bowls of wrath

It Is Done {Revelation 16}

1:00 PM

 





Revelation 16


Up until now, throughout the tribulation, God still offers everyone remaining on earth the opportunity to receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. But here in chapter 16, we see the end of God’s grace as He says, “Enough!”, and closes the gates of heaven. No longer will He hear any prayer, and gone is any hope for nonbelievers. And so begins the pouring out of seven bowls containing God’s final judgements upon an unrepentant and unbelieving world.


These seven bowls, or censers, are held by seven angels in the temple of God. The judgements they contain, come directly from the Creator as He finally answers the cries of the martyred saints. One by one these angels pour out the wrath of God upon the earth as they proclaim, “Righteous are You, who are and who were, O Holy One, because you judged these things. Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgements.” (vs. 5,7)


Even as horrendous as these judgements are, and the never before seen devastation they will cause, to me the saddest part of all is the response of the people. Instead of crying out to God, they cried out against Him blaspheming, “the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.” (vs. 9) 


Throughout the book of revelation you see a people with a hardened heart against God. And for the life me, I couldn’t understand why they would choose suffering over joy, death over eternal life, and judgement over blessing. But the more I reflected, the more I realized that, although I am a Christian, I too at times have had an unrepentant heart wanting it’s own will done instead of God’s. I too have turned my back on Him, choosing instead to continue to walk in sin. I too have cried out against the Lord when I haven’t gotten my own way. And I can honestly tell you, that path of rebellion which takes you away from God leads to nothing but despair, loneliness, sorrow, and regret. Yet when you choose to walk in faith and obedience to His will, God will bless you beyond imagining, take you places your heart couldn’t dare hope for, and protect you from the wrath to come.


War is coming. God will not contain His judgements forever. He warns, “Behold I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.” (vs. 15) For those who have already received His free gift of pardon, God tells us to hold fast to Him and stay strong. For those who have yet to confess Jesus as their Savior, it is God’s greatest desire that you not taste of the tribulation to come. For as 1 Thessalonians 5:9 tells us ,”God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” Time is running out. Won’t you ask Christ into your heart before the last angel pours out his bowl and the loud voice cries, “It is done!” (vs. 17)





Becky Austin

God: Always In Control (Revelation 9)

11:30 AM

 


Revelation 9


Seventh Seal, Trumpet Judgements 5-6. 


This is a frightening chapter of events to come in the Tribulation. There are many variations that you can find about the interpretations of the details of this chapter, but the overall picture is one of torment, fear, and despair for those who experience its sufferings.  But there are 2 things to be comforted by:
1. God is in control.

2  God protects the believer.


In the opening verse, there is a fallen star who is given a key. Having a key = being given authority or control. Because this authority is given by God, God is ultimately controlling the parameters. There is a plague of locusts - whether literal or symbolic, this plague of locusts will bring much destruction and suffering to mankind. But God sets limits.

“They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.” (v 4)


“They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes.” (v 5)


Notice that God exempts those who have his seal upon them. Believers are spared this wrath of God that is put upon this earth with the purpose of impacting those who refuse to turn from evil. 


The next event to follow, takes on an even grander scale of destruction upon mankind. And yet, God is still calling the shots.

“It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind.”  (v‭ 14-15)


There are many who want to take comfort that this world will just continue as is, with all of its familiarity and comforts. But, just as we have experienced on a small scale with the pandemic, our worlds can suddenly turn upside down and everything we know can become strange and uncertain. The Bible is full of stories of plagues and the end times will certainly have their share. These released angels shall wipe out a third of the population with plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur.


You think that such catastrophic events would get one’s attention and make a heart changing impact. But sadly, this is not the case. God has given mankind much time and many opportunities to see the error of living in sin and corruption but there are going to be those that will not be repentant to the bitter end. 

“The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.” (v 20-21)


I still see the love of God even in these harsh events. God’s ultimate desire is that no man perish.  This is stated in many places in the Bible but is very heartfelt in the plea of God in Ezekiel. “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭33:11‬ ‭


We all have a choice: choose God your Creator who loves you completely or reject God and embrace the destructive forces of sin. May we think on these future events and be grateful this wrath is not for us and may we be burdened to see souls saved. May we also be comforted that when the world seems chaotic, sin abounds and there is much uncertainty....God is ultimately calling the shots and always in control of our future. 


1 Thessalonians 5

There's No Escaping This {I Thessalonians 5}

9:10 AM


Today's Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5

Paul cleverly uses a subject all natural mothers know all too well about-- birth pains to describe our Lord's return! In fact, I'll bet if you've experienced labor pains in the past, your mind can flash back to that time instantly! He's got our attention in the first few sentences, but thankfully we don't have reason to fear.
He's right labor pains can come on when we least expect them, and  Paul then goes on to mentions a few more things to ensure he has gained our attention! 

1.) It will be a period of great destruction. Paul is referring to the vast judgments described in the book of Revelation, when the seals are broken, the trumpets sound, and the bowls of God’s judgment are poured out on the earth (Revelation 6-8)
2.) When God’s judgment is poured out on this earth, no one will escape. The world cannot escape the tribulation period.

Thankfully Paul also goes on to add other things we do know about the Lord's coming so we needn't fear that day!

"But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness” (vv. 4-5).

1.) We are children of the Light! Light and darkness symbolize the two great divisions of the human race—the saved and the lost. 

2.) The coming of Christ will clearly reveal those two kinds of people. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a person is a believer or not, but on that day there will be no doubt, and we who belong to the light won’t be caught by surprise when Jesus returns and sudden destruction comes to the earth.

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.  But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet” (vv. 6-8).

 In verse 6 Paul uses two words to describe how we ought to live while we wait for Christ’s return.
__ First, we must be alert. The word means “to make a determined effort to stay awake.”
__Second, we must be self-controlled. Which means “serious-minded” or “earnest.” It doesn't mean Christians shouldn't enjoy life, but we should always be conscience of His return and be prepared.

WHY? Because we know our destiny,

“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (vv. 9-11).

 Our destiny is deliverance! If we know Jesus Christ, we have already been saved from God's wrath—now and in the future.

But there's still work to be done until Christ comes! Paul goes on to list some of the things God's children should be about doing now as we wait, in the rest of this chapter (1Thes 5:12-28) 

But what's most important to note today is, are you ready? 

Jesus is coming back! Are you ready?
If He should come today, are you set to go?
God’s Word tells us -- there is no reason for us to be unprepared. Jesus has now tarried over 2000 years and some may have become complacent, but God's word is sure: Jesus is coming just as a thief in the night. 

Do you remember those days of pregnancy; wondering if you'd ever go into labor, or if your child would ever be born, but they've all arrived, maybe not in our time, but in God's. 

We need to be ready! And grateful we have nothing to fear, for we will not face God's wrath or destruction, and let's be about our Father's business until Jesus comes back for us!

Blessings! 
sue


End Times

Look Up! {Luke 21}

5:00 PM



Monday Feb. 3, “Walking in Wisdom”


When I visited New York City, one of my favorite sights was St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I was blown away by the size, beauty, and majesty of the church. I’m sure the disciples felt that same awe and amazement as they marveled at the Jewish temple with its exquisite stones, and many gifts dedicated to God. “The Jewish historian Josephus says that the temple was covered on the outside with gold plates that were so brilliant, when the sun shone on them it was blinding to look at. And where there was no gold, there were blocks of marble of such a pure white, that strangers from a distance thought there was snow on the temple.” (David Guzik)

So I can just imagine the shock and amazement of the disciples when Jesus says of the temple, “As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be one stone upon another which will not be torn down.” (vs. 6) Immediately they questioned Him asking, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” (vs. 21:7) Jesus responds by giving a series of signs that would signal His return. “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.” (vs. 21:10-11) But more than just signs, Jesus next gives a series of warnings. Warnings of things the Lord says will take place before the day of His glorious return. 

Don’t Be Misled- Many false prophets will come in Jesus’ name saying, “I am He”! And deceitful date setters will cry, “The time is near”! (vs. 8) So how do we guard ourselves against such people? By knowing the Word of God. Whatever teaching we hear, the first thing we need to do is to go to the Bible and make sure it is line with scripture. For as 2 Peter 1:20-21 teaches, “Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”. Measuring everything others say against what God says keeps us from falling prey to “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. (Matt. 7:10)

You Will Be Persecuted- “They will lay their hands on you”, and “Bring you before kings and governors for My name’s sake.” Following the Lord doesn’t ensure a life of peace. In fact, He says quite the opposite. He tells us that as Christians we will be betrayed, hated, and some of us even put to death. But to that Jesus says, “Do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.” (Matt. 10:28) When persecution comes, as it undoubtedly will, we are to stand not in our own strength, but in His. Every tribulation is an opportunity to share the gospel. And Jesus says that if we trust Him, He’ll give us the perfect words to speak; words that no one will be able to refute. 

Be On Guard- Just like sprouting leaves in the spring assures us that summer will soon follow, Jesus warns that when we see the signs fulfilled, “Recognize that the kingdom of God is near.” (vs. 21:31) He cautions us to keep watching, praying, and most of all, to guard our hearts. “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (vs. 21:36)  We need to keep our eyes on the prize, living in constant awareness of His soon return. For as Jesus declares, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (vs. 33)

With all of the anger and division in the world today, like King David, I too find myself crying out,”How long shall the wicked, O Lord, how long shall the wicked exult.” (Ps. 94:3) How much longer before God cries, “Enough!” Yet I do not despair. For far from the world falling to pieces, instead the pieces of God’s plan are falling into place. Time’s are, as Pastor Adrian Rogers once said, “growing gloriously dark!” The season of the Lord’s return is upon us! So be on guard! Look up! “Straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!” (vs. 21:28)



Becky Austin

Prayers and Praise (Revelation 8-11)

11:53 PM


Do our prayers have power? Do they really matter to God? And what about our praises? Just how important in the end times will Prayers and Praises to God really be?
In the end times, God will pass judgement on the wickedness of the Earth. Interestingly, the collective voice of those who believe in God and desire for His will to prevail will factor into those judgements.  The Bible emphasizes the importance of our prayers and often pairs them with references to incense. 
“Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!” Psalms 141:2 

Prayer is important to God. He cares about what His people have to say.  Our prayers are like a sweet aroma that rises before Him. 
“When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.  Revelation 8:1-4

Before the judgements of the 7th seal are put into motion, God considers the prayers of His people and those prayers become empowered by Him. “More potent, more powerful than all the dark and mighty powers let loose in the world, more powerful than anything else, is the power of prayer set ablaze by the fire of God and cast upon the earth.” (Torrance)

The judgements that come will seem harsh and terrible but they serve a purpose and they do not come without warning. As Mattew Henry says, 
“Where the gospel comes to a people, and is but coldly received, and has not its proper effects upon their hearts and lives, it is usually followed with dreadful judgments. God gives warning to men of his judgments before he sends them; he sounds an alarm by the written word, by ministers, by men’s own consciences, and by the signs of the times; so that, if a people be surprised, it is their own fault. The anger of God against a people makes dreadful work among them; it embitters all their comforts, and makes even life itself bitter and burdensome. God does not in this world stir up all his wrath, but sets bounds to the most terrible judgments.”

Initially, the world will be severely shaken but not all will be destroyed. Sadly, even though these trials are meant to get the attention of the wicked and give them the opportunity to change, the truly wicked hearts will remain hardened and unrelenting. 
“The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”Revelation 9:20-21

God has given mankind much grace, and undeserved opportunity to choose righteousness over wickedness. Every man to walk the Earth will choose a ruler of his heart. He will either choose the Lord God or he will choose to worship Satan and the powers of darkness and corruption. But, thankfully, there will come an end to the reign of Satan. The spirit of antichrist will be dethroned.  God will then reign eternal and heaven will be filled with His praises. 

“Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”” Revelation 11:15-18

So, yes, our prayers and our praises really do matter...today and for eternity.


End Times

God’s Pieces Are Falling Into Place {Luke 20-1:21:37}

12:00 AM




During the week leading up to His Crucifixion, Jesus spent His days in Jerusalem teaching in the temple, His nights on Mount Olive. There He shared with the disciples things that would happen in the end times. These teachings became known as the “Olivet Discourse”. Here in Luke, Jesus begins when some of the disciples comment on the beauty of the temple with it’s exquisite stones and many gifts dedicated to God. Hearing their words He said, “As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be one stone upon another which will not be torn down. They questioned Him saying, ‘Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” (vs. 21:7)

Jesus goes on to give a series of signs that would signal His return. “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.” (vs. 21:10-11) Throughout history people have argued about these signs; their meaning, and their timing. And although it’s important for us to be aware of the signs of the times, when we solely focus on these signals we miss out on what else Jesus said about end times. For not only did the Lord give us signs, He also gave us warnings. 

Don’t Be Misled- Jesus warns that many false prophets will come in His name saying, “I am He” and deceitful date setters will cry, “The time is near”. How do we guard ourselves against such people? By knowing the Word of God. Whatever teaching we hear, the first thing we need to do is to compare what they are saying to what the scriptures say. Psalm 119:105 describes the Bible as, “A lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” If we measure everything we hear against the Bible, we won’t be led off God’s path and fall prey to “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. (Matt. 7:15)

You Will Be Persecuted- Jesus warns that “They will lay their hands on you”, and “Bring you before kings and governors for My name’s sake.” Following Jesus doesn’t ensure a life of peace and ease. In fact He says quite the opposite. He tells us that we will be betrayed by those we love, we will be hated, and some of us even put to death. But Jesus instructs us, “Do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.” (Matt. 10:28) When facing persecution we are to stand strong, using every tribulation as an opportunity to share the gospel. Jesus tells us to trust Him to give us the perfect words to speak; rejoicing knowing our endurance will be rewarded with our lives.

Be On Guard- Just like sprouting leaves in the spring assures us that summer will soon follow, Jesus warns that when we see His warning signs fulfilled, “Recognize that the kingdom of God is near.” (vs. 21:31) In patient anticipation for that glorious day, we are to watch, pray, and most of all, guard our hearts. “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (vs. 21:36) Jesus cautions us against getting distracted by earthly living and instead encourages us to keep our eyes on the prize and live in constant awareness of His soon return. “I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Rev. 3:11) 

With all of the anger and division in the world I find myself crying out as king David did,”How long shall the wicked, O Lord, how long shall the wicked exalt.” (Ps. 94:3) I wonder how much lower society will sink into wickedness before God cries, “Enough!” But I do not despair. For far from the world falling to pieces, the pieces of God’s plan are falling into place. Time’s are, as Pastor Adrian Rogers once said, “growing gloriously dark!” I truly believe that the season of the Lord’s return is upon us. So, “straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!” (vs. 21:28)

Blessed

The Pure in Heart

10:53 AM


I grew up in an era of Christian obsession with the End Times. Preachers painstakingly predicted the imminent return of the Savior and born-again believers debated the details of things called the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the Millennium.
Against such a backdrop, it became easy for me to imagine Jesus returning and calling to Himself the faithful followers who were working with orphans, serving in soup kitchens, or washing the feet of widows. Meanwhile, the people Jesus didn’t choose were free to continue burning down church buildings or kicking puppies or whatever awful thing He caught them doing at the moment of His Second Coming…
But when Jesus describes His return in Matthew 24, we find the one caught up with Jesus and the one left behind both engaged in the exact same activities. The scenarios He shares are of two men working in a field and two women grinding grain at a mill. Two simple everyday activities straight out of the Just Ordinary Life Manual.
Yes, serving in soup kitchens can be great, and no, you shouldn’t burn down church buildings, but for a moment, let it seep into your soul what Jesus is saying about His return… People will be doing ordinary things. And there are ways to do ordinary things that are pleasing to God and ways that are not.
I have no idea if the man left behind in the field had some awful hidden sin or if the woman taken to the Lord’s side fed a thousand homeless people every week, but I do know that Jesus didn’t describe a dramatic human scene for His return, but a couple of common ones.
We, like Samuel at David’s anointing, can look at others who seem so amazing and say: “Surely, this is the Lord’s anointed…” and forget where the eyes of the Lord really are: “I do not look at the things you humans look at…I look at the heart.” No matter where we are or what we do, from the simple to the sensational; in wheat fields or soccer fields, from mills for grinding, to malls for shopping, our hearts can respond in worship to the Lord.
More than the activities themselves, God is looking at the why of what we do. Jesus, help me today to focus on the attitude of my heart in the midst of my actions. Bless each ordinary moment as an opportunity to worship an extraordinary God.

Blessings,
Roxanna

Becky Austin

The Judgements of Christ {Revelation 6}

12:59 AM



This is a fallen world that is marred by evil and defiled by the destruction and corruption of sin and selfish ambition. God has allowed this evil to continue for thousands of years and he has given mankind ample opportunity to accept the saving blood shed by Jesus and to choose righteousness.  Sadly, many choose to continue in the pursuits of sin and corruption.  But, God has promised that the time will come when his wrath against the forces of evil will be held back no more.  As Jesus opens the seals, we are given a glimpse into future events known as the judgements. 

The 4 Horsemen:
Seal 1: “And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.” (v2)

Many commentaries believe that the rider on the white horse represents the antichrist. The bow represents rapid and far reaching conquests. White symbolizes righteousness and this rider on a white horse will come in the false guise of promising peace and righteous deeds. Many will be deceived by this imposter as he claims a powerful position of leadership. 

Seal 2: “And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.” (v4)


Red represents blood and in this case depicts the blood of war.  History has shown us through WW1 and WW2 that war can take place on a huge scale as nations compete for dominance and world power. 

Seal 3: “When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!"' (v5-6)

Black represents oppression and mourning.  The byproducts of war will cause major financial and economic changes.  The example of buying the wheat and barley equated in Bible times to paying a days' wages or about 16 times the usual amount for commonly needed supplies. 

Seal 4: “And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.” (v8)
The pale horse represents death, sickness, devastation.  Think of 1/4 of the Earth being destroyed by varying epidemic tragedies and catastrophic circumstances.


Seal 5: “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.” ( V9)


We now have a different focus - a time of persecution for those who profess Christ. Those special martyrs who were killed because of their testified allegiance to Christ are crying out for vengeance but have to wait because even more martyrs will be killed before the final victory scene.

Seal 6: “When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.” (v 12-14). 



These final events will affect society on a grand scale and will be so extreme that even those who have held positions of power and prosperity will realize that God is ultimately in power and they will fear having to face the fury of his righteous judgement. They will be "‭calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb,”
‭‭
These judgements seem terrible and perhaps fear provoking.  Remember that God is ultimately in control and his wrath is against evil.  These events will be a necessary purging and conquest over evil so that we can know the full joy and peace of God's reign and all that He has promised to those who love him and put their trust in Him. 
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:4