Understanding Revelations 15:1

UNDERSTANDING Revelations 15:1

How many of you have ever seen this verse?

Revelation 15:1
The Seven Angels with Seven Plagues
Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.

Did you notice what it says?

The wrath of God is finished.

People always equate this with the end of the world which purportedly would take place soon.

How I wish people would read further on.

Revelation 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.

They sang the song of Moses. This song of Moses was the song God told him to write when Moses was leading the Jews into the Promise Land.

Deuteronomy 31:19-22;
Now write this song and teach it to the Israelis. Put this song in their very mouths, so that it will be a witness for me against the Israelis, because after I’ve brought them to the land flowing with milk and honey that I promised to their ancestors by an oath, they’ll eat, grow fat, and then they’ll turn to other gods and serve them, while despising me and breaking my covenant. Then, when many evils and troubles will have come upon them, this song will serve as a witness against them, since their descendants won’t fail to sing it. I know the plan that they are devising even before I bring them into the land that I promised them by an oath.”

So Moses wrote the song that very day and taught it to the Israelis.
..
So in the same, When the Old covenant was ending, the transition into New covenant, the Jews had to leave the land. That is how this song of Moses is sang by Jews.

There was only a time when Moses and Jesus existed at the same time. It was AD30 to AD70.

The song of Moses has not been sung since AD70. That's when the wrath of God ended.
...

The wrath of God is finished. The isn't another wrath coming in your future.
...

It ended in AD70. So people tell you Revelation is about your future are only toiling with your emotions.

Do you know the song of Moses?

Has your pastor taught you about the song of Moses?

Maybe unless you live between AD30-70.
...

Adapted from Jonathan Forgor

The Father’s New House

It is pertinent to note every word of scripture is written to bring us comfort.

When we read the words “fiery indignation and judgement awaiting the enemies of God”, we must note Hebrews 10:26-29 is talking about the abolishing of temple sacrifices and thereby the destruction of the Temple.

The Temple is often referred to as “the house of God”. It is his house. Correctly stated it was his house.

When Jesus came he said in my father’s house there are many rooms. What he meant that God’s house was now no longer going to be the Temple. He is saying that this new house is not only going to be occupied by just the Levitical priests.

Peter mentioned this when he said God’s new house is going to built by a royal priesthood. Not just by the Levitical priesthood but a priesthood which includes Gentiles.

The Temple is also called “heaven and earth”. This is because it is the place where heaven meets earth. Jesus said that “heaven and earth” will pass away. It did in AD70.

When the writer said the Temple will be destroyed God will not leave us nor forsake us.

This is because God’s new house is us. Paul calls us the Temple of Holy Spirit. Jesus said “my father and I will be in you”.

You see if the temple was the old “heaven and earth” then you are the new “heaven and earth”. You are the new temple.

That is what Jesus meant by “surely I will be with you always”.

God burnt his old house to move into his new house. It’s you.

That’s why he does not live in a house that is built by human hands. That is also what it means that you are God’s workmanship in Christ Jesus. You are now the Father’s house that has many rooms.

Now invite more people to this house of his. There are many rooms for them too.

Please share if this blessed you.

From Simon Yap

Understanding Matthew 24

MATTHEW 24 is about The Jewish tribulation.

It is the most misunderstood Chapter of the bible. And once we grab the understanding, the whole bible opens up. And understanding the book of Revelations becomes easy. As well with the book of Acts and the epistles written.

Jesus emphatic statement!

Verily I say unto you, THIS GENERATION shall not pass, till ALL these things be fulfilled. (Matthew 24:34)

When Jesus made this statement to the disciples I don’t think the Apostles were ignorantly thinking, and said to themselves “thank God THIS THING WILL happen to SOME PEOPLE 2000 years to come?”

In the Old Testament, when God told the Israelites that this generation will not enter the promise land, do you think Moses was thinking of another generation?

It took 40 years for that generation to pass away. Until they entered the promise land led by Joshua.

BEFORE Matthew 24:34, Jesus said something very important in Matthew 16:27-28.

For the Son of Man is going to COME in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. “Truly I tell you, SOME WHO ARE STANDING HERE WILL NOT TASTE DEATH BEFORE THEY SEE the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:27-28)

These people were not ignorant of our LORD’s sayings. Some people actually witnessed his coming.

They did not die as Jesus said.

Also remember what Jesus said to John in John 21:21-23.

This same John is the Revealator before the destruction of the temple. Meaning he witnessed the destruction.

That is why in his gospel this is no account of what Jesus said in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21.

Even John says, he was a PARTNER in the tribulation. (Revelation 1:9)

Now..
Jesus made this statement in Matthew 24:34, When He was coming out from Jerusalem when the disciples showed Him the TEMPLE. (The TEMPLE was their heaven and earth)

Matthew 24:1-4…
Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples CAME UP to him to call his attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples CAME TO HIM privately. “Tell US,” they said, “WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN, and what WILL be the SIGN of YOUR COMING and of the END of the AGE?” Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.

A parallel account of Matthew 24 is in Luke 21 and Mark 13.

This how Luke 21 recorded it.

When you see JERUSALEM being surrounded by ARMIES, you will know that its DESOLATION is near. Then let those who are in Judea FLEE to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in FULFILLMENT OF ALL that has been WRITTEN. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem WILL be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they WILL see the SON OF MAN COMING in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to TAKE PLACE, stand up and LIFT up your heads, because your REDEMPTION is drawing near.” He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. “TRULY I TELL YOU, THIS GENERATION will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
(Luke 21:20-32)

**A generation is NOT 2000 years.**

(Check Matthew 1:17, to say a generation is not 40 years is to make scriptures a lie)

This temple was destroyed exactly as prophesied by JESUS in AD 66-70. When the Roman armies surrounded Jerusalem.

Many also read this verses as a separate verse from the whole disclose of Matthew 24 and relate it to a rapture. NO!

As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. (Matthew 24:37-42. A parallel verse is in Luke 17:24,37.)
This verses OCCURRED after the destruction.

This is NOT in our future or talking about a rapture. After the destruction men and women were “taken away” as slaves to other parts of the world.

If they would be a “rapture” as people teach, why was JESUS telling them to flee into the mountains.

(*Wouldn’t that be a stupid decision*)

There were NO survivors of the land except the Christians who fled into the mountains of Pelea and were saved.

When we read the verses with the history of the Jews in mind such terms like the Son of Man coming do not mean physical return of Jesus. No! It means judgement unto a nation.

And the so called “second coming” was related to the destruction of Jerusalem. Since then, there have been over 2000 years of generations before now. It would be a big error to interpret verses like these into our future. In fact, it is disrespect to the audience who heard it. Yes, a total disrespect to the Apostles.

Most of our wrong interpretation is because we think we know better than those who heard it. i.e.. The apostles. What a shame.

People in their interpretation have made Jesus a liar.

Now imagine EVERY generation BEFORE NOW reading this and thinking it is them. Will they NOT be in error?

I believe the bible was gathered together for us. Things have been written down FOR US. BUT NOT everything in it is TO US.

This is for us. For we are the new Jerusalem. The true Jew. The new heaven and new earth.

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ’He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the OLDER ORDER of THINGS HAS PASSED AWAY.”
(Revelation 21:2-5)

We are a NEW CREATION.

Meaning we are New heaven and New earth. Peace.
PLEASE READ YOUR OWN BIBLE!

From Jonathan Forgor

God has moved into you (From Tabernacle to Temple to Man)

From Tabernacle to Temple to Man.

In the Old Testament the people requested for a King. Rejecting the LORD as their king. So God gave them King Saul. (1 Samuel 8:6-7)

Saul was a symbol of the Law. Just as the people exclaimed to God “all that the Lord will say we will do”. (Exodus 19:8 )

But God loved the people so He chose a man after His heart, David. David was a symbol of Jesus. (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22)

Jesus came as a Messiah to redeem those under the Law. (Galatians 4:5)

Just as the Law (teachers of the law) persecuted Jesus WHEN he was baptised or anointed, So also Saul persecuted David when David was anointed to lead the people.

The Pharisees followed Jesus everywhere, just to find faults or get him killed. So also Saul followed David to have him killed. Just as Saul died in battle. So also the Law was destroyed in battle in AD70. (Battle of Romans destroying Jerusalem).

Saul (the Law) died spiritually when David was anointed. That is why it persecuted David. Just as Jesus ended the spirit of the Law by His resurrection.

It only needed to be completely taken away literally or physically.

The Law (old covenant system) was completely destroyed in AD 70. 

During the days of David, He built a temple in his heart which His son Solomon built physically.

God moved from the tabernacle into the temple. 

Now, when Jesus came He moved God into man. His proper place.

 
As Jesus says, My Father and I will make our HOME in him. (John 14:23)

 
That Is why we are now the temple of the living God. This is how you became the New CREATION. The House of the Godhead.

 
The New Heaven and New Earth.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. (Revelation 21:1-3)

 
We could not move to Him so He took the initiative and move into us.

Be at Peace. God is going nowhere. God is stuck with you.

Adapted from Jonathan Forgor

Prayer, Character, Obedience

I don't know who authored this, but its powerful, knowledge, wisdom & educative! Take time to read it....

YOU CANNOT GET BY PRAYER WHAT YOU SHOULD GET BY CHARACTER & OBEDIENCE

A man’s character is his fate Heraclitus Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States (US), said: “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”

As a clergyman, I have watched pitiably how people self-sabotage themselves by seeking spiritual solutions to character-deficit issues. They look around at everybody as suspects for their predicaments when their greatest demons lurks within them- their character.

What we often call our destiny is truly our character, and since that character can change, then destiny can be altered. Character is destiny.

Is prayer actually EVERYTHING? Many would begin to argue back and forth on this intriguing question, but my main purpose of writing this piece is not to get involved in arguments. Arguments don’t improve the validity of a ‘truth;’ they only determine how long it would take before you realise it.

Most people believe that we can pray ourselves to success and get away with virtually anything if we become a stickler to some prayer routines. There is no amount of spiritual penance that can substitute for character. Sometimes, you need character, not prayer.

Dutch Sheets said: “Prayer is not a check request asking for things from God; it is a deposit slip - a way of depositing God’s character into our bankrupt souls.”

British writer and politician, Thomas Macaulay (1800-1859), said: “The measure of a man’s character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out.” I have often said that what would ultimately destroy a man going to high places in life is not really the enemies that are waiting for him there, but the character that followed him there.

I want to emphatically underline the fact that this write-up is not meant to trivialise prayers in any way. I have observed that many people take character for granted, while overzealously tuning on into their spiritual mode.

We have become so spiritually in tune through prayers that we neglect the place of character and our relationship with people. Many are actually ‘heavenly’ bound, but with no earthly relevance. 

You can speak with spiritual eloquence, pray in public and maintain a holy appearance, but it is your behavior and character that will actually trigger the manifestation of all that God has for you.

You must learn to treat people with courtesy.

The Shunammite woman must have been praying for a child all through her life. By being hospitable to a man of God, she eventually got her much-awaited miracle. It wasn’t prayer that opened the door for her; it was her character. Assuming she wasn’t hospitable, she would have missed a critical miracle.

Many times, we pray, fast and bind demons that don’t exist when our real demons are just our greatly flawed character. Many have insulted people that were divinely placed and orchestrated to help them fulfill their destiny. Some people are keeping malice with their destiny helpers.

Treat people with respect. Treat strangers with courtesy. Never look down on anybody. God can use anyone to change your story.

Abigail Van Buren said: “The best index to a person’s character is how he treats people who can’t do him any good, and how he treats people who can’t fight back.”

You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him. The way we treat people we think can’t help or hurt us, like housekeepers, waiters, and secretaries, tells more about our character than how we treat people we think are important. How do you treat people?

One of the most impressive architectural feats and the greatest military defence project in history is the Great Wall of China. In 1987, UNESCO designated the Great Wall a World Heritage site, and a popular controversial claim that emerged in the 20th century holds that it is the only man-made structure that is visible from space.

Originally conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang (c. 259-210 B.C.) in the 3rd Century B.C. as a means of preventing incursions from Mongolians and barbarian nomads into the Chinese Empire, the wall is one of the most extensive construction projects ever completed.

History has it that when the ancient Chinese decided to live in peace, they made the Great Wall of China; they thought no one could climb it due to its height. During the first 100 years of its existence, the Chinese were invaded thrice and every time, the hordes of enemy infantry had no need of penetrating or climbing over the wall, because each time, they bribed the guards and came through the doors.

The Chinese built the wall, but forgot the character - building of the wall-guards. Though the Great Wall has over the years become a powerful symbol of the country’s enduring strength and spirit, but it has actually been a good reminder to the Chinese of the superiority of human character.

The Chinese realised much later that the best defence against the enemy is not a fortified wall, but a fortified character. Thus, the building of human character comes before building of anything else.

Prayer is not EVERYTHING! Build relationships, and don’t ever forget that God will always use man. Be mindful of your words and how you speak to people. Work seriously on your character and attitude towards life.

I want to say emphatically that character is not optional; it is sacrosanct to the future that God has planned for you. No matter where you place prayers, character matters. The greatest fraud in life is religion without character. A man without character is recklessly alive.

William Shakespeare captured it succinctly when he said: “The fault is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” Peter Schutz, the former chief executive officer of Porsche said: “HIRE CHARACTER; TRAIN SKILLS.” Back in the days when Germany was divided, a huge wall separated East and West Berlin.

One day, some people in East Berlin took a truck load of garbage and dumped it on the West Berlin side.

The people of West Berlin could have done the same thing, but they didn't.

Instead they took a truck load of canned goods, bread, milk and other provisions, and neatly stacked it on the East Berlin side.

On top of this stack they placed the sign:

*“EACH GIVES WHAT HE HAS"*

How very true! You can only give what you have.

What do you have inside of you? 

Is it hate or love? 

Violence or peace? 

Death or life?

Capacity to build or capacity to destroy?

What have you acquired over the years?

Team spirit or pull down architecture ?

*"EACH GIVES WHAT HE HAS"*

Think about it! 

Please give out the good in you always.

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Important verses for Christians to ponder

Here's a slew of bible verses one would need to ignore in order to remain a Futurist.

Has everything in the Bible already been fulfilled?

Here are a few Time Statements to consider. Note these statements are made to a specific audience in the 1st century about events THEY were going through. The letters were written to THEM.

Jesus said..

THIS GENERATION will not pass away until all these things take place. (Matthew 24:34)

From now on, YOU [Caiaphas, the chief priests, the scribes, the elders, the whole Sanhedrin] shall be seeing the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven. (Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69)

“Truly I tell you [disciples in the 1st century], some who are STANDING HERE [right in front of me/Jesus] will NOT TASTE DEATH before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom [New Covenant].”

“Truly I tell you [disciples in front of Jesus], you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. “(Mat10)

In Luke, we see Jesus predicting that “all things which are written may be fulfilled”.

Obviously, this would include all remaining written prophecy in Moses and the Prophets.

THESE are days of vengeance, in order that all things which are written may be fulfilled. (Luke 21:22)

The THESE days of Luke 21:22 were the first century. The entire context of Luke 21 pertains to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish temple, which happened in 70AD.

Nevertheless what YOU [first century church of Thyatira] have, hold fast UNTIL I COME. (Revelation 2:25)

Apostle Paul said….

The form of THIS world IS passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:31)

I solemnly charge YOU in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is ABOUT TO judge the living and the dead. (2 Timothy 4:1)

There is ABOUT TO BE a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. (Acts 24:15)

As he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment ABOUT TO COME. (Acts 24:25)

“You know what hour it is, how it is full time NOW for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand.” (Rom13:11-12)

“Brethren, the APPOINTED TIME HAS GROWN VERY SHORT; from NOW ON, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the form of this world is passing away.” (1Cor7:29-31)

“On [us] (1st century audience) the ends of the ages have come.” (1Cor10:11)

“The Lord is at hand.” (Phil4:5)

The author of Hebrews said…..

Heb 1:2 Hath in THESE LAST DAYS spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” (Heb10:37)

For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the one that is ABOUT TO COME. (Hebrews 13:14)

Heb 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but NOW once IN THE END OF THE WORLD hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Jesus’ brother James said…

Be patient, therefore, brethren [James’ immediate audience], until the coming of the Lord. (James 5:7)

YOU [James’ first century audience] too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord IS AT HAND (James 5:8)

James 5:8,9 – “The coming of the Lord is at hand. … Behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”

Peter said….

THIS is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: “And it shall be IN THE LAST DAYS. . .” (Acts 2:16-17)

The end of all things IS AT HAND; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. (1 Peter 4:7)

For IT IS TIME for judgment to begin with the household of God. (1 Peter 4:17)

Peter believed that he was in the last days. (Acts 2:16-20, 3:24; 1 Peter 1:7-20, 4:5-17; 2 Peter 3:9-12)

John said….

“IT IS THE LAST HOUR.. we know that it is the last hour.” (1 John 2:18)

There are many more verses that clearly show Jesus and the disciples believed and taught a first century return of Jesus in judgement. Their ‘day of salvation’ arrived in AD70. They were saved from the judgement/wrath of the Old Covenant. The destruction of their city/temple/religion.

The Book of Revelation is written TO a 1st Century audience.

FROM John
TO -> the seven churches in the province of Asia. (Rev1:4)

IN the 1st Century.

Beginning of the book:

Revelation 1:1 – “…things which must SHORTLY take place”

Revelation 1:3 – “The time is NEAR.”

Revelation 1:9 – “I John, your brother AND FELLOW-PARTAKER IN THE TRIBULATION”

Revelation 1:19 – “Write … the things that are ABOUT TO take place.

Revelation 2:10 – “Do not fear any of those things which you(1st century 7 churches) are ABOUT TO suffer.”

Revelation 2:16 – “Repent.. I will come to you QUICKLY”

Revelation 2:25 – “Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.”

Revelation 3:10 – “… the hour of trial … is ABOUT TO come upon the whole world.” (world=land of Israelites)

Revelation 3:11 – “Behold, I come QUICKLY!”

Revelation 12:5 – “And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who IS ABOUT TO RULE all the nations with a rod of iron.”

End of the book:

Revelation 22:6 – “…things which must SHORTLY take place.”

Revelation 22:7 – “Behold, I am coming QUICKLY!”

Revelation 22:10 – “The time is at hand.”

Revelation 22:12 – “Behold, I am coming QUICKLY.”

Revelation 22:20 – “Yes, I am coming QUICKLY.”

The New Testament letters were written to an immediate audience about immediate events.

The book of Revelation is John’s Olivet Discourse (Mat24).

It’s all been fulfilled.

Even a few of the early church fathers had an idea, but they didn’t fully understand the implications of who the ‘fullness of the gentiles’ were who were being gathered for the end (AD70). They didn’t know fully what ‘the end’ was.

Here’s a short list of some scholars through the centuries that you might know that agree to Matthew 24 being fulfilled in AD70. 

They didn’t understand, however, that ALL had been fulfilled.

-Eusebius. (263-339ad)
-John Chrysostom (347-407ad)
-John Calvin (1509-1564ad)
-John Lightfoot. (1602-1675ad)
-John Gill. (1697-1771ad)
-Phillip Doddridge (1702-1751ad)
-Thomas Newton (1704-1782ad)
-John Wesley. (1703-1791ad)
-Adam Clarke. (1760-1832ad)
-Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892ad)
-R.C. Sproul. (1939-2017ad)
-N.T. Wright (1948-present)
-Dr. Jonathan Welton (1983-present)

Adapted from David King

Is standing in the gap relevant today?

IS STANDING IN THE GAP STILL RELEVANT TODAY?

"I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge and STAND IN THE GAP for the land, that I should not destroy it..." (Ezek. 22:30)

Standing in the gap is about averting JUDGMENT under the Old Covenant - to be done so that God would not "destroy" the land. As Christ has borne judgment on the cross, such a stance is no longer necessary in the New Covenant.

Notwithstanding, due to misunderstanding, the term is still widely used in the Church. Standing in the gap is construed as PRAYING when it's actually about PAYING for sins via atonement.

Since Jesus has paid it all by His shed blood, the BREACH is already BRIDGED. No gap exists now between God and man thanks to His finished work !!!

"But Pastor Daniel, we've been taught to stand in the gap like Jesus!" Well, Jesus already stood in the gap on the cross. Now that the work is done, He's no more STANDING. He's SEATED at the right hand of the Father !!! (Heb. 10:12)

"Isn't it our turn now to pray for the nation by standing in the gap?"

 We're to pray but not as "standing in the gap" as there's no more "gap" to stand in. Christ has already FILLED the gap !!!

The term is archaic. We can't find it in the New Covenant. So, when we pray, let's not restore the old but release the new. Let's thank Him for His GRACE and declare it over the nations !!!

Adapted from Daniel Leong