Revelation 12:1-11

Now, John sees a great sign appearing in heaven. It was a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of 12 stars.

Then, she being with child, cried out in labor and in pain to give birth, and another sign appeared in heaven: A great, fiery red dragon with 7 heads and 10 horns, and 7 diadems on his head.

The dragon's tail drew 1/3 of the stars of heaven and threw the down to the earth. And, the dragon then stood before the woman was about to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.

The male child was born who was to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, and her Child was caught up to God and to His throne.

At this time the woman fled into the wilderness, where a place had been prepared for her by God, that they should feed there for 1,260 days.

War broke out in heaven, Michael one of the arc angels, along with his angels fought with the dragon and the dragon and his angels fought. But, they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So, the great dragon was cast out, and the serpent of old, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world, he was also cast to the earth and his angels were cast out with him.

It was then, that John heard a loud voice in heaven saying, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ have come, because the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God night and day has been cast out. And, they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Some explanation, application, and reflection...........

1. It's believed the woman represents the nation of Israel.
2. Israel will be severely persecuted during the last half of the tribulation period.
3. Satan of course is believed to be the dragon.
4. The 1/3 of the stars may refer to Satan's past rebellion and the angels who followed him.
5. Satan of course persecuted Christ right from His birth, attempting to kill Him.
6. Jesus, will eventually rule the world during His 1000 year reign on earth.
7. Israel will flee during the latter portion of the tribulation period.
8. God will provide shelter for her at that time.
9. The war in heaven speaks angelic warfare.

More explanation, application, and reflection........

1. Satan and his angels do not win this battle.
2. Satan is said to deceive the whole world, this is what he does.
3. Satan is said to be the accuser of the brethren.
4. Satan is said to be overcome by God's people.

Final thoughts......

1. Spiritual warfare has been going on since the start of time as it were.
2. Always the efforts are against God and His people and His plans.
3. The primary focus of God's work is Jesus Christ.
4. Right to the end of time, satan will be actively opposing God and His work and His people.
5. God's people can and do prevail.
6. Overcoming is through our Savior.
7. Sharing Christ is a point of overcoming for God's people also.
8. Selflessness, is part of how we overcome also.

Just a few more final thoughts........

1. There really is something called spiritual warfare.
2. Paul speaks of it in Eph 6, and other places in the NT.
3. We stand against satan by putting on the armor of God in our lives.
4. One day the battle will be over.
5. Right now, we are in the thick of the battle.
6. Overcoming is our heritage, not defeat.
7. Defeat is what awaits satan and his angels
8. Victory and eternal glory awaits the people of God.
9. Do as he may satan will not prevail at the end of the day.
10. Stay in the Word of God and you will overcome the enemy of your soul.

May God richly bless you with His peace and His grace, and His mercies, which are new every morning,

Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia

Revelation 11:1- 19

In Revelation 11:1-2, the location of this temple it would seem is actually the temple in Jerusalem.
We do know from the NT, that the Anti-Christ will be very active in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem.
Daniel speaks of this, and so does 2nd Thessalonians 2.

We also know that there will be great trouble coming against Israel in the last days, and in 11:2, it speaks of a timeline of 42 months, or 3 1/2 years, ( this could be the second, or last part of the seven year covenant made by the Anti-Christ )

The Bible teaches that the coming of the Anti-christ, will also bring a 7 year covenant, that will bring peace to Israel, and the nations that have been involved in war with her.

We will see more of this revealed in the next few chapters in Revelation.

Now, on to the 2 witnesses.........


The two witnesses, will be active on earth, ministering the Word of God for 3 1/2 years also. Their ministry will probably take place during the last or second half of the tribulation period.

The two witnesses, will be given power, ( the power of the Holy Spirit ) to carry on their ministry, just as we are today.

These two witnesses are the two olive trees etc, etc, See 11:4 Olive trees are used in the OT as symbols of God's people. They are also called the two lampstands. They stand before the God of the earth.

The 2 witnesses will respond with fire coming out of their mouths towards anyone who wants to harm or hurt them. The fire we are told will devour their enemies. Additionally, if anyone wants to harm the 2 witnesses, they will be killed.

The power the Lord gives to His 2 witnesses is such that they can prevent rain from falling to the earth, ( always related to droughts ) They also can pollute the water supply, and then to strike the earth with plagues. They can do these things repeatedly, or as often as they desire. This seems to indicate that these droughts, these pollutions, these plagues will be repeated over and over again during the time of their ministry. No end to them as it were.

When their testimony, or their ministry is completed, the Lord will allow the beast ( more to be said about who he is in the next few chapters as well ) but, the beast, will make war against them, and he will overcome them, and he will kill them.

The world will see as their bodies lie dead in the streets of Jerusalem, and the world will prevent their bodies from being removed and buried, for 3 1/2 days. The world will be so happy, they will be rejoicing over the deaths of these 2 witnesses. I suppose one could say the world will view them as terrorists, who have now met their fate as it were. The world's population will be rejoicing over their deaths.

A miracle of God will take place at the end of the 3 1/2 days. God will breathe His life into these two corpses, and they will come to life, and stand up on their feet for all to see. The world that was rejoicing will now be fearing as a result of this resurrection. It will be seen by the entire world as it were.

A loud voice from heaven will be heard saying to them, "Come up here" and they will then ascend up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies will see this miraculous ascension.

Right at that same time, there will be a great earthquake, and 1/10th of the city of Jerusalem will be destroyed, along with 7000 people being killed in the quake, and the rest will become afraid and begin to give glory to God. Thus in the midst of this particular judgment, there will be those who at least recognize it's from the Lord, and or are brought to their senses as it were, and give God the glory He deserves.

We are told that the 2nd "Woe" is now past, and their is 1 more to go, in fact, it's coming quickly.

At this point, the 7th angel sounded, and in heaven are heard voices declaring, "The kingdoms of the world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever" So, this shift takes place, or the answer to prayers finally is coming to pass. "Thy Kingdom come etc, "

In closing out this chapter we see........

1. The 24 elders fall on their faces and worship God.

2. The content of their praise is explained. See 11:17-18, which essentially says,

We give you thanks O Lord God Almighty.
You are the eternal God, You were, You are, and You are to come. ( constant refrain the Bible )
You have taken Your great power and reigned. You are moving Lord to reign now on the earth.
The nations were angry.
Your wrath has come.
The time of judgement is coming
The time to reward Your servants is coming, the prophets and the saints.
The time to judge both small and great is here.
The time for You to destroy the earth is here.


It's at this point that the temple in heaven ( remember there is a temple in heaven ) it is opened and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. ( can this be the original ark that was in the original temple?. Or is it the same one that has been there, from which the earthly one was modeled after ? ) I don't know. I do know, it's now seen there.

And, there were lightings, noises, thunderings an earthquake and great hail, on the earth it would seem.

Some thoughts for reflection, explanation, and application.

1. God's plan according to this chapter, begins to move to it's finality. There truly as has been mentioned no more delay.

2. Even though God is witnessing to the earth in a spectacular and miraculous way, the enemies of God will not concede, they continue to resist leading to their own destruction.

3. God's plan will unfold according to His will, and not rushed or stopped by anyone. He will complete His plan in His good time.

4. Currently, Satan is the god of this world. But, the shift of him losing his power really begins to take place in this 11th chapter.

5. The plan of God is going to culminate in the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ, and the establishing of His kingdom on the earth.

6. Just as there has never been tribulation like what is coming, so there has never been heaven on earth such as there will be, no not even in the garden of Eden.

7. We are moving towards the events seen in this book. In fact, we could ( I personally believe we are ) right on the edge, or right at the last moments of the worlds historical existence as we have known it, and the coming of the Lord for His church etc. In other words, we I believe are closer then we have ever been to seeing the Lord.

8. Even as I write this devotional, the nation of Israel has issued a warning today, that they will not "notify the US ahead of time if they launch an attack against Iran" This attack ( and I also believe is going to happen very soon ) could very well trigger with a rapidity, the events of revelation.

9. One of the things that we know will happen according to Scripture is that Russia will come against Israel, and 5/6ths of their invading army will be destroyed. The Anti Christ will rise into power. This 7 year covenant bring peace will begin.

10. The next few chapters in Revelation really focus on the anti-christ and all of his doings.

May God bless you in these days. May the power of His Spirit come upon you, and fill you, and lead you, and use you in these last days.

In Jesus name,
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

Revelation 11:1-6 The Two Witnesses Part 1

John was given a reed, that was like a measuring rod. He was told by an angel to get up, and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.

He was also told what to leave out, or not measure. And, it was told John what would happen to the Holy City, ( Jerusalem ) for 42 months.

Additionally, it was told John, what the Lord would give to His two witnesses, and what they would do, and what they were, and what would happen to anyone who sought to harm them.

The 2 witnesses, would have power to keep the rain from falling, to turn waters into blood, and to strike the earth with plagues as often as they desired to do so.

We will look more closely at these two witnesses tomorrow, but below are just a few thoughts for your consideration and prayer.


Thoughts for reflection, explanation and application. 11:1-3

1. Just as John was given a task to do, so, God has given to each of us task also.
2. Our task, or our ministry comes from the Lord in each of our lives.
3. John's task, included detail as to what to do, and what not to do.
4. God is the one who sets the parameters of our ministries.
5. Jerusalem, will be undergoing some "treading upon "


Some additional thoughts for reflection, explanation and application: 11:4-6

1. God's two witnesses will be given power.
2. God will be "witnessing" to the world during the tribulation.
3. God will give power to these witnesses, just as He does to us today.
4. Acts 1:8 speaks of this great Holy Ghost power for God's people.
5. Jesus wants us to be a witness also.
6. The Holy Spirit gives us power to be witnesses.
7. Prophesy is the proclamation of God's Word.
8. The true witness is one who declares God's Word to others.
9. God sets the time and the limits for our ministries.
10. God's witnesses are in His hands, and He oversees them.
11. God's witnesses have very specific callings from Him.

Lastly......

1. What has God called you to do?
2. What is God calling you to do?
3. Are you doing what God has called you to do?
4. God has power for you, it comes from the Holy Spirit.
5. Jesus is coming, and now is the time for His servants to be active not sleeping.
6. Let God use you, it is the greatest blessing in our lives.
7. God used someone to affect your life, now it's your turn to be effective for God.
8. Praise the Lord what a joy to be moving along in His will.


Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

Revelation Part 2......The Little Book.

John went to the angel who was holding the little book, and said to him, "Give me the little book"

The angel replied, and said to John, "Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be sweet as honey in your mouth"

John took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it, and it was sweet as honey in his mouth, and when he had eaten it, it did become bitter in his stomach.

The angel then told John, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tonques, and kings"

What an interesting part of this chapter. It's also not really explained to us as to what this little book is, and why it was sweet, and then made John's stomach bitter.

However, it's believed that the little book simply includes the truth of what will happen in the future,  which means the coming judgement of God on the earth.

Some thoughts for reflection, explanation and application.

1. God has a plan for the future of our world.
2. That plan is contained in the book of Revelation ( and other books of the Bible )
3. For the Christian, there is a two-fold effect of seeing and understanding God's plan.
4. That two fold effect is both a blessing, and brings a sense of grief.
5. It's a blessing to know God's plan, and realize what God will do.
6. It's also a sad grief to realize the fact of God's coming judgement.
7. See 2nd Thessalonians 1 for a detailed explanation of this blessing and grief.

More thoughts for reflection, explanation and application.

1. God has a big book for us to take, receive and understand.
2. That book is the Holy Bible.
3. God's truth, plans, grace, mercy and peace are revealed to us in the Bible.
4. The Lord wants us to receive His Word, and have understanding of it.
5. God's Word does bring us great joy, and hope.
6. When we see what will happen to mankind, it also makes us sad.
7. The message of judgement is not a pleasant reality to consider.
8. Jesus wept over Jerusalem as He thought about what would happen to them.
9. The rejection of God does not bring joy
10. Receiving God's truth is the greatest blessing there is.

Yet even more for reflection, explanation and application

1. Like John, God has more for you do to before you leave this world.
2. God used John, and was going to further use him.
3. God may have used you, and would like to use you further.
4. God wants His Word to shine through our lives.
5. Just think of how many people need salvation.
6. Who comes to mind, as you think about who needs Christ?
7. Will you take just a moment to pray for them right now?
8. How might God use you to reach them?
9. Just think if God saved you, He can save them.




The days we are living in, are perhaps the very last days of man's history on earth as we know it.
May we redeem the time, or buy up the opportunities to be used by the Lord to make a difference through His Word.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

Revelation 10 Part 1

As John continues to explain what he saw, we are told of this other angel, a mighty angel, who came down from heaven, clothed with a cloud.

And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.

He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land. And, cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices.

At this point John was about to write, but heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered and do not write them.

The angel that John saw standing raised up his hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be no more delay.

The last thing in our devotional today, is, "but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.


Some thoughts for reflection, explanation and application.

1. John was seeing what was coming. He was seeing the future.
2. We will be in heaven at this point in Revelation, and will no doubt see this also.
3. There really are angels, and they are ( the holy ones anyways ) the servants of God.
4. There really is a place called heaven.
5. This angel spoken of in Rev 10, came down from heaven.
6. One wonders, how many angels are there in heaven.
7. This one was dispatched to perform a duty for God.
8. Could this be Jesus Christ?
9. It almost sounds like Jesus, or looks like Jesus.
10. I'm not sure.
11. This angel stands with a sense of authority and power.
12. John is told to seal up the things that were taking place at that moment.
13. This angel was affirming the Lord in heaven.
14. John tells us that there would be no more delay.


Some additional thoughts for reflection, explanation and application.

1. Like John, to some degree, we are seeing the future as well.
2. Now, we see it through the pages of Scripture, but then from heaven.
3. Angelic beings are no doubt very delightful, powerful and wonderful to see.
4. Angels get to be with the Lord around the clock as far as we know
5. This chapter tells us that "heaven" was created by God. How interesting.
6. So, apparently, "heaven" has not always existed, but God has.
7. God has existed forever, and will exist forever.
8. Forever, Christians will be with God also.
9. The tribulation period, and the plan of God will come to a conclusion at some point.
10. No more delay in the plan, is mentioned twice in this chapter.
11. The Mystery of God is mentioned.
12. Mystery, means, hidden thing, secret, not obvious to the understanding.

Well, tomorrow, we will try and look at the rest of this interesting chapter, and then on Sat, take another broad overview, with some application of chapters 9-10

But, for now, may your day be blessed with God's peace and grace and love in your heart and mind. 

May You find God's will today, and May God use you today to communicate the truth of Jesus Christ to this troubled world. May the Lord bring someone directly into your path today, to minister to, and to love in the name of Jesus Christ. 

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia 

Revelation 9:13-21

At this point, the sixth angel sounded, or blows the trumpet that was given to him. John also hears a voice from the horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the 6th angel, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates"

These four angels ( who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year ) were released, and it was to kill a !/3 of mankind. Imagine that, one third of earth's remaining population is now about to be killed.

Without any introduction, or explanation, John now talks about this army of 200 million horsemen. John says, "I heard the number of them" which I assume means that someone, told him how many there were in this army.

John goes on to describe those who sat on the horses, and the horses.  The horsemen had very colorful breastplates, and the horses heads were like the heads of lions. And, out of the horse's mouths, came 3 things. Fire, smoke, and brimstone.

It was by or through these 3 plagues that 1/3 of mankind was killed. That is from the fire, the smoke and the brimstone.

The power was in the mouths and the tails of the horses. Their tails were like snakes, having heads, and it was by them, that they did harm.

The remaining 2/3rd's who were not killed by the fire, the smoke and the brimstone, are said to "not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear, nor walk"

Finally, John says, neither did they "repent of their murders, or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts"



What to make of all this..........

1. It's true, whether we understand it or not.
2. God's Word is true.
3. John is describing things he had never seen before.
4. God continues to control each and every event.
5. Terrible destruction of unheard of numbers take place.
6. Imagine every third person you know being killed.
7. Man will not be able to protect himself against these plagues.
8. The army could be demons, or demon possessed men.
9. Certainly, there will be huge demonic activity in one way or another.
10. Repentance is possible, but not chosen by the survivors at this point.

Some further and final thoughts for reflection, and application.

1. God is telling us in advance of what He will do.
2. This is called prophecy.
3. This day will not overtake the children of God.
4. We are not appointed to wrath but to obtain salvation.
5. See Rom 5:8, and 1st Thessalonians 5:8
6. In reading all of this, what should it do to us, or in us, or for us?
7. Perhaps, it's to motivate us now, to be instruments of service to Jesus Christ.
8. And, to make sure the good news of salvation is known far and wide.
9. God does use those who make themselves available to Him.


Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

More about the bottomless pit of Revelation 9........Part 2

Who is this star fallen from heaven? I'm not completely sure. But, believe it's not a holy angel. But rather, an evil wicked angel. I say this because of his involvement with the bottomless pit, and the things that come out of it.

Nonetheless, it's not a point of great importance for us in our attempt to understand the Book of Revelation as we will see in our study through this book. By the way, much is said throughout the book of Revelation in our study through it.

For starters, it's a real place on the earth. It's sometimes referred to as the shaft. A shaft doing down into the earth.

The BP as I'll call it here, is locked up until this point in the future of man's history. This angelic being, be he a holy angel, or an evil and wicked one, we can't say for sure, but what we do see, is that when he opens the BP up, and troubling, tribulation type events take place on the earth,

John likens what come out, to the smoke of a great furnace, This smoke is so thick, that it causes those on the earth to not see the or breath the air as they had been.

Then, out of the smoke, as it's teeming out of the pit, come these locusts, to whom is given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. Along with this power, they were restricted as to their destructive activities.

1. They were given this power.
2. They were  also commanded as to the extent of their destructive activities.
3. They were to harm only the people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
4. They could harm them, but not kill them. They were to torment them for 5 months.
5. Their torment is likened unto the torment of when a scorpion stings or strikes a man.
6. During this time, men will seek death, over the torment caused by these locusts.
7. Death will not be found by those seeking it.

A few closing thoughts about this section, and then we can resume looking at the rest of the chapter tomorrow.

It's clear that the Lord is in charge of everything from start to finish.
God has this pit, and what comes out of it under His control.
He is using it to do with it as He pleases.
Satan who tricks man, will now be hurting the men whom he has tricked and deceived
Christians will be preserved through this 5 month period.
These Christians will not be harmed in any way by these locust beings.


God will be both bringing judgement on the earth, controlling demons and their activities, restricting them as to what they can do. God will be preserving, and protecting His own people from these locusts. God is at the same time saving people who come to faith. Right now, God is saving people generally speaking, but during the tribulation, He will be carrying out dual roles, Savior and Judge.

These things are truly coming. And, right now, you and I know people who may very well go through these events, unless they get saved now, and are taken by Christ at the rapture of the church.

Our motivation for service, and evangelism, is indeed the love of God. Let's pray for God's love to so grip our hearts, that we are actively involved in, praying for, and doing something to see people come to faith. Judgment is coming on the earth, and the people you know that are not yet believers can become so, by coming to Jesus now, and escape what is coming down the road. Perhaps that which is coming is much, much closer then we can even imagine.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

The bottomless pit of Revelation 9.......

When the fifth angel sounded, ( blows the fifth trumpet of the seven ) John sees a star fallen from heaven to the earth. And, to this star was given the key to the bottomless pit.

As this star ( angel ) opens the bottomless pit, smoke arose out of it, just like the smoke one would see from a big furnace. The smoke caused the sun and the air to be darkened.

Out of this smoke were locusts that came upon the earth. And, to each of them ( the number of them is not given us ) was given power, like scorpions of the earth to have power.

Restriction was placed upon them, not to hurt the grass of the earth ( which had already been burned up ) or any other green thing, or any tree ( of which 1/3 have already been wiped out ) but only those men who do not have the seal of God ( the sealing of the Holy Spirit or Christian s) on their foreheads. So, in this case, they were allowed to torment non christians.

The authority they have was not to kill, but to torment for a period of 5 months. And, John describes their torment as the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man.

During this period of the tribulation, men will seek for death, but not find a way, they will want to die, but, death will evade them. ( it's going to be so bad, that men would rather die then live, and are seeking to die, but are not able to do it )


These locusts were shaped like a horse when it was ready for battle. They had crowns on their heads, made of something like gold, and the faces were like the faces of men. Their hair was like a woman's hair, teeth like that of a lion. Breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings, was like the sound of many chariots, with horses, running into battle.

Their tails were like scorpions, and their sting was in their tails. Again, they were to hurt men for a five month period.

Their king, was the angel of the bottomless pit, whose Hebrew name is Abaddon, and in Greek, he has the name Apollyon.

One of the tree woes issued by the angel ( see Rev 8:13 ) Two more of the woes were yet to be accomplished.

Now, the 6th angel sounds. And, John hears a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying, to the 6th angel, "Release the four angels who are bound at the river Euphrates" So, these four angels ( who had been prepared for this very hour, day and month and year ) were released to kill 1/3 of mankind. Note: 25% of earth's population have already been killed, now a third of the remaining population are killed.

From 9:16-21, we are told of a 200 million man army on horses. John was told that this was the number. 200 Million. John also saw horses in this vision. Their riders are described. And, by 3 plagues, 1/3 of mankind was killed, that is by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone that came out of their mouths. The power they have is in their mouths, and in their tails, which are like serpents, having heads, and with them they do harm.

The rest of earth's population were not killed by these plaques, would not repent of the work of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and Idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. ( Materialism ? )

Additionally, they did not at this time repent of their murders, their sorceries, and their sexual immorality, or their thefts.



Thoughts for reflection, explanation, and application.

1. There is a bottomless pit. And, a certain un-named angel has the key to this pit.

2. We will hear more of this pit as we move through Revelation.

3. Hurtful things begin to come out of this pit, hurting the earth, and men on the earth.

4. At this point, God's people, ( who have His seal ) are preserved from this evil hurt.

5. The horror of this time will be so bad, that men will want death, seek death, but death will elude or evade them.

6. All of this horror is coming to the earth.

7. Right now, we are living in a very grace filled day as it were.

8. We also are living in a time when we can shine the light of God's truth into the darkness of this world.

9. If God has saved you, then God also has a plan to use your life, and the gifts He has given you, to accomplish His will.

10. Living for God, is the Biblical norm for God's people. It's at least the norm that God calls us to.

11. It's good to take stock of where we are at, and see how our lives are, in light of what God says in His Word.

May God bless you this week. Looking forward to digging in a little bit deeper in chapter nine and ten.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

What happens in Revelation Chapter 8...

See Rev 8.

The seals were being opened, when an interlude of sorts takes place. See Chapter 7.
But, now the seals continue to be opened, and the last of the seven is opened, and the events that follow are recorded for us here in chapter 8.

1. Silence takes place. For about a half an hour.

2. John then see the seven angels who stand before God.

3. Seven trumpets were given to the seven angels.

4. Another angel who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar ( this is part of heaven, this altar and temple as it were )

5. This angel was given much incense, and was to offer it, along with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which is before God Throne,

6. The smoke from the incense along the prayers of God's people ascended before God from the angels hand.

7. At this point, the angel takes the censer, and he fills it fire from the altar, and he threw it to the earth. The result on earth, includes noises, lightnings, and an earthquake

8. The seven angels now readied themselves to blow the trumpets they had.

9. Four of the angles sounded. And, then, there was hail, and fire, that were mingled with blood, and they were all thrown to the earth as well. The result, 1/3 of the trees on earth were burned up, and all green grass was burned up

10. When the second angel sounded, or blew the trumpet given to him, it was like a great mountain that was burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and 1/3 of the sea became blood. And, 1/3 of all the living creatures in the sea died, and 1/3 of the ships in the sea were also destroyed.

11. Next, the third angel sounded, and as he did, a great or large star fell from heaven, and it was like a burning torch, falling into the 1/3 of the rivers and springs of water upon the earth.

12. This star that fell has a name, it's called Wormwood. 1/3 of the waters upon the earth became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter. Wormwood in Scripture is a symbol of calamity, and sorrow. The star that falls into the waters makes the water unfit for human consumption.

13. The fourth angel now sounds, and 1/3 of the sun is struck, a 1/3 of the moon, and a 1/3 of the stars were also affected, so that they became darkened. For 1/3 of the day, it was dark, there was nothing shining, and it was also dark at night.

14. Lastly here in this chapter, as John looks, he hears an angel flying through the midst of heaven, and he was saying with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts about to come from the trumpets ( 3 more to go at this point ) "

Some thoughts in reflection and for application.

1. The Lord has told us all through the Bible that this time that is coming will indeed be so terrible, and that there has never been anything like it, nor will there ever be anything like it beyond this point. It is the great tribulation. A horrible time of death and destruction. It's chilling to say the least.

2. The Lord is the one who is bringing this about from heaven. As He opens the seals, this is the 7th one, there is then the corresponding events taking place on earth. This is the "wrath of the Lamb of God" Jesus is the savior now, but, He will become the judge of the earth at this point.

3. Perhaps the silence that takes place, is like what we call "the calm before the storm" It may be that all heaven realizes in this moment, what is about to take place on the earth. And, it's so terrible to consider, that no one speaks. It's too awesome.

4. No one on earth will escape these judgments. The trees, the seas, the grass, the springs of water, the living creatures in the sea are affected. 1/3 are affected. This is now in addition to the 1/4 of earth's population that were destroyed before the interlude, there in chapter 6. So, 1/4 of men die, and now 1/3 of the creatures in the sea die. But, in addition, the 1/3 of earths grass, trees, sea, springs etc, are affected.

5. We all are very comforted in trusting the promises from God throughout the Bible. What's happening in Rev is also the accomplishment of God's previous promises to bring judgements on the earth. He will do what He has said He will do.

6. We as Christians have the comfort and hope of knowing that we are not appointed to go through this time. See Rom 5:8, and 1st Thess 5:8. It's very clear in the Bible that Christians are not destined to go through this time.

7. May the Lord constrain us by His love, to use the time we do have on the earth to redeem the time, and let our light shine, and to see others come to salvation. Jesus said, that no one can work at night, and that we are to work while it is yet day. Let's work.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

Another picture of some people in heaven.

See Rev 7:13-17

When explaining who this multitude was in heaven, one of the elders said, ( see Rev 7:14b ) a number of things about this group.

1. They have come out of the great tribulation.

2. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb.

3. They are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple.

4. God Himself dwells among them.

5. They will not hunger.

6. They will not thirst anymore.

7. The sun shall not strike them nor any heat.

8.The Lamb will be in the midst of them.

9. The Lamb will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of water

10. And, God will wipe away ever tea from their eyes.

Some thoughts in reflection, and application for our day to day life and understanding.

1. People who were not saved at the start of the tribulation, will at some point in it, come to faith in Jesus Christ.

2. Some of those who become saved, will wind up being killed because of their faith.

3. Upon their death, they will go where we would go today if we died, they will go to heaven.

4. They are clothed in white robes. The Bibles way of saying they are pure and without sin their in heaven. Completely forgiven, and with God in that relationship forever and forever

5. Once arriving in heaven a number of things will be theirs forever and ever. . Those would include being there before the throne of God. They will serve the Lord continually. God will dwell with them.

6. Going on with their blessings. They will never be hungry again, for anything, physical food, or spiritual food. They will be satisfied forever, also, not thirsting in any way. Not feeling ever, any sense of need, of any type. And, nothing will ever hurt them, like the sun or the heat etc.

7. And,  there are two more things that Jesus will do for them. First of all, He will shepherd them. Which means, to feed, to rule, to keep. To govern, to furnish pasture for food, to nourish, to cherish, to supply each and every need they might have.

And, Jesus will lead them to living fountains of water. Part of Christ's ministry will be to take these people, and to lead them to living fountain(s) of water. We don't know exactly what this means, but it sure sounds good, doesn't it. It's the picture of what a shepherd does, and that is, to make sure that His sheep are not thirsty.

8. This is the last thing mentioned in this passage, but, it's perhaps the most tender, and intimate ministry that God will have for His people. God Himself will wipe away ever tear from their eyes.
This particular multitude will perhaps have more tears then any other group, due to the loss of life they will experience from their time on earth during the tribulation. There will be pain as it were, expressed by the shedding of tears.

There is nothing more personal and loving if you will then to think of God coming over to one of His people, and taking their head in His hands, and then with the other hand, moving to their cheeks, ( where there are tears flowing down ) and to wipe them away. It's an act of comfort and love to His people.

Lastly, and for us here upon the earth, God keeps us, and God feeds us, and God quenches our thirst, and He leads us to drink of His Spirit, and He comforts us in our times of tears from trouble.

Are you shedding any tears today? Is there a tear, or tears in your heart today? May I pray for you, and ask that today, You will find the comfort of God, in His ministering to you, and caring for you in your time of pain and difficulty.

We learned earlier in Rev that God also puts our tears in a bottle. Our tears are known by God, and collected by God and kept by God, and they are also wiped away by Him.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

 17 “for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Many will be saved then killed during the tribulation period.

See Revelation 7.

We noted going into this chapter, that between the opening of the 6th seal, and the 7th, that God through angels brought an interlude or pause to the terrible events happening on the earth, to seal 144,000 Jews. ( We mentioned yesterday or so, that these now saved Jews, would be used by God to proclaim the gospel, and see many come to faith in Jesus Christ )

Now, in the second half of chapter 7, the scene shifts back to heaven where a great, can't be numbered multitude were standing before the throne, and before the Lamb etc. They were declaring that Salvation belongs to our God etc. And, they were saying and many other things, and all of heaven as it were started worshipping the Lord.

In 7:13-14 one of the elders asked John who were these people, and where did they come from? John responded by saying to the elder, "Sir, you know" and then the elder said, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God etc.

So, what does all of this say to us? 

1. The tribulation period will begin with only unbelievers present on the earth. Because all believers will be taken to heaven at the rapture of the church.

2. Following the departure of the church, multitudes will come to faith in Christ as the tribulation period continues to unfold.

3. Many of those who have come to faith will also wind up dying, being killed because of their faith. 

4. Those who die in Christ during the tribulation period, will wind up going directly to heaven just as Christians today, go to heaven when they die.

5. Rev 7, is a look at these who were killed for their faith during the tribulation.

6. It's no doubt true that those who come to faith in Christ during the tribulation will not all be killed, but could die from what we call natural causes. 

7. As we continue in our study of Rev, we will see the tremendous satanic opposition to and against Christians through the rule of the anti-christ. 

Some thoughts in reflection. 

1. Even in the worst of times, people can come to Christ. 

2. In fact, difficult times serve to bring humility and an more of an open heart to God. 

3. If your a christian, you will be taken in the rapture before the tribulation begins.

4. In the meantime, may our lives be useful to God as He seeks to save people from their sins. 

 

5. The gospel, the Word of Truth, the message of Jesus Christ, His death, burial and being raised from the dead, is God's message to the world. 

6. May we pray for our pastor's who teach, and preach the Word of God.

7. Not all who come to church are really open to and receptive to the Word of God, 

8. In fact, there are many who are out and out opposed to the Word of God, and they are in the church. 

9. We are living in the last days, and may very well be that generation that are taken up in the rapture to meet Jesus Christ. Let's live with that possibility in mind. 

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

What will the 144,000 of Rev 7 do ?

The Lord will save these 144,000 Jews at some point ( perhaps early during the tribulation ), but, we are not told what they will do, or just why the Lord saved them.

It's likely, that they will be evangelists, who will be used by the Lord to proclaim the gospel in a way that very effective, seeing multitudes coming to faith during the remaining time of tribulation period.

We are not told specifically, but it generally agreed, that it's probably for evangelism. We do know that God gives spiritual gifts to each and every person who is saved. And, that these gifts are given to be used in service to God.

It's also evident that one tribe, the tribe of Dan is not listed in this group. And, it's been suggested by some, that this is due to the fact that Dan was the first tribe to go into idolatry when finally in the land.

We do know that one's lifestyle can indeed keep them from being a useful instrument, and can be put on the shelf as it were. Paul spoke about his own concern to find himself no longer useful to God.

Being used by Him, through the gifts He has given us, is central to the normal christian life.


1. God has planned out good works for you to walk in. See Eph 2:8-10

2. God has also given you gifts that are given to be used. See Rom 12.

3. God calls us to be faithful stewards of the Gospel. See 1st Cor 4.

4. There are basically 2 different types of spiritual gifts. See 1st Pet 4.

5. One of those two types are "speaking gifts".

6. Speaking gifts are to be used to proclaim the Word of God.

7. The other type of gifts, are "serving gifts"

8. Serving gifts are to be used by depending on God's Holy Spirit.


Regardless of why God saves these 144,000 Jews during the tribulation, we can focus right now on our own lives, and know that right now, at this time in our life, God wants us to be focused on Him, and on His plans for us and our own service in the kingdom of God.

When we make ourselves available to God, He will direct us, and guide us into the specifics of His will, and we will find ourselves fitting into His plan, and seeing the fruitful effects of God directed service.

And, we do know that the times we are living in are evil ( See Eph 5) and that we are to redeem the time now, and understand the will of the Lord for our lives.

Even if the Lord was not going to return in our lifetime, we are live and act as if He will come in our lifetime. Now is the day of salvation, and now is the time to be making God the priority of our lives and be used by Him to honor His son, and see people come to salvation, and see people grow and be edified in their faith.

May you be blessed as you serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

The sealing of the Holy Spirit in the 144,000 of Rev 7

The Lord seals, ( saves, and marks as belonging to Him ) these 144,000 Jews at some point in the tribulation period, it seems by the way, that it's probably in the earlier part.

Each of the 12 tribes has an equal number who are sealed. 12,000 to be exact.

Back to the sealing for a moment.

The sealing that is given to us by the Spirit of God is in our hearts as a guarantee. See 2 Cor 1:22.
In other words, the sealing is for us an assurance of our belonging to God, and of security as it were.
It's similar to what we would have in our own culture, where we put some money down on something, as a guarantee that full payment is coming. It's a down payment of sorts. God's sealing us is a down payment from Him, guaranteeing us of our eventual full or future salvation, and of His future intentions in our lives.

The sealing of the God's Holy Spirit in our lives takes place when we believe in Jesus Christ. So, at the moment a person places their faith in Christ, we are sealed as the Lord gives us His Holy Spirit in our hearts, He is called the Holy Spirit of promise. It's like an announcement if you will by God of what He intends to do. He promises to finish the work He has begun in our lives. It's a promise of good or blessing in our lives. By placing the Holy Spirit in our lives, the Lord is also announcing if you will that He intends to bring us to heaven. See Eph 1:13

The sealing of the Holy Spirit in our lives is also said to be "for the day of redemption" So, it marks us as belonging to God, He ( the Holy Spirit ) in our lives is a guarantee of safe arrival, and it's an announcement or promise of God's good intentions towards us, and He is given until the day of redemption. Or the day that we are finally done with this world, and in God's heaven, with Him forever and forever. When God finishes His work of saving us, the day of redemption. It's when a christian finally leaves here, and departs for heaven. See Eph 4:30

The sealing of the Holy Spirit, also means we ought to be careful as to how we lives. Comforted for sure, by His being in us, and challenged also to live a holy life for Christ, and with Christ. Again, in Eph 4:30, we are instructed, not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God. In other words, don't act in such a way that causes Him, ( the Holy Spirit ) to be grieved, or saddened by our thoughts and our actions, and our intentions. Or to say it another way, to live in harmony with God and God's will means, He will not be grieved. So, the sealing of the Spirit should challenge us to holy living.

In one sense, actually in the very same sense, the sealing that takes place in Rev 7, is the very same work of God in the lives of any saved person today.

You are saved, ( sealed ) showing you belong to God.
You are saved, ( sealed ) showing God intends to get you to heaven.
You are saved, ( sealed ) until the moment the Lord takes you to heaven.
You are saved ( sealed ) reminding you to live a holy life unto the Lord.

May you find great joy and peace today, in knowing that God has marked you out, as belonging to Him. He has placed his mark of ownership upon you, and He intends to finish the transaction if you will of getting you to heaven. And, may you be encouraged and challenged today to live the right way, going God's way, and to turn away from your own way, and the way of this world. You or I would not want to grieve the Holy Spirit who is in our hearts at this very moment. We have a Holy guest as it were living within us.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

The sealing of God's Servants from the Tribes of Israel.

After the things that take place in Revelation 6, John nows sees four angels who were standing at the four corners of the earth, and were holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. .

Nothing by way of explanation is given about these four angels, other then to state that they were seen by John, and that they were involved in holding the four winds etc.

Angels in the Bible are servants of God, who are sent forth to serve God's purposes as it relates to His people. And, in this case, they are apparently involved in what has been called by some and "interlude" during the tribulation period.

The destruction that was taking place during the tribulation, takes a pause as it were.

The next thing John saw was another angel coming up from the east, and he had the seal of the Living God with him. And, he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels spoken of in the first verse. This angel spoke to the four angels and instructed them not to do any harm to any part of the world until "we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads"

Then John heard the number of those who were sealed. It was 144,000 from all the tribes of the children of Israel.


Some further explanation and application:

1. God's timing and processes, are indeed under His own control. It's evident here, that the Lord can and in fact does just simply stop the destruction that was taking place to bring about this sealing of His own servants. The Bible teaches us that God is in control of all things, and is working all things according to His own will. He is in control.

2. God has servants, both on earth and in heaven. We have seen some of earthly servants both in Scripture and in our own lifetime, and hopefully, we ourselves are His servants. However, we have not seen these angelic servants yet. We will, but not till we get to heaven.
They have been created by Him, and have chosen to stay loyal to Him, and always will be as far as we know. The are locked into the Lord and His service if you will. They are the ones who did not follow Satan in his rebellion against God. And, these angels serve the Lord.

3. Sealing in the Bible is a reference to the work of salvation in people's lives. The word itself, means to mark with a seal, for security. God's mark in His servants is the Holy Spirit. We are told that in Eph 5. Just as we might look at a bar code to identify something, or a vin number, or a social security number, etc, we know that the Holy Spirit in a person's life, is God's mark of ownership, and that love produced by the Holy Spirit is the evidence of that sealing. Thus when you see God's love manifested in someone, then you can be sure they are sealed/saved by the Lord. The absence of that love ought to give great reason for concern.

4. So, these verse's in Rev 7, tell us that this large number of Jewish people will be saved during this period. ( This by the way, is apparently just the start of great multitudes that will come to salvation during the tribulation period. But, for starters, 12,000 out of each of the 12 Tribes of Israel will be saved.


Well, we are in a very dramatic portion of Revelation, and I look forward to sharing with you day by day, and verse by verse, and chapter by chapter, as we work our way through this book which leads up to the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ to the earth.

Many blessings in abundance to you from our God, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Bob Grenier.