Revelations of THE Father - REVELATIONS 22:7-20

⁷ “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.^[d]”… ¹² “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” ¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne.^[e] I am the bright morning star.”  ¹⁷ The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. ¹⁸ And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. ¹⁹ And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.  ²⁰ He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”

 

The red letters of this chapter are an answer to those common doubts people have.  Due  to either lack of knowledge or understanding some have not realize that all the question pertaining to THE CREATOR of heaven and earth,  are answered somewhere in between this almost two thousand pages of this book who some had called the “blue print” of life. 

Red implies that JESUS is the One speaking; and is on red to be distinguish from the rest of the writings of this book as a special passage.  He who is it from is who PAID the price for you and me with His red blood, by dying in the cross for our sins. So whenever you see red letter, think about the blood that was shed for you, and make sure you do not take it light for are the words of our Heavenly Father.

Some of the questions this passage answers are:

• Is Jesus really coming for a second time?
• What’s the deal about obeying this book?
• Does it really talks about the future?
• What do I gain by following these words?
• Does it really God will punish my enemies?
• Who is really God?
• Why someone did write the Bible? What’s the purpose? And who is it for?
• Did God really was with David?

 

We can see how not only Jesus is speaking Himself here, but John testifies how the Holy Spirit speaking too.  On the following verses, says that together with the Spirit we can see that is what’s commonly known as “the bride” of Christ, those who’ve departed to live with The Lord.

Here we see how together they are leading us who are hungry for The Lord to live for Him to encourage each other to accept THE Bread of Life.  A very profound statement in fact this prophesy was declared in regards to the words of this book; using words that probably only in court are heard, “solemnly declare”; these words carry a judgment message, like happens in court.  We have to note that that this is also a conditional prophesy because if we are subject to whatever is written in the book, that pronounced judgment will not apply to us.   

The message given (prophesy) speaks about the plural of the word plague, which the dictionary describes as “a sudden appearance or outbreak of something unpleasant in very large numbers or with unusual frequency”; in medical terms is described as “a disease that spreads rapidly through a population, killing a great many people, or an outbreak of such a disease”.  If one plague is bad several plagues is just terrible!

A great example of a plague is given to us in the book of Exodus; in fact chapters seven thru eleven we see ten plagues, from water turned into blood, to frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the most terrible one of those and finally the one that made the king change his mind, the death of the firstborn from every human and animal.  These terrible events were prophesized to happen to the King of Egypt and his people IF he wouldn’t agree to God’s request of letting GOD’s people go free, that’s exactly what I mean conditioned. As we all know these plagues were brought in, for this king did not regarded and believed GOD. 

In addition to if anyone decides to remove any word from this book, meaning ANY KIND of change, God Himself will remove this person’s share of the blessings described in the book. In case there’s anyone who still doubtful about this events described here, and to confirm that God HIMSELF is who is anointing John to write this book, is JESUS who speaks in verse 20.
 

I pray the next time someone questions about God, His power and His Word, you can remember Exodus 7-11, a great compilation among many others of God’s attributes.  

Heaven’s Choir – The Song of The Lamb – Revelations 15

“Then I (John) saw in heaven another marvelous event of great significance… ² I saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing his name. They were all holding harps that God had given them. ³ And THEY WERE SINGING the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:

“Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty.
Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations.

⁴ Who will not fear you, Lord, and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you,
for your righteous deeds have been revealed.”

 

I’m not sure if you ever knew or heard that The Lord had revealed some of the songs to be sung when we get there.  I for sure can tell you I’ve never heard the one I’m including here.  It’s exciting to realize that our Lord chose John to show him HIS future plans for us, giving him not only a glimpse of things but so detailed to the point of including the lyrics of a song. It means the world to me!

The meaning of having a clear understanding of the lyrics in a song, it’s essential for it to sink in the heart of the listener. This is the reason why I try to use worship video clips to include the lyrics.  Not only is helpful for those that use English as a second language, but for everyone who listens to the song.  There’s a special connection between the eye and the heart, so when you see the lyrics, your understanding expands and your heart can grasp the meaning of those lyrics, leaving a greater impression that will make our hearts to follow after what the songs says.

I’m sure it’s important to practice it, since it will be sang in heaven…. Don’t you think?!

So let’s start now!

Here’s the clip link, for you to sing with it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GTd_sQAu6k

 

 

WRONG worship – Revelations 14

^“9 Then a third angel followed them, shouting, “Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand ¹⁰ must drink the wine of GOD’S anger. It has been poured full strength into GOD’S cup of wrath. And they will be TORMENTED with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. ¹¹ The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.”¹² THIS MEANS that God’s holy people must ENDURE persecution patiently, obeying HIS commands and maintaining their FAITH in JESUS.¹³ And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”

 

This passage brings to my memory the many times I have come across people who have inked their bodies with skulls, demons and even numbers, like 666; and I question, do they REALLY know that’s another way of worship?... Worship the wrong.  But this is not what I want to address here, but the so many other ways to worship the wrong.

As a testimony, not because I’m proud of my sin, for many years as a “lost person” who knew about God but did not have a one on one relationship with Him, I followed and worshiped idols and statues, not only God’s but in addition to our heavenly Father, and never even thought any wrong about it. I was lost! But it was not until I was faced with the reality that JESUS was the only ONE who went to the cross to pay for my sins, therefore the only fair thing to do was that HE would be the ONLY ONE I should worshiped.  As I fellowship weekly in church and studying the Scriptures with other women some way more mature than me, those Scriptures proved my sin, HIS gift to me, and enlighten the path for the right to do.

This study IS to CREATE consciousness that some of the things we do although we have “right” intentions they can send the WRONG message, and lead us to fall in the wrong because WORSHIPS the WRONG thing.

This book of Revelation is indeed “a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave HIM to show HIS servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”[1] And HE adds that He will bless whoever reads these words, listens to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near, says in verse three.

Chapter fourteen starts as an angel in fact a third angel, (meaning that previously there were other two) is shedding light about a problem that already has been an issue since “forever ago” (in the early beginnings of the world when Eve was “seduced” by the lust of her eyes, with that precious “apple” she followed the wrong, accepted the “offer”, and consequently paid the price.) This study IS NOT about Adam and Eve but about the consequences like Eve’s action, after follow a sinful path.

The beast is an elementary word, and it represents a large animal, someone cruel or aggressive; also used to describe something that is difficult or unpleasant. In this book of Revelation, this word beast represents someone whom if we choose to follow, will take us further than we want to go and cost us more than what we want to pay. The truth is that those who choose the beast will have to drink the cup of God’s anger, and the full strength of HIS wrath. 

Wrath is used with reference to both God and man[2]. When used of God it is to be understood that there is the complete absence of that caprice (impulsive tendency) and unethical quality so prominent in the anger attributed to the gods of the heathen and to man. The divine wrath is to be regarded as the natural expression of the divine nature, which is absolute holiness, manifesting itself against the willful, high-handed, deliberate, inexcusable sin and iniquity of mankind.  God's wrath IS always regarded in the Scripture as the just, proper, and natural expression of His holiness and righteousness which must always, under all circumstances, and at all costs be maintained. It is therefore a righteous indignation and compatible with the holy and righteous nature of God[3]. The element of love and compassion is always closely connected with God's anger; if we rightly estimate the divine anger we must unhesitatingly pronounce it to be but the expression and measure of that love.[4]”

In other words, whatever leads you to cause God’s wrath to be active, IS NO GOOD to follow!!! You hear me? Do NOT go there! IF you want to read and study more about fascinating subject and the contrast between God’s Divine Wrath Consistent with Love, check the link.[5]

As addressed in verse twelve, we MUST ENDURE PERSECUTION, because if HE says it, we MUST believe it! This means to keep your eyes NAILED to HIS; when HE says do not…. you do not! If HE says, do… you do! When HE says, avoid… you avoid! And when HE says, follow… you follow! This way you’ll be obeying HIS command, and maintaining you FAITH rooted in JESUS. 

To recap, in order to endure persecution we MUST STUDY GOD’S WORD CONSTANTLY!!! So our minds become soaked with the elements needed to live victorious lives in Christ JESUS! The world out there will push us to follow, but when we are soaked in God’s Word, HIS strength is perfect for us to endure whatever kind of persecution we might be facing.

If you have already been inked, is not about the ink, is about the cause and the effect, the message your ink is bringing to you and all those that you’re surrounded by. Ask THE LORD, what to do about it? Because the truth of the matter is that our life tells our story, the way we take care of our body shows our priorities in life, yes we might be facing difficult times or circumstances but its truly a reflect of our past actions, and believes. Said that,  IF HE wants you to save some money, or send someone to pay as much as it could take for you to get your ink removed and “cleaned” HE will let you know and will provide for it too, in fact I have a challenge for you….


I challenge you to ADMIT to our Lord, that you are a sinner, BELIEVE that JESUS went to the cross to pay for our sins, and CONFESS Him as your only Savior and Master of your life, and then an only then,

I challenge you to ask HIM, to provide the way to get rid of whatever might be causing you to lead others away from HIM, whether it is thru your belongings, your attitudes, your likes, and yes, to even include your inks.

I’m praying with you and for you, in JESUS name, AMEN!



 

 

 

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[1] Revelations 1:1-2

[2] https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/Dictionary/viewTopic.cfm?topic=IT0009252

[3] Nu 11:1-10; De 29:27; 2Sa 6:7; Isa 5:25; 42:25; Jer 44:6; Ps 79:6

[4] Compare Jer 10:24; Eze 23; Am 3:2

[5] https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/Dictionary/viewTopic.cfm?topic=IT0009252

Seven types of “churches” – Revelation 2-3

Normally the noun church can be used to refer to a building were people worship the LORD.  Depending on the context of the sentence church can be used to refer to the group of people who gather in that place called church.  Another way to use “church” is to refer to an individual who carries on the message of God.  As individuals who serve and live for God, we represent the church (presence of God), and wherever HE leads us, HIS presence is within us.

But as an individual church, we can reflect one or more of the characters and/or behaviors that some of these seven churches in the book of Revelations had.  The, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what HE is saying to the churches”[1] statement repeated seven times, can’t be taken lightly for its God Himself who’s speaking, and there’s a personal message from God for each one of these seven types of churches.   As you read about them, search yourself and choose which ever reflects your character the most, and doing this, God’s message for you will be revealed.

I have to say, this is NOT an easy message for some who might still have issues that aren’t pleasing to God. BUT, it’s God’s Warning for us to deal with those attitudes and issues NOW, before HE comes.     So, buckle up!
 

Ephesus	·   You are a hard worker ·   Have a patient endurance. ·   You don’t tolerate evil people. ·   You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not discovering they are liars. ·   You have patiently suffered for ME without quitting.	1)   Because you don’t love me or each other as you did at first, you have fallen! 2)   Turn back to ME and do the works you did at first. 3)   If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand (meaning my spirit/guidance/light)
Smyrna	·   I know about your suffering and your poverty ·    I know the blasphemy of those opposing you.	1)   Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. 2)   The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. 3)   You will suffer for some days. 4)  But IF you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.
Pergamum	·   You live in a place where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to ME. ·   You refused to deny ME ·   You also tolerate some among you whose teaching is about how to trip up the people of God. ·   And others who taught to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin.	1)   Repent of your sin, or I will come to you
Thyatira	·   I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. ·   I can see your constant improvement in all these things. ·   You’ve allowed the Jezebel spirit to lead MY servants astray by teaching others to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols.	1)  I’ve given them time to repent, but they  do not want to turn away from their immorality, therefore, 2)   I will throw them on a bed of suffering 3)   Whoever commits adultery with them will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from their evil deeds. 4)   I will strike their children dead. 5)   You who have not followed this false teaching, you hold tightly to what you have until I come. 6)   To all who are victorious, who obey ME to the very end, to them I will give authority over all the nations. They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots. They will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I will also give them the morning star! (meaning HE will impart to them HIS own glory and a share in his own royal dominion)
Sardis	·   You have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead; your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.	1)   Wake up! 2)   Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. 3)   Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. 4)   Repent and turn to ME again. 5)  If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.
Philadelphia	·   You have little strength, yet ·   You obeyed MY word and ·   Did not deny ME ·   You have obeyed MY command to persevere.	1)   I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. 2)   Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue…They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love. 3)   I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. 4)   Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. 5)   All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my GOD, and they will never have to leave it. 6)   I will write on them the name of my GOD, and they will be citizens in the city of my God 7)   I will also write on them MY new name.
Laodicea	·   You are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold ·   You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ ·   You don’t realize it but you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.	1)   I will spit you out of my mouth! 2)   I advise you to buy gold from me[1]—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from ME so you will not be shamed by your nakedness and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 3)   I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 4)   IF you hear MY voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 5)  Look! I stand at the door and knock. 6)   Those who are victorious will sit with ME on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with MY Father on HIS throne.

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[1] Revelations 2:7,11,17,29;3:6,13,22

[2] Buy in the sense of acquiring, but not things that you can purchase with money, wisdom, and understanding. Prov.23:23, Isaiah  55:1