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Bible Pathways 12/26/2001


December 26

Read Revelation 9 -- 11

Throughout the Book of Revelation, we see the absolute sovereignty of God over His chosen ones, as well as those who hate God. A voice from Heaven directed the Apostle John to take the little Book which is open. . . . And I took the little Book . . . and ate it . . . and it was in my mouth sweet as honey . . . my belly was bitter. And he said to me, you must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and languages, and kings (Revelation 10:8-11).

John is first given a little book symbolic of God's Word. Once it was digested he was qualified to tell the world that the little Book has a message that is exceedingly sweet to those who have received Christ as Savior; but the same Book has an exceedingly bitter message to all who reject Him as Lord of their lives. The act of eating all of it speaks of understanding and appropriating all the Scriptures into our lives (compare Ezekiel 2:8-9;3:1-3).

There will be two witnesses (Revelation 11:3) who will face overwhelming opposition; but protection from God is given these two witnesses until they have finished their testimony. When they have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. . . in the street of the great city (Jerusalem), which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified (11:5-8).

These two witnesses of Christ cannot be martyred until they have finished their testimony. Then, and only then, the enemies of God shall overcome them, and kill them. . . . And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another (11:7,10). But Almighty God is still in control. And after three days and an half the Spirit of Life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet (11:11). Regardless of how fearful our future may appear, we can enjoy the peace of God, knowing that everything is under His absolute control.

Sexual sins and wickedness committed in Sodom will increase in these last days, as well as a growing antagonism and hostility toward Bible-believing Christians who, without fear, proclaim the truth. Furthermore, the Antichrist spirit present at the Tower of Babel, which called for a super-unity of mankind in defiance of God (Genesis 11:2-4), is now calling for a one-world government. A violent rejection of the One True God, such as Pharaoh expressed, and a growing number of false gods, such as permeated Egypt, Syria, and Babylon, are again becoming popular. Evil will grow worse and worse, and uncontrollable disorder will continue to permeate the world.

The apparent triumph of the enemies of God is for but a short time (Revelation 12:11-12), and will soon end with the complete conquest of Satan and all of the enemies of God.

The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 11:15).

Cross Reference:

For Revelation 10:6: See Nehemiah 9:6.

Prayer Needs:

Government Officials: Sen. Evan Bayh (IN) and Gov. Joseph Graham Davis, Jr. (CA) · Pray for Jan Dahlin, coordinator for Swedish translation and radio ministry · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast in memory of Tim Peterson · Country: Malaysia (21 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Malay and English · All Christian witness to Muslims is illegal · 49% Muslim; 39% Hindu, Buddhist, and Chinese religions; 4% Roman Catholic; 4% animism, magic, and some headhunting; 3% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake any known sin (Nehemiah 1:6).

Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 2:22-23


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