Faithful on Fridays Blog

Seventh Trumpet

Whatever happened to the Seventh Trumpet? We left off with the Sixth in chapter nine and haven’t read about the last one yet: Here it is … a Trumpet of Victory! 

We’ve learned the Two Witnesses are undoubtedly the remnant Church during these last days and John was privileged to see in this vision their ascension at the Return of Christ as their enemies watched. This isn’t a ‘secret rapture’ as some teach but a reference, although indirect, to the Second Coming. How do I know? Keep reading.

As the seventh angel blew this Trumpet of Victory here are the results:

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15b 

At this point the reign of Christ has begun and it’s a done deal. He has called His Bride to join Him as the 24 Elders, representing believers, fall into worship. 

Their words are revealing as they cry out to the One ‘Who is and Who was’ but not ‘is to come’ as before; John supernaturally ‘sees’ the future fulfilled, it’s a reality, as Jesus took His seat of kingly power. The nations are enraged, with Satan at the head, but his divine time, the kairos moment, has inevitably arrived (Rev. 12:12).

The kingdom of the world of darkness, rebellion, and sin (Col. 1:13-14) has been consumed by the Kingdom of God and only judgment or rewards await. We can only imagine the punishment or wages of sin due to unbelievers who refused to repent but what about our rewards? 

All four gospels mention rewards for Christ-followers. As Jesus taught the Beatitudes in Matt. 5:11-13 and Luke 6:23-24 He said there’s great reward for those who suffer persecution. In Mark 9:41 He encouraged His followers to be full of grace for other believers; you won’t lose your reward and in John 4:34-38 He promised a harvest as a reward for the sower and the reaper. Sharing the rule and reign of Christ for eternity is unfathomable but true; there are rewards for what we do on this earth which affect eternity (Rev. 22:12).

Finally, this chapter closes out the first half of Revelation with covenant promises and His Presence among us. Dear readers, He’s coming again as He said (Acts 1:11) and we’ll be with Him (Col. 3:4; Rev. 19:7, 14) on That Day.

Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:30-31 

Encourage one another with these words (1 Thes. 4:18).

The Vital Connection

Picture this. You’re with a group of new believers in a totally pagan city. A letter is being read from someone you’ve never met but your heart is stirred. This guy seems to really care about my life. That’s the essence of Colossians 2.

Paul continued his letter by repeating that Christ is their vital connection to God. He encouraged them to stay in unity through their love for each other. That’s something new. Loving your neighbor as yourself? Praying for your enemies? Forgiving, even when they’re wrong? New perspectives, for sure.

Wisdom is making the right decision at the right time. Don’t we all need this in our lives? Knowledge is having the right information to make that decision. Paul explained that both are found in Christ. The good news is that as a believer you have access to both wisdom and knowledge because of your vital connection to Him. He is God and He lives in the heart of a person who trusts Him with their life. That’s a mystery but stay with me.

We’re confronted with world views every day, some good, some bad. As you watch TV, whether its FOX or CNN for news, The View for entertainment, or simply some Facebook posts, the influence is unmistakable. Paul is warning us to stay on track, grow in faith, and stay connected to God. 

What are some perspectives that sound good but don’t line up with the Bible. Consider these:

“There are many roads to heaven, many ways to God.”

“Go ahead and do it; you deserve it.”

“Everyone will be saved; God wouldn’t damn anyone to hell!”

“There is no hell, you just cease to exist.”

I could go on but I think you get the point. Paul warns us to watch out for these well-crafted arguments and these empty philosophies and check your belief system with scripture. Are there many roads to heaven? No, Jesus said He is the only way to the Father. Sounds exclusive, it is. Don’t get mad at me; I’m just telling you the truth. Should you go ahead and do whatever you want because you deserve it? The Bible tells us we deserve punishment. Without Christ that’s what we’ll get. Will everyone be saved in the end? Jesus said you must believe in your heart and your actions will show it: not everyone will humble themselves before God.

That may all sound like bad news to you but it’s really good news. Jesus Christ left His throne in heaven to become like us so that we could become like Him. We have the opportunity to be vitally connected to God, our sinful nature cut away like a circumcision, and possess the same power over the devil that Jesus had. Now that’s good news!

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Colossians 2:6-7a NLT

Two Witnesses

If you’re not following this teaching with your Bible opened then you’re missing a lot. I can walk you through some of it but when you follow along there’s a promised blessing (Rev. 1:3). 

In this vision John was instructed to measure the Temple of God, the Altar (of Incense), and the worshippers. This symbolism is a reminder that we are the Temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16-17) and His Presence is burning in us, showing God’s capacity for grace is limitless. 

Notice the separation of the ‘outside’ of the Temple; the rebellious, without God’s measure of grace, will insult and harass followers of Christ for a period of time but God’s Plan will move forward as two witnesses step onto the stage.

These grieving men may represent Moses and Elijah-like believers, possibly the Church, whose fiery message of God’s judgment torments unbelievers. No one likes their soul judged for sin and told of consequences. You may remember Moses standing up to Pharaoh (Ex. 7-11) and the ultimate release of plagues or Elijah’s confrontation with the followers of Ba’al (1 Kings 18:20-35) and the miracles he performed. These two witnesses will have that same God-delegated authority to prove their messages.

I’ve never appreciated symbolism like I do now. Take the number two: olive trees and lampstands. The end-times prophet Zechariah explained two trees (chapter 4) as does Paul in Romans 11: Jew and Gentile, two become one in Christ. Scripture teaches that two witnesses establish a fact (Dt. 4:6; Matt. 18:16) so we’re assured these men speak truth.

We’ve already seen lampstands in Chapters 1-3 representing the Church and now John sets the stage for us to envision these two men with a mission to warn unbelievers, in a different way this time, of coming judgment. They suffer consequences from Satan’s beast as they’re hunted, trapped, and murdered for their message like prey; no one likes to be reminded that God will judge sin and Satan hates to be reminded of the cross. He thought he had won over God but it was short-lived then and it is now.

Sometimes it seems to us that wickedness is winning and believers suffer unjustly with God not responding. Well, hold onto your seats; victory is coming. These men will rise again and hear from heaven.

After a shorter period, 3½ days this time, the Spirit breathed life into the two witnesses, the Church, they stand up again, and rise to God in a cloud. Sound familiar? This may be a foreshadow of the Second Coming. As their enemies watch the devastation from an earthquake fear falls on them but some glorify God. That’s always the point of plagues, miracles, and judgments: That they may know that I Am God.

May our gospel message of repentance resulting in God’s mercy be clear today; it will change to judgment as the time draws closer and the opportunity is gone.  

Christ in You

Today I begin a four-part series on the book of Colossians. Obviously, I can’t do more than inspire you to read it for yourselves but I can give the ‘big picture’ in each chapter to give you incentive to open your Bible.

Paul begins with words that display his love for these believers. Read it that way, personally, as if he’s writing to you. His desire is to encourage you in your walk with Jesus as well as give you insight into the mystery of that relationship. Chapter One shows us that Paul sees three things in you: faith, hope, and love. Look for those words in the first five verses. He tells you that it’s obvious you’ve decided to follow Christ. Let me ask you today, do people recognize you’re a Christian by your behavior and attitude?

In the next verses he encourages the believers by letting them know he is praying for them. Have you ever had someone tell you that? I have, even this week, and I assure you I received hope, strength, and rest knowing someone cared.

Next, Paul, being a teacher of sound doctrine, writes the most succinct verses of the supremacy of Christ in all of scripture. He tells us that Christ is the exact representation of God. He’s not only God’s Son but He is God Himself. A mystery? For sure. He goes on to explain that all of the attributes of God are in Christ. Amazing. Other religions acknowledge Jesus as a prophet and even God’s Son but no other religion admits that Jesus Christ is God except Christianity. These verses prove that. Why doctrine in the midst of such a personal letter? Maybe because we need to be reminded that our Savior, our Rescuer, our Redeemer is truly God in all aspects. He has the ability to help us in all circumstances.

Lastly, our relationship with God is based on His indwelling presence in our hearts. God is in us, going where we go, hearing what we hear, seeing what we see, participating in what we do. That should cause you to reflect on your life. If you confess to be a follower of Jesus Christ are you acting like it? If Jesus reflects the Father, do you reflect Jesus?

He wants to give you His mighty power so you can live in the Kingdom of God holy and blameless. He wants you to stand before Him without a single fault. It’s not hard to live that way but it takes diligence, patience, and endurance. It’s His power–not yours, that’s the clincher of Chapter One.

Read it for yourself this week and ponder on the amazing promises you have in Christ. Take it in stages and think about this incredible mystery that is being revealed to you. If you’re discouraged, it’ll encourage you. If you’re hopeless, it’ll restore hope. If you’re on cloud nine, it’ll remind you why you’re there. It’s all about Him.

The Little Book

After reading about the six trumpets with their devastation on the earth and mankind, God, in His mercy, has given us another interlude: Time to think, process, and return to the Big Picture. Let’s take a breath and relax for a moment; God is going to speak again.

Descending from heaven appeared an end-times angel, possibly Gabriel or Michael due to his description (Dan. 10) who’s roaring about a little book laying open in his hand. This colossal-sized, possible archangel, is standing erect with one leg on the land and the other on the sea picturing all of God’s creation. He had a message for John but before it’s heard God intervened speaking as Seven Thunders (Ps. 29) directing His Voice to John. What did He say?

Curiously, John is privileged to hear the Spirit-Voice but not allowed to write it down in contrast to his original assignment for this prophecy to His Church (Rev. 1:10). For now this Little Book is to be sealed shut. Why? Possibly the contents contain a certain mystery that’s not ready to be revealed … just yet. Is it too intimate? Too personal? Too private? We’re not told.

Earlier in Revelation the only one who could open the seals of judgment was the Lamb but now John must close and seal this exclusive Little Book. Sealing indicates a guarantee of security with someone who has a close, personal connection or familiarity, as we read in Song of Songs 4:9-15 and 8:6 … take a moment to enjoy some of these words from the Bride. 

Place me like a seal over Your heart, like a seal on Your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame.
Song of Songs 8:6 

This Little Book is for God’s eyes only and isn’t mentioned again due to it’s deeply intimate and private nature picturing this mystery of the intimacy between husband and wife or Christ and His Church:

He did this to present her to Himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. This is a great mystery but an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. Ephesians 5:27, 32

This end-times angel swore as a witness to His binding promise: ‘nor more delay’ of God’s plan for eternity. It’s a bitter-sweet plan; sweet to the believer, united with Christ forever, however, bitter to the rebellious, those remaining guilty for their sin. The digestion for John, taking and eating His words, contained both sweetness and bitterness effecting every people-group on earth. It can be a dark and dismal experience or a glorious and effervescent one depending on your standing with God.

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us.

2 Corinthians 1:21 NIV

Eph. 1:19 Tangible Power

… and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might Ephesians 1:19 ESV

Buried in this passage is insight into your identity in Christ. God’s dynamic power is available to you; that’s the truth. It’s limitless, mega-power, and working energy that’s waiting to be released to you by the Spirit. Today let’s look at the last two Greek words of this passage that can be easily overlooked: great might.

Simple enough, however, they are compacted together with spiritual truth that should impact our life as believers. The first word is kratos. Paul chose a strategic word that indicates power that is tangible, demonstrated, and even eruptive. It’s the word used to show God’s dominion over death: it’s resurrection power! 

For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Hebrews 2:14b NLT

Kratos was evident and tangible when Jesus was seen and touched after His resurrection. How was that possible? Kratos raised Him from the dead. It’s the greatest, strongest power known to man transmitted from God into our life. This divine force will raise dead things to life. Is there anything dead in your life or relationships? Kratos can operate in you.

The second power word is iskus. This word, translated might or strength, gives us a picture of a body builder or Crossfit guy who renews his strength and receives empowerment to stand against anything Satan fires at him. Iskus also gives the strength to love. Jesus said the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-33) is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and iskus, strength and love others in the same way. 

There are times in relationships when we need kratos and iskus working together to bring life from the dead, use them, they’re part of your DNA, your identity in Christ. 

Paul used this dynamic duo again in Eph. 6:10,

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 

That mighty power is kratos iskus and Paul reminds us that it’s God’s tangible strength that will empower us to be conquerors over the devil. The next verses in Eph. 6 describe the armor of God and how to stand against our enemy. Remember, this is not a physical battle, our enemy is not people, it’s a spiritual battle and our enemy is Satan. 

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLT

When Paul was harassed by Satan he quoted Jesus,

My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9a ESV

Declare Eph. 1:19 over your situation and expect tangible results to erupt mightily from the Holy Spirit into your life.

The Sixth Trumpet

Here in the midst of the judgments upon earth keep in mind they’re written for us: His Church. From Chapter One His voice is calling out to hear what He’s saying. As this angel trumpeted the voice of the Spirit spoke to John from the Altar of Incense. Remember this altar? It represents our burning prayers. As believers stand in His righteousness, holy and blameless, we continue interceding for people to come to repentance. God’s intent wasn’t for people for pay for their sin; He would do it. However, if a heart is intent on rebellion against Him there is no alternative.

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15

Those words of Jesus never rang truer than in this sixth judgment. 

The Spirit of Christ commanded a release of four demon-angels held captive at the Euphrates River. In the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:14) we find this great river whose name means ‘breakthrough of everything that’s good’. There’s a flaming-sword-wielding angel stationed there guarding the Tree of Life (Gen. 3:24) where four demons have been bound for aeons. The time has arrived to release them to go and advance God’s Plan for His Bride: Back to the Garden (Rev. 22:1-5).

An innumerable army of ruthless and relentless warriors are described in this judgment with metaphors of fire, smoke, and sulfur from their mouths to wound. They’ve arrived with one purpose: to kill a portion of unredeemed mankind. It seems heartless to act in this manner since we call God a good, good Father but He’s only a Father to those who have repented and been forgiven receiving salvation from punishment. 

We’re told that the right time had transpired for these demon-angels, even the hour, day, and month of the year; even Jesus didn’t know these details until now, only the Father (Mark 13:32). 

What’s the point of yet another partial destruction of mankind alive on the earth? It’s simple: God’s patience has its limits. He’s not ready to complete His plan but these are warnings; there’s a point when He’s had enough. When you read 2 Peter 3 through the lens of Revelation it’s clear: Judgment Day is coming.

The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 NLT

I’m reminded of the words of the hymn In Christ Alone, the third verse:

No guilt in life, no fear in death—This is the pow’r of Christ in me;

From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.

No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand;

Till He returns or calls me home—Here in the power of Christ, I stand.

Eph. 1:19 Energy

… and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might. Ephesians 1:19 ESV

Let’s dig in again. Did you happen to notice that little phrase ‘according to’? It means that what was stated is in agreement or consistent with something like a contract or covenant that’s agreed upon by two parties. The limitless, super-power of God that’s dynamic and forceful is in agreement and consistent with His working in you. It’s not about you … it’s about Him. It’s His authority, His power, and His covenant with you that will bring about change in your life.

God’s promise is that He’s working, the Greek word is energeian; we get our word energy from it. This divine energy is the picture Paul is painting for us with each brushstroke and in this verse we see another aspect of God’s character and love toward us. This divine energy that connects heaven and earth, like the picture above, sends a spiritual current into our inner man to infuse us with His strength and power to overcome any obstacle in our life whether demonic or a consequence of our choices. This working is power in action and it’s progressive. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is the beginning and grows stronger as we grow in Him. 

… having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead. Col. 2:12 ESV

It doesn’t change people or situations necessarily … it changes us. It’s efficient and operates as we move from Point A to Point B in our lives. 

For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:29 ESV

Practically speaking, it works when you ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and He imparts ability you didn’t have before. It could be a new perspective that gives you more patience and strength to stand, to trust, to wait, or to know your next step. 

… according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. Ephesians 1:11b ESV

One essential point to remember is that God’s working energy doesn’t change others for you, that’s manipulation and control, it changes you.

… but only faith working through love. Galatians 5:6b ESV

Lastly, concerning this working power of God, is the reminder of our hope, confident expectation, and inheritance as a believer. It’s grace extraordinaire:

… according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of His power.

Ephesians 3:7b ESV

This working power is far above Satan’s rule and authority to influence and dominate us. It’s the actual working power that God used when He raised Jesus from the dead: it’s resurrection power working in us. 

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. Romans 8:11a NLT

Brilliant.

The Fifth Trumpet

Continuing with the trumpet warnings I’m confident these verses are describing a demonic war on earth not invisible anymore. Remember how birth pains increase with intensity; Satan now remains the main character from this point and throughout the prophecy. 

His beginning is described in Is. 14:12-27 and Job 38:1-7; they’re worthy of your attention. In a nutshell God named him the Day Star, his pride peaked in rebellion, and God cast him out of heaven along with his angel-followers, granting limited authority on earth. Later, at the fall of man, God declared (Gen. 3:15) hostility and hatred between Satan and the ‘woman’ Israel, also her seed or offspring. The Seed of Israel is Messiah, Jesus Christ, and believers, Jew and Gentile, are His offspring: children of God.

Following his example of rebellion against God Satan was able to take a portion of the angels with him (Rev. 12:4): Jesus watched this unfold (Luke 10:17-20). That star or General Satan combined his forces to battle God’s chosen people from the beginning until the end of time; these chapters describe this end.

What captures my attention is that John was allowed to see what Jesus saw, watch as he was given the key or permission from God to release those demons held captive (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6), and the demonic war begin. Obviously, the abyss or pit of Hades (Luke 8:26-31) was under God’s sovereign control until this point when His permissive will allowed Satan to release his forces (Job 1 & 2) against mankind: Satan vs. Unredeemed Mankind.

The locusts, or demon forces will certainly cause intense pain and suffering but God’s ultimate desire is that many will see the true Satan and repent: Jesus said he comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. Curiously, his name is Destruction in both languages, Hebrew for Jews and Greek for Gentiles: we are seen as one family, the church, in God’s eyes. It’s clear from many scriptures that Satan has position (Matt. 12:24; John 14:30; 2 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 2:2) and uses it to unmercifully torment.

As intriguing as this detailed account is, even warriors and their horses, always keep in mind that believers in Christ are sealed; the demonic war will not affect us. We can rest assured that He, The True One, remains the sovereign King over the entire universe reigning with supreme authority and dominion over Satan and every ruler of any nation.

It was so gracious of God to set the stage for us in the first chapters; reflect back to His faithful character to help plow through these difficult verses. If you’re living in a restricted nation to Christianity how wonderful to read of His eternal love, His protective nature, and His promise of standing as a Nike, overcoming believer in the face of tribulation surrounding you. If not, continue to pray for those who are.