See Eph 1:9
Having made know to us the mystery of His will, according to the good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
This is something that God has done for us, and is doing for us, and will do for us.
It has to do with His revealing that which otherwise could not be known.
God's mysteries, must be explained and revealed by God, or we could not know them.
He has done this for us, and as mentioned is doing it, and will continue to do it.
What is it?
Well, it has to do with His will, and it's His good pleasure to do so.
One of the great and simple things about the Bible ( no pun intended when talking about mystery ) is that the Bible is the best commentary for explaining and applying what it teaches. In other words, the Bible will tell us what it is teaching.
And such is the case with what's said in Ephesians 1:9, by going to Ephesians 3:3-6, we see that Paul calls it the mystery of Christ, and tells us that in other or past ages it was not made known, but it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.
Specifically, that Gentiles, or non Jews should become fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.
When God chose the nation of Israel, no one then knew that God would also save non Jews. In fact, in the Book of Acts, the mystery of the Gentiles being saved, slowly unfolded to the believers and the apostles etc.
God has chosen to make both Jew and Gentile one in Jesus Christ.
The mystery on a personal level, means that anyone can be saved, by placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
In fact, the letter to the Ephesians, is a letter to Greeks, and in the letter speaks of them being saved, chosen, forgiven, accepted etc, etc.
A few applicational thoughts........
1. We can thank God for showing us His love and His will for our lives.
2. We can tell others that God can save them also.
3. We are actually called by God to share His love, truth, mercy and grace.
4. The Gospel is the best news in the whole world.
5. The soul of man is the most valuable thing in all the world.
6. God sent Jesus to save men's souls from judgment.
7. God gives us understanding about His will.
8. Let's be available to Him today, to be used by Him.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, March 19, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
He has made "you accepted in the Beloved"
Wow............See Ephesians 1:6
This is how it reads in the Amplified version. Eph 1:6 [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
And, in the NKJV.......Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the beloved.
The word accepted, means, to be highly favored, make accepted, to make graceful, to be charming, lovely, agreeable, to compass with favor, to honor with blessings.
This is how it reads in the Amplified version. Eph 1:6 [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
And, in the NKJV.......Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the beloved.
The word accepted, means, to be highly favored, make accepted, to make graceful, to be charming, lovely, agreeable, to compass with favor, to honor with blessings.
This is our current position and will always be our position before our God. Accepted in the Beloved.
Jesus is God's only begotten son, Jesus is God's beloved son also, and He has made us accepted in the beloved, in Christ.
Being in Christ, is the doorway to all the blessings of God. Eternal life, forgiveness, mercy, love, grace, inheritance, power, etc, etc, etc. These blessings come to us through Christ..
Thus, as we look to Jesus Christ day by day, we are looking to the one in whom, and through whom these blessings come to us.
But, this one, "accepted" simply speaks of our position. We are highly favored with His grace and His mercy, and He has through these, to make us accepted.
You in Christ, are as accepted by God as is any of His other children There is no difference. We are joint heirs with Christ
Blessings to you today.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Count your blessings......here are two more...
Good morning. So far, we have looked at a number of blessings that are our's in Christ, as listed by Paul in Ephesians Chapter 1. Here's a quick re-cap.....
1. He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.
2. We are holy and without blame before Him in love.
3. He predestined us to be adopted as sons by Jesus Christ.
4. We are now accepted in the Beloved.
Here is the next blessing Paul lists in Ephesians 1:7
It's called "redemption" And, we have this redemption through His blood.
What does it mean? The word is also translated "deliverance" and it means, releasing effected by payment of ransom. Or to be liberated by payment of a ransom.
Peter speaks of it this way. in 1st Peter 1:18 "knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,"
Thus, as we consider this blessing, we understand it to mean, that God has liberated us from what we were once held in. Paul will explain this a little more in the 2nd Chapter of Ephesians. But, overall, redemption means, that we were born in sin, in death, and in darkness, held there under the power of the devil, who is the god of this world.
Christ is the payment that has freed us from this terrible position we were once in. We are now in God's kingdom of life and light. We have been redeemed. God payed the price for our freedom, by having Christ die for our sin, paying the full price for our sins. We are now no longer guilty, and no longer facing eternal judgment and punishment for our sins.
Paul also says very clearly, that "we have redemption through His blood". In other words, we currently have this liberation through the blood of Christ. It's not something that is coming, but, rather it has come to us, we have it at this moment. We have been liberated.
The next blessing is also listed in Ephesians 1:7 and, it's called forgiveness of sins.
Forgiveness, means, remission, liberty, and release from bondage. It means pardon of sins. Letting them go as if they had never been committed. Our sins have been dismissed. They have been sent away, and are now gone.
In summary then, we have been liberated from what we were once held in. And, we have had our sins, forgiven. They are gone from us. We are free and no longer guilty. This is the position we have with God, before God, because of God, and from God. God has done all of these things for us through Christ.
Thoughts for reflection, explanation and application.
1. These blessings are who we are in Christ.
2. These blessings are how to understand our lives.
3. These blessings are for every christian.
4. These blessings indeed bless our souls, our minds, our hearts.
5. These blessings are worth thinking deeply about, and enjoying them.
May God continue to bless you, encourage you, give you strength, power, grace, peace, mercy and love.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
1. He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.
2. We are holy and without blame before Him in love.
3. He predestined us to be adopted as sons by Jesus Christ.
4. We are now accepted in the Beloved.
Here is the next blessing Paul lists in Ephesians 1:7
It's called "redemption" And, we have this redemption through His blood.
What does it mean? The word is also translated "deliverance" and it means, releasing effected by payment of ransom. Or to be liberated by payment of a ransom.
Peter speaks of it this way. in 1st Peter 1:18 "knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,"
Thus, as we consider this blessing, we understand it to mean, that God has liberated us from what we were once held in. Paul will explain this a little more in the 2nd Chapter of Ephesians. But, overall, redemption means, that we were born in sin, in death, and in darkness, held there under the power of the devil, who is the god of this world.
Christ is the payment that has freed us from this terrible position we were once in. We are now in God's kingdom of life and light. We have been redeemed. God payed the price for our freedom, by having Christ die for our sin, paying the full price for our sins. We are now no longer guilty, and no longer facing eternal judgment and punishment for our sins.
Paul also says very clearly, that "we have redemption through His blood". In other words, we currently have this liberation through the blood of Christ. It's not something that is coming, but, rather it has come to us, we have it at this moment. We have been liberated.
The next blessing is also listed in Ephesians 1:7 and, it's called forgiveness of sins.
Forgiveness, means, remission, liberty, and release from bondage. It means pardon of sins. Letting them go as if they had never been committed. Our sins have been dismissed. They have been sent away, and are now gone.
In summary then, we have been liberated from what we were once held in. And, we have had our sins, forgiven. They are gone from us. We are free and no longer guilty. This is the position we have with God, before God, because of God, and from God. God has done all of these things for us through Christ.
Thoughts for reflection, explanation and application.
1. These blessings are who we are in Christ.
2. These blessings are how to understand our lives.
3. These blessings are for every christian.
4. These blessings indeed bless our souls, our minds, our hearts.
5. These blessings are worth thinking deeply about, and enjoying them.
May God continue to bless you, encourage you, give you strength, power, grace, peace, mercy and love.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, March 12, 2012
An another blessing from God. "He has adopted us as sons"
See Ephesians 1:5-6
1:5 Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.
1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
In this first chapter of Ephesians, long before Paul calls us to any action, or activities, or response, what he does is to explain in wonderful detail the many, many blessings of God given to us in Christ Jesus. You may even want to read through the first chapter and try to count them up. There are many.
Today, I wanted to deal with one of them, and that is, His having "adopted" us as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself.
First of all, Paul says, "having predestined us to adoption as sons etc. The word predestined, speaks of God's planning things out in advance, according to His own perfect will. The word "predestined" or determine beforehand, or ordain, means to predetermine, or decide beforehand, or of God making a decree from eternity past, and to appoint beforehand.
1:5 Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.
1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
In this first chapter of Ephesians, long before Paul calls us to any action, or activities, or response, what he does is to explain in wonderful detail the many, many blessings of God given to us in Christ Jesus. You may even want to read through the first chapter and try to count them up. There are many.
Today, I wanted to deal with one of them, and that is, His having "adopted" us as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself.
First of all, Paul says, "having predestined us to adoption as sons etc. The word predestined, speaks of God's planning things out in advance, according to His own perfect will. The word "predestined" or determine beforehand, or ordain, means to predetermine, or decide beforehand, or of God making a decree from eternity past, and to appoint beforehand.
This is thrilling to me. Before the world was created, long ago, ( and of course, I did not exist then nor did anyone, or anything ) but, long ago, God determined, that He was going to make me His child. He was going to adopt me into His family.
He adopted me as a son, and did this by Jesus Christ. We can see how important Jesus Christ is in all of these blessings. For it's through Him, and by Him, and in Him that all these blessings come to us. So, through or by Christ, God adopted me as His son.
Also, we see that this adoption was "according to the good pleasure of His will" In other words, God has a will, or that which pleases Him, that which He does, or wants to do if you will. Paul says, "the good pleasure of His will". He planned in love to do this. He has revealed His plan to us through Jesus Christ. All of this was in accordance with the purpose of His will, ( because it pleased Him and was His kind intent )
He wanted us to be to the praise of His glory and His mercy. Which by the way, He has so freely bestowed on us in Christ.
Some thoughts in reflection, for further explanation and application.
1. God did this for us.
2. God did this for us when we did not even exist.
3. God did this for us because it pleased Him to do so.
4. God did this through His Son Jesus Christ.
5. God has made us His own children.
6. God has joined us to His family.
7. God's only begotten son, now has brothers and sisters in us as christians.
8. God's will and pleasure are one and the same thing.
9. God wanted to do this, He wanted to adopt you as His child.
More thoughts for reflection, application and explanation.
1. We now wind up praising God for what He has done for us.
2. We praise God's glory.
3. We praise God's grace ( His unmerited favor and blessing to us )
4. We are now accepted in Jesus Christ.
5. Accepted means, be highly favored, to honor with blessings.
6. This blessing, is not the end of the line, Paul will mention more also.
7. We can call Him Father, and do so with confidence.
8. We have been brought into His family.
9. All Christians have this blessing as theirs.
10. This blessing is a reason to be very happy today.
11. God's children, also have an inheritance.
12. We will one day be given our full inheritance.
13. When we get to heaven, we will see and understand our inheritance.
14. Our God has been so good to us.
15. We love you Lord.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, March 9, 2012
God has blessed us by choosing us to be in Christ.
See Ephesians 1:3-4
Before we look at the blessings God has given us, Paul the apostle blesses God, or praises God, by saying, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" ( See 1:3a )
The word blessed there, means, to be well spoken of, or to be praised. What Paul is doing here, is to say, Praise God because of all the blessings He has given us etc.
It is interesting, that Paul mentions God as being the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm not sure why he does this ( and he does it often ), but, one thing that comes to my mind, is that it places the focus on, or reminds us of the fact that God gave His Son for us. He sent Jesus to die for our sins, and to save us from wrath, and to give us eternal life, and to take us to heaven, etc, etc, etc.
Then, Paul states that God has blessed us. The idea behind the word "blessed" here, is that of God bestowing a blessing on us, giving us favor, causing us to prosper. He has Paul says, blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. ( See 1:3b ) Now, what does this mean? The heavenly places in Christ?
Well, first of all, where is Jesus today? He is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. And, where are Christians located as it were? We are in Christ, placed there by the Holy Spirit upon our being saved by God. This is not easy to simply understand. It's not impossible to understand, it's just that it's not the normal kind of thing or way we would describe ourselves, that is, as being in something, or someone, or somewhere etc.
But, nevertheless, that's where we are. We as Christians, are in our Lord Jesus. We are part of His body, and thus we have these spiritual blessings, in heavenly places. You could say we are right there in heaven with Jesus. Sounds odd, but, it's true, and it won't be until we leave this earth that we will realize and experience it fully. But, we are in Christ, and he is seated at the right hand of the Father. And we have these blessings in Him, in these heavenly places.
Ok so much for that. Now onto the blessings.
The first one listed here is that "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,"
This choice by God was made even before the world was created. Imagine that. Nothing existed, that is, nothing of the world we know, and yet, God the Father chose us to be in Christ etc.
I'm so glad God made this choice. I thank Him for making this choice.
The word "chose" or choose out, make choice, means to pick out, or to choose for oneself, like when Jesus chose His disciples etc. God simply, and wonderfully chose us to be in Christ. This is what God did, wanted to do, wound up doing, and it's who we are today as a result of that choice. We are in Christ.
The rest of the verse, further explains the blessing of this choice by God for us. "That we should be holy and without blame before Him in love" To be holy, means, to be set apart to God for His exclusive use. And, to be without blame is not to hard to understand. We are those in whom there is no blame.
The word blame, here, means, without blame, or unblameable, without spot, faultless, without fault. Without blemish, faultless. Can you believe it. Wow.
How wonderful this is. This is who we are at this moment. We are ( as far as God is concerned before Him, without fault ) That is who we are, and that is how He sees us.
It's not how we see ourselves, but we should. Because it's how He sees us. This glorious truth, makes me want to explode with praise. I can hardly believe it. This blessing, strikes me deep within my heart and mind, and lifts my soul up in joy and happiness and peace.
Well, that's certainly enough to chew on, and to think about, and to enjoy for one day. I do pray that today, you might let this truth sink deep within you, and bless you. You are without fault before Him in Christ.
Blessings to you today.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Before we look at the blessings God has given us, Paul the apostle blesses God, or praises God, by saying, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" ( See 1:3a )
The word blessed there, means, to be well spoken of, or to be praised. What Paul is doing here, is to say, Praise God because of all the blessings He has given us etc.
It is interesting, that Paul mentions God as being the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm not sure why he does this ( and he does it often ), but, one thing that comes to my mind, is that it places the focus on, or reminds us of the fact that God gave His Son for us. He sent Jesus to die for our sins, and to save us from wrath, and to give us eternal life, and to take us to heaven, etc, etc, etc.
Then, Paul states that God has blessed us. The idea behind the word "blessed" here, is that of God bestowing a blessing on us, giving us favor, causing us to prosper. He has Paul says, blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. ( See 1:3b ) Now, what does this mean? The heavenly places in Christ?
Well, first of all, where is Jesus today? He is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. And, where are Christians located as it were? We are in Christ, placed there by the Holy Spirit upon our being saved by God. This is not easy to simply understand. It's not impossible to understand, it's just that it's not the normal kind of thing or way we would describe ourselves, that is, as being in something, or someone, or somewhere etc.
But, nevertheless, that's where we are. We as Christians, are in our Lord Jesus. We are part of His body, and thus we have these spiritual blessings, in heavenly places. You could say we are right there in heaven with Jesus. Sounds odd, but, it's true, and it won't be until we leave this earth that we will realize and experience it fully. But, we are in Christ, and he is seated at the right hand of the Father. And we have these blessings in Him, in these heavenly places.
Ok so much for that. Now onto the blessings.
The first one listed here is that "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,"
This choice by God was made even before the world was created. Imagine that. Nothing existed, that is, nothing of the world we know, and yet, God the Father chose us to be in Christ etc.
I'm so glad God made this choice. I thank Him for making this choice.
The word "chose" or choose out, make choice, means to pick out, or to choose for oneself, like when Jesus chose His disciples etc. God simply, and wonderfully chose us to be in Christ. This is what God did, wanted to do, wound up doing, and it's who we are today as a result of that choice. We are in Christ.
The rest of the verse, further explains the blessing of this choice by God for us. "That we should be holy and without blame before Him in love" To be holy, means, to be set apart to God for His exclusive use. And, to be without blame is not to hard to understand. We are those in whom there is no blame.
The word blame, here, means, without blame, or unblameable, without spot, faultless, without fault. Without blemish, faultless. Can you believe it. Wow.
How wonderful this is. This is who we are at this moment. We are ( as far as God is concerned before Him, without fault ) That is who we are, and that is how He sees us.
It's not how we see ourselves, but we should. Because it's how He sees us. This glorious truth, makes me want to explode with praise. I can hardly believe it. This blessing, strikes me deep within my heart and mind, and lifts my soul up in joy and happiness and peace.
Well, that's certainly enough to chew on, and to think about, and to enjoy for one day. I do pray that today, you might let this truth sink deep within you, and bless you. You are without fault before Him in Christ.
Blessings to you today.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Grace and peace to you........
These are two of the wonderful blessings of God for those in Christ Jesus.
When Paul began this letter to the Ephesian Church, ( as he did in most of his letters ) he greeted them with a prayer for God's blessings in their lives. And, here are two of them.
Ephesians 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
What are these two blessings.....? Grace, means, God's unmerited, or undeserved favor in our lives.
Imagine that, God blesses those who do not deserve it
This is so contrary to the way we often think. We think in terms of rewards. If I do what I should, then I will be deserving of what I should get. Even from early childhood I used to hear that Santa Claus is looking for children who are nice, because if they are naughty, he will pass them over when he comes by your home. So, be good, and Santa will give you what you deserve.
Well, as I've grown up, and through my life, now 64 years old, I've certainly come to realize that I'm not deserving of blessings. In fact, If I were to get what I deserve, it would be judgment. For along with everyone else, I'm a sinner.
But, I've discovered that God has taken what I deserve and given it to Jesus Christ instead of me.
Jesus took what I deserve. He paid for my sins. And, thus God has been just, but, He also is so gracious. And, He can and does and wants to give me grace, or blessings in my life.
He gives grace to the undeserving. That's me, and no doubt you. But, thank You Lord for being so gracious.
Secondly, He gives us peace. This word also translated quietness, speaks of a state of tranquility. Of harmony, of concord, of safety, prosperity, etc. Isn't that beautiful?
Frankly, there are so many things in life, each day that seek to rob us of peace. Troubles, problems come our way without even looking for them.
But, here Paul is praying for the believers in Ephesus to have in their lives, this peace. God gives this blessing. He will give it to you. You can ask Him for it.
These things come from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to those who are in Christ.
So, if you are a christian, you are in Christ. You are actually in His body, and positioned to receive these two things.
I'm praying for you and myself right now to experience these blessings from God this very day, in this very hour that you may be reading this devotional.
God loves you.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
When Paul began this letter to the Ephesian Church, ( as he did in most of his letters ) he greeted them with a prayer for God's blessings in their lives. And, here are two of them.
Ephesians 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
What are these two blessings.....? Grace, means, God's unmerited, or undeserved favor in our lives.
Imagine that, God blesses those who do not deserve it
This is so contrary to the way we often think. We think in terms of rewards. If I do what I should, then I will be deserving of what I should get. Even from early childhood I used to hear that Santa Claus is looking for children who are nice, because if they are naughty, he will pass them over when he comes by your home. So, be good, and Santa will give you what you deserve.
Well, as I've grown up, and through my life, now 64 years old, I've certainly come to realize that I'm not deserving of blessings. In fact, If I were to get what I deserve, it would be judgment. For along with everyone else, I'm a sinner.
But, I've discovered that God has taken what I deserve and given it to Jesus Christ instead of me.
Jesus took what I deserve. He paid for my sins. And, thus God has been just, but, He also is so gracious. And, He can and does and wants to give me grace, or blessings in my life.
He gives grace to the undeserving. That's me, and no doubt you. But, thank You Lord for being so gracious.
Secondly, He gives us peace. This word also translated quietness, speaks of a state of tranquility. Of harmony, of concord, of safety, prosperity, etc. Isn't that beautiful?
Frankly, there are so many things in life, each day that seek to rob us of peace. Troubles, problems come our way without even looking for them.
But, here Paul is praying for the believers in Ephesus to have in their lives, this peace. God gives this blessing. He will give it to you. You can ask Him for it.
These things come from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to those who are in Christ.
So, if you are a christian, you are in Christ. You are actually in His body, and positioned to receive these two things.
I'm praying for you and myself right now to experience these blessings from God this very day, in this very hour that you may be reading this devotional.
God loves you.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Basic facts about the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet Revelation 13
The Anti-Christ
1. He is a man coming out of humanity.
2. He is called the beast
3. He has heads, horns, crowns, and a blasphemous name.
4. He is given power, his throne, and great authority by satan.
5. He is mortally wounded at some point during the 7 year tribulation period
6. He is healed of his deadly wound. ( comes back to life as it were )
7. He is marveled at, and followed by the world. ( because of this miraculous recovery from death )
8. Satan is worshipped, ( who gave authority to the anti christ )
9. The anti christ is worshipped, as above everyone, and unconquerable.
10. The anti christ speaks great things and blasphemies.
11. He is given power to to continue in his leadership for 42 months ( 3 1/2 years )
12. He begins to blaspheme God, God's name, God's tabernacle or temple, and those who dwell in heaven.
13. It's granted to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them.
14. He is given authority over the entire world.
15. He will be worshipped by all whose names are not written in the Lamb's book of life.
Facts about the false prophet or the second beast.
1. This second beast ( another man ) comes up and on the scene.
2. He has power, he appears kind and humble, and speaks with power like a dragon.
3. He has as much authority as the anti christ or the first beast.
4. He exercises his authority in the presence of the anti christ.
5. He causes the entire world to worship the anti christ.
6. He performs great signs, even bringing down fire from heaven to earth in front of people.
7. He deceives the entire world by his signs in front of the anti christ
8. He tells the world to make an image of the beast.
9. He gives life to the image of the anti christ, ( it comes alive ) the image will speak
10. He will cause all those who do not worship the image to be killed.
11. He causes everyone to receive a mark on their right hand, or forehead.
12. Only those who have the mark can buy or sell.
13. Everyone will have the mark, or the name of the anti christ on them, and his number.
14. The number of the anti christ is 666.
Tomorrow, we will continue to look at these two demonically empowered persons of the last days.
Blessings to you today, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
1. He is a man coming out of humanity.
2. He is called the beast
3. He has heads, horns, crowns, and a blasphemous name.
4. He is given power, his throne, and great authority by satan.
5. He is mortally wounded at some point during the 7 year tribulation period
6. He is healed of his deadly wound. ( comes back to life as it were )
7. He is marveled at, and followed by the world. ( because of this miraculous recovery from death )
8. Satan is worshipped, ( who gave authority to the anti christ )
9. The anti christ is worshipped, as above everyone, and unconquerable.
10. The anti christ speaks great things and blasphemies.
11. He is given power to to continue in his leadership for 42 months ( 3 1/2 years )
12. He begins to blaspheme God, God's name, God's tabernacle or temple, and those who dwell in heaven.
13. It's granted to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them.
14. He is given authority over the entire world.
15. He will be worshipped by all whose names are not written in the Lamb's book of life.
Facts about the false prophet or the second beast.
1. This second beast ( another man ) comes up and on the scene.
2. He has power, he appears kind and humble, and speaks with power like a dragon.
3. He has as much authority as the anti christ or the first beast.
4. He exercises his authority in the presence of the anti christ.
5. He causes the entire world to worship the anti christ.
6. He performs great signs, even bringing down fire from heaven to earth in front of people.
7. He deceives the entire world by his signs in front of the anti christ
8. He tells the world to make an image of the beast.
9. He gives life to the image of the anti christ, ( it comes alive ) the image will speak
10. He will cause all those who do not worship the image to be killed.
11. He causes everyone to receive a mark on their right hand, or forehead.
12. Only those who have the mark can buy or sell.
13. Everyone will have the mark, or the name of the anti christ on them, and his number.
14. The number of the anti christ is 666.
Tomorrow, we will continue to look at these two demonically empowered persons of the last days.
Blessings to you today, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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