NATIONS Attention: THE SON IS WARNING HIS CHURCH, SINNERS ,& UNBELIEVERS. Heb 1:2

SERMON TITLE: "COME OUT: RESIST THE DEVIL AND FOLLOW THE LAMB IN THE LAST DAYS"
Text: 1 John 5:19, Heb 1:2, Rev 12:11, Matt 6:33
Visions: RED7, SKELETON, GREEN7
Theme: Truth vs Flesh. Righteousness vs Babylon. Life vs Condemnation.

INTRO: THE WORLD LIES IN THE DEVIL'S POWER
1 John 5:19 “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”

Brothers and sisters, look around.
Babylon is selling quick gain for your soul. Mark 8:36 “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

That’s why God gave the visions:

POINT 1: THE 3 VISIONS I RECEIVED & VANISHED & I TESTIFY THEM UNTO YOU WHICH THE SON SHOWED ME= 3 WARNINGS FOR THIS AGE. Acts26:16. Heb1:2, Joel 2:28-31.

RED7, vision:- THE BLOOD + THE JUDGMENT
The Son is warning: Heb 1:2 “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son”
Repent and be washed Rev 7:14.
If not, 7 plagues will be poured on sinners Rev 16:1.
Job 33:18 “He keeps back his soul from the pit” - God is warning to turn.

SKELETON, vision:- DEATH TO SIN & TO THE WORLD
Warning to the faithless - those abandoning truth for flesh desires.
“You will set your soul on eternal condemnation” if you love this world 1 John 2:15-17.
Come out of Babylon Rev 18:4 “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues.”

GREEN7, vision :- LIFE, HOLINESS, ENDURANCE
Warning to the backslidden church.
Rev 2:5 “Repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will remove your lampstand”
God wants righteous + fruitful people Psalm 1:3. Not quick gain.
Joel 2:28-31 - In last days God pours His Spirit. Visions, dreams, truth.

POINT 2: THE BATTLE - PERSECUTION BUT GOD GUARDS
2 Tim 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

Yes, if you choose righteousness like Job, Satan will attack.
But here’s your weapon:

RESIST THE DEVIL - James 4:7 “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
CLEAN HEARTS THROUGH FAITH - Heb 10:22 “...with our hearts sprinkled clean”
INVOKE THE BLOOD - Rev 12:11 “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb”
WORD + PRAYER - 1 Tim 4:5 “...it is made holy by the word of God and prayer”
GOD GUARDS YOU - 2 Thess 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”

POINT 3: GOD REWARDS - BUT GOD FIRST
Matt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

God does reward wealth Deut 28:8, like Job Job 42:10.
But not through compromise. Not through Babylon.
Through righteous living + endurance + steadfast faith.

Gal 6:9 “...in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

ALTAR CALL:
The SON is calling NOW Rev 3:20:

Sinners & Unbelievers: Be washed in His blood. Receive forgiveness. 1 John 1:9
Backslidden Church: Repent. Obey. Or face Great Tribulation Rev 3:10.
All of us: Acts 26:16 “...appoint you as a servant and witness” - Not celebrity. Witness.

Rev 14:4 “These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes.”

CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, in Jesus' name.
Deliver Your people from Satan’s power 1 John 5:19.
Wash us in the blood Rev 12:11. Make us GREEN7 - holy, enduring, fruitful.
Guard us from evil 2 Thess 3:3. Provide as we seek Your kingdom first Matt 6:33.
Keep us from Babylon and her plagues Rev 18:4.
All glory to THE SON Heb 1:2, John 16:14. Amen.

NATIONS Attention: THE SON IS WARNING HIS CHURCH, SINNERS ,& UNBELIEVERS. Heb 1:2

SERMON TITLE: "COME OUT: RESIST THE DEVIL AND FOLLOW THE LAMB IN THE LAST DAYS"
Text: 1 John 5:19, Heb 1:2, Rev 12:11, Matt 6:33
Visions: RED7, SKELETON, GREEN7
Theme: Truth vs Flesh. Righteousness vs Babylon. Life vs Condemnation.

INTRO: THE WORLD LIES IN THE DEVIL'S POWER
1 John 5:19 “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”

Brothers and sisters, look around.
Babylon is selling quick gain for your soul. Mark 8:36 “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

That’s why God gave the visions:

POINT 1: THE 3 VISIONS I RECEIVED & VANISHED & I TESTIFY THEM UNTO YOU WHICH THE SON SHOWED ME= 3 WARNINGS FOR THIS AGE. Acts26:16. Heb1:2, Joel 2:28-31.

RED7, vision:- THE BLOOD + THE JUDGMENT
The Son is warning: Heb 1:2 “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son”
Repent and be washed Rev 7:14.
If not, 7 plagues will be poured on sinners Rev 16:1.
Job 33:18 “He keeps back his soul from the pit” - God is warning to turn.

SKELETON, vision:- DEATH TO SIN & TO THE WORLD
Warning to the faithless - those abandoning truth for flesh desires.
“You will set your soul on eternal condemnation” if you love this world 1 John 2:15-17.
Come out of Babylon Rev 18:4 “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues.”

GREEN7, vision :- LIFE, HOLINESS, ENDURANCE
Warning to the backslidden church.
Rev 2:5 “Repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will remove your lampstand”
God wants righteous + fruitful people Psalm 1:3. Not quick gain.
Joel 2:28-31 - In last days God pours His Spirit. Visions, dreams, truth.

POINT 2: THE BATTLE - PERSECUTION BUT GOD GUARDS
2 Tim 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

Yes, if you choose righteousness like Job, Satan will attack.
But here’s your weapon:

RESIST THE DEVIL - James 4:7 “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
CLEAN HEARTS THROUGH FAITH - Heb 10:22 “...with our hearts sprinkled clean”
INVOKE THE BLOOD - Rev 12:11 “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb”
WORD + PRAYER - 1 Tim 4:5 “...it is made holy by the word of God and prayer”
GOD GUARDS YOU - 2 Thess 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”

POINT 3: GOD REWARDS - BUT GOD FIRST
Matt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

God does reward wealth Deut 28:8, like Job Job 42:10.
But not through compromise. Not through Babylon.
Through righteous living + endurance + steadfast faith.

Gal 6:9 “...in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

ALTAR CALL:
The SON is calling NOW Rev 3:20:

Sinners & Unbelievers: Be washed in His blood. Receive forgiveness. 1 John 1:9
Backslidden Church: Repent. Obey. Or face Great Tribulation Rev 3:10.
All of us: Acts 26:16 “...appoint you as a servant and witness” - Not celebrity. Witness.

Rev 14:4 “These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes.”

CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, in Jesus' name.
Deliver Your people from Satan’s power 1 John 5:19.
Wash us in the blood Rev 12:11. Make us GREEN7 - holy, enduring, fruitful.
Guard us from evil 2 Thess 3:3. Provide as we seek Your kingdom first Matt 6:33.
Keep us from Babylon and her plagues Rev 18:4.
All glory to THE SON Heb 1:2, John 16:14. Amen.

“Possible Deaths Of Those Who Refuse The Mark Of The Beast During The Great Tribulation”

This is not meant to glorify violence.

It is meant to confront you with the terrifying seriousness of what Scripture describes concerning the Great Tribulation, the beast, the mark, persecution, judgment, and hell.

There is one important distinction that must be understood.

The Bible does not say that every person who refuses the mark will necessarily die by the exact methods pictured in this image. These are illustrations of possible forms of persecution and execution.

But Scripture DOES explicitly teach that the beast will demand worship, that the mark will be connected with allegiance to the beast, that economic restrictions will be imposed, and that those who refuse the beast will face deadly persecution.

And this is where the subject becomes brutally serious.

Revelation 13:15 KJV says:

“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”

Read that again.

“SHOULD BE KILLED.”

This is not merely inconvenience.

This is not being mocked.

This is not losing followers.

This is not being cancelled.

This is not getting fired.

This is not somebody disagreeing with your religion.

The prophecy describes a system where refusal to worship the beast can result in death.

The world can threaten your comfort.

The world can threaten your career.

The world can threaten your possessions.

The world can threaten your freedom.

But eventually the question becomes much darker:

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WORLD THREATENS YOUR LIFE?

Will you bow because you are afraid to die?

Will you compromise because you are afraid to suffer?

Will you surrender because obedience to evil becomes easier than faithfulness to God?

That is the kind of pressure Revelation warns about.

Revelation 13:16 KJV says:

“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads”

Then Revelation 13:17 KJV says:

“And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

Think about the pressure.

No mark.

No ordinary buying.

No ordinary selling.

No normal economic participation.

The pressure will not merely be physical.

It will be economic.

Social.

Political.

Religious.

Personal.

You could be surrounded by people telling you that refusing the mark is foolish.

You could be told that accepting it is necessary for survival.

You could be told that everyone else is doing it.

You could be threatened with poverty.

You could be threatened with imprisonment.

You could be threatened with torture.

You could be threatened with death.

And eventually the issue becomes allegiance.

WHO DO YOU WORSHIP?

WHO DO YOU OBEY?

WHO WILL YOU REFUSE TO DENY?

And here comes an extremely important distinction concerning salvation during that prophetic period.

The present dispensation of grace is not to be confused with the prophetic conditions Scripture describes concerning the beast and his mark.

The salvation message and prophetic circumstances must be handled according to the passages being discussed.

In the present age, Scripture plainly teaches salvation by grace through faith, not by works.

Ephesians 2:8 KJV says:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith”

And Ephesians 2:9 KJV says:

“Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

That is unmistakable.

But when Revelation describes the Great Tribulation, the issue surrounding the beast and his mark becomes radically different.

Revelation does not present the mark as an innocent action that somebody can take while continuing to worship God.

The mark is connected directly with worship and allegiance to the beast.

Revelation 14:9 KJV says:

“If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand”

Notice the connection.

WORSHIP.

THE BEAST.

THE IMAGE.

THE MARK.

ALLEGIANCE.

Then comes the terrifying warning.

Revelation 14:10 KJV says:

“The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God”

And Revelation 14:11 KJV says:

“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night”

FOR EVER AND EVER.

NO REST.

DAY NOR NIGHT.

This is why the idea of “easy salvation” during the mark of the beast period must be rejected as a careless way of presenting those passages.

A person cannot simply say:

“I believe in God, but I will receive the mark of the beast anyway.”

The Revelation passages do not permit that kind of casual separation between belief and allegiance.

If someone knowingly worships the beast and receives his mark, Scripture gives an extremely severe warning concerning that person.

The mark is not presented as a neutral transaction.

It is connected with worship.

It is connected with allegiance.

It is connected with rebellion against God.

Therefore, in the prophetic context of the Great Tribulation, the Scriptures describe a form of endurance and faithfulness that continues even when obedience to God costs earthly life.

This is why Revelation 14:12 KJV says:

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

PATIENT ENDURANCE.

FAITHFULNESS.

PERSEVERANCE.

REFUSING THE BEAST.

REFUSING HIS WORSHIP.

REFUSING HIS MARK.

EVEN WHEN THE COST IS DEATH.

That is brutally different from the idea that somebody can deliberately worship the beast, receive his mark, and simply assume that faith makes the decision irrelevant.

THE TEXT DOES NOT GIVE THAT COMFORT.

Revelation 20:4 KJV says:

“And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast”

Why were they beheaded?

Because they refused.

Why did they suffer?

Because they refused.

Why did they die?

Because they refused.

They would rather lose their earthly lives than surrender their allegiance.

And here is the brutal truth:

THEIR FAITH WAS NOT A CHEAP WORD.

THEIR FAITH WAS TESTED UNDER EXTREME PRESSURE.

THEIR ALLEGIANCE WAS NOT MERELY A SENTENCE THEY SPOKE.

THEIR PERSEVERANCE WAS DEMONSTRATED BY THEIR REFUSAL TO WORSHIP THE BEAST.

This is why it is dangerous to take the language of “faith alone” from the present dispensation and carelessly force it into every prophetic passage without considering the specific context of Revelation.

The present age of grace must be distinguished from the prophetic program concerning Israel, the beast, the mark, and the Great Tribulation.

During the Great Tribulation, Revelation describes people who must endure persecution and refuse the beast and his mark.

The issue becomes so severe that Revelation 13:10 KJV says:

“Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”

And Revelation 12:11 KJV says:

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony”

Then comes the brutal statement:

“And they loved not their lives unto the death.”

THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO THE DEATH.

That means earthly survival was not their highest priority.

They understood something that modern comfort addicted Christianity desperately needs to understand:

LIVING IS NOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN BEING FAITHFUL TO GOD.

A person can preserve his body and lose everything that matters eternally.

A person can lose his body and remain faithful.

A person can lose his possessions and keep his testimony.

A person can lose his freedom and refuse to bow.

A person can lose his earthly life and refuse the mark.

But there is something infinitely more terrifying than an execution chamber.

HELL.

Hell is worse than the flames pictured in this image.

Hell is worse than torture.

Hell is worse than starvation.

Hell is worse than imprisonment.

Hell is worse than persecution.

Hell is worse than earthly death.

Why?

Because earthly suffering has an end.

The judgment of God is another matter entirely.

Matthew 10:28 KJV says:

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul”

Then Christ says:

“But rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

THERE IT IS.

HELL.

The world tells you to fear people.

Christ tells you to understand the greater reality.

Human beings can kill the body.

Human beings can torture the body.

Human beings can imprison the body.

Human beings can destroy earthly possessions.

But God remains the Judge of eternity.

And this is why Revelation 14 is so terrifying.

The beast can threaten your body.

The beast can threaten your livelihood.

The beast can threaten your freedom.

The beast can threaten your family.

The beast can threaten your life.

BUT THE BEAST DOES NOT HAVE THE FINAL WORD.

GOD DOES.

Revelation 14:9 KJV warns:

“If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand”

And verse 10 says:

“The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God”

That warning is deliberately severe.

There is no casual language here.

There is no suggestion that worshipping the beast is harmless.

There is no suggestion that receiving his mark is spiritually irrelevant.

There is no suggestion that somebody can deliberately identify himself with the beast and then mock the consequences.

The warning is terrifying because the rebellion is terrifying.

HELL IS NOT A JOKE.

HELL IS NOT A FAIRY TALE.

HELL IS NOT A RELIGIOUS INSULT.

HELL IS NOT SOMETHING TO LAUGH ABOUT.

HELL IS A WARNING.

And the Bible repeatedly warns about judgment because eternity is too serious for comfortable lies.

Matthew 24:21 KJV says:

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

Great tribulation.

Not ordinary trouble.

Not ordinary persecution.

Not an ordinary war.

Great tribulation.

And Matthew 24:22 KJV says:

“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved”

Think about the severity of those words.

Christ Himself described that period as unprecedented.

The suffering will be extraordinary.

The deception will be extraordinary.

The persecution will be extraordinary.

The pressure will be extraordinary.

And Revelation describes saints standing firm in the middle of it.

That is why Revelation 13:7 KJV says:

“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them”

MAKE WAR.

Not debate.

Not disagreement.

Not a theological argument.

WAR.

And the brutal reality is that some of those saints will be killed.

Revelation 20:4 KJV says:

“And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus”

They died because they refused to surrender their testimony.

They died because they refused to worship the beast.

They died because they refused to identify themselves with the beast.

They died because they refused the mark.

And that brings us back to the terrifying issue of works and faith during that prophetic period.

Do not confuse this with saying that human works can purchase the righteousness of God.

Works cannot purchase salvation.

Human effort cannot buy forgiveness.

Religious performance cannot force God to save somebody.

But the prophetic passages concerning the beast show that the professed faith of those saints is demonstrated through their endurance and their refusal to worship the beast or receive his mark.

In other words:

THEIR FAITH IS NOT BEING PRESENTED AS A CHEAP, EMPTY CLAIM.

THEIR FAITH IS BEING DEMONSTRATED THROUGH THEIR FAITHFUL ENDURANCE.

They do not merely say they believe.

They refuse the beast.

They refuse his worship.

They refuse his mark.

They endure persecution.

They remain faithful even unto death.

And Scripture gives them the name:

SAINTS.

This is why the Great Tribulation cannot be reduced to the slogan:

“Believe anything you want and the mark will not matter.”

The mark matters.

The worship matters.

The allegiance matters.

The endurance matters.

The refusal matters.

The consequences matter.

And hell matters.

Revelation 14:11 KJV says:

“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night”

FOR EVER AND EVER.

NO REST.

DAY NOR NIGHT.

Do not water that down.

Do not turn it into entertainment.

Do not transform Revelation into a horror movie.

The Bible is warning you.

And the warning is brutal because the reality is brutal.

A human execution can end physical suffering.

HELL DOES NOT FIT INTO THE SAME CATEGORY.

A bullet can end a life.

A sword can end a life.

Fire can destroy a body.

A rope can end breathing.

A guillotine can end physical life.

Torture can destroy the body.

But none of these earthly horrors should make a person forget the far greater seriousness of eternal judgment.

The world may say:

“Take the mark and live.”

But Scripture warns:

DO NOT TRADE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES FOR TEMPORARY SURVIVAL.

The world may say:

“Everyone is doing it.”

DO NOT FOLLOW THE CROWD INTO REBELLION.

The world may say:

“You will starve without it.”

DO NOT SELL YOUR ALLEGIANCE FOR FOOD.

The world may say:

“You will die without it.”

DO NOT ASSUME EARTHLY DEATH IS WORSE THAN HELL.

The world may threaten your body.

But God remains the Judge of eternity.

That is the brutality of the warning.

And here is another brutal truth:

PRESSURE DOES NOT CREATE CHARACTER.

PRESSURE REVEALS CHARACTER.

When obedience costs nothing, everyone can pretend to be faithful.

But when obedience costs your livelihood, your reputation, your freedom, or your life, the reality of your allegiance is exposed.

This is why Revelation presents the saints as enduring.

They are not being tested by convenience.

They are being tested by persecution.

They are being tested by death.

They are being tested by a system that demands worship.

And they refuse.

The devil does not always need to destroy you immediately.

Sometimes he only needs to teach you to compromise.

Compromise your convictions.

Compromise your conscience.

Compromise your worship.

Compromise your obedience.

Compromise once.

Then compromise again.

Then eventually you no longer recognize the person who originally said:

“I will never bow.”

That is why Daniel 7:25 KJV says:

“And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High”

WEAR OUT.

Pressure.

Fear.

Exhaustion.

Persecution.

Economic restriction.

Social hatred.

Violence.

Death.

The objective is surrender.

But Revelation shows saints who refuse.

And here is the most brutal part:

YOU CAN LOSE YOUR EARTHLY LIFE AND STILL REFUSE TO LOSE YOUR TESTIMONY.

YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HEAD AND STILL KEEP YOUR FAITH.

YOU CAN LOSE EVERYTHING THIS WORLD VALUES AND STILL REFUSE TO WORSHIP THE BEAST.

BUT DO NOT PRESUME THAT RECEIVING THE MARK IS A SMALL MATTER.

Revelation does not present it that way.

Revelation 14 presents the mark together with worship of the beast and the wrath of God.

That is why the warning is so severe.

And that is why anyone teaching a careless “easy salvation” message concerning the mark of the beast is ignoring the terrifying warnings of Revelation.

Again, this does not mean that human works can purchase salvation from God.

It means that in the prophetic context, Scripture describes genuine allegiance to God through persevering faithfulness under persecution, including refusing the beast and his mark.

The saints are not saved because their suffering earns a price from God.

Their endurance demonstrates where their allegiance stands.

Their refusal demonstrates that they will not worship the beast.

Their perseverance demonstrates that they will not surrender.

Their death demonstrates that earthly survival was not more valuable to them than faithfulness to God.

And Revelation 12:11 KJV says:

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony”

Then:

“And they loved not their lives unto the death.”

THAT IS NOT EASY BELIEF.

THAT IS FAITH UNDER FIRE.

THAT IS FAITH UNDER PERSECUTION.

THAT IS FAITH UNDER THREAT OF DEATH.

THAT IS FAITH THAT REFUSES TO BOW.

And if someone says:

“I have faith, so I can receive the mark anyway”

Revelation gives no comfort for that attitude.

Because the mark is not presented as a meaningless stamp.

It is associated with worship and allegiance to the beast.

And the warning is terrifying.

HELL.

WRATH.

JUDGMENT.

TORMENT.

ETERNITY.

Revelation 20:14 KJV says:

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”

And Revelation 20:15 KJV says:

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

The lake of fire.

Hell.

Judgment.

Eternity.

These are not words to use casually.

These are not words to soften.

These are not words to hide.

They are warnings.

And that is why this image should not merely make you think:

“How horrible those deaths look.”

It should make you think:

“HOW SERIOUS IS ETERNITY?”

Burned alive?

Terrifying.

Beheaded?

Terrifying.

Shot?

Terrifying.

Beaten to death?

Terrifying.

Hanged?

Terrifying.

Guillotined?

Terrifying.

Starved?

Terrifying.

Tortured?

Terrifying.

Executed?

Terrifying.

But the Bible warns of something even more terrifying than earthly suffering.

THE WRATH OF GOD.

THE JUDGMENT OF GOD.

THE LAKE OF FIRE.

HELL.

ETERNITY.

And the beast?

The beast is not God.

The beast is not eternal.

The beast is not sovereign.

The beast is not the final authority.

The beast has an appointed end.

Revelation 19:20 KJV says:

“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet”

The one who terrorizes the earth will not reign forever.

The one who demands worship will not reign forever.

The one who persecutes the saints will not reign forever.

The one who threatens death will eventually face the Judge.

EVIL HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE.

GOD DOES NOT.

The beast may have authority for a season.

God has eternal authority.

The beast may control commerce.

God controls eternity.

The beast may threaten death.

God controls judgment.

The beast may terrify nations.

God remains King.

And when the final judgment comes, nobody will care how powerful the beast once appeared.

Because earthly power is temporary.

God is eternal.

So look at this image again.

Look at the fire.

Look at the weapons.

Look at the chains.

Look at the suffering.

Look at the executions.

Then look beyond them.

Look beyond the body.

Look beyond the pain.

Look beyond the blood.

Look beyond the grave.

THINK ABOUT ETERNITY.

Because the greatest tragedy is not simply dying brutally.

The greatest tragedy is facing the judgment of God unprepared.

The greatest tragedy is treating Scripture like entertainment.

The greatest tragedy is laughing at hell.

The greatest tragedy is exchanging eternal consequences for temporary comfort.

And the brutal message of Revelation is this:

THE BEAST MAY SAY BOW OR DIE.

BUT GOD SAYS THAT EARTHLY DEATH IS NOT THE FINAL REALITY.

THE BEAST MAY SAY TAKE THE MARK OR STARVE.

BUT GOD REMAINS THE JUDGE OF ETERNITY.

THE BEAST MAY SAY WORSHIP ME OR SUFFER.

BUT GOD ALONE IS WORTHY OF WORSHIP.

THE BEAST MAY CONTROL THE MARKET.

BUT GOD CONTROLS THE FINAL JUDGMENT.

THE BEAST MAY HAVE ARMIES.

BUT GOD HAS ALL AUTHORITY.

THE BEAST MAY THREATEN YOUR BODY.

BUT GOD REMAINS THE JUDGE OF ETERNITY.

And that is why the warning must be taken seriously.

Not tomorrow.

Not after the tribulation begins.

Not after the beast appears.

Not after the mark becomes mandatory.

The warning is being given beforehand.

Because once that prophetic crisis arrives, the consequences will be terrifying.

Do not romanticize the Great Tribulation.

Do not treat Revelation like a horror movie.

Do not reduce the mark of the beast to a casual conspiracy discussion.

Do not assume that receiving the mark is spiritually harmless.

Do not assume that a profession of faith makes deliberate allegiance to the beast irrelevant.

Revelation does not present that kind of easy escape.

Instead, Revelation presents saints who endure.

Saints who refuse.

Saints who remain faithful.

Saints who refuse worship of the beast.

Saints who refuse his mark.

Saints who love not their lives unto the death.

And then Revelation gives the terrifying warning concerning those who worship the beast and receive his mark.

That is why hell must be spoken about plainly.

HELL IS REAL.

JUDGMENT IS REAL.

THE WRATH OF GOD IS REAL.

THE LAKE OF FIRE IS REAL.

ETERNITY IS REAL.

And when the final judgment comes, nobody will be impressed by earthly status.

Hell will not care about your money.

Hell will not care about your followers.

Hell will not care about your career.

Hell will not care about your political position.

Hell will not care about your reputation.

Hell will not care about how comfortable you were.

Eternity will expose everything.

The world can teach you to fear death.

Scripture teaches you to understand eternity.

The world can teach you to protect your body at any cost.

Scripture teaches you that allegiance to God is more important than temporary comfort.

The world can tell you:

“Bow and live.”

But Revelation warns that there are things you must refuse even when refusal costs your life.

Because earthly life is temporary.

Earthly possessions are temporary.

Earthly power is temporary.

Earthly comfort is temporary.

Earthly suffering is temporary.

But eternity is not temporary.

And hell is not something to laugh away.

So remember the brutal distinction:

IN THIS PRESENT AGE, SALVATION IS BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, NOT BY HUMAN WORKS.

BUT THE GREAT TRIBULATION PASSAGES CONCERNING THE BEAST DESCRIBE A DIFFERENT PROPHETIC CONTEXT IN WHICH FAITHFULNESS IS DEMONSTRATED THROUGH PERSEVERANCE, REFUSING THE BEAST, REFUSING HIS WORSHIP, AND REFUSING HIS MARK EVEN UNTO DEATH.

Do not confuse the two contexts.

Do not use the grace message as an excuse to make Revelation 14 meaningless.

Do not turn the mark of the beast into something spiritually harmless.

Do not preach a version of prophecy where somebody can worship the beast, receive his mark, and simply shrug while claiming that faith makes the warning irrelevant.

Revelation does not speak that way.

The warning is severe.

The consequences are severe.

The judgment is severe.

HELL IS SEVERE.

And eternity is too serious for comfortable lies.

The question during that terrifying prophetic period will not merely be:

“Do you claim to believe?”

The question will be:

“WHO WILL YOU WORSHIP?”

“WHO WILL YOU OBEY?”

“WILL YOU RECEIVE THE MARK?”

“WILL YOU BOW?”

“WILL YOU ENDURE?”

“WILL YOU REMAIN FAITHFUL?”

Because when the world demands:

BOW OR DIE

the Scriptures reveal saints who choose:

I WOULD RATHER DIE THAN WORSHIP THE BEAST.

And that is the brutal warning.

EARTHLY DEATH HAS AN END.

HELL IS WORSE.

EARTHLY SUFFERING HAS AN END.

THE JUDGMENT OF GOD IS ETERNAL.

THE BEAST HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE.

GOD DOES NOT.

THE MARK MAY CONTROL YOUR ECONOMIC LIFE.

BUT IT CANNOT CONTROL THE THRONE OF GOD.

THE BEAST MAY THREATEN YOUR BODY.

BUT HE CANNOT BECOME YOUR GOD.

THE WORLD MAY THREATEN YOUR LIFE.

BUT ETERNITY STILL BELONGS TO GOD.

So look at the image.

Look at the fire.

Look at the torture.

Look at the executions.

And then remember the warning:

DO NOT EXCHANGE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES FOR TEMPORARY SURVIVAL.

DO NOT BOW TO EVIL BECAUSE YOU ARE AFRAID TO DIE.

DO NOT TREAT THE MARK OF THE BEAST AS A HARMLESS DECISION.

DO NOT LAUGH AT REVELATION.

DO NOT LAUGH AT HELL.

DO NOT LAUGH AT JUDGMENT.

Because one day the warning will no longer be merely a warning.

And when eternity arrives, there will be no negotiation.

No bargaining.

No bribery.

No hiding.

No escape from the Judge.

HELL IS NOT A PUNCHLINE.

HELL IS NOT ENTERTAINMENT.

HELL IS NOT MYTHOLOGY.

HELL IS A WARNING.

And Revelation gives that warning because eternity is too important for silence.

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Jesus has just said that the fate of a person who drags a child into sin is going to be so terrible that it would be better for that man to be drowned in the depths of the sea. He has also said that if one's individual appendages causes one to sin that the fate of being in sin is so horrific that it is a better fate to cut that appendage from your body and cast it away.

Jesus was not advocating for bodily mutilation, He was bringing to mind that the penalty for sin is so severe that the horrendous alternatives to the punishment were to be considered minor in comparison.

He uses the parable of the shepherd who lost one sheep and the man's response to finding the lost sheep being one of joy. He celebrates the find which necessitated him leaving 99 sheep who had not gone astray. Jesus specifically linked this teaching to the children. And He makes it clear that God is not willing for any of these to be lost.

Are we training our children right? Or by following our example are we ‘teaching’ our children to sin in the same ways we do? But Jesus expands on our responsibility for our brethren. He tells us to warn our brothers if they are committing sin. “Show him his fault”

If we have a brother or sister in Christ and they are sinning, we have an obligation to pursue them and bring them back to God. It's sad that some will suffer just because we were busy “minding our own business” when we saw a brother in sin.

We may not even be successful in the endeavor because his response still has the freewill to reject the opportunity you present. If he chooses to reject your instruction, it is imperative to return with 2 to 3 witnesses. If he refuses to repent, it is time to address it within the church.

If he again rejects the opportunity to repent, he is to be treated as an outsider to the church. This is the concept of what some organizations call, ‘shunning’ or ‘excommunication’. So for the churches who proudly admit that their church won't mention ‘sin’ as a selling point for attending their congregation, they are admitting that they are NOT the church of true Christianity.

Sin is what sent Jesus to the cross. It was His very foundational reason for even coming the first time. So for organizations to ‘cover’ sin for purposes of advancing progressive doctrines is in itself a sin.

What is being discussed here is our commitment to the Gospel. Are we faithful enough to warn a brother or sister that is diving into sinful habits or situations? Are we concerned for the eternal consequences of our temporal lives?

We are all being tempted by the same enemy. His goal is to make sure that as many humans as possible end up in Hell with him. His hatred for the creation God intended to be higher than the angels, mankind, is palpable. Satan HATES humans. He knows it's too late for him, so all he can do is cause destruction and pain for us, and that he does on a daily basis.

Jesus then discusses the ‘gathering together’ only requiring 2 people. What is this ‘gathering together’? It comes from the word translated ‘church’ which literally means, “the called out ones”. That’s all of us. We were called out of the world to be a part of His people.

And when two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, not only is that a “church” but Jesus is there with the gathered ones. This was in truth the reason we started Porch Ministries. And two years ago, it was myself and a few others who would meet on my front porch for worship, prayer and to be challenged in the things of the Lord.

And in that 2 year period I was earnestly desiring to be a part of God's kingdom as one of His witnesses. I was distraught at my physical limitations. I am incapable of going pretty much anywhere. I saw my handicap as a failure on my part. But when Porch Ministries started all I could do was these lessons and pray when asked.

Here's the thing, many Christians treat the “I'll pray for you” as an excuse they can't (or won't) do anything else. That is dead wrong. Our ability to gather in His name with Jesus in our midst is one of the most worthwhile, beneficial and powerful works a Christian can do, period.

God has taken the prayers I've offered as a believer and within this two year period, we've seen answers to prayer as we reach out, we are preparing to aid a mission in the Philippines where impacts are already being felt and people are being saved. And now we are praying for that mission, two schools in the same city, and we are reaching folks in Pakistan, Uganda, and Michigan.

I've seen miraculous answers to prayer, confirmation of God moving in this work and I truly hope you will join us on Lordsbook in the Porch Ministries page. If you are looking for an avenue of service to God, join us! If you've been wanting to see God work and be an integral part of God's kingdom there's no better place than a ministry dedicated to reaching those who churches do not pursue. Addicts, bikers, church-hurt individuals who have for cultural or political reasons been ostracized from a church, not due to sin, but strictly for reasons they couldn't control.

Does it matter if i take sin seriously? Yes. Does it matter how i treat prayer? Absolutely.


[12] “What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains, and go and search for the one that is lost? [13] And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray. [14] So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish. [15] “Now if your brother sins , go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. [16] But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be confirmed. [17] And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. [18] Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. [19] “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. [20] For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: SUNDAY AUGUST 9TH 2026

TOPIC: THE ANOINTING IS NOT FOR SALE II

MEMORISE:
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." Matthew 10:8

BIBLE READING: 1 PETER 5:2-4

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

MESSAGE:
When God anoints a person, He expects him or her to use the anointing to edify His people and spread the gospel. As we see in today's Bible reading, God does not want the anointing to be used for personal gain.

I often tell the pastors under my supervision that when God uses them to perform a miracle, they must never demand or expect any reward from the person who received the miracle. In today's memory verse, Jesus told his disciples that they had received the anointing freely and they should also give it out freely. The One who performs miracles is God, not the people He has anointed. Therefore, you should never feel entitled to anything from anyone who gets a miracle from God through His anointing upon you. Some self-professing ministers of God even go as far as selling olive oil, water, handkerchiefs, and other similar items that they claim have been anointed to those who come to them for prayers. Such conduct reveals that they are hirelings who are looking to exploit God's sheep rather than being shepherds who should nurture and feed them.

Beloved, you are not to use the anointing that God bestowed on you to manipulate people. Some people demand that they should be called 'Father in the Lord' just because God has used them to heal headaches. Being anointed does not qualify anyone to become a lord over others; rather, the anointing ought to be used to serve people. Peter knew that such temptations would arise, which was why he told some church leaders in today's Bible reading to feed the flock of God willingly and with a ready mind. He also warned them not to use God's anointing upon their lives for selfish gain.

Jesus Christ, our perfect example, exemplified how to use the anointing God bestows upon a person. He went about doing good and healing those who were oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38), and also served His followers (John 13:3-15).

Beloved, like Jesus, use the anointing you have received from God to bless those He has sent you to; do not use it to exploit or victimise others. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, and you will give an account of all the things He has given to you one day. Always remember that the anointing you have received from God is a tool to serve Him, edify His people, cater to their needs, and spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.

KEY POINT:
The anointing is not meant to be used for personal gain but to serve the will and purpose of the One who gave it.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 18-21

HYMN 24: I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS

1 I want to be like Jesus,
So lowly and so meek;
For no one mark'd an angry word,
That ever heard Him speak.

2 I want to be like Jesus,
So frequently in prayer;
Alone upon the mountain top,
He met his Father there.

3 I want to be like Jesus,
I never, never find
That He, though persecuted was
To any one unkind.

4 I want to be like Jesus,
Engaged in doing good;
So that of me it may be said
"He hath done what he could."

5 I want to be like Jesus,
Who sweetly said to all,
"Let little children come to Me;"
I would obey the call.

6 But oh I'm not like Jesus,
As any one may see;
O gentle Saviour, send Thy grace,
And make me like to Thee.



PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL.
Sunday 9th August 2026

THE ANOINTING IS NOT FOR SALE II
‎
‎PRAYER POINTS
1.Father, thank You for the salvation of my soul and for releasing Your Spirit upon me. Thank You for anointing me to preach the Good News, with signs and wonders following.

2.Father, thank You for freely giving me Your anointing to heal the sick, to cleanse the lepers, to raise the dead and to cast out devils.

3.Father, please help me to use Your anointing on me to edify Your people and to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth, and not for personal gains, in Jesus' name.

4.Father, as it pleases You to use me to perform miracles, please help me never to take the glory nor to covet a reward from the recipient of such miracles, but to return all glory to You at all times, in Jesus' name.

5.Father, please help me never to be tempted to feel entitled to anything from anyone who gets a miracle from You through Your anointing upon me, in Jesus' name.

6.Father, please help me and all Your pastors, to be true shepherd over the flocks You have put under us. Help me to nurture and feed them with Your word and not to be a hireling or to exploit them, in Jesus' name.

7.Father, please help me not to use the anointing You have bestowed on me to manipulate the people; rather than being a lord over them, help me to use the anointing to serve willingly and joyfully, in Jesus' name.

8.Father, please help me to be like Jesus, Who went about doing good, healing those who are oppressed by the devil, and also to serve those under me, in Jesus' name.

9.Father, please help me to use the anointing to bless those You have sent me to, and not to exploit or victimize them, in Jesus' name.

10.Father, please show me Your mercy and help me not to fail You. Help me to use the anointing to serve Your will and purpose, in Jesus' name.

11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
‎
May he never trade Your anointing upon his life for anything in this world, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name
‎
‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.
‎
‎14.Your personal petitions.
‎(Philippians 4:6)
‎
‎15.In Jesus name I pray.
‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
‎
‎#Godblessournation

These prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.
‎

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 8TH, 2026.
TOPIC: YOUR SALVATION IS NOT FOR SALE

AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE

MEMORISE: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36

BIBLE READING READ: MATTHEW 26:15, 27:3-5 (KJV)

MATTHEW 26:15 (KJV)
15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.

MATTHEW 27:3-5 (KJV)
3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”
5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.

MESSAGE:
In today's world, many people are selling their salvation for all kinds of mundane things. Some have sold their salvation for money, while others have sold it for fame or positions. There is, however, nothing in this world that is worth trading your salvation for. Anything that a person wants to acquire that will require the person to commit a sin is a trap of the enemy to get the fellow to sell his or her salvation and end up in hell. In Matthew 16:26, Jesus asked His disciples, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" These questions still apply to us today. There is no gain in trading the salvation of your soul for anything because nothing in this world is as precious as your soul.

Esau is an example of someone who traded something precious for something mundane and temporary. In Genesis 25:29-34, he chose to despise his privileged position in his father's house for just a bowl of pottage. He sold his birthright so cheaply just because he was hungry, and in Hebrews 12:17, the Bible says that he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. In like manner, Judas sold his salvation for money in today's Bible reading. He threw everything he had learnt from Jesus down the drain for 30 pieces of silver. Whatever lures a person to trade his or her salvation only wants to destroy the fellow. It might offer immediate pleasure and instant gratification, but the devil ultimately aims to use it to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

One way the devil tries to lure believers into trading their salvation is by making them believe that some sins are not as important as others and telling them that such sins do not matter. However, there is no act of sin that is not significant; every sinful act matters in God's sight. Every little compromise is a step out of His protective and merciful covering. Ecclesiastes 10:8 says that a serpent will bite whoever breaks a hedge. In other words, sin exposes a fellow to the attack of the enemy.

Beloved, do not toy with sin because it only offers a one-way ticket to hell. I pray that you will not trade the salvation of your soul for anything in the world, in Jesus' name.

KEY POINT
Nothing is worth losing the salvation of your soul over.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 15-17

HYMN 14: O WHAT A WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL DAY
1. O what a wonderful, wonderful day Day I will never forget; after I'd wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Saviour I met. O what a tender, compassionate friend He met the need of my heart; Shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart !

CHORUS
Heaven came down and glory fill my soul, When at the cross the Saviour made me whole; My Sins were washed away And my night was tuned to day Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

2. Born of the Spirit with life from above Into God's family divine, justified fully thru Calvary's love, o what a standing is mine! And the transaction so quickly was made When as a sinner I came, Took of the offer Of grace He did proffer He saved me, 0 praise His dear name!

3. Now I've a hope that will surely endure After the passing of time; I have a future in heaven for sure, There in those mansions sublime. And it's because of that wonderful day When at the cross I believed; Riches eternal And blessings supernal From His precious hand I received.


‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL
SATURDAY, 8TH AUGUST, 2026
*YOUR SALVATION IS NOT FOR SALE*
‎
1.Father, thank You for the salvation of my soul and that of my family. Thank You for paying for my salvation with Your life hanged on the cross.

2.Father, please help me to guard my salvation with all my heart, and with all my soul, and never to loose it at any point of my life, in Jesus' name.

3.Father, please help me not to give in to anything that will require me commiting a sin so I won't fall into satanic trap, in Jesus' name.

4.Father, please help me not to trade the salvation of my soul for riches or wealth or anything in this world, in Jesus' name.

5.Father, please help me to put my body under subjection to Your word. Help me to remain disciplined such that my flesh will not lead me into selling off my salvation, in Jesus' name.

6.Father, please help me never to betray my faith in Christ Jesus, never to deny my faith in the face of persecution. May I not get to the point where it will be too late to repent, in Jesus' name.

7.Father, please help me to continue to work on myself until I become perfect as You are, in heaven, in Jesus' name.

8.Father, please help me to depart from sin and all unrighteousness, may I not compromise in the secret or in the open, in Jesus' name.

9.Father, please show me any area of my life that is not under Your perfect will, and help me to return to You wholeheartedly before it will be late, in Jesus' name.

10.Father, as many that have traded their salvation for the mundane things of this world, please help them to repent and to return to You today, in Jesus' name.

11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
‎
May he never trade the salvation of his soul for anything in this world, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name
‎
‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.
‎
‎14.Your personal petitions.
‎(Philippians 4:6)
‎
‎15.In Jesus name I pray.
‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
‎
Happy weekend!
#GodBlessOurNation

*These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

One of the most sobering realities of our generation is this: We are watching the world move closer to the very things Jesus warned us about, yet many of us continue living as though we have unlimited time, myself included.

> We talk about the end times.
> We discuss Revelation.
> We analyze world events.
> We debate technology, global systems, wars, peace agreements, and the signs Jesus told us to watch for.

But then we go back to our old habits playing with sin, entertaining what God has called us to surrender, and making excuses for areas of our lives where the Holy Spirit has already convicted us. And that should cause us to stop and examine ourselves. Because the purpose of prophecy was never simply to help us identify what is happening in the world. The purpose of prophecy is to prepare our hearts for the return of our King.

Jesus warned that the last days would be marked by deception, wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, famine, earthquakes, persecution, and lawlessness. Matthew 24

He told us these things would be the beginning of birth pains. The question is not whether every headline is a direct fulfillment of prophecy but it is whether we recognize the patterns our Lord told us would come. Because the patterns are becoming increasingly visible every day.

We live in a world where global systems are developing at a pace previous generations could never have imagined. Digital identity systems, cashless payments, biometric technology, artificial intelligence, and implantable technologies are no longer ideas limited to science fiction.

In Sweden, thousands of people have voluntarily received small RFID/NFC implants designed for convenience, allowing access to buildings, storing information, and interacting with digital systems. These implants are not the mark of the beast, and Scripture doesn’t tell us that a specific technology is the mark. However, they do demonstrate that technology capable of connecting identity, access, and transactions is becoming a reality.

And this is where wisdom and discernment are required. The concern is not that every new technology is evil because technology itself is not sinful. The question is how technology can eventually be used within a larger system.

Throughout history, businesses have introduced products through convenience. A product solves a problem, saves time, and makes life easier. We will voluntarily adopt it because it benefits us. And, over time, society becomes accustomed to it. Then businesses, governments, and institutions begin building around it. Eventually, what was once optional can become difficult to function without.

This is why many believers pay attention to the development of global digital systems. Not because they believe every invention is the mark of the beast, but because Revelation describes a future system where buying and selling are connected to allegiance and control. Revelation 13

The technology may be part of the infrastructure, but the true issue is worship, loyalty, and rebellion against God. And while many people are focused on what is happening outside the Church, Scripture warns us that one of the greatest dangers of the last days will be deception within the Church.

Another sign Jesus warned us about is the rise of false messiahs and false teachers. Throughout history, there have been individuals who have claimed to be the Messiah, the chosen one, or a divine figure sent to save humanity. Even in our current generation, people have stepped forward making extraordinary spiritual claims, drawing followers who look to them for answers, salvation, and direction. Jesus warned that this would happen, not as a possibility, but as a defining characteristic of the days leading up to His return. The danger is not only that people will openly reject Christ; the greater danger is that many will be drawn toward something that sounds spiritual but leads them away from the truth of God's Word.

“For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.” Matthew 24:5

Jesus also warned that false prophets would arise and perform signs and wonders in order to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:23-24

This should cause every believer to examine where our trust is placed. Are we looking for a person, a movement, a political solution, a technological solution, or a global system to bring the peace and security only Jesus Christ can provide? The world is searching for a savior, but there is only one Savior. There is only one Messiah. There is only one King who will return in glory.

The rise of false messiahs is not merely an interesting prophecy topic. It is a warning to the Church. In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and instability, people will naturally look for someone to follow. That is why knowing Scripture matters. If we are not grounded in the truth, we can be easily distracted by voices that promise hope but deliver deception. The greatest protection against deception is not knowing every false claim being made around the world. It is knowing the real Christ so deeply that anything counterfeit becomes obvious.

“And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:10-12

Paul warned the elders in Ephesus that savage wolves would come in among the believers, seeking to distort truth.

“I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” Acts 20:29-30

This is why knowing Scripture matters. Because we can’t simply follow personalities, measure truth by popularity, and we can’t assume someone is sent by God because they use Christian language. The enemy doesn’t always present something as obviously evil.

> Sometimes deception comes wrapped in comfort.
> Sometimes it comes through convenience.
> Sometimes it comes through promises of peace and security.

Speaking of peace, the world continues to search for solutions, especially concerning Israel and the Middle East. Global leaders continue pursuing diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives because humanity longs for stability. But Scripture warns us that a time will come when people proclaim peace and security while destruction approaches. Daniel 9 1 Thessalonians 5:3

The world will always seek peace apart from the Prince of Peace and the world will always seek solutions apart from the Savior. And this brings us back to the question that should challenge every follower of Christ: If we truly believe Jesus is returning, why are we still playing games with sin?

> Why do we cling to bitterness?
> Why do we entertain temptation?
> Why do we compromise when no one is watching?
> Why do we hold onto things the Spirit has already told us to release?

We can look at the world and recognize the signs while ignoring the condition of our own hearts. We can talk about the mark of the beast while refusing to surrender our pride. We can talk about false teachers while refusing to examine our own disobedience. And we can study Revelation while neglecting repentance.

That is a dangerous place to be. Jesus did not tell us to watch the world only. He told us to watch ourselves.

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36

The signs should not produce fear, rather, they should produce urgency. They should cause us to draw closer to Christ and should cause us to remove anything from our lives that competes with Him.

The greatest evidence that we understand the times is not how much prophecy we can explain. It is how faithfully we walk with Jesus. The question is not simply, "Are we living in the last days?" The question is: "If Jesus returned today, would He find us faithful?"
The world is preparing for a kingdom that is not God's Kingdom. It’s building systems that promise security without surrender. And the world is looking for salvation through technology, government, and human wisdom. But the Church has been given a different mission.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

So, we must stand firm in truth, remain faithful, repent quickly, love deeply, preach boldly, and live holy. Because the signs are not given so we can become obsessed with the darkness. They are given so we can walk faithfully in the light.

The King is coming. May He find us awake.

HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 4 of 6.
How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued.
This is, in the final analysis, merely an attempt to sanctify doubt and unbelief about healing, as well as an attempt to place the responsibility back on God for the healing. However, if those who attempt to do this knew the Word as they should they would know that God has already placed the responsibility for receiving anything from Him on them, saying, "all things whatsoever YOU
shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive" (Mt. 21:22). God has promised that "the prayer of faith shall heal the sick." He did not qualify this by adding "sometimes"; nor did He say that
"the prayer of faith shall heal only some types of diseases."

If those who are confused would examine the Scriptures carefully on the subject of healing, they would discover that, although there are conditions one must meet, nevertheless, there are no exceptions to God's promises (Num. 23:19, 2 Cor. 1:20). Occasionally someone will relate an alleged exception, citing some instance which they have heard of where some individual had asked God for healing, or was anointed with oil and prayed for, but who, nevertheless, failed to receive healing, or actually died. Invariably, however, when it has been possible to ascertain all the facts in the case, we find that the so-called "exception" to divine healing was not an exception at all, but the failure on someone's part to meet the necessary "conditions."

Without reservation God promises in James 5:15 that "the prayer of faith will heal the sick." He gives no exceptions to this promise; but He does, within the same context in which He gives us this promise, set forth several conditions for receiving it. For instance, He states that (1) it is the responsibility of the sick person to call for the elders of the church for prayer for healing (often you will find in the case of an individual who did not receive healing after anointing and prayer that the elders were called to come and pray by some sympathetic friend or member of the family, not by the sick individual himself, who in reality did not know what the Scriptures had to say about the matter, and as a consequence he did not have the faith to appropriate his healing. The reason God requires this condition to be met is simply because that it implies faith on the part of the sick individual for him to take the initiative and call for the elders to come and pray for his healing, (2) the sick are to be anointed with oil; (3) this is to be done in the name of the Lord (Jesus), (4) the sick should confess his faults so that he may be healed; and (5) the prayer of faith is to be offered (Jam. 5:15-16). The neglect of any one of these conditions, when healing is applied for on the basis of James 5, is sufficient reason to nullify the promise.

Again in Exodus 15:26 God promises that sickness shall not come upon His people, saying, "I am the Lord that heals you." There are no exceptions to this promise, since the meaning of
His Name, Yahweh Ropheka, signifies "I am the Lord that heals you," but there is a condition set forth in this same verse for receiving its application - obedience to His Word.

There is prevalent today the popular but unscriptural notion that it is God's will to allow sickness, which He often places upon His children for His glory, or as a blessing in disguise, in order
to teach them patience and humility, or to develop a deeper trust in Him. Thus, for most Christians there is only the unhappy prospect of an endless round of going to the doctors and the hospital, being subjected to surgery, and taking medicines and drugs while the medical insurance companies are growing rich in consequence of the mental and physical afflictions which result from their fears and unscriptural ideas concerning sickness.

Therefore, Christians must be liberated from their erroneous ideas concerning sickness and healing if they are ever to be able to exercise sufficient faith for healing and health. There is but one way this can be done: through the Word of God, which is a revelation of His will concerning the believer's spiritual, physical, mental, and temporal welfare. It is in God's Word that they will discover that sickness is from Satan (Job 2:6-7; Lu. 13:10-16; 1Cor. 5:5; Acts 10:38), and that healing has been provided and promised by God (Isa. 53:4 with Mt. 8:16-17. Isaiah 53:4 reads Literally in the Hebrew: "Surely he hath carried away our diseases, and borne our pain." Ex. 15:26, Ps. 103:3; Mk. 16:17-18; l Cor.12:28; Jam. 5:14-16, I Pet. 2:24; 3 John 2).

Did you know that every believer is invited to walk through life on a pathway literally paved with the promises of God? Did you know that you are promised health and your needs met, as well
as spiritual blessings? Did you know that God has promised to give you wisdom, help, and guidance, as well as direct your steps day to day? A promise of God is to be looked upon as you do a check, it is to be endorsed by faith and taken to the bank and cashed. God invites you to open His Word and see just what is on deposit to your account as a joint-heir with Christ. When you do, you will find thousands of promises such as -

"My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give you the desires of thine heart" Ps 37:4) .

"All things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive" (Matt. 21:22).

"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers" (3 John 2).

"There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling" (Ps. 91:10).

"These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mk. 16:17-18).

"If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed ... nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matt. 17:20).

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you" (Isa. 26:3).

"The prayer of faith shall heal the sick" (Jam. 5:15).

"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation" (Ps. 91:15-16).

"I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring" (Isa. 44:3; Acts 16:31).

"Seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things (temporal blessings) shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).

"Behold, I give unto you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt You"( Lu. 10:19).

"If you shall ask anything in my name, I will do it" (Jn. 14:14).

"If two of you agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 18:19).

"What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them" (Mk. 11:24).

"No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Ps. 84:11).

"All things are yours; whether the world, or life, or death, all things present, all things to come, all are yours" (1 Cor. 3:21-22).

"Bless the Lord, O my soul…who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeemed your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies; who satisfied your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Ps. 103:1-5).

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us, and if we know that if he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 Jn. 5:14-15).

"We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Heb. 13:6).

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7).

"Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks It shall be opened" (Matt. 7:7-8).

These are just some of the countless promises God has made to us, each of which may be appropriated by an act of faith on our part. In Psalm 37 alone there are over forty promises made to the believers! Most Christians, however, because of erroneous teaching concerning their rights, privileges, position, and inheritance, are going through life like beggars and paupers while walking on a pathway paved with the promises of God. What is the reason for this? The answer is to be found in Jesus' words in John 15:7, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you."

Because His Word is not abiding in them in any meaningful way the vast majority of Christians today find it difficult to believe that God is also interested in their physical and temporal needs, just as He is in their spiritual welfare. In spite of the fact that He clearly states, "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers" (3 Jn. 2). As a result of erroneous teaching, most seem obsessed with the unscriptural notion that a Christian cannot really be spiritual, healthy, and prosperous at the same time. They seem to think that God objects to them being out of debt or a success in life. But you can search the Scriptures from cover to cover and you will not find any place where God encourages His people to be failures in life, sick and diseased, bound to a bed of affliction, or so financially burdened and distressed that they have no time for serving him, or for growth in the spirit.

On the contrary, He admonishes us five times in Matthew 8:19f. to "take no thought" for our temporal needs but to put the needs of the kingdom first and that He will supply all that we need. The scriptures declare that our inheritance belongs to us now, whereas the unbelieving contemporary church has insisted that we are not to benefit from these blessings in the present life, but only in the world to come. However, God says that all things are yours now - the world, life, death, things present, as well as things to come (1 Cor. 3:21-22). These blessings and promises do not have to be begged for. God does not have to be persuaded to fulfill His Word to us. Why? Simply because He has already said "yes" to all that He has promised us, even before we ask, "For all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yes, and in him Amen" (2 Cor. 1:20).

Do you believe what God offers you in the Scriptures? Do you really accept God's promise that "all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive?" Do you believe God's
declaration that you are a joint-heir with Christ? A joint-heir with whom? He did not say that you are a joint-heir with the angels, or with the cherubim or seraphim; He did not say that you are a joint-heir with the apostles or the prophets, but that you are a joint-heir with Christ– He who said that "the gold and silver and the cattle on a thousand hills are mine, and you are a joint-heir with Me". He who said, "All power is given me in heaven and in earth," and I in turn give it unto you, for "in my name you shall cast out devils and lay hands on the sick and they shall recover"; He who said, "My God will supply all your need according to his riches in glory;" yes, it is He who said, "Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it
to you."

If you really believe that you are a joint-heir with Christ, and that all things are yours now, then why do you content yourself any longer with a stone when He offers you bread Lu. 11:9-13)?
Why be satisfied with only a drink of water (Jn. 4), when He also promises that a river of water will flow out of you (Jn.7:37-39)? Why lament any longer as the elder brother did because of his lack? Rise up and take your inheritance as his father invited him to do, saying to him, "All things are yours and you have merely to lift up your voice and ask for whatsoever you desire and you shall receive it" (Lu 15:11-31).

It is tragic that the churches today are filled with sick and diseased Christians, many of whom are dying prematurely, simply because they have not been taught that God has provided healing for them in Christ's atonement (Isa. 53) and promised it to them in His Word, and that they could appropriate it for themselves if they too would but ask! God said long ago that "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hos. 4:6).

When God's Word abides in your heart as it should, then you will come to see that it is God's will that you begin to possess your possessions now by faith as a testimony that His Word is true, and in order that you might be free of sickness, fear, worry, and anxiety, and also liberated from financial bondage in order to serve Him effectively. But until you search the Word and believe your inheritance, then life will consist for you, as for most Christians, of 365 days of just getting by somehow, days filled with cares, problems and worries, hoping that you can stay well for a few weeks at a time, praying that the old car will hold out through the winter, begging God to help you keep your head above water financially and pay of the mortgage eventually before you die, hoping and praying that God, some day and some how, will save your children, and so on. Such a mediocre form of existence is not God's will for His children, because He has revealed in the Scriptures the key to victorious living 385 days a year, for it is in the Word that we find that God has given an extensive revelation of His will and purpose for us.

The Scriptures are filled with divine assurances and promises of our rights, privileges, position, and authority. God assures us that we are joint-heirs with Christ, seated in the heavens with
Him, far above all principalities and powers, and that He has made adequate provision for our every temporal and spiritual need, as well as for the accomplishment of His will. He has promised us that all these provisions and blessings are available to the extent that we are willing to press through by faith and appropriate them. To be ignorant of this abundance of revelation concerning His will, either because of our neglect of study, or due to a lack of biblical teaching, is to be ignorant of the main source of knowledge concerning His will for us. Therefore, it is useless to pray for God to reveal His will for you, or give you special guidance regarding such matters as, for example, healing, deliverance, divine protection, salvation of loved ones, walking by faith, provision for temporal needs, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, marriage and divorce, the crucified life, our rights and inheritance, or how to obtain His blessings and promises. He has already furnished a written revelation of His will for us concerning such matters, saying, "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

Thus, the Scriptures themselves are one of the main sources of knowledge concerning God's will and how we are to apply it to our needs; it is only to the extent we know His Word that we
will know His will, for the Psalmist tells us, "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Ps. 119:105).

Through Prayer:
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him (Jam. 1:5).

We have clearly offered here, a gracious encouragement to ask for divine guidance, with the definite promise that the necessary impartation of wisdom will be given. This method of ascertaining the will of God is so obvious it is often overlooked by many Christians. Do you need wisdom in making some important decisions? Is there a problem confronting you that seems to defy solution? Do you desire to know God's will about some matter before taking action? Have you tried asking God?

"Ask God?" is often the puzzled reply. "No, I have asked the pastor. Our family physician was consulted once or twice, as was our analyst. And the opinion of some close friends has been occasionally sought, but ask God? Frankly I was not aware that we were supposed to ask Him concerning daily personal decisions which we must make. Such as regarding a solution to things such as domestic problems, changing places of employment, selling a home or business, moving to another state to live, which church to attend, whom to marry, or planning a career.
Are we really to pray about such things? Will God actually give us the solution to such problems and needs? Can we receive divine guidance merely by asking for it?" many bewildered Christians inquire.

Yes. You may learn God's will about some particular matter by asking Him to show you, "for everyone that asks receives" (Mt 7:8), and "you have not because you ask not" (Jam. 4:2). If you lack an understanding concerning God's will about some matter, if you are confused or uncertain about some decision you must make, and you have met the the conditions just discussed concerning consecration and abiding in His Word, then it can only mean that you have not asked in faith for the solution, for He clearly states in James 1:5 that if we lack wisdom, we need but to ask and it shall be given.

Assuming you have met the other conditions, then your knowledge of God's will in your life will come in direct proportion to your asking. God does not make such a promise carelessly. If we lack understanding, it is because we do not ask of Him. Too many Christians find it easier to ask for advice from the pastor, marriage counselor, psychiatrist, or some acquaintance, instead of devoting this time to meeting the necessary conditions, then asking of God and waiting upon Him to reveal His will in the matter. Yes, it is necessary to wait upon the Lord to answer in His own time and way, for although He promises in Psalm 91:15, "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him," God has also told us to "wait on the Lord: be at good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord" (Ps 27:14). Because they feel that a more direct approach to the matter will not only bring an easier but also a more prompt solution to the problem, most Christians seem to favor seeking local assistance from others, reserving their communications with heaven to those instances when all other avenues seem to be closed. As a result, they have come to look upon prayer much as they do a fire escape–to be used only in case of an emergency.

Although God promises to reveal His will to those who will ask, it must be emphasized, however, that prayer is only as effective as our obedience to the conditions God has set forth. This illustrates the importance of being grounded in the Word of God, for only in this way can we remove any hindrance to the revelation of His will. He invites us to ask for wisdom and guidance, but He conditions this, for instance, by saying that if we regard iniquity in our hearts He will not hear our prayers (Ps. 66:18; Isa. 59:1-2). He tells us in 1 John 5:14-15 that we must conform our prayers to His Word, for we are promised that if we ask anything according to His will, then He hears us and grants to us the petition which we desire. Again, we are told that "He that turns away his ear from hearing the Word, even his prayer shall be an abomination" (Prov. 28:9). Edited. Shared.
To be Continued.

God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

This literally hits close to home since I stayed at this place a couple of times. A fellow missionary who I’ve traveled with lost a house he was selling to an explosion last week caused by two thieves trying to steal the brand new furnace. I didn’t know about this until a mutual friend posted a news report about it. One of the thieves reportedly died. The other had 80% of his body burned. It’s a reminder that crime doesn’t pay. “But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.” (Proverbs 1:18-19 NLT) https://www.cleveland19.com/2026/07/30/emergency-crews-responding-house-explosion-canton/