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Previous Lesson -- Next Lesson REVELATION - Behold, I am Coming Soon
Studies in the Book of Revelation
BOOK 3 - THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AND THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS (REVELATION 7:1 – 9:21)
PART 3.3 - THE LAMB OF GOD OPENS THE SEVENTH SEAL THE SEVEN TRUMPET JUDGMENTS AND THE THREE WOES (REVELATION 8:1 - 9:21)
2. The Seven Trumpet Judgments (Revelation 8:7 - 9:21)A Call to Repent of Every Form of Theft: Whoever finds something with him, at home or at work that does not belong to him, should return it as soon as possible! Whoever has stolen something should return it and, if possible, apologize to the owner. Every form of pride must be broken! Whoever steals out of laziness should pray and learn to work, in order to help those suffering need (Ephesians 4:28). We should all be troubled when we compare the rich and poor nations with each other, because the industrial countries exploit the raw materials and cheap labor of the developing countries to maintain their wealth. The majority of the world's population is poor, sometimes extremely poor. Who gives us, the rich upper classes, the right to become even richer, take vacation in cheap countries, and give small alms out of charity? Shouldn't we first take the gospel to the poor and offer them practical vocational training, so that they will learn to help themselves? Riches, talent and progress contain an expensive responsibility. Jesus said to us in view of the world misery: The poor you have with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good (Deuteronomy 15:11; Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8; Acts 3:6). In the end who owns our riches and possessions, our time and our health? Is the Creator alone not the owner of all that He has created? Are not our possessions simply loans from the Almighty to us, which we are to multiply and utilize for His honor? Lenin is reported to have said: The man who built the first fence was the first thief! He wanted to say: Everything belongs to everyone! No one is an owner. But Lenin was wrong. God is the owner and Lord of the universe. We belong to Him with all what we are and have. Our children, too, are His possession. He will some day say to us: Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to Me – or, Inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me (Matthew 25:35-45)! We should, therefore, put our entire wealth, strength, time and honor at Jesus' disposal, and ask for wisdom, Spirit leading, and love, so that we can render constructive help. Above all, the gospel remains the urgent need for all people, so that every person can receive a new Spirit and a new mind. Whoever experiences such a change of heart renounces every form of corruption and deceit, and learns to gladly and honestly work. He lives in the Biblical responsibility we have before God and man. And They Did Not Repent! The angel of Revelation twice assured the prophet John, that in spite of the global catastrophes, and even after the warning judgments of God and His Lamb, the great majority of mankind will not repent. Man's idols do not fall quickly. The old, proud “I” continues to stand like a small god on its pedestal! All the blows of God's love and wrath are of little avail! The old “I” must die, because Jesus wants to reign and rule in us. Distress teaches us either prayer or cursing! The hardening of mankind is increasing. The masses bristle against the cry of the angel. They don't want to abandon themselves to the love of God. They continue to remain the center point of their own world, in order to receive honor and power. Occultism, hate, murder, wars, demonic control, lies, fear, immorality, robbery and theft continue to increase. When the commands of Christ and His Spirit are rejected there reign the spirit of Satan and his mendacious freedom! Following the trumpet judgments the only ones still living will be leftovers, granted a last chance by God and His Lamb to repent. But even these will choose not to recognize or honor their Creator, their Lord and their Judge. They enjoy His favor and blessings, like sun, light, air, pure water and their life, without a word of thanksgiving. They want to continue on as before, and serve money, sex and their own honor. They fall step by step further away amid the progressive revelation of the holiness of the triune God. In so doing, their wickedness reaches full measure. They will more and more oppress and persecute the church of the Lamb. But the Lord assures all that follow Him: The gates of hell will not prevail against My church. (Matthew 16:18-19) PRAYER: Living, risen Lord Jesus, You are the Lamb of God, who accomplished the world salvation by forgiving our sins, we magnify You and rejoice because of Your free grace for whoever repents. Urge us to call many to true repentance just as we repent ourselves, so that we will not partake with our sins in the coming of the fearful woes. QUESTION:
QUIZ 3Dear Reader,
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