Zechariah For Today and Tomorrow #3
Chapters 8 to 9
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Friday, May 15, 2026
BOOK OF ZECHARIAH #3
BOOK OF REVELATION #8
Chapter One hundred-thirty-seven:
The REVELATION of Jesus Christ #8
Chapters 11 and 12 CHAPTER ELEVEN Chapter 11 and 12 are INSET chapters. They go back and tell us the story of the last 42 months of this age, the two witness in Jerusalem preaching the truths of God, during the time when Jerusalem shall be under the Gentile Beast power. And in chapter 12 we have the MAIN outline of the true Church of God from way back in Jacob and Joseph's time, to the last time of "time" (singular) "times" (plural) and "half a time" - 42 months or 1260 days. This first verse some have used to try and prove that in the end times the Jews will build a Temple in Jerusalem, and start again to offer animal sacrifices. First, this teaching is based on a few Scriptures in the Bible that have not be understood correctly. Second, the fact is the Dome of the Rock would have to be removed, and this the Islamic people would never allow. Third, the animal-rights people would be up in arms and would probably burn down such a physical Temple, as quickly as it went up. The old Bible Commentator Albert Barnes in his "Notes on the New Testament" gives the truth of the matter. Quote: "The measuring of the temple, verses 1,2. A reed, or measuring stick, is given to John, and is directed to arise and measure the temple. This direction embraces two parts: (a) he was to measure, that is, to take an exact estimate of the temple, of the altar, and of the true worshippers; (b) he was carefully to separate this, in his estimate, from the outward court, which was to be left out and to be given to the Gentiles, to be trodden under foot, forty-two months, that is, three years and a half, or twelve hundred and sixty days - a period celebrated in the book of Daniel as well as in this book...... RISE AND MEASURE THE TEMPLE OF GOD. That is, ascertain its true dimensions with the reed in your hand. Of course this could not be understood of the LITERAL temple - whether standing or not - for the exact measure of that was sufficiently known. (and if literal with some literal temple in Jerusalem at the last time, then according to this, John was to literally measure the people as well. Can you imagine someone going about literally measuring people inside the temple, as well as the temple itself - a little bit or big bit, crazy thinking I would say - Keith Hunt). The word, then, must be used of something which the temple would denote or represent, and this would properly be the church, as considered as the abode of God on earth. Under the old dispensation, the Temple at Jerusalem was that abode; under the new, that particular residence was transferred to the Church and God is represented as dwelling in it.... Thus the word is undoubtedly used here, and the simple meaning that he who is thus addressed is directed to take an accurate estimate of the true church of God....If the direction be understood figuratively, as applicable to the Christian church, the work to be done would be to obtain an exact estimate or measurement of what the true church was - as distinguished from all other bodies of men.... BUT THE COURT WHICH IS WITHOUT THE TEMPLE. Which is outside of the court proper....There is undoubtedly reference here to the "court of the Gentiles" as it was called among the Jews - the outer court of the Temple to which the Gentiles has access....In forming an estimate of those who, according to the Hebrew notions, were true worshippers of God, only those who would be regarded as such, who had the privilege of access to the inner court, and to the altar.....those who had no nearer access than that court (the court of the Gentiles), would be omitted; that is, they would not be reckoned as necessarily any part of those who were regarded as the people of God..... FOR IT IS GIVEN TO THE GENTILES. It properly appertains to them as their own,. Though near the temple, and included in the general range of building, yet it does not pertain to those who worship there, but to those who are regarded as heathen and strangers....They occupied it, not as the people of God, but as those who were WITHOUT the true church, and who did not appertain to its real communion..... AND THE HOLY CITY. The whole holy city - not merely the outer court of the Gentiles which is said to be given to them, nor the Temple as such, but the ENTIRE holy city. There is no doubt that the words "holy city" LITERALLY refers to Jerusalem......" End Quote Indeed, the first verse is setting aside the true people of God at the OUTSET of the "forty two months" (verse 2), when the holy city will be under the control and direction of the Gentile Beast power. It will NOT CONTROL the people of God. They shall REMAIN FAITHFUL to the faith once delivered to the saints, even if some of them must die for their faith. Such it has always been when religious persecutions came over the centuries past, and so it must be again, as we shall see in chapter 12. God's people will be accurately ascertained, measured according to the Holy Temple they are as the body of Christ. The Gentiles cannot rule over them so as to make them give up their faith of Jesus and obedience to the commandments of God (see Rev.14:12). It is given for the Gentiles to rule the literal city of God, Jerusalem, for the last 42 months of this age or 1260 days. During that time, the Lord will have TWO witnesses LIVING and PREACHING in Jerusalem. They are of old represented by the two olive trees and the two candle sticks standing before God in heaven. They have been there all along (from the distant past of time) - see also Zechariah 4:3. We have seen in the letters of Paul that God knew His plan for mankind before the earth came into being. Jesus we saw had been called to do His salvation work on this earth, before man was created, before the foundations of the earth. See 1 Peter 1:18-20 for that truth. The two olive trees and the two candlesticks in heaven have pointed to the two witness that would come to Jerusalem, during the last 42 months of this age (verses 1-4). Now, notice the POWER these two witnesses will have. If anyone tries to kill them, they will say the word and fire will destroy their enemies. They will have the power to shut up heaven so that it does not rain during the time of their prophecy and preaching. They will have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with plagues, as often as they see necessary (verses 5,6). All this going on in the hands of the two final open to the world witnesses, as well as that which pertains to the opening of the 6 seals we have been seeing. This last 42 months of history for this age, will make any of the science-fiction movies of Hollywood seem like Walt Disney cartoons. When they shall have finished their work God sets before them, the Beast power (with the man "beast" - military leader, and the "false prophet" religious leader) of Europe will be allowed to kill them. Their dead bodies will lay in the street of Jerusalem, where our Lord was crucified (verses 7-8). Their bodies will lay there for three and one half days, just so the world can see them dead in the street (verse 9). Look at verse 9 and 10! The DECEPTION the world will be in, well nothing, will compare to it. You think we have great deception today with Islam, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and whatever else the world is deceived into following. The deception in the last 42 months leading up to Christ's return, will be WILD, just unmatched. You will have the two witnesses proclaiming the truths of God, and performing GREAT MIRACLES, and when they are finally killed, the people of the earth will REJOICE, make merry, and SEND GIFTS to each other, because the torment they plagued people with shall be over. You talk about deception! This is the DEPTH of Satan's deception. I suppose the "false prophet" will have deceived the world into believing the Lord's two end-time witnesses to truth and righteousness, will be from Satan, while he is from God. Remember Revelations says the false prophet is able to work miracles. The world will be TWISTED up-side-down. They will have it all backwards. The religious power of the West will have people believing the true saints of God are the heretics and from Satan, while the religious/political Beast power is from God. After three and one half days the two witnesses will be raised up back to life again (verse 11) and yes, I guess great fear will come on them that see it all happen. Do not make the mistake of supposing that Jesus will come AFTER three days and a half that the two witnesses are laying dead in the street of Jerusalem. Do not make the mistake of thinking the RESURRECTION to immortality takes place when the two witnesses are raised up back to life. The verse DOES NOT SAY THAT! Thy witnesses will have the Spirit of life in them, but the Lord Jesus does not say it is immortal glorified life. So it could be that the two witnesses will be raised back to flesh and blood life ONLY. Yes, a voice does shout out for them to come up to heaven, and they do, while their enemies behold it all. But again, this may only be a physical miracle raising them into the FIRST heaven only and carrying them away to where only the Lord knows. The last verses of the book of Daniel give us MORE than 1260 days. Daniel will STAND (be resurrected) at the END "of the days" mentioned in verse 12 of chapter 12. Be careful RIGHT TO THE END to not set dates! Jesus taught us that NO ONE, not even He Himself, knows the DAY or HOUR of his return to this planet earth. At the same hour of these two witnesses being raised to life, there will be a GREAT earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell (Jerusalem that is), and in that earthquake were slain 7,000 persons, and finally SOME gave glory to God. We have come in verse 14 in the story flow, to the FINISH of the SECOND WOE. ONE MORE IS TO YET COME! Our story flow continues with verse 15 to 19. It is the OVERVIEW of the SEVENTH TRUMPET, the THIRD WOE. This is the long awaited for, SEVENTH AND LAST TRUMPET! The long waited gloriously LAST TRUMPET, when the Kingdom of God is to come to this earth, when Jesus is to return and the kingdoms of this world shall become the KINGDOMS of our Lord, and of His Christ, and shall REIGN for ever and ever (verse 15). The 24 elders before the throne of God, got up from their seats and "fell upon their faces, worshipping God; and saying: 'We give thanks, O Lord God Almighty, who is, and was, and is to come; because you have used Your great power and has reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come; and the time of the dead that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants and prophets, and those who fear Your name, small and great; and should destroy those who are destroying the earth'" (verses 16-18). It is the time for the resurrection of the saints, the children of God. The judgment and rewards given to the resurrected sons and daughters of God are really the one and same thing. I ask the reader to see my study called "The Truth about Judgment Day." The Lord Jesus will come to make war and punish those who are destroying the earth. This is the time when what Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 will come to pass. You may want to see that section again in this NT Bible Story. At this time the Temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in the Temple the ark of His testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and an earthquake, and great hail (verse 19). A mighty heavenly miracle taking place here, the wording suggests that the opening of the Temple of God in heaven could be seen by those on earth. That would indeed be a revealing and a miracle. We need to remember that this section of the Revelation, is within the "story flow" but at the same time it is only an "overview" of the LAST trumpet. The revelation of Jesus will in coming passages, give us the full details of all that will happen when this SEVENTH trumpet or THIRD woe takes place. CHAPTER 12 A "woman" in prophecy can and often does, represent "a church" (see chapter 19:7,8). Here in verse one, we are taken back to Genesis 37:9-11. The time of Joseph, his brothers and his mother and his father Jacob. That, for whatever reason is chosen by God to start us into the history of the true "people of God" or the woman Church of God (the true church from all ages is the BRIDE of Christ when the wedding feast will take place - again "woman" representing the bride church of Christ - Revelation 19:5-9). The true church is with child, a VERY SPECIAL child indeed. Then appears a great red dragon (interpreted for us in verse 9 - the Devil or Satan), having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his head (explained in studies called "The Beasts of Revelation"). Briefly, it is the seven Holy Roman Empires (one more yet to come) and the 10 horns are the last 10 nation kings to give their power and voice to the last (the 7th resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire) "beast" man - political/military leader, who will try to fight Christ at His coming - see Revelation 17:12-15. Satan the Devil in history past, drew a third of the "stars" (representing angels) with him in his battle against God, which took place sometime BEFORE what we read of in Genesis chapter one. Those are inset words to clarify who this "red dragon" is. Now we are brought to the historic time of the Devil dragon standing before the woman Church of God, who was to give birth to the special man child, and the dragon was ready to devour that child as soon as it was born. This is the time of Christ's birth to the woman Mary, who was a member of the woman true church. The man child Jesus was born, the One who is to rule all nations with a rod of iron (verses 3-5). There can be no mistaking the meaning of all this. Satan had all the children two years and under killed at the time of Jesus' birth, in an attempt to kill the child Jesus. You'll remember that from the Gospel story. The child was caught up to God, and His throne (verse 5b). We are brought forward to the resurrected Christ and Him ascending to heaven to sit on the Father's right hand, and be our interceding High Priest (the book of Hebrews covers that important truth). The woman true church, flees into the "wilderness" where she has a "place" (singular - will explain why I give emphasis to that in a moment) prepared for her by God, who will feed her in safety, for 1260 days or day for a year = 1260 years. This was fulfilled from the year 554 A.D. to 1814 A.D. That period of time as covered in secular church history books (certainly the one I have) was when the false woman church, ruled by Satan, the Holy Roman Catholic church of the resurrected Holy Roman Empire, RULED with MIGHT and dictatorial POWER. Again all explained in my in-depth studies called "The Beasts of Revelation." Now why do I give emphasis to "place" - singular. It is because some in these days of the last decades of the 20th century and the first decades of the 21st century, tell you that the part of God's people who will find "protection" from death and the Beast power, will find protection in ONE specific location on this earth. They believe that somehow all God's true children will be all taken to ONE specific place on earth (they may not know where exactly, although some think they do) during and for the whole 42 months period. They claim this because in verse 14 of this chapter, the singular "place" is used for protection of some of the people of God for 42 months, or time, times, and half a time. BUT.....we have seen the SINGULAR "place" is used in verse 6. And verse 6 in the story flow of this history of the true church was 1260 years from 554 - 1844 A.D. And the facts of church history prove without a doubt that God's true people WERE **NOT** in just ONE location for all that length of time. When the Roman Catholic church was reigning supreme during that time period, God's people were in the wilderness of the hills, the valleys, the mountains, ALL OVER EUROPE, BRITAIN, and SOME even in the far Eastern nations, untouched by the Roman Catholic church. The singular word "place" does NOT MEAN in God's protective plan for some of His children, just one specific location on this earth. It did not during those 1260 years and it will not again, when some of the Lord's people will be protected during the last 42 months of this age. Such is the short-sighted reading of the Bible by some, who will not look at the full context and see where God and history prove "place" does not mean one specific geographical wilderness area somewhere on this earth. During that time period of 1260 years (verse 6) the people of God were protected in the wilderness of MANY NATIONS on earth. They went out into the hills, and the forests, the wild out of the way places in their particular country where they lived. The Christian church history books are full of that fact and truth! We are moved forward in verse 7, to a time that is yet ahead of us (as I write in 2007), a time when once more Satan and his demon army will try to unseat the Almighty from His throne in heaven. There will yet be an invisible "star wars" in heaven, Michael and his angels will fight Satan and his army. The Devil will not win, and no place he will have in heaven. He and his army will be cast back down to this earth (verses 7-9). At this time in the history of this planet, John hears aloud voice in heaven saying: "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuses them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death. Therefore rejoice you heavens, and you that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and the sea! For the Devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time" (verses 10-12). Satan may accuse God's children day and night, but we have a High Priest interceding for us day and night. We have the victory through Christ, His blood, and His interceding work. The Devil, after loosing this battle with Michael and the righteous angels, will come to earth, and LOOK OUT as we say. This is the time of the GREAT TRIBULATION spoken about by Jesus, the time when many saints will be killed for their faith. A time when Satan will be allowed through his Holy Roman Empire Beast power to destroy the peoples of Israel and Judah, and kill many true Christians. We are back in the time frame (during this outline of the major events of the true Church of God) of the FIFTH SEAL - of chapter 6. The time frame of the persecution of God's people (see also Jesus' words in Matthew 24:9). To the true church woman was given two wings of the eagle (not literally see Exodus 19:4 and a past happening with similar words - this is not some jet plane flight - Israel did not leave Egypt on a jet plane). She, the true church woman is given protection, she moves to the wilderness once more, into her place (we've talked about the singular "place" above, and it ain't what some want you to believe), where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, for 42 months or three and one half years, during the great tribulation and the day of the Lord. The serpent, the Devil casts out of his mouth (gives command) that his army flood of waters (people - see chapter 17:15), go after the woman, that she might be destroyed by Satan's army. But God is mightier than the Devil, and causes the "earth" (earthquakes or whatever) to swallow up the flood army of men that Satan and his demons control (verses 13-16). The dragon Devil .... he is angry, oh, indeed he is. He is not allowed by God to touch the true church people that are in the wilderness. But, Satan looks around and yes, he sees some of the Lord's people are not in the wilderness, they are not physically protected. They are some of the very same people, ones who KEEP the COMMANDMENTS of God (which the 4th one will make them stand out like a lighthouse on a hill), and have the testimony of Jesus Christ - they will be living as Jesus lived, and that will put a light on top of their lighthouse on a hill. They will stand out, be easily seen and found. Satan is allowed by the Lord to "make war" with the "remnant of her seed." There will be an end-time, persecution and killing of part of the very true Church of God. This story flow of the major history of the True Church of God, has brought us to the 5th SEAL or the killing of more saints of God, before the visible return of Christ our Lord. Some of the people of God will find and be granted protection during the last 42 months of this age. Some will not be granted protection and will have to give their lives up for the faith once delivered to the saints. You are NOT a less Christian, or an unworthier Christian because you are not protected, but are chosen to die for THE faith. The apostle Paul died for THE faith, so did the apostle Peter, so did Stephen (Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60) so did James (Acts 12:1-2). If you have to die for THE faith you will be in GOOD COMPANY, VERY GOOD COMPANY INDEED! .................... To be continued |
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
BOOK OF ZECHARIAH #2
Zechariah For Today and Tomorrow #2
Chapters 4 to 7
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Tuesday, May 12, 2026
BOOK OF ZECHARIAH #1
Zechariah For Today and Tomorrow #1
Chapters 1 to 3
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Saturday, May 9, 2026
BOOK OF REVELATION #7
Chapter One hundred-thirty-six:
The REVELATION of Jesus Christ #7
Chapters 8 - 10 CHAPTER EIGHT The SEVENTH SEAL is now to be opened. There was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Why this silence? We are not told. We can only speculate. Is it a "hush" in the now reality that the ages have waited for - the last stage leading up to the coming of the Messiah in glory and power to destroy those who are destroying the earth, and to finally usher in the Kingdom of God on earth for the promised 1,000 years of the RESTITUTION of all things. Or maybe its the serious awe of the universe, the angels and all other created creatures, holding their breath so to speak, for now is coming the very personal and direct time of God's wrath on this earth. Whatever the reason, the truth of the matter is that in God's heaven there will be SILENCE for about half an hour. That part of eternal history no doubt the host of heaven will always remember, SILENCE in heaven, no praising or singing or playing of music or sounds of thunder and whatever else those beings in heaven do - for a very short time, there will be SILENCE! (verse 1). The seven angels standing before God are given SEVEN TRUMPETS. As we proceed, it becomes clear that the SEVENTH seal IS comprised of SEVEN TRUMPET SOUNDS (verse 2). Another angel comes and stands at the heavenly altar, having a golden censer or bowl. He has much incense, and he offers it up with the prayers of the saints upon the golden altar which is before the very throne of God. The smoke of the incense with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angels' hand. The angel then takes the censer, fills it with fire, and throws it onto the earth. There were voices, thunder, lightning, and a great earthquake (verses 3-5). All very real but symbolic. All done in heaven and no person on earth shall see it happen. But the reality of it happening will surely be felt afterwards by what then takes place on the earth. God starts to flex His muscles. The seven angels are ready to blow their trumpets. FIRST TRUMPET The first angel sounds his trumpet, there followed a great hail and fire mingled with blood, being cast down on the earth, it burnt up a THIRD of all trees, and all the green grass was burnt up (verses 6-7). This alone is mind-dumbing. This has never happened to the earth since it was created, in the scale and depth of it all. We can only imagine in part, what this will look and sound like. SECOND TRUMPET The second angel sounds his trumpet. A great mountain like whatever, with fire was cast into the sea: a THIRD part of the sea became blood. A THIRD part of the creatures in the sea that had life were killed; and a THIRD part of the ships on the sea were destroyed (verses 8-9). This is really getting "freaky" - it's like a strange horror movie taking place. But, however all this unfold and whatever the sight of what makes all this happen is like, we are told the END RESULT! And it is far from being anything but catastrophic. These end results are how they read, no symbolism here, they will happen, as the plain words we are reading say. THIRD TRUMPET A great "star" from heaven falls to earth. As stars can represent angels, could this be an angel coming to earth, burning as it were a lamp. It falls, in whatever way, a miracle perhaps, on the THIRD part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of water. Whatever this is it is called "wormwood" (wormwood is a bitter plant and grows in desert type areas). The third part of waters became wormwood, so bitter, and obviously even more than bitter because MANY died from the wormwood waters. This has never happened on the earth as yet, so it is yet to come. FOURTH TRUMPET Now the sun and moon and stars are greatly effected, exactly HOW we are not told, but we are told the result: the THIRD part of them is DARKENED. The day shone not for a third part, and the night also shone not for a third part. Again, this sounds science-fiction stuff, but it will happen during the early part of the DAY OF THE LORD. The DAY of God's WRATH. John then beholds and hears an angel; flying through the heaven and saying, "WOE, WOE, WOE, to the inhabitants of the earth by reason of the other voices of the TRUMPET of the THREE angels which are yet to sound!" CHAPTER NINE The FIFTH angel sounds - the FIFTH TRUMPET. A star falls from heaven to earth, and to him (indicating this is an angel) was given the key to unlock the bottomless pit. He opened the pit and smoke arose, as like from a great furnace. The sun and air were darkened by the smoke. Out comes LOCUSTS on the earth, they had power on the earth like scorpions have - a mighty sting! This is obviously "symbols" we are now seeing through John. He is transported in vision to the Day of God's Wrath, and the things he sees would have been so strange and also terrifying, he had to use language that his mind could relate to. Scorpions as used in Nahum 3, which is a prophecy about the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians eventually migrated through Europe and are the GERMAN people today. Mt.Craig White has done years of detailed research on the German people and where they came from. He now has a large detailed book (called "In search of THE GREAT GERMAN NATION." You can purchase from: originofnations.org Amazon.com Barnes and Nobel.com This 5th trumpet is the resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire out of Europe, that is today gaining more POWER and more IMPORTANCE on the world scene. It will eventually be ONE of the TWO LAST GREAT powers on the earth. At the outset of the GREAT TRIBULATION, Judah (the Jews) and MOST of the rest of the WESTERN world (who are the very House of Israel - see Britam.org Website for the most detailed truth on that subject) will have been destroyed and taken captive by this European LAST resurrected Holy Roman Empire. All that remains by the sounding of this FIRST WOE, or 5th TRUMPET, is for the mighty Satan controlled Beast Power of Europe to conquer the EASTERN world (of Russia, Chins, India, Japan, etc.) who will by this time be the ONLY other WORLD POWER! Whatever space age technology they have by that time, they will be commanded by God, allowed by God, to ONLY hurt the persons who have NOT the seal of God. They will not be allowed to hurt the trees, the grass, or any green thing. They will NOT KILL, they will only "torment" people like the torment of a scorpion, when they strike a person. They will TORMENT people for FIVE MONTHS! In those days people will WANT TO DIE, but they will not be allowed to die. Some kind of miracle God will have to perform here, people desiring to die, seeking to die, but shall not be able to die. The vision type locust scorpions were shaped like horses prepared for battle (that's the only way John could put it in human terms of his day); on their heads were crowns of gold (they were kings of warfare we might say); and they had the faces of men (showing man was behind these war machines). They had the hair of a woman (probably the air flowing behind them looked to John like the hair of women blown in the wind). They had teeth, what you bite with, and cause pain, like that of a lions. Their breastplates were like iron - they were indeed mechanical machines of war. The sound of their wings (the sound of them flying through the heaven) was like the sound of many horse pulled chariots running to battle. Their tails were like that of a scorpion, for the result was like that of scorpions stinging people - out from them came the sting. For their POWER was to HURT people for FIVE months, not to kill them but only to hurt them, but the sting will be so horrible, people will want to die, but God will not allow them to die. The king over them was the angel from the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is "Abaddon," but in the Greek tongue his name is "Apollyon." word means "destroyer" (verses 1-12). In other in-depth studies on this Website the BEASTS of REVELATION are fully expounded. The great one who will have control of the "beast" man and the "false prophet" man of later chapters of Revelation, will be Satan the Devil. This 5th TRUMPET or first WOE, is the workings of the BEAST POWER as the resurrected RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL power of the Holy Roman Empire of Europe. It will have ALREADY destroyed the people of Israel - Judah and Israel - conquered the Western world. It will have ALREADY killed MANY of the saints of God, true Christians who cannot be deceived by this Babylon Mystery Religion of a Roman Catholic governed European power. Now this mighty Empire will strike at the remaining power, the people in the EAST, on the other side of the Euphrates river. THE SIXTH TRUMPET The SECOND WOE and its trumpet angel will sound. A voice from the four corner of the altar in heaven, tell this 6th angel to sound, and loose the four angels stationed in at the river Euphrates. These four angels let loose what they have been holding back. It was for a certain DAY, HOUR, MONTH, and YEAR, and now it is. A whole THIRD of mankind (from those still remaining after all that has transpired so far on earth) are KILLED by the events of the 6th trumpet sound or second woe. The army is a staggering two hundred thousand thousand. The people of the EAST can indeed number such an army. Again, John put it in terms he understood in his day. This army is like men on horses, with breastplates of fire, of jacinth, and brimstone. They had heads of lions, out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. What a sight, it was terrifying for John to see all this, and to see in vision a THIRD part of mankind killed by this army from over the east of the river Euphrates. This army had tails like a serpent, ready to sting and kill. Even their heads could kill and hurt people. It was for John no doubt an unbelievable future scene he saw in vision in heaven. By the end of this 6th trumpet (second woe) the earth and its people on it ... well there really are not the words to say it. Truly, even with all the wars down through the centuries of mankind, even with the great FIRST and SECOND world wars of the 20th century, there is NOTHING TO COME CLOSE to what the earth and its people will face in the future. People of God WANT, they DESIRE, Jesus to come again, to bring in the Kingdom of God on earth, and certainly we look to that day, BUT .... before that can happen, we have to face the prophecy (all of it) in the book of Revelation!! The only way the world could evade this prophecy is for the nations to REPENT! And that is VERY UNLIKELY INDEED! You would think by this time in our prophecy, the people of the world, the MAJORITY of them at least, would REPENT IN DUST AND ASHES, CRY OUT WITH HUMBLE HEARTS, TO BE FORGIVEN OF SINS, AND TO HAVE THE GRACE OF GOD SHOWERED DOWN ON THEM. You would think by this time they would have LEARNT the lesson - got the MESSAGE - and would be ready to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior! BUT NO! Look what is written in 9:20-21. "And the rest of the men who were not killed by these plagues: yet REPENTED NOT of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and of wood,: which can neither see, hear, nor walk. They DID NOT REPENT of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their immorality, nor of their thefts" (verses 13-21). They STILL, after all the power of the universe comes on them, in all that has gone before, WILL NOT REPENT!! They will not admit SIN, see where they are living contrary to God's way of life and righteousness. They will set their hearts and minds to be as concrete. They will "grit their teeth" and still REFUSE to REPENT! It BLOWS ME AWAY! To think people will have this attitude. How they must love the "things" - the physical riches, the gold, the silver, the brass, the "gadgets" of our space age. How they must love just wanting to "do their own thing" - have sex when and with whom they choose, as many times as they can, love their jobs, and certainly ain't willing to rest on the day God claims is His. How they must love the razzle and dazzle of the physical world and the sin that goes with it all. I hope and pray friends, that is NOT you! As they say, "you can't take it with you" and sin may seem pleasurable for the moment, and it may seem nice to not have anyone like God telling you what to do and how to do it and when to do it. But your Bible says, "There is a way that seems right to man, but the end result is DEATH!" Many at this time of the age will see God at work all around them, with signs that are really mind-blowing and catastrophic. Yet most of them will still NOT repent. So is the DEPTHS of Satan the Devil, so is the DECEPTION he will manifest in the last days, upon the whole earth (see Rev.12:9). CHAPTER TEN John sees another angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud; a rainbow is upon his head; his face as the sun; his feet as pillars of fire. He has a little book open. His right foot is upon the sea, and his left foot on the land. He cries with a voice like a lion when roaring. When he cries out, seven thunders shout back. After the thunders shouted, John was about to write what it all meant. He was told "No, do not write, shut it all up. Seal up what the seven thunders have uttered" (verses 1-4). The angel John saw standing upon the sea and land, lifted up his hand to heaven, and swore by Him that lives forever and ever, who created all the heavens and the earth and the sea, and all that there is in them. The angel announces "There should be time no longer!" It is getting closer and closer to the end of this age and the new age that is promised to come. It is fast approaching when Jesus will return in power and glory. It is in the days of the voice of the SEVENTH trumpet angel, when he BEGINS to sound, that the Mystery of God, what He has been doing with mankind from the creation of Adam, will be FINISHED, just as He has declared for centuries through His prophets (verses 5-7). John hears the voice from heaven that has been speaking to him, that he should go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which stands upon the sea and land. John obeys, and goes to the angel and asks for the little book. The angel replies, "Take it, eat it up; it shall be in thy belly bitter, but in thy mouth it shall be sweet as honey" (verses 8-9). It would first taste good, like it is all okay now, it is all pleasant now, but on going into the belly, it was bitter. John takes the book and eats it, and yes, in his mouth it is sweet, and comforting, like a good chocolate bar (I love chocolate bars), but as soon as it was in his belly it was BITTER (verse 10). What this little book is all about CANNOT be known, for it was sealed up! If someone today tries to tell you what this little book is all about, then I tell you, they are false ministers, who do not know what they are talking about. You need to get away from them as quickly as you can. The "little book" is SEALED UP! It is NOT for us to know what is written in it. When what it contains comes to pass then perhaps SOME of us will know, but till then, it is sealed - period! The angel tells John he must prophesy yet more, to kings, to nations, to many different peoples and languages. What he writes in the next chapters is for them to hear and to know and to understand. Jesus is REVEALING the end time events that MUST come on this earth before He returns to become King of kings and Lord of lords. .................... To be continued Written November 2007 |
EZEKIEL FOR TODAY AND BEYOND #11 -- END
Ezekiel For Today and Tomorrow
Chapters 40 to 48
THE EZEKIEL TEMPLE OF THE MILLENNIUM KINGDOM AGE The "Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible" Vol.5 p.634, will give you detailed information of the Temple described in Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48. Some of the writers comments are quite correct while others are incorrect as to the application of these chapters at the end of this prophetic book. The Encyclopedia gives you the drawing outline of this Temple. As the author says, it is very much like Solomon's Temple but NOT exactly the same in all of its dimensions. The bottom line is that the Temple of Ezekiel is UNIQUE! This Temple with its dimensions HAS NEVER BEEN BUILT BY ANYONE!! IT IS A TEMPLE THAT WILL BE BUILT, BUT ONLY UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THE MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST! IT IS THE TEMPLE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD AGE! Some of the points of the author in the "Pictorial Encyclopedia" are worth stating here. Ezekiel was taken back to Jerusalem in a vision, and an angel in his presence measured the Temple. A. Meaning of the Temple. What is the significance of Ezekiel's Temple? This is expressed in 'the law of the house' (Ezek.43:12) that the 'top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house.' It was an expression of the holiness of Yahweh through the complex that is revealed in the measuring process, and from it the people are to 'measure the pattern' (cf.the way of holiness) that they may be 'ashamed of their iniquities' (43:10; BS, 106:58). "Since the vision occurs at the end of the prophecy of Ezekiel, one must look at it as the culmination of the work of the prophet. God's holiness was the focal point of his ministry. there was to be the process of exposure, arraignment, and judgment of Israel (ch.1-26), the judgment of the surrounding nations so Yahweh's name might be vindicated in all the earth (chs.25-32), followed next by the rebirth and restoration of the prodigal people (chs. 33-39), which would include the last great attack on His people, concluding with the revelation of God dwelling among the people (chs.40-48. BS, 106:57). The Temple (cf.Mal.3:1) is to become the dwelling place of the divine glory )cf. Ezek 43:1-6): This is 'the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever' (43:7). B. Identity of the Temple. What Temple is this? Is it completely separate from the previous Temple in Jerusalem? Is it a completely new complex of building? A study of the sequence of events helps to answer this question. Israel had, in all her tribes, gone into captivity; the destruction of her Temple symbolized God's judgment upon her for her sin. She had been promised restoration upon repentance (Deut.30:1ff). The departure of the Shekinah ('glory,' Ezek.11:22,23) signified the fall of Jerusalem. The return of this glory (43:1ff) signified the restoration of Israel to God's favor and blessing. But if a Temple vastly different from the Temple that Nebuchadnezzar destroyed, how could it carry any assurance to the people? Since the Holy Place and Holy of Holies are the same size as in Solomon's Temple, and in the light of other similarities, the conclusion is that Ezekiel's Temple is basically Solomon's Temple, but with modifications in the court structure and arrangement. It is not merely an 'ideal' Temple, for when describing the use of the altar, Yahweh 943:18ff) describes its sanctification (vv.18-27) concerning what should be done by a people restored to their God..... The arrangement of the courts impressed the people of a need for personal holiness; but also, Yahweh's presence there (43:1-12) demonstrated His accessibility by the people. The ritual, having been restored, conveyed to Israel that she was truly accepted, and therefore could hope to become a cleansed and restored people. Therefore, Ezekiel's Temple was a 'visual aid' to faith..... The true restoration of Israel is YET TO COME, when God a SECOND TIME (Isa.11:11) will recover Israel from captivity, when they would be given a new heart (Ezek 36:26) and their nation would be born in a day (Isa 66:8-10). This REFERS to the MILLENNIUM and the REBIRTH of Israel, for all the Gentiles must wait so that they also may be renewed and share in the blessings of God's house (Isa.56:7)." Ah, the author of this entry in the Pictorial Encyclopedia HAS GOT IT!! It is what I have been telling you all through the book of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. It is NOT HARD TO UNDERSTAND! It is CLEARLY WHAT THE PROPHETS TALK ABOUT OVER AND OVER AGAIN! WHY A YOUNG CHILD CAN UNDERSTAND IT! All you need to do is read it and BELIEVE IT! The author in the Pictorial Encyclopedia understands the overall truth of these chapters. He concludes his long entry on Ezekiel's Temple: "9. The Temple Precincts. The Temple is surrounded by a sacred area and the angel proceeds to measure it: 500 reeds (3,000 cubits) on each side. The measuring process was done to emphasize its sacred character (v.20)- that it is holy, in contrast to all other areas that are called profane. The 'it' measured in v.15 is this area, not the E wall or gate. The relation of the Temple complex within this area is that of a city within a wall, the whole set upon a mountain that rose up to provide the high eminence on which to erect the Temple (40:1,2). It is at this point that one must look to the FUTURE for this Temple.The terrain of Jerusalem in Ezekiel's time could NOT ACCOMMODATE this development. After the events of Zechariah 14:1- 4, 10, this Temple could be set in the place of the height of the present Haram. The peace of the millennium will offer opportunity for construction, and if this Temple proclaims holiness, it most certainly agrees with the theme 'Holiness unto the Lord' (Zech 14:20). The similarity of the house of Solomon's Temple assures the people that this is indeed their house, and God's presence in it gives assurance of His favor. The other structures are 'teaching' elements, to teach them the 'way of holiness.'" YES, IT IS TRUE, ALL YOU READ ABOUT IN CHAPTERS 40 THROUGH 48 WILL LITERALLY COME TO PASS. THERE WILL BE A PHYSICAL TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM FOR THE MILLENNIUM AGE. THERE WILL BE A RESTORED - RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS REGARDING THE TYPE OF LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD AND THE SACRIFICIAL SYSTEM. IT WILL BE AS WRITTEN. OUR LORD GOD CHRIST JESUS WILL OVERSEE THE BUILDING OF THIS TEMPLE. THE WHOLE OF IT WILL BE A TEACHING AID, FOR IMPRESSING THE HOLINESS OF THE LORD AND TO REMIND ISRAEL AND THE WORLD OF THE MIGHTY AND GREAT SACRIFICE GOD MADE TO RESCUE MANKIND FROM SIN AND WICKEDNESS. ONLY THROUGH BLOOD (NOT THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND GOATS) - THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, CAN SINS BE TAKEN AWAY. AS IT IS WRITTEN: "BUT IN THOSE SACRIFICES THERE IS A REMEMBRANCE AGAIN MADE OF SINS EVERY YEAR. FOR IT IS NOT POSSIBLE THAT THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND GOATS SHOULD TAKE AWAY SINS" (Heb.10:3-4). YOU NEED TO STUDY THE BOOK OF HEBREWS ON THIS WEBSITE UNDER "THE NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE STORY." YOU NEED TO STUDY THE STUDY CALLED "ANIMAL SACRIFICES IN THE MILLENNIUM?" ON THIS WEBSITE. YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH OF WHY GOD GAVE ISRAEL A TABERNACLE OR TEMPLE AND THE WHOLE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD WITH ANIMAL SACRIFICES. IT WAS INDEED AS A TEACHING AID TO FAITH. SO IT WILL BE AGAIN IN THE 1,000 YEAR AGE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON EARTH. THE WORLD AND ISRAEL AND JUDAH WILL NEED A TEACHING AID SO ALL GENERATIONS DURING THE 1,000 YEARS WILL NEVER FORGET THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD OF SINS AND INIQUITIES OVER THOUSANDS OF YEARS OF HUMAN LIFE ON EARTH, AND THE AWESOME BLOOD SACRIFICE OF JESUS THE SAVIOR MESSIAH, TO BLOT OUT THOSE SINS AND GIVE SALVATION TO ALL WHO WILL ACCEPT HIM AS PERSONAL SAVIOR. Key verses of some of these chapters! CHAPTER 43 "Afterwards he brought me to the gate even the gate that looks towards the east .... And the GLORY of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is towards the east. So the Spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house ... And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of MY THRONE, and the place of the SOLES of my feet, where I will DWELL in the midst of the children of Israel forever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile .... show the house to the house of Israel .... and write it in their sight .... This is the law of the house; Upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be MOST HOLY. Behold, this is the law of the house ..." (43:1,4-7,10-12). There will be a type of Levitical priesthood from the false ministers of Israel who were partly to blame for Israel and Judah going into captivity, They will learn, they will teach CORRECTLY between what is unclean and the clean, they shall observe God's statutes, they shall HALLOW GOD'S SABBATHS. (44:9-12,23-24). The FEASTS of the Lord will be observed; of the NEW MONTH; and the SABBATHS. The PASSOVER shall be observed and the SEVEN DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD. The FEAST of the SEVENTH month - the Feast of seven days - the Feast of TABERNACLES shall be observed (45:17-25). The gate of the inner court that looks towards the East, shall be opened on the SABBATH and in the day of the NEW MONTH. Worship services will be held at this gate on the SABBATH and on the NEW MONTH day. The SOLEMN FEASTS of the Lord are taught (46:1-15). THE RIVER OF LIFE CHAPTER 47 What the world has gone through to this point, all that has taken place according to the book of Revelation; the great slaughter and upheaval in the seas of the earth, there will needs be as God has decided, a river of life to RESTORE all things in the seas. This river will flow from the holy city of Jerusalem and restoration of all things will come to the waters of the earth. BOUNDARY OF THE HOLY LAND AND DIVIDING BY THE 12 TRIBES THE LORD'S PORTION FOR THE CITY OF GOD CHAPTERS 47:13 TO 48:1-29 At last it will be as God original promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. THE NAME OF THE CITY SHALL BE "THE LORD IS THERE" - OR IN HEBREW "JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH" WHAT A SPLENDID BOOK IS THE PROPHECY OF EZEKIEL. OUT OF THE DARKNESS OF WAR AND DESTRUCTION COMES THE LIGHT OF THE RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS; A TIME OF ISRAEL AND JUDAH AS ONE PEOPLE LIVING IN PEACE AND BLESSINGS IN THE PROMISED LAND; A NEW TEMPLE IN WHICH WILL DWELL THE LORD GOD SITTING ON THE THRONE OF DAVID, AND ADMINISTERING ALL THE PROMISES WRITTEN IN THE PROPHETS ON THE KINGDOM OF GOD AGE ON THIS EARTH. SO IT IS WRITTEN AND SO IT SHALL COME TO PASS. ...................... |
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