1 Corinthians 3:1
You have to be careful how you speak to the babes in the Body of Christ. Be careful what you say to them and how you teach them. They are Christ’s children and they should be loved, encouraged, and protected.
Watch more of Aaron’s videos about Salvation, the Gospel, the good news, the gospel message salvation, and in-depth studies of the books of the Bible by visiting www.cozort.org, and Collierville church of Christ
“This video is a production of Collierville Christian Radio, the Collierville church of Christ, and the Gospel Broadcasting Network.
Aaron Cozort is the preacher for the Collierville church of Christ.
The Collierville church of Christ meets on Sundays morning and afternoon at 575 Shelton Road, Collierville, TN 38017.
To learn more about the Collierville church of Christ, visit www.colliervillecoc.org.”
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Your path is dark. Your hope is almost gone. You look ahead and see only blackness. You struggle with making the right choices. You consider giving up. It’s not easy. Is this all you have to look forward to? Is the life of a Christian a bleak, dark walk through a world of despair never knowing the right way to go?
[/fusion_text][fusion_builder_row_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_4″ layout=”1_4″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no” border_position=”all” element_content=””][/fusion_builder_column_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no” border_position=”all”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Ex 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_4″ layout=”1_4″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no” border_position=”all” element_content=””][/fusion_builder_column_inner][/fusion_builder_row_inner][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]In this text, Moses was not the one who chose when it was time for Israel to depart from Egypt. In the same way that Moses believed he would be the deliverer of Israel when he was a young man, but God disagreed, and Moses thought God would deliver Israel quickly, and He did not, so now God proves His time is right.
When God leads Israel out of Egypt, they don’t go any direction they desire. Moses didn’t sit down with a map and plot a course. Israel did not vote on an acceptable route and then travel down it. Instead, God presented a pillar of clouds in the sky by day and a pillar of fire by night. Moses and Israel moved by following God’s manifestation of His presence wherever He went.
Jeshua, the High Priest in Nehemiah’s day, declared to the people concerning God’s actions, “You showed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, Against all his servants, And against all the people of his land. For You knew that they acted proudly against them. So You made a name for Yourself, as it is this day… Moreover, You led them by day with a cloudy pillar, And by night with a pillar of fire, To give them light on the road Which they should travel.” (Nehemiah 9:10, 12).
Centuries after Israel came out of Egypt, Solomon encouraged his son with these words: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.”
Jeremiah cries out to the Lord and declares, “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. O LORD, correct me, but with justice; Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing. Pour out Your fury on the Gentiles, who do not know You, And on the families who do not call on Your name; For they have eaten up Jacob, Devoured him and consumed him, And made his dwelling place desolate” (Jeremiah 10:23-25).
All these passages teach a single and clear lesson from the Old Testament which is still true today. We should not rely upon our own wisdom to determine our path. If you are a faithful Christian, are you one who seeks God’s chosen path for you?
We will not determine God’s chosen path for us by voting on a path. We will not resolve the chosen path by reading man’s wisdom. We will not determine the right path for our feet when we select the most natural path in life. Israel’s path led them to the Red Sea and a guaranteed defeat at the hand of Pharoah’s armies. When you see God’s chosen path for you and you realize that it means a sure defeat for you – will you turn back, will you give up? Let us continue, trusting in the Lord with all our heart and never leaning on our own understanding.
[/fusion_text][fusion_builder_row_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_4″ layout=”1_4″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no” border_position=”all” element_content=””][/fusion_builder_column_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no” border_position=”all”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_4″ layout=”1_4″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no” border_position=”all” element_content=””][/fusion_builder_column_inner][/fusion_builder_row_inner][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]Hear the good news of salvation in less than 2 minutes. He will teach you how to be saved and the Bible truth about the plan of Salvation. Do you want the saving gospel? Do you want to hear the good news?
Watch this today.
Sign up for a daily devotional by Email: https://colliervillecoc.org/daily
Watch more videos about Salvation, the Gospel, the good news, the gospel message salvation by visiting www.cozort.org.
Aaron Cozort is the preacher for the Collierville church of Christ.
The Collierville church of Christ meets on Sundays morning and afternoon at 575 Shelton Road, Collierville, TN 38017.
To learn more about the Collierville church of Christ, visit www.colliervillecoc.org.
What did Jesus do for us? Have you ever asked, “Why did Jesus leave heaven?” What did Jesus accomplish while he was on the Earth and specifically what did Jesus do for me and you? Why did Jesus come? Why did Jesus die on the cross? These questions are considered and a few answers given on today’s “Let’s Talk About Christianity” podcast with Zach Collins and Keith Olbricht. Special guest: Aaron Cozort.
Podcast Video Recording with Zach Collins and Keith Olbricht
Text: Exodus 6-7
Teacher: Aaron Cozort
Collierville church of Christ
575 Shelton Road, Collierville, TN
Paul wrote to the assembly at Ephesus and wrote six times concerning peace. He desired that they have peace (1:2). He wants these Christians to know that the peace of God is real. It is available to a Christian, but it is not the world’s kind of peace.
The world desires to have peace, meaning a lack of struggle, a lack of war, and the absence of difficulties in life. “I am at peace” we are told when a person is calm their mind or when they sit in the right yoga pose or when they breathe the right way.
“To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 1:1-2).
This understanding that our peace originates with God, and more specifically, Christ, is valid for more than Christians individually. It is true for Christians collectively as well.
Paul writes, (2:14) that Jesus Christ Himself is our peace. Christ “has made both one,” the text says. Verse 15 clarifies, “so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace.”
Jew and Gentile are being brought together from diverse backgrounds, often with opposing worldviews and becoming one in Christ Jesus. The blood of Christ washes the sins of humanity away and breaks down the walls of separation in this world. It makes peace.
[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]“… and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.”
Paul makes it clear that Jew and Gentile will have reconciliation with God and one another. The preaching of peace with God and the obedience to that preaching allows for reconciliation in one body. The one body is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4).
Where will you find peace? Please let me offer you peace with God and man through the blood of Christ in the body of Christ, the church.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]Some people say God has predestined us, some to go to Heaven, others to go to Hell. Has He? What does the Bible teach about predestination?
How do we understand God having chosen “us” in Him from the foundation of the world?
These questions and more are explored by Aaron Cozort as he teaches Ephesians 1 and helps us learn 5 points that explain predestination and God’s choosing in our lives today.
This lesson utilities a skeleton outline by Wendell Winkler.
Location: Collierville Church of Christ
Date: 2018 05 06 – Sunday AM Sermon
Speaker: Aaron Cozort
For more from Aaron, visit: www.cozort.org.
For more from the Collierville Church of Christ, visit: www.colliervillecoc.org.
Joseph is introduced to us as the next main character of the book of Genesis. His relationship with God, his father and his brothers. In this lesson Aaron discusses Joseph’s dreams and their interpretations, his capture and slavery. When did this happen and how does it fit in the Genesis timeline?
Lesson 1 – Bible Study Guide for All Ages
Join Aaron Cozort in this study of the book of Genesis, Genesis 37:1-12.
For more from Aaron, visit: www.cozort.org.
For more from the Collierville Church of Christ, visit: www.colliervillecoc.org.
Speaker: Aaron Cozort
Text: John 9
Date: 2018 05 06
Sunday PM Ser
Speaker: Aaron Cozort
Text: John 9
Date: 2018 05 06
Sunday PM Ser
Shechem commits sin against Dinah, then begs for her as a wife. Jacob’s reaction and then his son’s reactions. The real motives of Shechem, and the murder of the men of the city. God calls Jacob back to Bethel, and the idols are removed from his house. All this and more happens in these two chapters, plus a surprise about Rachel you might not have noticed — she’s not really dead.
Join Aaron Cozort in this study of the book of Genesis, Genesis 34-35.
For more from Aaron, visit: www.cozort.org.
For more from the Collierville Church of Christ, visit: www.colliervillecoc.org.
2018 05 02 Wed PM Class Aaron Cozort
2018 05 02 Devo Aaron Cozort Revelation 22
Aaron Cozort discusses one of the most fundamental words to Christianity. Hope. In the first of a two-part series on Hope, The Promise of Hope is seen in God’s assurance of that hope carried to us by the characteristics of God Himself. Our Hope as Christians must be a proper hope. If we hope in the wrong thing, we will be eternally without hope. Study with Aaron to discover the reality of the Hope Jesus Christ brought to the world.
Text: Romans 8:24-25
Location: Collierville Church of Christ
For more from Aaron, visit www.cozort.org
For more from Collierville Church of Christ, Visit www.colliervillecoc.org
Aaron Cozort discusses one of the most fundamental words to Christianity. Hope. In the first of a two-part series on Hope, The Promise of Hope is seen in God’s assurance of that hope carried to us by the characteristics of God Himself. Our Hope as Christians must be a proper hope. If we hope in the wrong thing, we will be eternally without hope. Study with Aaron to discover the reality of the Hope Jesus Christ brought to the world.
Text: Romans 8:24-25
Location: Collierville Church of Christ
For more from Aaron, visit www.cozort.org
For more from Collierville Church of Christ, Visit www.colliervillecoc.org
Genesis 32-33 – Jacob returns home, encounters God and angels, prepares to meet Esau and is surprised when old anger has gone away.
Jacob’s name is turned into Israel.
2018-04-25 – Wed PM Class – Aaron Cozort –
Collierville church of Christ
Genesis 28-29 – Aaron Cozort – Rehearsing the Path of Redemption
2018-04-04 – Bible Class
Aaron Cozort
Genesis 28-29 – Class: Rehearsing the Scheme of Redemption
Aaron Cozort continues his series on Rehearsing the Scheme of Redemption through the book of Genesis. Explore the life of Jacob, meeting with God at Bethel, his journey to Padan Aram, his marriage to Rachel and Leah, and more.
Passages: Genesis 28, Genesis 29
Laban’s sons begin to murmer against Jacob because all the wealth that Laban has accumulated had been transfered by God into the hands of Jacob. God tells Jacob it is time to go. Jacob and his family flee Laban without telling him and travel back to Caanan. Laban chases, catches up, and drama ensues.
Text: Genesis 31
Location: Collierville Church of Christ
For more from Aaron, visit www.cozort.org
For more from Collierville Church of Christ, Visit www.colliervillecoc.org
Would God ever tell people, “don’t pray to me,” “Don’t ask me what to do!” Join Aaron for this short devotional to find out.
Text: Ezekiel 20
Location: Collierville Church of Christ
For more from Aaron, visit www.cozort.org
For more from Collierville Church of Christ, Visit www.colliervillecoc.org
The plagues (bowls) bring destruction to the armies of humanity that fight against God and the Lamb. The kings of the earth have joined forces with the Beast and they are not willing to repent. Every judgment causes greater blasphemy and rebellion. Is there hope? Will the Beast continue to dominate the earth?
John hears the angel call to him. The angel beckons him to witness the judgment of the “great harlot.”
This harlot is the primary cause of sin and wickedness among the kings of the Earth. The people of Earth are “drunk” on the influence of the harlot and her wickedness.
John sees the harlot, arrayed in rich fabrics and jewellery. She drinks from a cup filled with sin.
The sins of the harlot include the murder of saints and martyrs of Jesus. Her appearance causes John to marvel. There doesn’t appear to be any chance to defeat the great harlot. She is allied with the Beast which carries her and has ten horns on seven heads. The Beast represents Rome and the heads and horns her Caesars and their continuing opposition to the Bride. The text calls them “kings.”
The people of Earth marvel at the majesty of the beast and its supposed “resurrection.” The beast himself is the eighth king.
The ten horns are ten kings who recieve their power and ability to rule from the Beast. They supply the Beast with power and authority in return. They together make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb, together with those who are called, chosen, and faithful, will overcome the kings and the Beast.
Rome’s judgment will come from the inside out. God will bring about its fall as it quite consumes itself and judgment comes upon the great city, the Harlot, for her wickedness.
Read more from Revelation
144,000 and a Lamb
A Look Back: The Third Woe is coming. It is going to be pronounced, but before that happens, we see the “Lamb” using his power as King to reign. We also see the Beast working in opposition to the Lamb by attacking the church, giving life to the Land Beast, the Sea Beast, and their blasphemy.
Is Victory Ever Going to Come?
True devastation realizes itself in the lives of Christians. Persecution wreaks havoc upon the early Church. In chapter 6, the question is “who could stand in the day of the wrath of the Lamb?” Right now, it looks like the Christians are the ones who will be unable to withstand the beast! Will God allow this? Will the Church be brought to its knees by the Dragon and his crowd?
144,000 Hope in a New Song
John looks to Mount Zion and hope is found. A New Day is dawning in the sunlight of the Lamb of God. Standing on Mount Zion: The Lamb and 12,000 from each tribe of the true Israel (the obedient of God marked by the angels).
He hears a voice that sounds like rushing water, loud as thunder. He hears harps. He hears a song. A new song. A song that only the redeemed of earth could learn–the 144,000 represent those redeemed from the Earth. This song is not the song of Angels, sung at Jesus’ birth. It is the song of those who have suffered, lived, overcome, and reign victorious with the Lamb of God–the song of the first-fruits of the harvest of the Earth’s faithful.
Three Angels Preach
John sees an angel preaching the Gospel to every nation, tribe, and people of the Earth. The angel cries out to all humanity, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”
But that angel is followed by another angel crying out, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
The third angel follows the second declaring, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark… he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God… He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone… and they have no rest day or night…”
John declares this the “patience of the saints.” The ability for a Christian to hold on, to endure, is found is the ultimate victory of the Lamb and judgment of the unrighteous. Then the sweetest of declarations to fall upon human ears is delivered from Heaven to John: “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Aaron Cozort continues his series on Rehearsing the Scheme of Redemption through the book of Genesis. Explore the life of Jacob, meeting with God at Bethel, his journey to Padan Aram, his marriage to Rachel and Leah, and more.
2018 04 01 AM Aaron Cozort
Collierville Church of Christ
These lessons are made available for the benefit of study and growth for all those who listen. If you would like to learn more about the Bible and how to serve God out of faith and love, we enocurage you to listen and then contact us with any questions you have. Click the links below to listen now or download for listening offline.
These lessons are made available for the benefit of study and growth for all those who listen. If you would like to learn more about the Bible and how to serve God out of faith and love, we encourage you to listen and then contact us with any questions you have. Click the links below to listen now or download for listening offline.
These lessons are made available for the benefit of study and growth for all those who listen. If you would like to learn more about the Bible and how to serve God out of faith and love, we enocurage you to listen and then contact us with any questions you have. Click the links below to listen now or download for listening offline.
The Sea Beast rises from the sea to receive power to make war upon the church.
[/fusion_tagline_box][fusion_imageframe image_id=”964″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”none” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”The Sea Beast and the Dragon make war on the church” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://collierville.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/20180222204341/Ottheinrich_Folio296r_Rev13-crop-resample-600×331.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]John has spoken of the Dragon. He tells us the Dragon was cast from Heaven to Earth and then made war against the children of the woman. The children are Christians, for they are those “who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
John stands at the edge of the sea (I think this is the sea on earth, for the action occurs on there and not in heaven). He looks out on the water and from the sea arises a magnificent beast. The sea beast has the attributes of a leopard (body), a bear (feet), and a lion (mouth). He has seven heads and ten horns, like the Dragon (12:3), but with three additional crowns.
The dragon gives the sea beast authority, power, and a throne. See in this Rome and the Caesars. His strength is used to persecute the children of the woman — the Church. The people of the earth witness the mortal wound of one of the beast’s heads, but also the healing. They will marvel and follow the Beast. The world adores magnificence and power. They worship whatever seems to provide strength. So they worship the Dragon and the Beast.
“Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”
Notice the Sea Beast was given authority for 42 months (3 1/2 years — the time the woman was safeguarded.) He was given a mouth to speak against God, His name, His tabernacle, and His followers. He was granted to make war with the saints and kill them. His power was multi-national, and all who dwelt on the earth worshipped him.
We read here of the “Book of Life of the Lamb” — a record of the faithful. We also read of the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Remember from earlier in the vision, Christ is the Lamb who was slain but stands victorious and worthy.
Next Week: The Land Beast proclaims the Godhood of the Sea Beast. 666.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]The Dragon loses.
[/fusion_tagline_box][fusion_imageframe image_id=”954″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”none” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”the dragon the woman and the child” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://colliervillecoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/woman-child-dragon-revelation-12-1200w-600×338.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]A fierce dragon seeks the life of the child, but Heaven’s deliverance intercedes.
A LOOK BACK: Chapter 11 concluded the second Woe, part of the sixth trumpet. Now the third woe approaches. Before it arrives, we receive visions that reassure the faithful of God’s protection and deliverance from persecution.
A vision of a woman clothed with the Sun and the moon under her feet. She is pregnant, travailing in birthing pains, and wearing a crown with twelve stars.
The dragon appears in heaven (where the woman is) and is magnificent in size and red. He has seven heads each with a crown and ten horns. The tail of the dragon will knock one-third of the stars of heaven to earth as he approaches the woman to devour her child the moment it is born (this might be a representation of Jesus as a child).
The woman gives birth to a boy, one who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. God will deliver the child out of the reach of the dragon. The woman will flee into the wilderness to a place prepared by God. God will care for her for 1,260 days.
Michael and the angels fight against the Dragon and his angels. They will lose their place and be cast down into the earth. The text is clear: the dragon is Satan, the Devil, the serpent. He is the deceiver of the whole world.
John hears a voice from heaven. Salvation is declared, and so has the Kingdom and power of Christ. The accuser of Christians has been cast down. The victory was by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of the Christians who did not love their lives to the death (i.e., martyrs).
There is rejoicing in the heavens, but woe to the earth at the presence of Satan. He has been cast down, and his wrath is great for he knows his time is short.
When the dragon is cast down, he persecutes the woman, but the woman flies to the wilderness once again on the wings of an eagle. She receives nourishment for a time and times and half a time (3 and 1/2 years).
The woman is attacked one last time by the dragon, but the earth swallows up the attack. In a fury at this, the dragon begins to make war against the rest of her children — those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (the Christians).
Next Week: The Sea Beast and the Land Beast rise to power.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]The Kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord.
[/fusion_tagline_box][fusion_imageframe image_id=”952″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”none” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”Rejoice the temple in heaven opens and Christ reigns” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://colliervillecoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/clouds-parting-heaven-opened-rejoice-revelation-11-2-Large-600×400.jpeg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]The Seventh Trumpet & The Third Woe – Summary of the Book of Revelation: Chapter 11 (part 2)
A LOOK BACK: The angels with the trumpets are still sounding. The seventh angel is about to pronounce the third woe upon the people of Earth.
Consider Jim McGuiggan’s review of the chapter thus far.
John is being told the Church is about to undergo hard times, but at the same time he is being assured everything is all right with them. In this chapter, he is told this in two different ways. A vision of a city trodden under the heel of the enemy while the inner sanctuary is… invulnerable. The second vision is one of two witnesses. They have a task to perform, namely, prophesy for 1260 days. They have opposition, but they have more than enough ability to take care of that opposition. They finish their task! But there’s that other side of the picture to portray – the gloom. That is hinted at in their wearing sackcloth, but it is spelled out in their death at the hands of the beast. Their defeat is seen to be only apparent since they are resurrected and glorified.
The same truth is taught in chapter 12:6,14 and in 13:5ff.1
The sixth trumpet sounds in 9:13 and then a message came to comfort the Christians. Now the seventh trumpet sounds, and again we will see a message of comfort for the brethren. Understand that with the last trumpet sounding (and the contents of its message), God’s judgment against Rome will be complete, the Christians vindicated, and God will be victorious.
The proclamation of “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” is the announcement of the public vindication of the Kingdom. The kingdom of our Lord encompasses all sovereignties of the world (see Matthew 28:18). He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
[fusion_tagline_box backgroundcolor=”” shadow=”no” shadowopacity=”0.7″ border=”1″ bordercolor=”” highlightposition=”right” content_alignment=”center” link=”” button=”” linktarget=”_self” modal=”” button_size=”” button_type=”” button_shape=”” buttoncolor=”default” title=”You have taken Your great power and reigned.” description=”” margin_top=”5″ margin_bottom=”5″ hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”top-into-view”][/fusion_tagline_box]The elders rejoice on their thrones (verse 17.) “We give You thanks… Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.” Jesus’ utilization of His authority to bring judgment upon the Church’s persecutors is rejoiced over. They rejoice in the wrath of the King upon the nations; the judgment of the dead; the reward of the prophets and saints and those who fear His name; and the destruction of those who destroy the earth.
This expression is taking place as if the “final woe” was already delivered, but it is still coming–we will read of seven bowls of wrath in the coming chapters. When God’s wrath begins it is as good as done. There will be nothing to stop it.
Then the Temple of God opens in Heaven, and the ark of His covenant is in the Holiest of Holies. John again observes “lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.” Judgment is a reason to rejoice.
Next week: The Dragon Loses to the Child of the Woman.
1McGuiggan, Jim. Revelation. Sunset Institute Press. Kindle Edition.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]and the people who killed them.
[/fusion_tagline_box][fusion_imageframe image_id=”950″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”none” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”Two Witnesses” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://colliervillecoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/two-olive-trees-revelation-11-Wild_olive_tree_in_Adamkayalar_Mersin_2016-11-20_01-1-600×400.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]Two witnesses are called to testify, and their blood will declare the judgment on Earth.
A LOOK BACK: Chapter 10 continues the second woe with a prophecy made by an angel that John is not allowed to write down. The angel declares that the time when the mystery of God is complete—the mystery declared by the prophets in the Old Testament.
John is commanded to take the little book from the hand of the angel and eat it (his prophecy). It is sweet to taste, but bitter in his belly.
John is called upon to measure with a reed the Temple (or inner sanctuary) of God, the altar, and those who worship in the Temple (God’s priests = Christians). He is not to measure the courtyard of the Gentiles (profane people). To describe the kind of people these Gentiles are, they are the Gentiles will tread underfoot the city—the persecutors.
The angel declares that two witnesses will be given to prophesy for 1,260 days. Notice they prophesy in sackcloth – their message isn’t one of hope, but judgment. The witnesses are olive trees and lampstands which stand before God. If anyone seeks to harm the witnesses, they fire devours them.
The witnesses’ authority includes shutting heaven, causing no rain to fall, turning water to blood, and striking the earth with plagues. These are the actions of prophets during the Mosaic ages (Elijah) and Patriarchal ages (Moses).
When the prophets cease prophesying, the beast begins to make war against the witnesses of God. He will overcome them and kill them. The prophets’ bodies are paraded and dumped in the streets of The Great City.
The city is spiritually Sodom, Egypt, and the place of the crucifixion (Jerusalem). Here is a picture of the complete rejection of God’s prophets from Moses to Elijah to Christ by those of earth.
The reaction of humanity at the death of the two prophets is to throw a party, to rejoice and give gifts because these prophets “tormented” earth with their prophecies. But these prophets are not finished yet.
After three and a half days the two prophets stand on their feet in the middle of the street. Fear falls on the people who see them. A voice from heaven calls to the prophets, “Come up here.” Do not miss: God ultimately protects His messengers – even if the world kills them physically.
The prophets ascend to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watch. Immediately, judgment begins. An earthquake; one-tenth of the city falls; seven thousand men die (7 x 1000); the remainder of humanity glorifies God (repentance). Thus ends the second woe. The third woe comes quickly.
Next week: The Seventh Trumpet.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]Judgments and woes begin as the trumpets continue.
A LOOK BACK: In chapter 8, John sees the seventh seal of the book opened and from it comes seven angels with given seven trumpets. Their trumpets sound proclamations of judgment upon those who will endure “the wrath of the Lamb.” Four Trumpets sound, three more are still to come.
The Fifth Trumpet (WOE 1): The angel sounds the trumpet, star falls from heaven to earth.
The locusts look like horses prepared for battle (armored) with crowns of gold on their head and the face of humans. They had hair like women and teeth like lions. When they beat their wings, the sound was like chariots with many running horses in battle. They had the tails of scorpions whose sting hurt humans for five months.
The Sixth Trumpet (WOE 2): The sixth angel sounds and a voice comes from the middle of the altar which is before God, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates
The four angels’ army is made up of 200,000,000 horsemen.
After this judgment upon humanity, did the unrighteous repent? No. Did they cease worshiping demons and idols? No. Did they repent of their murderers, sorceries, sexual sins, or thefts? No.
The result is another woe to come.
Next week: A Delicious Book that Caused a Stomach Ache.
A LOOK BACK: Chapter 9 reveals the first “woe” and the second. People die. The judgment against the people of the Earth not marked with God’s mark. The Star (King / Angel) with the key to the bottomless pit falls from heaven to earth. Then the four angels under the altar of God release plagues to bring more judgment upon sinful humanity. After all this, humanity still does not repent of their iniquity.
Note: The second woe continues until Revelation 11:13.
The Angel and the Book: John sees another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He holds a little book open in his hand. He speaks, and his voice is like the roar of a lion in strength. When he cries out, seven thunders speak. John listens to the voices (thunders) and is prepared to write their message, but a voice stops him and tells him, “Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.”
The angel raised his hand to heaven and swore by God that there should be no further delay, but “in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.”
Note: God’s description: “…Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it…” From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures carry one unified creation account. Accept it or reject it, but if you reject it, also reject the eternal nature of God, and His prophesies contained within Scripture. They all stand or fall together.
Then the voice that stopped John from writing speaks again and tells John to take the book from the hand of the angel. John tells the angel, “Give me the little book.” The angel responds, “Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”
John takes the book and eats it, and it is sweet like honey in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. He must again prophesy about many peoples, nations, tongues and kings (his prophecy will end bitterly for them).
Next week: The Two Olive Trees.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]It is important to understand what the Bible teaches about the “who, when, and why” for a person being “rebaptized.” Paul’s encounter with the men in Acts who only knew John’s baptism teaches us important lessons concerning this question.
In Heaven there is silence… something is coming.
A LOOK BACK: In chapter 6, the first six seals of the book are opened by the Lamb. In Revelation 7, there is a pause in the opening of the seals to allow the angels to “mark” those who belong to God. These will be the ones will be able to stand in the day of the wrath of the Lamb.
SILENCE: The Lamb opens the seventh seal, and John watches as there is silence in heaven for half an hour. The silence might indicate reverence or awe at what is coming. Consider the idea of a “moment of silence” because of a catastrophe that has befallen someone.
Revealed in the seventh seal, John sees seven angels, each given a trumpet. Another angel comes to the altar with a golden censer, and he receives incense to offer up with the prayers of the saints upon the altar. The prayers plus incense are offered and ascend up before God (sitting upon His throne). Remember the saints beneath the altar who died for Christianity and their cry, “How Long!” God’s answer to those prayers is coming.
After offering the incense, the angel fills his censor with fire from the altar casts it into the Earth. Voices, thundering, lightning, and earthquakes occur. Always remember, this is vision language of judgment and retribution on the enemies of God. As this happens, John sees the angels with the trumpets preparing to sound.
The first trumpet: The angel sounds the trumpet and the result is hail and fire mixed with blood is cast upon the earth. A third of the trees and all the green grass was burnt up.
The second trumpet: This angel sounds and a high mountain burning with fire crashes into the sea. One-third of the sea turns to blood. One-third of all creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships of the sea perish.
The third trumpet: The trumpet sounds and a great star falls burning from heaven and falls upon one-third of all the rivers and fountains of water. The name of it is Wormwood (bitterness), and the waters turn bitter and kill many men.
The fourth trumpet: One-third of the sun is smitten, and also one-third of the moon and stars become darkened. One-third of the day turns black and one-third of the night as well.
John sees an angel fly through Heaven declaring, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”
Next week: Trumpets 5 & 6 | Woe 1 & 2.
He who has the mark of God.
[/fusion_tagline_box][fusion_imageframe image_id=”946″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”none” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”stamped – mark of god – revelation 7″ link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://colliervillecoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/stamped-top-secret-revelation-7-600×600.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]A LOOK BACK: In chapter 6, the first six seals of the book are opened by the Lamb. With each John is invited to look into the “revelation” the book presents. The sixth seal opens to reveal humanity seeking refuge from “the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb” and a question, “For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” The answer comes in chapter 7.
Whenever there is a battle, there is always concern over friendly-fire. Great care is given by armies to know where all of their men’s location so they never accidentally fire upon their men. There is reassurance in knowing the color of the uniform, the insignia upon a shoulder. A marking to identify the army to which a soldier belongs. God is going to “mark” His people so that they will be “able to stand” in “great day of His wrath.”
John sees four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, and they are keeping the wind from blowing, having received power to harm the earth and the sea. God’s judgment is often described by the prophets as coming with the wind. A fifth angel appears holding the “seal of the living God” (imagine the same seal that sealed up the book.)
The fifth angel cries out to the other four to wait to bring their destruction until after “we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” This is not a physical mark on the foreheads of humans in the physical earth. It is a mark in a vision to indicate who belongs to God. The same will be true of the marked ones in Revelation 13:18. “666” denotes those who belong to Satan. It also is not a physical mark on physical humans.
John observes the angels marking 144,000 (12,000 from each of 12 tribes). Understand, these are the representative faithful—the remnant spoken of so often in the Old Testament—not literal quantities of “faithful” in the Earth. There is also “a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues who are clothed in white and are crying out, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”
John speaks to one of the elders to ask, “who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” These came out of the great persecution/tribulation and have made their robes white in the blood of the lamb. They serve before the throne in the Temple of God, and God dwells with them. These are beyond the struggles of Earth, for the Lamb dwells in their midst and is their Shepherd.
Next week: Silence.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]These lessons are made available for the benefit of study and growth for all those who listen. If you would like to learn more about the Bible and how to serve God out of faith and love, we enocurage you to listen and then contact us with any questions you have. Click the links below to listen now or download for listening offline.
These lessons are made available for the benefit of study and growth for all those who listen. If you would like to learn more about the Bible and how to serve God out of faith and love, we enocurage you to listen and then contact us with any questions you have. Click the links below to listen now or download for listening offline.
These lessons are made available for the benefit of study and growth for all those who listen. If you would like to learn more about the Bible and how to serve God out of faith and love, we enocurage you to listen and then contact us with any questions you have. Click the links below to listen now or download for listening offline.
These lessons are made available for the benefit of study and growth for all those who listen. If you would like to learn more about the Bible and how to serve God out of faith and love, we enocurage you to listen and then contact us with any questions you have. Click the links below to listen now or download for listening offline.
… But one worthy to open each seal.
[/fusion_tagline_box][fusion_imageframe image_id=”948″ style_type=”none” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”none” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”A worthy lamb to open the seal” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://colliervillecoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/no-ordinary-lamb-worthy-revelation-6-Large-600×398.jpeg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]A LOOK BACK: In chapter 5, John saw the One on the throne holding a scroll. In it was a proclamation from God, but it was sealed. He wept because there was no one found in Heaven, on Earth, or in the grave to open the scroll. Then an angel appeared to John to tell him that one was worthy: the Lamb (Christ).
John watches as the Lamb opens the first seal. Then one of the creatures from before the throne invites him with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” Beginning here, John in this chapter will observe the opening of six of the seven seals on the scroll. For the first century church, each prophecy is a glimpse into what will “shortly take place” (1:1) “for the time is near” (1:3).
The first seal – Out of the scroll comes a white horse with a rider. The rider holds a bow and a crown (he’s king or a victor). He goes out successfully conquers.
The second seal – Out comes a fiery red horse with rider. Its rider has a great sword and permission to remove peace from the earth and cause people to turn against one another.
The third seal – Now arrives a black horse with the rider carrying a set of scales. The one in the middle of the four creatures (i.e. God) tells this rider, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” A decree that a day’s worth of bread will cost a day’s wage.
The fourth seal – Out comes a pale horse with a rider. This rider, identified as “Death,” and following Death is Hades (the grave). Death is given power to kill one-fourth of the earth (consider this not a “literal” measurement, but a “portion”) using a sword, famine, and beasts of the earth.
The fifth seal – John sees the altar of God. Beneath it are souls of martyrs, who died for their testimony (i.e. proclaiming the Gospel). They are crying to God asking, “How long…” until judgment and vengeance rain upon their persecutors.
The sixth seal – John sees a great earthquake, the sun turned black, the moon became red, the stars fall, the plant life dies, the skies roll up, and every mountain and island move. Here is Old Testament prophetic imagery of God bringing judgment upon a nation. The reaction of those on earth is to flee and hide and seek even death as a protection against “the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!”
The chapter closes with a critical question, “For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
Next week: Who Is Able To Stand?
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]The Scroll
Back in chapter 4, John was invited through the open door into the throne room of God. He entered and saw the majesty of God’s presence and the reverent worship offered to The First and the Last by those around the throne.
John now looks back to the throne and in the hand of the one on the throne is a scroll. The scroll, with writing on the inside and outside, is sealed with seven seals. Imagine here a wax seal created by the writer of the scroll, only the individual worthy of opening the seals can read the scroll.
John stands disheartened and weeps because there is no one found in Heaven, on Earth, or in the grave worthy to open the scroll. But one of the twenty-four elders spoke to John, “Do not weep. the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and loose its seven seals.”
John looks and sees a Lamb standing, but it is “a Lamb as though it had been slain.” The Lamb has seven horns (perfect might) and seven eyes (perfect knowledge). The Lamb takes the scroll from the One on the throne. When he does, the four creatures and twenty-four elders fall down and sing before the Lamb. When they sing, they each have a harp and a golden bowl filled with incense–this is the prayers of the saints on Earth.
The song of the Lamb identifies this Lamb as the Redeemer of all the world who has made them kings and priests of God.
Then the angels, numbering hundreds of thousands, join in with the elders and the creatures saying, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain…”
Then all creatures in Heaven, and all in the earth, and all in the sea join in saying, “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
Next week: The Scroll is Opened.
