chaos, rebellion, and anarchy— leading to more control.
4. Expect this condition to increase, affecting even animals. It will affect anyone not connected to Christ.

What are we to learn from what we see of the red horse?

1. God is in control. It is Jesus who opens the seals. Although these are not like the horses of Zechariah, God uses these horses to accomplish His purpose.
2. Jesus provides the antidote to the red horse.
   Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14:27 NASB)
   These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NASB)
3. Why does the devil want to take peace? Jesus cannot be fully manifest in us until we give Him a resting place within. Satan is afraid of mature sons of God being revealed upon the earth (Matt 5:9).

Satan gives a false sense of peace to people by blinding their minds (2 Cor 4:3-4).

1. Most people live in an illusion.
2. Some leaders think they see, but they see only dimly. They are actually pawns of Satan.
3. People need to be awakened to fear the Lord.

We can learn to walk in the peace of God by practicing Philippians 4:4-9.

This is a summary of a message brought at Christ the King Church on August 15, 2010. The complete audio is available here:
http://www.mercychristianfellowship.com/html/audio1.html
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4 horsemen of the apocalypse – part 3

The white horse: how to respond

I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (Revelation 6:2 NASB)

How should you respond when you see the white horse trying to force the nation into a New World Order through economic manipulations?

1. Continue sound financial stewardship: work hard, save for major purchases, avoid debt, discipline spending habits, give. Decide whether you will trust God or the world’s economic system. God told Isaac not to go to Egypt (the world) during time of famine, but to sow in Gerar (the land promised to Abraham). Isaac sowed and reaped a hundred-fold during the time of famine because he obeyed God (Genesis 26:1-3).
2. Pray for those in government (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Questions that may come to mind:

1. What is so bad about one-world government?
   Answer: If it was headed by Jesus, it would be good, but the plan is to remove God from government and public life. The goal is to create a technocratic, Luciferian government.
2. Why pray against the work of the Antichrist when we want to hasten the return of Christ?
   Answer: Christ’s return is not dependent upon degree of evil in the world, but upon the maturity of the church. The Antichrist wants to deceive and destroy. As long as he is allowed to prosper, souls will be lost. We are at war against him, and we will overcome (Rev 12:11). We are contending for our own souls, for harvest, and for the Kingdom of God to be manifest.
3. Can we really make any difference when it God’s plan for the Antichrist to take control of everything?
   Answer: The Antichrist is not all-powerful.

• (Rev 11:1-6) The two witnesses are unstoppable. Are they the only ones? No, they are representative of a generation of overcomers (Zechariah 12:8).
• The saints who know God will display strength and take action (Dan 11:31-32). What kind of action? They will contend for their families, lost souls, churches, cities, and nations. Some nations will be delivered (Dan 11:40-41, 44).
• There is another white horse (Rev 19:11-16). The sword coming out of Jesus’ mouth represents the Word of God, which the saints also wield (Psalm 149:5-9).
• The saints will subdue the enemies of God until they become a footstool for Jesus (Psalm 110:1-3; Romans 16:20).

This is a summary of a message brought at Christ the King Church on August 8, 2010. The complete audio is available here:
http://www.mercychristianfellowship.com/html/audio1.html
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