TRUMPET 5… (Revelation 9:1-12) “The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. And out of the smoke locusts came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. 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. They were not given power 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 a man. During those days men will seek death, but will not find it. They will long to die, but death will elude them.
The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. Their hair was like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. They had tails and stings like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon.
The first woe is past, two other woes are yet to come.”
Trumpet 5, the first “Woe”, begins to focus our attention on the Middle East and Israel. The description of the “Locusts” in the second part of this passage clearly equates to Moslem armies that rampaged through the Holy Land and Europe during their eighth and fifteenth century Jihads. Even the reference to not harming any green grass, plant, or tree, is consistent with the teachings of Mohammed and the beliefs of Islam. For those living in the wastes of the Arabian deserts, trees and vegetation were blessings.
The demonic fallen angels of Genesis chapter six, that God had confined to the bottomless pit, have been released to emotionally inflame and inspire Moslems for the final invasion of Israel and the conquest of Jerusalem (Jude 1:6) “And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.”
The final invasion of Israel is coming. God have mercy on those in Israel who have not turned to their Savior Christ Jesus.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS... Trumpet 4
TRUMPET 4… (Revelation 8:12-13) “The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way. Then I looked, and I heard an eagle flying in midheaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”
Trumpet 4 brings our attention to the current atmospheric condition in God’s process of judgments. Once again, as in the previous Trumpet, this one does not actually add an additional judgment, but simply brings to our attention the continuing effects of Trumpet 1. Smoke and debris from the devastating global fires, volcanic eruptions, and asteroid impact fill the sky. There is a natural optical effect from this situation. The thickness of the smoke and debris will be much greater as we look toward the horizon. This optical effect is much decreased when we look directly overhead. Thus, as these verses correctly state, the Sun, Moon and Stars will only be able to be seen while they are almost directly overhead… approximately for two thirds of the day and night.
We must also take note of the terrifying promise of verse 13, the last three trumpet blasts, and the three “Woes”. In this verse, God clearly warns us that the following three Trumpet blasts will bring judgments that are far more horrific than anything that has already come to pass. God have mercy on the souls of those still living on this dying planet.
Trumpet 4 brings our attention to the current atmospheric condition in God’s process of judgments. Once again, as in the previous Trumpet, this one does not actually add an additional judgment, but simply brings to our attention the continuing effects of Trumpet 1. Smoke and debris from the devastating global fires, volcanic eruptions, and asteroid impact fill the sky. There is a natural optical effect from this situation. The thickness of the smoke and debris will be much greater as we look toward the horizon. This optical effect is much decreased when we look directly overhead. Thus, as these verses correctly state, the Sun, Moon and Stars will only be able to be seen while they are almost directly overhead… approximately for two thirds of the day and night.
We must also take note of the terrifying promise of verse 13, the last three trumpet blasts, and the three “Woes”. In this verse, God clearly warns us that the following three Trumpet blasts will bring judgments that are far more horrific than anything that has already come to pass. God have mercy on the souls of those still living on this dying planet.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS... Trumpet 3
TRUMPET 3… (Revelation 8: 10-11) “The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters. The name of the star is called Wormwood, and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.”
Trumpet 3 describes the consequences of the global fires, volcanic eruptions, and the aftermath of the asteroid impact. Under these conditions, tremendous amounts of toxic materials will be lifted up into the atmosphere. According to these verses, these pollutants now begin to settle onto the exposed fresh water sources around the planet. One third of all fresh water becomes unfit for human consumption.
The “Star” noted in this passage is obviously not an actual star, meteor, or any other type of space object… God has given it a name! This “Star” is symbolic of God’s judgment that begins to deplete the planet of life sustaining components. The name “Wormwood” denotes a plant that grows in the Middle East that has an extremely strong and bitter taste. Symbolically, these verses express the idea that the outpouring judgments of God on an evil and unbelieving world are becoming more and more intolerable.
Try to imagine a world where one third of all fresh water has suddenly become poisonous.
Trumpet 3 describes the consequences of the global fires, volcanic eruptions, and the aftermath of the asteroid impact. Under these conditions, tremendous amounts of toxic materials will be lifted up into the atmosphere. According to these verses, these pollutants now begin to settle onto the exposed fresh water sources around the planet. One third of all fresh water becomes unfit for human consumption.
The “Star” noted in this passage is obviously not an actual star, meteor, or any other type of space object… God has given it a name! This “Star” is symbolic of God’s judgment that begins to deplete the planet of life sustaining components. The name “Wormwood” denotes a plant that grows in the Middle East that has an extremely strong and bitter taste. Symbolically, these verses express the idea that the outpouring judgments of God on an evil and unbelieving world are becoming more and more intolerable.
Try to imagine a world where one third of all fresh water has suddenly become poisonous.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS... Trumpet 2
TRUMPET 2… (Revelation 8: 8-9) “The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.”
Trumpet 2 adds another devastating judgment. Obviously, the word picture expressed in these verses is describing an extremely large meteor or a moderate size asteroid impact on the planet. It is clear that this object from space hits a large body of water with devastating consequences. However, the exact place of impact is unclear. Nevertheless, even though the meteor or asteroid will crash into a “Sea”… it will not minimize the destruction. The impact will instantly vaporize the water, pass through, and violently impact bedrock. Astronomers unanimously agree that an impact of this kind is inevitable, and when it does, three Scripture confirming results could easily happen.
(1) The major element of the core and the crust of this planet is iron. Also, in many areas around the world, the floor of lakes, seas, and oceans are covered with dissolved iron. It is irrefutable that a major impact on the bedrock in any of these bodies of water would force a great deal of iron to the surface. When the iron reaches the surface and contacts air (oxygen) it will oxidize and turn the surface of the water “Blood Red”. A 1986 event at Lake Nyos in Cameroon, caused this exact iron oxidation phenomenon. After an earthquake, the clear blue lake suddenly turned “Blood Red”. (2) The bedrock impact would also deplete the water of oxygen and would kill all living things in the surrounding waters. (3) It is also obvious that any ships within the impact blast area would be instantly destroyed.
The consequences of the second Trumpet blast are not the delusions of a fanciful religious imagination, but are quite literally a real scientific and likely the result of a major astronomical impact. At this point in the unfolding of God’s judgments, you really don’t want to be a person who is not specifically “Sealed” and protected by God.
Trumpet 2 adds another devastating judgment. Obviously, the word picture expressed in these verses is describing an extremely large meteor or a moderate size asteroid impact on the planet. It is clear that this object from space hits a large body of water with devastating consequences. However, the exact place of impact is unclear. Nevertheless, even though the meteor or asteroid will crash into a “Sea”… it will not minimize the destruction. The impact will instantly vaporize the water, pass through, and violently impact bedrock. Astronomers unanimously agree that an impact of this kind is inevitable, and when it does, three Scripture confirming results could easily happen.
(1) The major element of the core and the crust of this planet is iron. Also, in many areas around the world, the floor of lakes, seas, and oceans are covered with dissolved iron. It is irrefutable that a major impact on the bedrock in any of these bodies of water would force a great deal of iron to the surface. When the iron reaches the surface and contacts air (oxygen) it will oxidize and turn the surface of the water “Blood Red”. A 1986 event at Lake Nyos in Cameroon, caused this exact iron oxidation phenomenon. After an earthquake, the clear blue lake suddenly turned “Blood Red”. (2) The bedrock impact would also deplete the water of oxygen and would kill all living things in the surrounding waters. (3) It is also obvious that any ships within the impact blast area would be instantly destroyed.
The consequences of the second Trumpet blast are not the delusions of a fanciful religious imagination, but are quite literally a real scientific and likely the result of a major astronomical impact. At this point in the unfolding of God’s judgments, you really don’t want to be a person who is not specifically “Sealed” and protected by God.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS... Trumpet 1
TRUMPET 1… (Revelation 8:7) “The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.”
The first thing I want to make clear is that, unlike the Seals that will ultimately take hundreds of years to be completely fulfilled, the Trumpet and Bowl judgments will come upon us in a very short period of time. After the terrifying global earthquake and meteor bombardment, the "silence in heaven" (Revelation 8:1) will cause the people of the earth to rejoice. However, it will not last long. (1Thessalonians 5:3) "When people are saying, "Everything is peaceful and secure," then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman's labor pains begin. And there will be no escape."
Although they are not actually mentioned here, there are two very important elements of the Last Days that begin at this point... (1) The days of "Jacob's Trouble" (Jeremiah 30: 4-7) "And these are the words that the LORD spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah. For so says the LORD, We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask now, and see whether a man is giving birth? Why do I see every man with his hands on his loins, like a woman in labor, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it." and (2) The three and a half year ministry of the "Two Witnesses" (Revelation 11: 3,7) "And I will give power to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy a thousand, two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth... And when they complete their testimony, the beast coming up out of the abyss will make war against them and will overcome them and kill them."
Trumpet 1 verses describe the global consequences of numerous and extremely violent volcanic eruptions. The massive global earthquake and shift of the earth’s crust (Seal 6) will trigger world-wide volcanic eruptions. Unlike the Hawaiian volcanoes that release pressure through slow calm rivers of lava. Dramatic volcanic eruptions like Santorini, Krakatoa, and Mount St. Helens, are examples of violent explosive eruptions that can cause fiery volcanic ash and hail to drift hundreds of miles. As they fall back to the earth, immeasurable amounts of air-borne extremely hot volcanic ash and droplets of melted rock will ignite fires all around the world. These pea sized droplets of fiery hail often turn “Blood Red” in color, as the iron they contain is mixed with air and water vapor.
These devastating fires will rage uncontrolled, and will ultimately consume one third of the planet’s trees and all of the grasslands around the world.
The first thing I want to make clear is that, unlike the Seals that will ultimately take hundreds of years to be completely fulfilled, the Trumpet and Bowl judgments will come upon us in a very short period of time. After the terrifying global earthquake and meteor bombardment, the "silence in heaven" (Revelation 8:1) will cause the people of the earth to rejoice. However, it will not last long. (1Thessalonians 5:3) "When people are saying, "Everything is peaceful and secure," then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman's labor pains begin. And there will be no escape."
Although they are not actually mentioned here, there are two very important elements of the Last Days that begin at this point... (1) The days of "Jacob's Trouble" (Jeremiah 30: 4-7) "And these are the words that the LORD spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah. For so says the LORD, We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask now, and see whether a man is giving birth? Why do I see every man with his hands on his loins, like a woman in labor, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it." and (2) The three and a half year ministry of the "Two Witnesses" (Revelation 11: 3,7) "And I will give power to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy a thousand, two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth... And when they complete their testimony, the beast coming up out of the abyss will make war against them and will overcome them and kill them."
Trumpet 1 verses describe the global consequences of numerous and extremely violent volcanic eruptions. The massive global earthquake and shift of the earth’s crust (Seal 6) will trigger world-wide volcanic eruptions. Unlike the Hawaiian volcanoes that release pressure through slow calm rivers of lava. Dramatic volcanic eruptions like Santorini, Krakatoa, and Mount St. Helens, are examples of violent explosive eruptions that can cause fiery volcanic ash and hail to drift hundreds of miles. As they fall back to the earth, immeasurable amounts of air-borne extremely hot volcanic ash and droplets of melted rock will ignite fires all around the world. These pea sized droplets of fiery hail often turn “Blood Red” in color, as the iron they contain is mixed with air and water vapor.
These devastating fires will rage uncontrolled, and will ultimately consume one third of the planet’s trees and all of the grasslands around the world.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS... Seal 7
SEAL 7… (Revelation 7: 1-2, 6) “When the Lamb broke the seventh seal on the scroll, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets… Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow their mighty blasts.”
Seal 7 simply announces the coming seven "Trumpet” judgments. The silence in Heaven for about half an hour, emphasizes the extreme significance of what is about to come. However, it is extremely important to understand that between the 6th and 7th Seal, an extraordinary transition takes place as described in Revelation chapter seven. This transition is explained in Romans chapter eleven. In this chapter, the apostle Paul says something absolutely extraordinary. Please read these verses carefully!
(verse 13-15) “I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this, for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them. For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful.”
(verse 17-26) “But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree, some of the people of Israel, have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root. Well, you may say, “those branches were broken off to make room for me.” Yes, but remember, those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree. You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong. I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And then Israel will be saved.”
Revelation chapter seven declares that the “fullness of the Gentiles” has now come in. The great multitude of Gentiles who have died in Christ, have now found their rest in Heaven. This is not to say that there won't be any Gentile Christians still alive on the earth. These verses are meant to explain that at this point God will now focus his attention on Israel. God will seal, for their protection, 144,000 from the tribes of Israel who have now turned to their Savior, Christ Jesus. The 144,000 is not an actual head-count, the number is meant to signify a complete ingathering from the Hebrew people.
The consequences of the coming “Trumpet” judgments, will directly involve the nation of Israel.
Seal 7 simply announces the coming seven "Trumpet” judgments. The silence in Heaven for about half an hour, emphasizes the extreme significance of what is about to come. However, it is extremely important to understand that between the 6th and 7th Seal, an extraordinary transition takes place as described in Revelation chapter seven. This transition is explained in Romans chapter eleven. In this chapter, the apostle Paul says something absolutely extraordinary. Please read these verses carefully!
(verse 13-15) “I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this, for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them. For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful.”
(verse 17-26) “But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree, some of the people of Israel, have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root. Well, you may say, “those branches were broken off to make room for me.” Yes, but remember, those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree. You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong. I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And then Israel will be saved.”
Revelation chapter seven declares that the “fullness of the Gentiles” has now come in. The great multitude of Gentiles who have died in Christ, have now found their rest in Heaven. This is not to say that there won't be any Gentile Christians still alive on the earth. These verses are meant to explain that at this point God will now focus his attention on Israel. God will seal, for their protection, 144,000 from the tribes of Israel who have now turned to their Savior, Christ Jesus. The 144,000 is not an actual head-count, the number is meant to signify a complete ingathering from the Hebrew people.
The consequences of the coming “Trumpet” judgments, will directly involve the nation of Israel.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS... Seal 6
SEAL 6… (Revelation 6:12-17) “I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as dark as black cloth, and the moon became as red as blood. Then the stars of the sky fell to the earth like green figs falling from a tree shaken by a strong wind. The sky was rolled up like a scroll, and all of the mountains and islands were moved from their places. Then everyone... the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person... all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”
Seal 6 ushers in “The Day of the Lord” (verse 17). The long-feared time of God's final judgments has arrived, and absolutely no one on the planet will be able to miss this frightful event. However, even at this point, EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord WILL BE SAVED! (Acts 2:20-21) “The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
There are three important aspects of this prophesy that we need to take note of… (1) There will be a great earthquake that will devastate the entire planet. (verse 14) “…all of the mountains and islands were moved from their places”. (2) A major filtering phenomenon, like smoke, will block the natural light that emanates from the Sun and Moon. (3) A massive storm of meteors will actually hit the earth and devastate the planet. (verse 13) "...stars of the sky fell to the earth like green figs falling from a tree shaken by a strong wind."
If we take all of these events together, there is only one logical explanation… There will be an extremely close, near miss encounter with an asteroid or comet. This large space object will bring along with it a massive amount of space debris that will pass through the earth’s atmosphere and pummel the planet.
It is important to note that, even at this point, our ever merciful Savior is still anxious to receive anyone who calls on him.
Seal 6 ushers in “The Day of the Lord” (verse 17). The long-feared time of God's final judgments has arrived, and absolutely no one on the planet will be able to miss this frightful event. However, even at this point, EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord WILL BE SAVED! (Acts 2:20-21) “The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
There are three important aspects of this prophesy that we need to take note of… (1) There will be a great earthquake that will devastate the entire planet. (verse 14) “…all of the mountains and islands were moved from their places”. (2) A major filtering phenomenon, like smoke, will block the natural light that emanates from the Sun and Moon. (3) A massive storm of meteors will actually hit the earth and devastate the planet. (verse 13) "...stars of the sky fell to the earth like green figs falling from a tree shaken by a strong wind."
If we take all of these events together, there is only one logical explanation… There will be an extremely close, near miss encounter with an asteroid or comet. This large space object will bring along with it a massive amount of space debris that will pass through the earth’s atmosphere and pummel the planet.
It is important to note that, even at this point, our ever merciful Savior is still anxious to receive anyone who calls on him.
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