Monday, April 30, 2012
And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Rev 20:4
This is our future. Those in Christ have this future. The future is coming, and we will live and reign with Christ.
The Bible speaks so often of hope and joy. And, calls us to rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rejocing in hope, knowing we have a future with the Lord, is the greatest blessing possible for a human being.
You may be in the dumps today, you may have the blues today, you may be confused, discouraged, depressed, wondering what happened to the good old days, or will my life ever get better again etc, etc, ?
One thing for sure, it will.
You have in Christ the promise of being with Him forever, and of His blessing forever.
One of the other wonderful and super truths if you will about God, is that since He is eternal, He is infinte, and His grace is eternal and infinite, it will take Him forever to unfold His grace to us.
This means, that there will never come a time when we have come to know His grace completely. He will spend eternity revealing to us the riches of His grace.
He will never say, "Ok, that's it, that's all the grace I have for you, there is no mnore " No, that will not happen.
So,back to you if your down in the dumps etc. Can I encourage you to look up to the Lord, He is faithful, He will is with you, He is not going anywhere, He has a plan, He will never leave you, He is working all things according to the counsel of His own will, He loves you, He has new mercies for you today, etc, etc, etc.
We are on our way to heaven. We are guaranteed safe arrival. We will ge there, He has promised that to us.
And, once we arrive with Him, we will not only live and reign with Him for a 1000 years, but, will go on into the new holy city and the new earth, and all that God has planned for us, which extends beyond our ability to comprehend.
May the rich blessings of God's peace and mercy be yours today.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, April 19, 2012
For I will set my eyes on them for good. Jeremiah 24:6
When the Lord said what He said through Jeremiah to Judah, ( see above in the title ) it was at a point when they would be taken into captivity by Babylon.
So, from the people's perspective, they were in a very difficult and horrible situation. Imagine being taken out of your own land by an enemy, and being relocated in a strange land. Hard to imagine.
But, there they were in this situation and the Lord is saying, "I will set my eyes on them for good etc. "
The next few verses in Jeremiah 24 detail what the Lord would do for them.
One of those is, giving them a heart to know Him.
We do know from the NT, that God is always working all things according to His own will. Eph 1:10-11, and that He is working all those things together for our good. Rom 8:28
In other words, God is always with us, carrying out His plan, even in the darkest moments, the most difficult times, the times when we wonder where God is, and think that He has given up on us, etc, etc.
During those times God is doing what He always does. Which is to carry out His plans in our lives
Our God is faithful. He always does what He says He will do without fail
He never says anything that He does not intend to do, and eventually does do,
So, today, may the Lord fill you with His comfort. He intends to do good to you, and for you.
It's a work He does in your heart, and it is centralized in your knowing Him.
You are His people. In Jeremiah 24 He repeatedly uses the term "My people" That's how He regards you. You are His
Blessings to you today from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
So, from the people's perspective, they were in a very difficult and horrible situation. Imagine being taken out of your own land by an enemy, and being relocated in a strange land. Hard to imagine.
But, there they were in this situation and the Lord is saying, "I will set my eyes on them for good etc. "
The next few verses in Jeremiah 24 detail what the Lord would do for them.
One of those is, giving them a heart to know Him.
We do know from the NT, that God is always working all things according to His own will. Eph 1:10-11, and that He is working all those things together for our good. Rom 8:28
In other words, God is always with us, carrying out His plan, even in the darkest moments, the most difficult times, the times when we wonder where God is, and think that He has given up on us, etc, etc.
During those times God is doing what He always does. Which is to carry out His plans in our lives
Our God is faithful. He always does what He says He will do without fail
He never says anything that He does not intend to do, and eventually does do,
So, today, may the Lord fill you with His comfort. He intends to do good to you, and for you.
It's a work He does in your heart, and it is centralized in your knowing Him.
You are His people. In Jeremiah 24 He repeatedly uses the term "My people" That's how He regards you. You are His
Blessings to you today from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Revelation 18:5-8 About God's Judgement on Commercial Babylon
In explaining the judgment of God upon Babylon, ( commercial Babylon ) sins and iniquities are mentioned.
Two things are said.....
1. For her sins have reached to heaven.
2. And God has remembered her iniquities.
These two things describe the earth in the very last part of the 7 year tribulation period. These two things are clear and understandable.
The earth will be covered with sin if you will during the tribulation period, ( except for those who come to faith and are saved ) but, for the most part sin, darkness and evil will cloud and envelope the earth. Reaching up to heaven, that is, stacking up as it were and going all the way to heaven so to speak. And remembered by God or in His mind.
Also, we are told about the way the judgement will take place.
1. Render to her just as she rendered to you.
2. And repay double according to her works.
3. In the cup she has mixed, mix double for her.
4. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously.
5. In the same measure give her torment and sorrow.
6. For she says in her heart, I sit as a queen and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.
7. Therefore her plagues will come in one day.
8. Death and mourning and famine.
9. And she will be utterly burned with fire.
10. For strong is the Lord God who judges her.
In reflection upon the above description, it's unmistakably clear that God will repay, and will repay double if you will.
This is something we see in the OT as well. God's long-suffering is very long, and very patient. But, if after a very long period of time, where people continue in their stubbornness and rebellious attitude towards the Lord, then this double payment principle comes into play.
Judgement will be rendered to the earth by and from God. Just as the earth ( the people of earth have done ) so, God will do back to them. Rendered and repaid in double. Judgement that is mixed double for her is how it's put.
Measure for measure. And, the fact of man's prideful rebellion against God is mentioned in Rev 18.
Man will be sure during this time that no trouble will come to them. This has been the pattern also in the OT with those who refused God's prophets and simply would not relent of their ways.
Finally, it's stated that the plaques will come suddenly, in "one day" Death, mourning and famine will come upon the earth
The reason for this is, "for strong is the Lord God who judges her"
God has the power to do this. And He will.
What terrible days are coming to the earth. Whatever trouble we see now, is nothing compared to what is coming.
The day we live in, is the day of salvation. Now is the time for people to be saved, and now is the time for believers in Jesus Christ to be available to God to be used by Him.
I pray that today, the Lord might use us in some way to communicate Jesus Christ to someone, or to some group of people.
May God open the doors for this to happen, and may it happen day by day.
Lord we know You want to minister to people, and we want to be vessels through whom You can minister. Make it so Lord.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Two things are said.....
1. For her sins have reached to heaven.
2. And God has remembered her iniquities.
These two things describe the earth in the very last part of the 7 year tribulation period. These two things are clear and understandable.
The earth will be covered with sin if you will during the tribulation period, ( except for those who come to faith and are saved ) but, for the most part sin, darkness and evil will cloud and envelope the earth. Reaching up to heaven, that is, stacking up as it were and going all the way to heaven so to speak. And remembered by God or in His mind.
Also, we are told about the way the judgement will take place.
1. Render to her just as she rendered to you.
2. And repay double according to her works.
3. In the cup she has mixed, mix double for her.
4. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously.
5. In the same measure give her torment and sorrow.
6. For she says in her heart, I sit as a queen and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.
7. Therefore her plagues will come in one day.
8. Death and mourning and famine.
9. And she will be utterly burned with fire.
10. For strong is the Lord God who judges her.
In reflection upon the above description, it's unmistakably clear that God will repay, and will repay double if you will.
This is something we see in the OT as well. God's long-suffering is very long, and very patient. But, if after a very long period of time, where people continue in their stubbornness and rebellious attitude towards the Lord, then this double payment principle comes into play.
Judgement will be rendered to the earth by and from God. Just as the earth ( the people of earth have done ) so, God will do back to them. Rendered and repaid in double. Judgement that is mixed double for her is how it's put.
Measure for measure. And, the fact of man's prideful rebellion against God is mentioned in Rev 18.
Man will be sure during this time that no trouble will come to them. This has been the pattern also in the OT with those who refused God's prophets and simply would not relent of their ways.
Finally, it's stated that the plaques will come suddenly, in "one day" Death, mourning and famine will come upon the earth
The reason for this is, "for strong is the Lord God who judges her"
God has the power to do this. And He will.
What terrible days are coming to the earth. Whatever trouble we see now, is nothing compared to what is coming.
The day we live in, is the day of salvation. Now is the time for people to be saved, and now is the time for believers in Jesus Christ to be available to God to be used by Him.
I pray that today, the Lord might use us in some way to communicate Jesus Christ to someone, or to some group of people.
May God open the doors for this to happen, and may it happen day by day.
Lord we know You want to minister to people, and we want to be vessels through whom You can minister. Make it so Lord.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
God calls His people to separation ......Rev 18:4-5
This is the second voice that John hears in Rev 18, the first being an angel, this one may be the voice of God Himself. Because, the voice says, "Come out of her, my people" etc.
Those who come to faith during the tribulation period, are like we are today, we are "His People"
We belong to Him. He has purchased us, we are not our own, we are His.
The call to those who belong to God during the tribulation is the same as it is today to God's people.
Come out. Very simple.
It's a call to separation.
God has always done this, right from the start, and will do it right till the end.
We are near the end at this time. So, not much longer and we will be with Christ.
Even if Jesus does not rapture the church during our lifetime, we are still nearer then when we first believed. And, our life is still just a vapor etc.
But, God's call during the tribulation to separate will be more distinguished, or more significant, or more highlighted, or more intense, etc, etc. Why?
Because there will be more evil around.
The anti christ will be in full swing and sway at this point. Being worshipped by multitudes.
So, the the Lord calls His people to come out, "lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues."
Those are the two reasons for the call. To avoid sharing in earth's sins, and to avoid the consequences which are the plagues she will receive.
God then describes the sins of earth's people at this time. "For her sin's have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities"
So, again there are two things said here. Sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her inquiries. Sins are stacked up as it were. Or their voice is heard in heaven. Or they make an impression in heaven. They insult heaven. They assault heaven, etc, etc.
And, while the sin's of God's people are both forgiven, and not remembered, these iniquities are remembered by God. And, they will be punished as this chapter reveals. That's what the chapter is really all about.
In fact, God's payment for sin, is going to be along the line of "just as she has rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her"
More about God's payment in a moment.
But, this "just as" aspect, or in light of, or sewing and reaping, or pay back for what's been done, there is also this, "pay double " method. This is seen frequently in the old testament. Usually as the point where the long-suffering of God is now over, and the time for judgment has come. This pay double principle is seen.
That's what's going to happen in Recv 18.
Interesting to see the difference. God's mercy, and long-suffering, are so abundant now, but, His wrath will be so abundant during the tribulation period.
I thank God that I am saved, and pray that others will come to Christ now.
In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Those who come to faith during the tribulation period, are like we are today, we are "His People"
We belong to Him. He has purchased us, we are not our own, we are His.
The call to those who belong to God during the tribulation is the same as it is today to God's people.
Come out. Very simple.
It's a call to separation.
God has always done this, right from the start, and will do it right till the end.
We are near the end at this time. So, not much longer and we will be with Christ.
Even if Jesus does not rapture the church during our lifetime, we are still nearer then when we first believed. And, our life is still just a vapor etc.
But, God's call during the tribulation to separate will be more distinguished, or more significant, or more highlighted, or more intense, etc, etc. Why?
Because there will be more evil around.
The anti christ will be in full swing and sway at this point. Being worshipped by multitudes.
So, the the Lord calls His people to come out, "lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues."
Those are the two reasons for the call. To avoid sharing in earth's sins, and to avoid the consequences which are the plagues she will receive.
God then describes the sins of earth's people at this time. "For her sin's have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities"
So, again there are two things said here. Sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her inquiries. Sins are stacked up as it were. Or their voice is heard in heaven. Or they make an impression in heaven. They insult heaven. They assault heaven, etc, etc.
And, while the sin's of God's people are both forgiven, and not remembered, these iniquities are remembered by God. And, they will be punished as this chapter reveals. That's what the chapter is really all about.
In fact, God's payment for sin, is going to be along the line of "just as she has rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her"
More about God's payment in a moment.
But, this "just as" aspect, or in light of, or sewing and reaping, or pay back for what's been done, there is also this, "pay double " method. This is seen frequently in the old testament. Usually as the point where the long-suffering of God is now over, and the time for judgment has come. This pay double principle is seen.
That's what's going to happen in Recv 18.
Interesting to see the difference. God's mercy, and long-suffering, are so abundant now, but, His wrath will be so abundant during the tribulation period.
I thank God that I am saved, and pray that others will come to Christ now.
In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, April 16, 2012
A cage for demons......Rev 18.
After these things, ( the things in chapter 17, which is God's judgment on Spiritual Babylon )
John sees another angel coming down from heaven, who had great authority or power, and the earth was illuminated with his glory
The angel cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become the dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! "
Satan has been active since before the creation of the world, and known specifically by us as recorded in Gen 3.
Down through history, satan has been telling lies, deceiving people, murdering people, hating them, and so on.
He wants to be like God, that is, being worshipped and the center of man's attention and object of his love. He has not ever been satisfied, and will not ever be. In fact, quite the opposite will happen to him as seen here in Rev18:1-2. He will actually wind up in an eternal prison called the "lake of fire" That's where he is headed.
The final area of judgement, apart from the great last battle when Jesus returns, is the judgement that is recorded for us here in this 18th chapter of Revelation.
Please notice and consider the following
1. It's God's great power and authority through one of His angels that shows this to John,
2. The earth ( the entire earth ) is illuminated with his glory. ( That's a lot of glory )
3. You wonder what his voice sounds like when he cried mightily?
4. The message will be. Babylon the great is fallen, etc, etc "
5. Satan's regime is coming to an end.
6. Man's regime apart from God's involvement in his life is coming to an end
7. Man's ungodly efforts wind up with demons in a cage.
A few more thoughts to consider.
1. We will be in heaven when this happens
2. We no doubt will be able to see all of this in real time.
3. The glory of heaven will be greater then the glory of the angel on earth.
4. We will be with the risen Christ, while man's efforts are falling.
5. We will be dwelling with the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit.
6. We will also be dwelling with angels and all the redeemed in heaven
7. We will be experiencing eternal bliss and freedom from sin, death, evil etc.
8. While on earth demons and foul spirit's are in a cage together.
9. Yikes.......
10. Every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird.
11. Birds in the Bible, ( except for the Holy Spirit/Dove ) are a symbol of evil.
12. Evil will come crashing down to it's end and it's doom. Yea, yea, yea.....
Well, more about all this tomorrow. But, for today, those of us in Christ, are free. We are free now, and will continue to be so, all through eternity, where there is no end to God's grace, love, mercy, and peace. What a glorious hope we have in Jesus Christ. We may have lot's of trouble now, but it will not be that way forever. Only a short time and we will be home with Christ in heaven. Can hardly wait.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
John sees another angel coming down from heaven, who had great authority or power, and the earth was illuminated with his glory
The angel cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become the dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! "
Satan has been active since before the creation of the world, and known specifically by us as recorded in Gen 3.
Down through history, satan has been telling lies, deceiving people, murdering people, hating them, and so on.
He wants to be like God, that is, being worshipped and the center of man's attention and object of his love. He has not ever been satisfied, and will not ever be. In fact, quite the opposite will happen to him as seen here in Rev18:1-2. He will actually wind up in an eternal prison called the "lake of fire" That's where he is headed.
The final area of judgement, apart from the great last battle when Jesus returns, is the judgement that is recorded for us here in this 18th chapter of Revelation.
Please notice and consider the following
1. It's God's great power and authority through one of His angels that shows this to John,
2. The earth ( the entire earth ) is illuminated with his glory. ( That's a lot of glory )
3. You wonder what his voice sounds like when he cried mightily?
4. The message will be. Babylon the great is fallen, etc, etc "
5. Satan's regime is coming to an end.
6. Man's regime apart from God's involvement in his life is coming to an end
7. Man's ungodly efforts wind up with demons in a cage.
A few more thoughts to consider.
1. We will be in heaven when this happens
2. We no doubt will be able to see all of this in real time.
3. The glory of heaven will be greater then the glory of the angel on earth.
4. We will be with the risen Christ, while man's efforts are falling.
5. We will be dwelling with the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit.
6. We will also be dwelling with angels and all the redeemed in heaven
7. We will be experiencing eternal bliss and freedom from sin, death, evil etc.
8. While on earth demons and foul spirit's are in a cage together.
9. Yikes.......
10. Every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird.
11. Birds in the Bible, ( except for the Holy Spirit/Dove ) are a symbol of evil.
12. Evil will come crashing down to it's end and it's doom. Yea, yea, yea.....
Well, more about all this tomorrow. But, for today, those of us in Christ, are free. We are free now, and will continue to be so, all through eternity, where there is no end to God's grace, love, mercy, and peace. What a glorious hope we have in Jesus Christ. We may have lot's of trouble now, but it will not be that way forever. Only a short time and we will be home with Christ in heaven. Can hardly wait.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, April 13, 2012
God's final judgement during the tribulation period. Rev 17
The beast here is of course the anti-christ, a demon directed, if not demonized or possessed human being, linked with, ruled and fueled by hell and satan himself.
Those who marvel at him, are those who have believed the lie of satan through the anti christ, and they have come now to the place of worshipping the beast.
The mind that has wisdom takes what's said here in this chapter and understands that God is describing a false and ungodly religious system, that will have global effect, and is in direct league with the anti christ.
Harlotry, fornication and such, are used in the Bible to describe spiritual defection from the true and the living God. It's when people leave the truth of Christ, and give heed to doctrines of demons, departing from the Bible etc, etc.
Satan has been at work, even before the world began, dividing through deception, and drawing angels away from God and into darkness. He has worked through men down through time to accomplish his jealously driven goals, and will find his ultimate pleasure and hope in the revelation of the anti christ and the anti christ's affirmation of this spiritual defection.
What will this spiritual Babylon actually be, and where is it centered, and who is also supported by etc, etc?
Great questions. It has been proposed by some that perhaps there will be some general agreement to let all religions live in peace and harmony, ( to the exclusion of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, that is Christianity in it's true Biblical form ) being outlawed.
So, perhaps Spiritual Babylon is not one religion, as much as it is one agreement by many religions to tolerate and appreciate one another's beliefs. But, all coming together in league with the anti christ.
I really don't know. But, there is going to be this global unity of spiritual thought and belief in concert with anti christ.
And, there will be it's destruction by God. It will come to a crashing end.
Satan's hopes and plans will fail under the hand of God's judgment.
The next chapter deals with commercial babylon. And we will see it coming to and end also. We see the world this very day and in this very period of time teetering on the edge of disaster right before our very eyes. Security is no longer a reality. But, worry and stress have replaced the financial peace and prosperity that man has known.
Finally, it is interesting to see that God will once again accomplish his purposes through men, by putting His will into their hearts and then let them do what they will do.
17:17 tells us this truth.
"For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are full filed"
God is the potter, and God will superintend the affairs of this world, all the way through till Jesus comes to rule upon the earth, and beyond into eternity, just as He has from eternity past.
One thought I've been encouraged with, is that I can say to God, "here's my heart Lord, and will You please shape and mold it according to Your will, and guide me to do Your will, and give me understanding of Your Words and of Your way, and Your will"
God take a heart and works in it.
May He take our hearts and work in them.
May it be at the end of our lives, that it can be said, "God was at work in that man or woman's heart"
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Those who marvel at him, are those who have believed the lie of satan through the anti christ, and they have come now to the place of worshipping the beast.
The mind that has wisdom takes what's said here in this chapter and understands that God is describing a false and ungodly religious system, that will have global effect, and is in direct league with the anti christ.
Harlotry, fornication and such, are used in the Bible to describe spiritual defection from the true and the living God. It's when people leave the truth of Christ, and give heed to doctrines of demons, departing from the Bible etc, etc.
Satan has been at work, even before the world began, dividing through deception, and drawing angels away from God and into darkness. He has worked through men down through time to accomplish his jealously driven goals, and will find his ultimate pleasure and hope in the revelation of the anti christ and the anti christ's affirmation of this spiritual defection.
What will this spiritual Babylon actually be, and where is it centered, and who is also supported by etc, etc?
Great questions. It has been proposed by some that perhaps there will be some general agreement to let all religions live in peace and harmony, ( to the exclusion of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, that is Christianity in it's true Biblical form ) being outlawed.
So, perhaps Spiritual Babylon is not one religion, as much as it is one agreement by many religions to tolerate and appreciate one another's beliefs. But, all coming together in league with the anti christ.
I really don't know. But, there is going to be this global unity of spiritual thought and belief in concert with anti christ.
And, there will be it's destruction by God. It will come to a crashing end.
Satan's hopes and plans will fail under the hand of God's judgment.
The next chapter deals with commercial babylon. And we will see it coming to and end also. We see the world this very day and in this very period of time teetering on the edge of disaster right before our very eyes. Security is no longer a reality. But, worry and stress have replaced the financial peace and prosperity that man has known.
Finally, it is interesting to see that God will once again accomplish his purposes through men, by putting His will into their hearts and then let them do what they will do.
17:17 tells us this truth.
"For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are full filed"
God is the potter, and God will superintend the affairs of this world, all the way through till Jesus comes to rule upon the earth, and beyond into eternity, just as He has from eternity past.
One thought I've been encouraged with, is that I can say to God, "here's my heart Lord, and will You please shape and mold it according to Your will, and guide me to do Your will, and give me understanding of Your Words and of Your way, and Your will"
God take a heart and works in it.
May He take our hearts and work in them.
May it be at the end of our lives, that it can be said, "God was at work in that man or woman's heart"
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Marveling at a lie, or Believing the truth of God's grace?
Those are the two mind sets at this point in the tribulation period.
We know from the last couple of chapters in Revelation, that the final wrath of God is being poured out at this point in chapter 17, through 18.
Then, Jesus will return to reign and rule on the earth for 1000 years.
When the rapture of the church takes place, the world will be left with no christians. But, throughout the tribulation period, multitudes will come to faith in Jesus Christ and be saved. Many will be martyred for their faith, and many will will survive, and be welcomed into the reign of Christ when He establishes His kingdom on the earth.
During the reign of the anti-christ, there will be a global unity both economically, and spiritually. Spiritual and commercial Babylon.
Both of these will be brought to an end by the Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter 17 deals with one of these Babylon's.
But, the thing that I would like to focus on from this chapter this morning, is the fact mentioned in 17:8 that says, "And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of life from the foundation of the world,"
So, what we see is the power of satan, through the anti-christ, is so powerful, to deceive unbelievers, that instead of being able to marvel at the wonderful grace of God, they are instead, marveling at the signs and wonders of hell through a man.
Instead of marveling at the wonder of the cross through a man from heaven, it's marveling at the man from hell as it were.
How powerful is sin and satan. But, as the Bible says, "where sin abounded, grace abounded much more" Rom 5:21b.....
So, we do know that God is greater then sin and satan of course. How wonderful to know this truth.
Unfortunately, for multitudes during the tribulation period, they will remain in their blinded condition, and perish under the wrath of God as recorded for us in these very chapters.
For believers, their names are to be found in "The Book of LIfe" There are many names in this Book.
Mine is there, and I rejoice with you if your's is there also.
May God bless you today.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
We know from the last couple of chapters in Revelation, that the final wrath of God is being poured out at this point in chapter 17, through 18.
Then, Jesus will return to reign and rule on the earth for 1000 years.
When the rapture of the church takes place, the world will be left with no christians. But, throughout the tribulation period, multitudes will come to faith in Jesus Christ and be saved. Many will be martyred for their faith, and many will will survive, and be welcomed into the reign of Christ when He establishes His kingdom on the earth.
During the reign of the anti-christ, there will be a global unity both economically, and spiritually. Spiritual and commercial Babylon.
Both of these will be brought to an end by the Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter 17 deals with one of these Babylon's.
But, the thing that I would like to focus on from this chapter this morning, is the fact mentioned in 17:8 that says, "And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of life from the foundation of the world,"
So, what we see is the power of satan, through the anti-christ, is so powerful, to deceive unbelievers, that instead of being able to marvel at the wonderful grace of God, they are instead, marveling at the signs and wonders of hell through a man.
Instead of marveling at the wonder of the cross through a man from heaven, it's marveling at the man from hell as it were.
How powerful is sin and satan. But, as the Bible says, "where sin abounded, grace abounded much more" Rom 5:21b.....
So, we do know that God is greater then sin and satan of course. How wonderful to know this truth.
Unfortunately, for multitudes during the tribulation period, they will remain in their blinded condition, and perish under the wrath of God as recorded for us in these very chapters.
For believers, their names are to be found in "The Book of LIfe" There are many names in this Book.
Mine is there, and I rejoice with you if your's is there also.
May God bless you today.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Bursting with blasphemy, or blessing. ? Rev 17
As we move towards the completion of the tribulation period here in Revelation, John, is carried away in the Spirit into the wilderness.
God's Holy Spirit ( in a way that we cannot explain ) took John away to the wilderness. We do not know exactly what wilderness this is other then it was a wilderness. It may well have been the one the children of Israel were taken into following their deliverance from Egypt, we simply don't know.
Upon his arrival there, he saw what is recorded for us in 17:3-6. A woman ( by the way, later in this chapter, the Lord explains in great detail who this woman is ), but, John saw her there sitting on a scarlet beast, and the beast was full of names of blasphemy, it had 7 heads, and 10 horns.
She was arrayed in purple and scarlet and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. More is said of her in the next few verses.
But, for now can we just look at the phrase, "names of blasphemy" for a moment today.
To blaspheme is to speak against someone or something in a derogatory and inappropriate way, deriding them, and essentially cursing them etc.
Jesus spoke of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, as being the unpardonable sin. That is, to speak against the work of the Holy Spirit, in His work of conviction, seeking to bring someone to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and upon that knowledge being brought to them, for them to resist that witness of God, and deny the truth as it is in Christ, and thereby refuse salvation.
That is unpardonable. Because, God cannot forgive a person who will not believe. Believing is the way that a person comes to faith. This is the way God has chosen to save people. By their believing in Jesus Christ as their savior.
This woman John sees is full of names of blasphemy. In other words, not just one, but rather being full of it. This woman, believed to be a religious system, of global reach, under the power of, or in great cooperation with the antichrist, is full of these names.
Hard to believe that a religious system could be so adverse to the truth, so much so as to blaspheme it. We will learn more about this woman as we go through the chapter.
But, the simple thought this morning, is that the devil, working through the man of sin, the antichrist, will explode with opposition to the true and the living God in the last days of man's governing of the earth as we know it.
What a change takes place in a person who receives Christ, and becomes a person who is in love with God. Haters of God can become lovers of God. That may have happened to you already. I hope it has. It's happened to me. Well over 39 years ago.
Blasphemers, become Blessers of God. Speaking against and denying to believing and receiving.
Grace alone, love alone, mercy alone, Jesus alone, does this in a person's life.
May God's Holy Spirit work today in our lives to fill us with such an appreciation of who He is, that we are bursting with blessing today. Imagine that , "Bursting with blessing"
He can do it.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
God's Holy Spirit ( in a way that we cannot explain ) took John away to the wilderness. We do not know exactly what wilderness this is other then it was a wilderness. It may well have been the one the children of Israel were taken into following their deliverance from Egypt, we simply don't know.
Upon his arrival there, he saw what is recorded for us in 17:3-6. A woman ( by the way, later in this chapter, the Lord explains in great detail who this woman is ), but, John saw her there sitting on a scarlet beast, and the beast was full of names of blasphemy, it had 7 heads, and 10 horns.
She was arrayed in purple and scarlet and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. More is said of her in the next few verses.
But, for now can we just look at the phrase, "names of blasphemy" for a moment today.
To blaspheme is to speak against someone or something in a derogatory and inappropriate way, deriding them, and essentially cursing them etc.
Jesus spoke of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, as being the unpardonable sin. That is, to speak against the work of the Holy Spirit, in His work of conviction, seeking to bring someone to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and upon that knowledge being brought to them, for them to resist that witness of God, and deny the truth as it is in Christ, and thereby refuse salvation.
That is unpardonable. Because, God cannot forgive a person who will not believe. Believing is the way that a person comes to faith. This is the way God has chosen to save people. By their believing in Jesus Christ as their savior.
This woman John sees is full of names of blasphemy. In other words, not just one, but rather being full of it. This woman, believed to be a religious system, of global reach, under the power of, or in great cooperation with the antichrist, is full of these names.
Hard to believe that a religious system could be so adverse to the truth, so much so as to blaspheme it. We will learn more about this woman as we go through the chapter.
But, the simple thought this morning, is that the devil, working through the man of sin, the antichrist, will explode with opposition to the true and the living God in the last days of man's governing of the earth as we know it.
What a change takes place in a person who receives Christ, and becomes a person who is in love with God. Haters of God can become lovers of God. That may have happened to you already. I hope it has. It's happened to me. Well over 39 years ago.
Blasphemers, become Blessers of God. Speaking against and denying to believing and receiving.
Grace alone, love alone, mercy alone, Jesus alone, does this in a person's life.
May God's Holy Spirit work today in our lives to fill us with such an appreciation of who He is, that we are bursting with blessing today. Imagine that , "Bursting with blessing"
He can do it.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, April 9, 2012
The Coming Judgement of the Great Harlot...Rev 17:1-2
This chapter opens with the word, "Then".....that is, it's a chapter in a sequence of previous judgements that God will bring upon the earth during the great tribulation.
This 17th chapter deals with what is called the Judgement of God on Babylon.
Is it a city, is it a system? Well, there is a city by that name, but, it most likely is referencing a system. In other words, at the end of the worlds as we know it, ( before Christ comes to reign on the earth ) the system of man's invention, empowered in the tribulation period by satan through the anti-christ, will come to an end, as God pours out His judgement on it.
We will look at this more in-depth through the week. But, let's begin today with just the first two verses of chapter 17.
John tells us that one of the 7 angels who had the 7 bowls of judgment came to him, and invited him to come and see the judgement of the great harlot as it is called, who sits on many waters, ( most likely referencing many people's )
So, this chapter gives us a very detailed look at this specific aspect of God's judgment during the last 3 1/2 years of the tribulation period. We see it here in advance in a very graphic way.
A harlot of course is a term used to describe an immoral woman, and harlotry is used to describe both men and women who involve themselves in something beyond the bounds of what God has given to men. Fidelity in relationships is what brings blessing, and infidelity, brings destruction.
Also, harlot's are known for their seduction, and seductive ways. Seduction and deception go together, and those 2 terms truly mark the effect of satan through the anti-christ.
The sitting on many waters, seems to speak of the fact, that anti-christ's reign and influence will be global, affecting all people in one way or another. It's unheard of in human history to see the loss of life that will take place during the tribulation period. Perhaps as much as two thirds or close to it of earth's population will die at this time.
Chapter 17 goes on in verse 2, to describe what men will have been doing.
The kings of the earth, or perhaps the leaders of nations are being mentioned here.
They have committed fornication, a term used to speak of sexual immorality, is used to speak of the way they led and how they misused their positions of authority.
Going on, we are told about the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So, the actions of the leaders are spoken of as the wine of fornication. That is, their leadership caused men to become drunk as it were. Drunk, morally.
So, the judgment of God is coming to the earth.
The Bible is filled with times of Judgment from God upon men.
Jesus spoke of this coming judgment, saying that there never has been anything like it in earth's history, nor will there ever be again. It will be the worst that has ever taken place.
I'm not sure we as Christian's spend much time really thinking about what is coming, and what it will be like when it does come. It's not a pleasant subject to say the least. But it is true, and it will come quickly when it comes. It will be over before men know it as we say. Very quickly, like a thief in then night.
In the meantime, we are here now, in Christ, with the good news of Jesus Christ, and have the opportunity to share that good news even today. God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, but He sure does delight in men coming to salvation.
I'm currently having the great blessing of watching someone come to Christ. They by their own admission are not quite there yet, but, are about as close as one could be. I fully expect to see this friend of mine become born again any day now. He told me that when he is ready to pray and give his life to Christ, he would like me to be involved with him in that prayer. If you remember, will you please pray for him, and ask for this work of God's grace to come to it's full and complete end.
Thank you so much.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
This 17th chapter deals with what is called the Judgement of God on Babylon.
Is it a city, is it a system? Well, there is a city by that name, but, it most likely is referencing a system. In other words, at the end of the worlds as we know it, ( before Christ comes to reign on the earth ) the system of man's invention, empowered in the tribulation period by satan through the anti-christ, will come to an end, as God pours out His judgement on it.
We will look at this more in-depth through the week. But, let's begin today with just the first two verses of chapter 17.
John tells us that one of the 7 angels who had the 7 bowls of judgment came to him, and invited him to come and see the judgement of the great harlot as it is called, who sits on many waters, ( most likely referencing many people's )
So, this chapter gives us a very detailed look at this specific aspect of God's judgment during the last 3 1/2 years of the tribulation period. We see it here in advance in a very graphic way.
A harlot of course is a term used to describe an immoral woman, and harlotry is used to describe both men and women who involve themselves in something beyond the bounds of what God has given to men. Fidelity in relationships is what brings blessing, and infidelity, brings destruction.
Also, harlot's are known for their seduction, and seductive ways. Seduction and deception go together, and those 2 terms truly mark the effect of satan through the anti-christ.
The sitting on many waters, seems to speak of the fact, that anti-christ's reign and influence will be global, affecting all people in one way or another. It's unheard of in human history to see the loss of life that will take place during the tribulation period. Perhaps as much as two thirds or close to it of earth's population will die at this time.
Chapter 17 goes on in verse 2, to describe what men will have been doing.
The kings of the earth, or perhaps the leaders of nations are being mentioned here.
They have committed fornication, a term used to speak of sexual immorality, is used to speak of the way they led and how they misused their positions of authority.
Going on, we are told about the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So, the actions of the leaders are spoken of as the wine of fornication. That is, their leadership caused men to become drunk as it were. Drunk, morally.
So, the judgment of God is coming to the earth.
The Bible is filled with times of Judgment from God upon men.
Jesus spoke of this coming judgment, saying that there never has been anything like it in earth's history, nor will there ever be again. It will be the worst that has ever taken place.
I'm not sure we as Christian's spend much time really thinking about what is coming, and what it will be like when it does come. It's not a pleasant subject to say the least. But it is true, and it will come quickly when it comes. It will be over before men know it as we say. Very quickly, like a thief in then night.
In the meantime, we are here now, in Christ, with the good news of Jesus Christ, and have the opportunity to share that good news even today. God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, but He sure does delight in men coming to salvation.
I'm currently having the great blessing of watching someone come to Christ. They by their own admission are not quite there yet, but, are about as close as one could be. I fully expect to see this friend of mine become born again any day now. He told me that when he is ready to pray and give his life to Christ, he would like me to be involved with him in that prayer. If you remember, will you please pray for him, and ask for this work of God's grace to come to it's full and complete end.
Thank you so much.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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