daily-bible-study

He That Overcometh 12.31.11

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:34:52 +0100

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: He That Overcometh
Date: Saturday December 31, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 21-22
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.” - Luke 8:22-25.

As Christians, when we are in the storms of life it can be a little trying to our faith, especially when we are doing everything right and it seems nothing improves, or even gets worse. We can get frustrated, discouraged, depressed, sometimes get a little angry with God and question Him as to why He is allowing it to happen. However, no matter what we are going through God loves us and is with us, He uses every situation to strengthen us, grow us, increase our faith in Him, bring us closer to Him, and show us that with Christ leading the way, every storm will come to pass with a little bit of faith. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” - 1 John 5:4,5.

For the past week all we have been reading about is the destruction of the earth, I remember when I first started reading the Bible how much I avoided reading the Book of Revelation, mostly because I was listening to what others were telling me rather than read it myself. It's like a horror film coming to life, but we do not have to be scared, as long as we have Jesus we will be safe and sound and just like every storm, it will subside. Jesus reveals to John what will happen after all the earth, the beast, every wicked person faces God's wrath.

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:2-8.

If you have received Christ as your Savior, you are a child of God, you have the victory, you are one of His very own because you believed in His Son. You believe that God's only Son, who was sinless took the punishment for all your sins, and that He suffered and died, and shed His precious blood to save your life. Christ defeated death and arose three days later to prove that even death cannot get the victory over the power of God. While we often suffer for things without sin, in the end we always see the victory through the power of God. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” - 1 Peter 1:3-5. Praise God!

The second death would be the death of the soul, when the spirit, which is the life of the flesh, leaves the body this is the first death, what is left is the soul, the soul has only one of two places it can go, heaven or hell. If the soul does not have the Spirit of God upon it it will be cast into the lake of fire, hence, the second death. If the soul does have the Spirit of God upon it it will go to heaven and upon Judgment Day it will be united with it's body, a new body, in fact, a glorious, immortal body is given to us to live on the new earth, corrupt free, with no more pain and suffering. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” - Philippians 3:20,21.

Now, Jesus gives John a glimpse of what we have to look forward to in the Kingdom of God, “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” - Revelation 22:1-5.

What a sight! Streets of gold, crystal rivers, walls made from precious stones, trees yielding endless fruit, above all freed from the sin curse that we were all subject to just days after God created the earth. It's not too late, Jesus is inviting all to come and join Him to the wedding feast. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” - Revelation 22:17-20.

Remember, the bride is the Church, which make up the body of Christ, our Lamb. All who believe in and ask Christ to save them will get to be a part of Christ's Kingdom. Praise God! There is a stern warning here to all those who have taken out or added words to His book. Every word down to the very last thee and thou is written in His book for a particular reason, otherwise it would not have been in there. Yes, men penned the Bible, but it is all inspired, meaning the Holy Spirit told them what to write. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” - 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

Yes, we can do studies such as these, but these are studies on the book, not rewriting the book it self. God rejoices at the fact that we are discussing and learning about His Word together, He does not rejoice at those who rewrite His Word to suit their own needs. Of course, we cannot read the Bible in a year and know everything about God, He did not design it that way. He designed it so we read it year after year and learn something new every year. We are truly blessed to know God's Word, to know His mysteries and to see everything come to pass as prophesied. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” - 1 Corinthians 2:9,10. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
God,
We seek to be unwavering in our faith and confident in Your plans for our life as we stand on Your unending promises. You promise never to never leave us nor forsake us, You carefully guide us through every storm as we cling to Your Son. You are faithful and we are grateful that we can stand on the Solid Rock, to keep us safe and sound until every storm comes to pass and we see victory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Happy New Year!
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus

Judgment Day 12.30.11

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:04:32 +0100

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Judgment Day
Date: Friday December 30,2011
Chapters: Revelation 19-20
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation...Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” -John 5:24-29,39,40.

Judgment Day is defined as the last day, the end of time, this is incorrect, Judgment Day is the day that Jesus will judge all mankind, but it is by far the end of time. The truth is, whether you know Christ or not your soul will spend eternity somewhere, if you know Christ that would be eternal life with God, if you do not know Christ that would be eternal damnation with Satan. There will be many that say they know Jesus, but it is not a matter of knowing who Jesus is, it is a matter of knowing Him personally, unless a person knows Him personally they will receive eternal damnation.

God's judgment is always just, meaning it is righteous, honest, and true, God is no respecter of persons, He judges everyone the same. Someone pointed out to me that there were 613 laws that the Jews were to live by in order to be justified. Can I tell you that there are probably hundreds of laws that we are to live by, laws that by common sense should not apply, but they are necessary because of the one person that did not use common sense. Through John Jesus reveals what will take place the day He returns to judge all mankind.

“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” - Revelation 19:1-6.

The word Alleluia is an Hebrew word, meaning "Praise ye the Lord". During this, time, known as the millennium, Jews will acknowledge Christ as the Messiah, all believing Jews and Gentiles will become one church state, and will worship and praise the Lord together. Saying "Alleluia" is an acknowledgment that we are really thanking Him, praising Him, and are satisfied with His arrangements, for the word is a call upon the saints to join together in solemn praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for His righteous judgments on His and His church's enemies. “Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” - II Corinthians 4:14,15.

Christ, the glorious Head of the church, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, returns on a white horse, ready to place judgment upon all. “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” - Revelation 19:11-16.

Christ, clothed in a robe, dipped in blood, His name is "The Word of God", Christ is the Word of God made flesh. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1,14. He will not draw a sword or lift a hand, He will simply speak the Word of God and it will shoot out of His mouth like a sharp word, piercing right through the beast, Satan, and every false prophet, deceiver, and follower of the beast. “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” - Revelation 19:19,20.

Satan too will be judged and cast into the lake of fire, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season...And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:1-3,9,10.

Then it will be our turn, every human being will be resurrected out of the grave, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:12-15.

The dead will be judged according to their works, meaning those who have not received Christ before their first death will be judged and sentenced immediately to a second death, a death far worse than the death of the body, eternal death in the lake of fire. Before we receive Christ we are dead spiritually, meaning although we are a creation of God we do not have His Spirit in us. Those who receive Christ receive the Spirit of God in them. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God...And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” - I John 5:12,13,20.
Those who have received Christ will be justified, acquitted of their second death sentence and will receive their reward of immortality in Christ's Kingdom. There is only one way to be justified and that is by believing in and accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
God,
You warn us that Your final judgment upon all mankind will come quickly, every tribe and nation will bow upon hearing Your Son. Every tongue will confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. We, as the redeemed, look forward to that glorious day when all of creation acknowledges You as Lord. But our hearts cry out to family members and other loved ones who, having denied Your power in this life, will be forced to acknowledge You as Lord on that final day. Renew our passion for reaching those in our generation with the Word of Life, so that they will joyfully proclaim Jesus is Lord in this life as well as the next. Open their hearts to receive Your Son as You opened ours. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus

Who Is A Liar? 12.29.11

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:39:49 +0100

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Who Is A Liar?
Date: Thursday December 29, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 17-18
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” - 1 John 2:15-22.

The antichrist is a false Christ like figure who will come to reign over the world before Christ returns. Believe it or not, we do have antichrists walking around right now, preachers, teachers, churches, and religions are all over the world pretending that they know Christ, but deceiving many with worldly temptations, talks of world peace, and an end to all suffering. While many want to ignore the truth, we are closer than ever to Christ returning, we who know the truth must separate ourselves from people, churches, and religions that do not teach the truth. Antichrists are deceiving many, even those who have been saved, their lies are sending people straight to hell. Jesus said, “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect...Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only...Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” - Matthew 24:23,24,35,36,44.

Rome is one of the most religious countries in the world, proclaiming that Roman Catholics represent Christianity, they even have commercials promoting Catholicism as the true religion of God. The Roman Catholic church is one of the most deceitful religions there is, full of idolatry and the worship of the virgin Mary, among other things. How do I know? I was one. They know just enough Scripture to proclaim the Gospel, but distort it with these ridiculous laws and acts that God would not even come up with. The Roman Catholic church as well as every other church that distorts the Gospel or denies Christ as God will face judgment. Jesus shows John what will happen to these churches during the final stages of the tribulation.

“And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” - Revelation 17:1-5.

The scarlet colored beast represents the close alliance that exists between the world government and Babylon (Rome), who pretends to be the true Church. BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS illustrates the God-defying forces in politics and religion that will soon control the world. This apostate federation of churches and world religions will give full support to the one-world political and economic system which will be ruled by the Antichrist. Eventually, this false super church will fiercely oppose the true Christ, making himself as Christ. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” - II Corinthians 11:13,14.

Once the Antichrist has made a mess of things, the true Christ will return to claim His throne, “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful...For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” - Revelation 17:12-14,17.

Christ is the King of kings, the Lord of lords and has supreme dominion and power over all things, all the powers of earth and hell are subject to His control. His followers are called to this warfare, are fitted for it, and will be faithful in it. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” -John 15:16.

When Christ returns in His glory, vengeance is His and on every person who caused His people to be deceived by them. “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” - Revelation 18:1-6.

God's people shall be called out of Babylon while those that partake with wicked men in their sins, must receive of their plagues. As we consider these events which will surely come to pass, we need to set our hearts and minds on the things above, knowing that the Lord is able to sustain all who put their trust in Him. It's pretty scary to read these chapters and realize just how much this book is becoming a reality. However, we can be at peace knowing that in the midst of it all Jesus is with us and All who accept Him into their lives will be saved from all this destruction. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13.

We who know the truth must be ready, prepared, and on constant guard of those who are out to deceive those who do not know or are weak in the truth. Do you know how many people I have talked to in the past month that I have walked the plan of salvation with only to have them respond, “Faith without works is dead, unless we do the work of the law, we will not be saved.”? They twist the Gospel, twist God's Word, and twist your word, trying to place doubt in your mind and if we are not constantly living in God's Word, we who are strong will start believing these antichrists and will fall for it. Thank God for the Holy Spirit enabling us to know the truth, He is our only witness. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - 1 John 5:10-12.

Today's Prayer:
God,
Thank You for sending Your Son to save me, He is the only truth, the only life, and the only way to be saved, not by works shall any man boast, but by faith I am saved from death and hell. How You entrusted me to know that is beyond me, but I am grateful, thankful, and blessed to be one of Your children. Only by my faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Your Son am I saved. It is Your gift to me for believing in and trusting that Christ paid my sin debt for me, He purchased my life with His shed blood. God, keep me strong in Your Word, lead me and guide me in Your truths, and let me not fall into the deception of those who are out to put confusion and doubt in my mind. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus

It's Harvest Time 12.28.11

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:56:34 +0100

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: It's Harvest Time
Date: Wednesday December 28, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 14-16
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way...And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you...Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” - Luke 10:1-4,8,9,19,20.

Just as Jesus commanded His disciples in His days on earth to walk doors preaching the Gospel (His death, burial, and resurrection), twice a week my church goes soul winning, and a couple of times a year we will have an all out soul winning marathon, people every day for a month or so knocking doors and preaching the Gospel to all who will listen to them. The harvest is great, meaning there are many people out there just waiting for someone to guide them to Christ. The laborers are few, meaning out of the many people who are saved very few are willing to preach the Gospel to others. How do we heal the sick preaching the Gospel? We lead them to Christ, those who receive Christ are healed from eternal death. “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” -Mark 2:17.

Preaching the Gospel comes with some persecution, which is why many are even afraid to say they have received Christ. However, it is something we must endure, unless they are saved they will end up in hell. I know it is a scary thought, I know we have friends or loved ones who are not saved, but we cannot not do it for them, they must come to repentance themselves. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” -Romans 10:13. Likewise, the same goes for us, perhaps there are some reading this whom have been serving God and have not been aware of this. It does not matter how good we are, how much we love God, or even if we believe that Jesus died for us. Unless we ask Him to save us personally we will end up in hell. Jesus reveals to John what is about to happen when He returns, after the beast takes over. First, He brings along 144,000 men to search out the last remnant of those who escaped the tribulation and have not yet accepted Him as their Savior.

“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” -Revelation 14:1-4.

The 144,000 having God's name written on their foreheads, who are ready to assist Him during the Great Tribulation. These are undefiled virgins of the flesh as well as the spirit. They were chosen by God to be apart of His ministry in the midst of His wrath. While most of us here on earth cannot vogue for being undefiled virgins of the flesh, God knows who are His and He knows just exactly where you stand with Him. While He may have never marked you for ministry, if you have come to Jesus and asked Him to save you then you will join the multitudes written in the Book of life. “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; ” - Revelation 7:9.

Jesus is going to have one tough job to do when He returns, He is going to have to find the very few people left on the earth that escaped the tribulation and have not turned to Satan, remember in chapter 13 we read about the mark of the beast. All who have the mark will be destroyed, cut off from God, but the remnant will be saved, reaped from the destruction. “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.” -Revelations 14:14-19.

When Jesus has gathered up all His people that is when God will destroy everything on the earth once and for all and everyone who has not been saved will be destroyed too. “And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image...And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.” -Revelation 16:1,2,17,18.

Being saved does not exempt us from facing judgment, it does not keep us from persecution, if any continue to live in sin after they are saved, succumbing to the beast, they will be miserable in mind, body, soul, and spirit, until they repent, turn away from the sin. No one has to suffer needlessly, no one has to go through life miserable looking for one escape after another only to find it harder to escape. If you are struggling, it's time to man up, seek Christ, and break free from those chains. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” -John 8:36.

God wants to help you, but you must acknowledge Him and allow Christ to work in your life. I have been there, I spent several years away from God and faced much judgment, but it was only when I allowed Christ to live in me that He was able to break me from being captive to my sins, it did not happen overnight, but He set me free. He will do the same for you too. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30.

Today's Prayer:
God,
The harvest of souls truly is great, help us to remain faithful in planting Your seed of salvation to those who have not yet come to know Your Son, Jesus Christ personally, to those who have not yet confessed with their tongue that He is the only one who can save us from death and hell. Whenever we open our mouths, may words be given to us so that we may boldly make known the mystery of the Gospel to those who have not yet heard. We thank You for those who presently come alongside us in our mission and for those who will join us further along in our journey as they also reach out to those whom we seek to impact. We pray for our combined labors that unbelievers will receive Christ and in turn reach others for the sake of the Gospel too. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus

Be Strong In The Lord 12.27.11

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:12:40 +0100

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Be Strong In The Lord
Date: Tuesday December 27, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 12-13
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” -Ephesians 6:10-17.

There is a battle going on, a battle like no other, a spiritual battle, much stronger and more destructive than any battle we will ever fight with the flesh. It is a battle that will never end until the day Christ returns and takes His throne as the King of kings. The closer we get to that day the bigger that battle will become, and like we learned yesterday, death is no escape, no one, not even Satan himself will escape Judgment Day, except those who have put on the whole armor of God. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God...And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” - 1 John 5:13,20.

As John has been given visions that foretell what will happen before, during, and after Christ returns, he is taken back to a time well before God even created the earth. A time when there was actually a war in heaven. “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” - Revelation 12:1-5,7-11.

The early prophecy fulfilled in which God said He would put enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15) is foretold here well before God created the heavens and earth. The woman about to give birth represents the Church, those who overcame Satan by applying the blood of the Lamb upon them. The attempts of Satan and his recruits to prevent the offspring of Israel and Jesus Himself from coming were and always will be unsuccessful. He can destroy as much as he wants, he can deceive as much as he wants, he can even bring death to the body, but what he cannot do is take away one soul that has been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” -1 Corinthians 6:20.

Satan knows his fate and because he knows his fate he is going to try everything to prolong his life and take as many people with him as possible until Christ returns. Since he has not idea when that will happen either he is going to do his best and will succeed in not only deceiving those who have not received Christ, but those who have as well. How is he going to deceive them? By passing himself off as Jesus, known as the antichrist, I guess you can say that antichrist is the off spring of Satan.

“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 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. 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: 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. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” -Revelation 13:13-18.

Satan is determined to try and destroy everything that Christ stands for, but in the end the King of kings, Lord of lords is the one who will prevail. Christ prevailed when He died on the cross and arose three days later, those who ask Jesus to save them are a part of the church of Christ. Those who are saved are not written out of the book of life! “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” -Revelation 3:5.

I remember growing up the horror stories I heard about the number 666, anyone seeing that number would freak out. We should be concerned, there are literally people out there working for the antichrist, these are false preachers, teachers, layman, working for this beast. They look good, sound as if they know what they are talking about, and have people eating right out of their hands. They are literally sending millions of people to hell through their deception. Their motive in none other than to do the dirty work for the antichrist, no, Obama is not the antichrist, but there are many today working for the antichrist. “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” - 1 John 4:3.

While we cannot know the hour that the antichrist will be here nor when Christ will come to save all who truly believe in Him, we can be prepared, we can know the difference, we can be ready and armed to handle those who come and try to deceive us. Only those who have put on the full armor of God can be strong enough to distinguish the truth from the lies. Those are salvation, faith, righteousness, truth, the peace of the Gospel, and the Word of God, which is our only defense against false doctrine. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” -Hebrews 4:12.

I often read commentaries from different people who read the same version I do so I can get some insight from others who would know more than I do. Let me tell you, there have been times in my early days of reading God's Word that I believed the things some of these people were saying. Now, I am stronger in the Lord and getting better at figuring out who has no idea what they are talking about. We cannot be strong in the Lord without His Word in us, we cannot know and live by the truth of God's Word without studying it for ourselves, and not just one time, it has to be constant. Even if you take two, five, or ten years, to read the Bible through you become stronger in the Lord, it just needs to be constant. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15.

This will be my sixth year of reading the Bible through, every year I become stronger in the Lord. I witnessed to someone last night through the internet and knew exactly which passage to turn to when he asked questions about the Bible, which obviously he had gotten from reading too many books or listening to too many people. That all comes from the power of God and the witness inside of me that gives me the strength to speak the truth. “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth...He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” - 1 John 5:5,6,10. Praise God for His Word!

Today's Prayer:
God,
Thank You for Your Word, it is just amazing to have Your Word readily available to us. While some of the contents can be a little confusing You slowly teach us through the Holy Spirit what You want us to learn. Thank You for the guides who help explain the more complex things and thank You for giving us the ability to discern the truth from the lies on our own as we study Your Word. The more we study it the more we are armed and ready for anything the devil throws at us. We can only be armed with the strength that comes from Christ, the Word in the flesh, who saves all who believe in Him. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus

The Seal of God 12.26.11

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:27:47 +0100

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Seal of God
Date: Monday December 26, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 9-11
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” - Romans 6:3-7.

There are two types of baptism for a true Christian, one, spiritual baptism, meaning to cleanse or purify the soul by applying the blood of Christ upon it. And two, water baptism, meaning complete immersion in water by a baptizer as a public profession of faith in Christ redeeming the soul. Water baptism is not needed for salvation, it does not cleanse the body from sin, it is a mirror of what Jesus did (getting baptized by John the Baptist, which means one who baptizes) and is part of the great commission commanded by Jesus, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” - Matthew 28:19.

To be baptized into the death of Christ means to enter into a spiritual union with Him, as the sinless Christ died for sin, we die to sin through His death on the cross, as the Crucified Christ was buried, we who have died to sin are buried with Him. As Christ defeated death by His resurrection we who are buried with Him in death rise in the likeness of His resurrection as a new creature, freed from the sin. We are no long dead to sin, but alive in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” -II Corinthians 5:17.

Jesus continues to give John visions of the great Tribulation that will be God's final judgment upon the earth, as the fifth trumpet sounded hell literally broke loose as the bottomless pit opens and evil like you have never seen emerges from it. “And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.” - Revelation 9:1-6.

Imagine a torment so severe that the only way imaginable to escape it is death and even death cannot save them? As with any judgment that God casts upon mankind, He gives a way to escape it. The locusts had no power to hurt those who had the seal of God. Those who have the seal of God are those who have applied the blood of Christ upon their foreheads. God's all-powerful, distinguishing grace will keep His people from this total and final destruction. “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:” - II Corinthians 2:14,15.

Another angel comes down and hands John a little book, “And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” - Revelation 10:8-11.

The little book, is the symbol of God's Word, once it was digested, John was qualified to tell the world that the little book has a message that is exceedingly sweet to those who receive Christ as their Savior. Eating all of it speaks of understanding and living by all of the words in the powerful book. To those who have not received Christ those words will be bitter, indigestible, and cut through the heart like a sword. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.

When these days shall come, God will send two messengers to earth to give the warning, they will be rejected, killed, and resurrected. Then the seventh trumpet will sound and Christ will take His throne here on earth and will judge the dead. “And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them...And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever...And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” - Revelation 11:9-11,15,18.

When Christ returns every body will be resurrected, the dead, meaning those who who have ejected Christ before their first death, will face a second death, eternal damnation. Those who received Him as their Savior before their first death will receive immortality. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” -Revelation 2:11.

Those who receive Christ need not fear this great tribulation or the day we are resurrected from the grave, we have a wonderful life awaiting us as we enjoy eternity with our King, the King of kings, Lord of lords in His kingdom here on earth. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life...Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” -John 5:24,28,29.

There is only one way to be redeemed, to receive the spiritual baptism needed to cleanse the soul and set us free from this horrible fate. Water baptism cannot save your soul, it cannot cleanse your soul, only Christ can. Why? Our salvation is dependent upon One person, who died for us, if we seek any other way to get saved, we are depending on ourselves to save us. No one can do enough to save themselves, the only way they can be saved is by believing in and receiving Christ as your Savior. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:9,10,13. This is the seal of God.

Today's Prayer:
God,
As the years go by it is devastating to witness the fall of our great nation, to see nation after nation fall. To think that it is only the beginning of sorrows is terrifying, but thank You for giving us a heads up on this and thank You for giving us a way to escape all this through Your Son. Only by putting our faith and trust in Him can we be saved. Lord, although things get crazy and life seems as though it is unbearable, keep my eyes looking up, remind me that this is only temporary and that You have a wonderful, sin free, sorrow free, pain free, life awaiting me as I endure all with my Savior by my side. In Jesus' name. Amen,

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus

Who Shall Stand 12.25.11

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:40:30 +0100

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Who Shall Stand
Date: Sunday December 25, 2011 Merry Christmas!
Chapters: Revelation 6-8
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows...And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved...And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.” -Mark 13:7,8,13,20.

God's judgment upon all mankind will be marked by religious apostasy, wars and rumors of wars, upheavals among kingdoms, earthquakes, famines, and trouble, disregard of the law, and manifestations of hatred toward the preachers of the Gospel. When Jesus returns to claim His people and bring judgment upon the unbelieving, who will be able to stand, to be saved from God's wrath.

It was around 534BC that Daniel saw visions that are similar to those of John, it was then that God revealed to him the things that would come to pass before the great Tribulation, which is when Jesus will return to earth to claim His throne. In a more vivid and dramatic fashion John watches as Jesus breaks the seven seals one by one and reveals the contents and symbolism of each, the first for are horses.

“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” - Revelation 6:1-4-6,8.

One by one, just as Jesus foretold of the beginning of sorrows, the tribulation period will begin and it will not end until Satan and every unbeliever is cast into the lake of fire. When it will begin and how long it will take is unknown, but what is known is that it will be devastating and deadly to everyone except those who are saved. In the midst of His revealing the contents of the book, Jesus reveals to John the ones who will be saved.

“Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel...After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;..They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” - Revelation 7:3,4,10,16,17.

Who will be able to stand? Only the people who will have applied the shed blood of the Lamb upon their souls, 144,000 Jews and a multitude of others from every nation will be saved. There is no respect of persons with God, position, rank, title, and honor mean absolutely nothing to God, it will not bring salvation to anyone. The only way to be saved from all this is by believing in and receiving Christ as your Savior. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:12,13.

Upon the opening of the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for half an hour, then follows a vision of seven angels, who stood before God, and had seven trumpets given to them. “And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets...And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up...And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” - Revelation 8:1,2,6,13.

God bless those days of the great Tribulation, when God in all His wrath pours out His final judgment upon the earth. We can all thank God for His longsuffering, not willing to see anyone in hell, and while we who are saved can praise God for not coming before we got saved, those who are not are only facing the beginning of their sorrows. They not only have to face this tribulation alone, they face a second death much worse than the first. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” -John 5:28,29.

Since it is Christmas, one would wonder why we are reading about the end of the world when we should be reading about the birth of Christ. The truth is, it's all about Christ. While we are rejoicing and giving praise to God for the birth of His Son, we should also be reminding ourselves that He was born to die for us, to save sinners. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” -Matthew 1:21.

Without the pure birth of Christ we would not have the perfect sacrifice, without the perfect sacrifice we would not have redemption for our sins, without redemption for our sins, we will not be saved from hell and the second death. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” - Romans 5:8-11. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Jesus,
Happy Birthday, the love that You have for us is just astounding, those who truly believe in You with all their heart, mind, and soul will never really understand how You willfully gave Your life to save our wretched souls. However, we do understand that we are redeemed by Your precious blood. You were born to die for us, but You rose up in victory and returned to Your Father to sit at His right hand to rightfully judge us accordingly. When we consider the depth of Your love let us be more determined to be faithful to You until You come to get us. Help us to endure the afflictions that come our way by keeping our eyes, not on that which is seen, but on the unseen future rewards that You promise to those who love You. In your name, Jesus. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus

Merry Christ-mas (Special Message)

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:26:35 +0100

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional-Special
Message Title: Merry Christ-mas
Date: Saturday December 24, 2011
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

Merry Christ-mas! I pray that the holiday season has been joyous for you. I always get a little sad around the Christmas season, especially as it gets closer to Christmas day. Oh, I love Christmas, but I am not sure if it is all the commercialism, the atheism, or the hustle and bustle, that saddens me, maybe it's a combination of them.

The last few weeks I began to perk up a bit as my pastor decided to use the kids from my Sunday school class as well as other elementary aged kids in the annual Christmas program. For the past two weeks we had what I called “Upside down Sunday” the kids had Sunday school class during the church hour so they could practice for the program. Of course, we have been teaching about the Birth of Christ, I was amazed and quite taken by how much the kids were learning and remembering. The lessons actually taught me something as well, while Christmas is a time to rejoice of the Savior's birth it is also a time to observe why He came to earth. Speaking of why He came to earth, the question was asked, “What does Christmas mean to you?

Here are some responses given:
“For me, Christmas is a time of family...and I love it. We all lead such busy lives and this is one time of the year where we can all relax and be together.”

“For me, christmas is all about love, family and children. It doesn't even really matter what we eat or what presents we get, as long as I can spend the holiday with my loved ones, I am happy happy happy.”

“Christmas is the one time of year when even if you're mad at a relative, or they're mad at you, it's hidden, and everyone's all loving and stuff. And seeing the looks on the little ones faces when they run downstair (at least one tripping and hurting herself!) to see all the beautifully wrapped presents. And, of course, fighting over who gets to read the note from Santa! Every Christmas eve we all get together at my aunt's house, and spend the night. we read christmas books outloud, we open one present each, and we go to bed hours earlier then usual! It's the best!”

“Christmas does have a kind of magical feeling about it. But I think it would be a shame if we didn't take time to reflect on the true meaning. Jesus came to earth as a baby for our sakes. He left His heavenly home - a perfect place - and came to earth so that we would have a chance at salvation. Let's not get lost in all the gift buying and family time. They're great, but let's remember to thank Him for the reason we are celebrating.”

There were dozens of responses and I agree Christmas is a wonderful time for family, traditions, reconciliation, giving and receiving gifts, and of course, feasts, but these are not the purpose for Christmas. The hustle and bustle of the season can even take the strongest Christian away from the true meaning of Christ-mas. Jesus was born to die for us. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:16-18.

Why would God do such a thing? Why would he come as a baby, instead of appearing in power and majesty? Why make himself a true man and live among us, when he knew full well how terribly he would be treated?

It was LOVE! It was necessary, if you were to be saved from condemnation! To explain this a little further, we need to look back over 700 years before His birth, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” - Isaiah 7:14. Immanuel, also spelled Emmanuel, is interpreted as “God with us”, that virgin would be Mary and she would be conceived by the Holy Spirit.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” - Matthew 1:18-25.

Incidentally, many people have the assumption that Mary was sinless and that is why she was chosen to bare Jesus. This is incorrect, she was born a sinner just like everyone else (except Jesus) because she was conceived by normal conception. “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” - Luke 1:26-31. Mary, had God's favor, she was not sinless, she was a servant of God and she believed. It was important that Jesus not be conceived through normal conception, otherwise He would have been born with the sin nature everyone else is born into. “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” -Psalm 51:5.

Here is something I found interesting that I taught my Sunday school class, Emmanuel means “God with us” and Jesus' name means, “Savior” So, God came to us in the form of a man, through His Son, Jesus who is our Savior. God loves us so much that He came down here in the flesh and give His life to give us life. Even when Christ was born, they knew He was born to die for them, when the wise men brought gifts, they brought gifts representing His birth, death, and burial. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” - Matthew 2:11. The gold was given as it is the purest form of dust on the earth, representing His virgin birth, the frankincense, an oil poured on the sacrifice to be offered to God, represented His sinless sacrifice, and the myrrh, which was a spice used to preserve a body during it's burial, represented His death.

Jesus did not just begin His life that day, He already existed, He is God in the flesh “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1-3,14.

God showed His love for us through the death His Son, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8. He also showed He love for us by resurrecting three days later and given eternal life to all who believe in Him. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” -Romans 10:9,10. Praise God for Jesus, our Savior!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family, I pray that 2012 is a wonderfully, blessed, and prosperous year. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus

Labor In Vain 12.24.11

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:34:56 +0100

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Labor In Vain
Date: Saturday December 24, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 3-5
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” - Psalm 127:1,2.

The word labor means to work, to exert or use one's powers of the body or mind, whether using our mind or body, we exert ourselves, to work the body we exert our muscles, to work the mind we exert our brain. There are many ways in which labor can be in vain, which means worthless exertion, or working for nothing. For example, someone hollering and throwing things out of anger is worthless exertion of the body. Someone devising a scheme to steal someone's identity is worthless exertion of the mind. Nothing gets accomplished when we labor in vain, but everything gets accomplished when we build it upon the foundation of the Lord. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 3:11.

As Jesus continues telling John what to write in His letters to the seven churches of Asia, He sternly rebukes them for their vain works. The Church in Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. They would boast that there were no false doctrines being taught, but something serious was going on, they were not teaching anything. “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” - Revelation 3:1-3.

There are churches that talk about Jesus, parade on good works, but they are dead, meaning they do not know Jesus and are laboring in vain, they are teaching people that they need to work their way to heaven. Very few people who are brought up in false religion will receive Christ, but there are a few that will escape and be saved. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” - Revelation 3:5.

The only church that did not receive any warnings of repentance was the Church in Philadelphia. The Church in Philadelphia was seated upon the borders of Mysia and Lydia, and would probably seem weak and insignificant as far as the world was concerned, their number was small and they had only a little strength within the church, but Jesus commended them for that little bit of strength and also gave them an assurance that their labor was not in vain. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name...Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” - Revelation 3:8,10.

All who serve Jesus, no matter what they face, and this includes times when all we have is the strength to say, "Help Me, Jesus", can find comfort and peace through Him as they patiently wait for their trials to come to pass. Jesus will come in the blink of an eye, only those who are saved will be a part of His Kingdom. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” - Revelation 3:11,12.

The Church of the Laodiceans was once a famous city near the river Lycus, had a wall of vast compass, and three marble theatres, and, like Rome, was built on seven hills. They prided themselves on their ability to compromise with the world. The majority of the church members probably congratulated themselves on being moderate and broad-minded, but Jesus saw nothing commendable about what they were doing, He gave nothing, but rebuke to this church and a stern warning too. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” - Revelation 3:15-19.

The quickest way to get God angry is to make compromises, I was watching a movie yesterday and a daughter was commending her parents on their relationship for not compromising, but respecting each other. I can tell you from experience that compromise causes a lot of pain and suffering and destroys relationships. Had I been truthful and honest about how I felt and did not do the things I knew were wrong for that sake of compromise I would have saved myself from a lot vain labor that only caused me pain and suffering. Can I tell you that if a person is or is trying to get you to do something you do not want to do, God will give you the strength and power to overcome it. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” - Matthew 11:28,29.

After John writes down everything that Jesus dictated to him to the seven churches he sees a second vision. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.” -Revelation 4:1-3.

The day is quickly approaching when God shall prepare to execute all His judgment upon the earth. Thundering black clouds shall gather, but even in the darkness of that day a bow in the cloud will be seen reflecting the glory of God in the storm and reminding the ones who received His Son that God has not forsaken them. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” - John 10:28.

Then John sees something even more amazing, a throne, with four beasts, a counsel of men, and in the center stood a Lamb that looked like it had been slaughtered. “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth..And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” -Revelation 5:6,9,10.

It will be none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, Who as the Lamb of God, was slain and rejected of men, Who will be the Judge of all mankind. He alone is the only One worthy and able to redeem a soul through His precious blood that was shed for all, but He will only redeem those who believe in and receive Him. Those who do are branded with His blood and sealed with God's promise of everlasting life. “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed...All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” - John 6:27,37. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, our hearts are warmed and encouraged when we remember that our labor for You is never in vain. You see our hearts and equip us to carry out the mission of serving You faithfully and wholeheartedly. You never fail to bless us as we are faithful to You and remain steadfast in our commitment to You. May we not rely on just the immediate results, but rather recognize that You are storing up treasures from our work here on earth, many that will only be revealed to us in heaven. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!

Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus

Introduction To Revelation 12.23.11

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:16:54 +0100

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Introduction To Revelation
Date: Friday December 23, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 1-2
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Revelation is the twenty-seventh and final book of the New Testament, the sixty-sixth and final book of the Bible and contains twenty-two chapters. The author of the book is the Apostle John and it was written to seven churches in Asia and to all believers in general, John wrote the book around 96AD. The purpose of the book was to give encouragement and assurance to persecuted and troubled Christians. It is also a clear warning to unbelievers of the coming judgment of God to sin and unbelief. What we are to learn from the book is that God never goes back on His promises, He has great promises awaiting all who believe in and receive His Son. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” - Revelation 21:4.

One Sunday morning as John was praying Jesus showed up, and in a vision as clear as the day, Jesus asks him to write this letter to the seven churches in Asia. Asia referred to Asia Minor (also known as Anatolia), is a peninsula which extends from the continent of Asia west toward Europe. There were many other churches, but these seven were the foundations of which the churches we have today were laid. It was this western part of Asia Minor that was the Roman province and known as the largest population of Gentile Christians, today we know it as the country of Turkey.

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.” -Revelation 1:9-11

If anyone has the assumption that God does not see and know everything, think again, the Book of Revelation is proof that God is watching every person who makes up the Church of Christ. These churches began as vibrant, healthy churches, having been started by Peter or Paul, now there is some rebuke in order, this time not from any Apostle, but from Jesus Himself. First, He starts with the church of Ephesus. “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” - Revelation 2:1-5.

Ephesus was the influential capital city of Asia Minor, the Apostle Paul spent a lot of time there, as well as Peter and Timothy. The Ephesians were doing well at serving God, they studied the Bible, taught the right doctrine and they did things so well that they could call out a false prophet in an instant, but somehow they lost the zeal they had for Jesus, even as they were serving Him, hence having left their first love. They are cautioned to repent, to turn back to their first love, Jesus. We too can get so busy doing the work of the Lord that we too lose our love for Jesus, meaning the enthusiasm, liveliness, and desire to serve Him as we did when we first got saved and were eager to serve. When we get to that point we need to take a step back, remind ourselves that we are serving a great and living God, and that He comes first, above all we can ever do for God is to love Him. “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” - Deuteronomy 6:5.

Second, Jesus addresses the church of Smyrna, Smyrna was located north of Ephesus in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. They were known as the persecuted church that suffered poverty and martyrdom. “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” - Revelation 2:8-10.

Jesus comforts them and assures them that they will be blessed and rewarded for their faithfulness. Jesus has the same message for every Christian who sticks it out and stand by Him through their tribulation. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.

Third, Jesus addresses the church in Pergamos, Pergamos is located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. It was considered a major city in Asia Minor since the 3rd century BC, and became a Greek and Roman hub for temple worship. They were known as the worldly church that mixed doctrines of Christ and Balaam (Numbers 22), now Jesus is warning them to repent before it is too late.

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;..But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication...Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” - Revelation 2:12,14, 16.

This is a warning to all churches who worship statues, such as the virgin Mary, and allow immorality within the Church. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God, it will cut right through the heart. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.

Forth, Jesus addresses the church of Thyatira, Thyatira is located in western Asia Minor about 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. The ancient city was known for its textiles and dyeing trade, and is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar. They were known as the false church who allowed a seductive prophetess to come in and bring idol worship and immorality into the Church. “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not...And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.”-Revelation 2:18-21,23.

There are several churches that have been started by women, all of these churches face the same death. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” - John 5:24. While we as Christians can not be certain which trials are before us, one thing we can be certain of is that we will not face the lake of fire, but bypass it all the way to the Kingdom of Christ. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, while we cannot know what hour Your Son will come to judge the world, we can be prepared as we receive Him gladly and allow Him to be our Savior. All throughout Scripture we are warned of what is to come to all who never put their faith and trust in Jesus, but there is much that we cannot foresee nor do we understand. Some of this understanding will fall into place as we have opportunity to look back and see how You were at work though Your hand was not visible at the time. We desire to trust in You with all our heart and not lean upon our own limited understanding. As we trust You fully, with all our heart, mind, and soul we will obey You faithfully as Your blessings and favor fall upon us eternally. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus