Rev 13:11-18 Who is the Anti-Christ?

Revelation 13:11-18 NIV
On the seventh day God rested. The number 777 if often used to symbolize the threefold perfection of the Trinity. On the sixth day God created humankind. Therefore, six being less than seven is sometimes used to symbolize man. In interpreting the 666 in John's vision, this number is often looked at as representing one evil man whose name can be translated into the number 666. It may well be that; but, personally, I have heard of way too many public (political and/or religious) figures whose names can add up to 666. We seem to be looking for a scapegoat; an excuse to demonize a person whom we personally don't happen to like or agree with. 666 could also symbolize, not just the one beast; but, the imperfect trinity found in Revelation, chapters 12 and 13: the dragon, the beast from the sea, and the beast that comes out of the earth. There most probably is more than one who is actively the anti-Christ.

And... that brings me to the idea that there is definitely more than one anti-Christ and that it is probably not a good idea (or very Christ-lie) to try to single out one man or woman. Jesus said, "“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Matt 10:30; Luke 11:23) Anyone who is not with Christ is against him and is anti-Christ. Six being the symbolic number for man and not just "a" man, I would suggest that we look not out to the world for some extreme anti-Christ; but, within ourselves to see if the anti-Christ resides within each of us. Either we are for Christ or against him. There is no in-between. Either Christ abides in us or he does not.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Sorry, but this is just a blog and since 666 is such a popular topic, there is no way I can go too much in depth and cover even a decent sized portion in a couple of paragraphs.

 

Luke 11:14-28 The House Will Fall

Luke 11:14-28 NIV
"A house divided will fall.." (vs 17)

There are times, many times, that people in a family, a church, or a community will disagree with one another. But, that disagreement should not necessarily lead to division. Divisions detract us from our purpose; our mission. We are so busy worrying about how to get our way that we forget to proclaim the Kingdom of God. We forget to share the love of God in Christ Jesus with others.

Sometimes separation is inevitable as Jesus reminds us that if someone will not hear or receive the Word of God we should depart and find someone who will. (Luke 9:5) But, often it is just the devil that divides us by stirring up things like greed or envy or maybe self-righteousness.

So the next time you don't care for the color of the carpet that the committee picked or the janitor they hired, remember that a house divided will fall. I know it's probably not the intent of any within the local churches to have it fail; but, when we switch our focus from Jesus to how we're going to get our own way in the church over material things in the church that is exactly where we are heading.

Whoever is not with him is against him, and whoever does not gather with him scatters.

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 9:38-50 - Disrespecting Jesus

Mark 9:38-50 NIV


Yesterday, I listened to a barrage of negatives. Sometimes, it seems, that some people like to disrespect our faith; disrespect our Jesus, in order to express their independent thinking. Having heard God's name taken in vain so repeatedly and purposefully for such a lengthy period left me completely spiritually, emotionally and physically drained.

All I could think of was where does this stuff come from? How can anyone who would openly and publically slander Jesus ever think to have my trust or the trust of anyone else. To try to hurt someone with their faith is just totally uncalled for. It is hurtful. It is discrimination.

Jesus told his disciples "for whoever is not against us is for us." (vs 40) But, what happens then to those who are against us; who are not for Jesus? What will become of those who willingly and openly slander His name, using it to hurt others rather than do good? Jesus, encourages us to do good to one another. "Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward." (vs 41) Jesus came to do good. He came to save us. We are to use His name for the good of others; not to disparage them; not to hurt them; and definitely not in order that we would have a name (His name) to slander.

And, again Jesus said, "If anyone causes one of these little one - those who believe in me - to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea." (vs 42) It will not be good for those who spend their lives slandering Jesus causing others to stumble; causing others to lose faith. It will not be good for those who would lead others astray.

What to do with those who would use the name of Jesus in an unholy way? Pray for them. Pray that they might turn around, follow Him, and glorify His Holy name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 13 - Day Of The Lord's Wrath

Babylon will be overthrown. Isaiah's prophecies, up to now, have centered on God's people. But, not any more. The LORD's wrath is to come upon those who are not His people. Babylon is to be destroyed.

This day, of the LORD's wrath, is too horrible to imagine. I cannot begin to imagine the horrible vision that Isaiah saw that prompted this prophecy and I do not want to. This message, I imagine, would bring a sense of comfort to God's people, knowing that God would act against their enemies. But, at the same, time would be a reminder to His people that if He would act against those who were not His people, who did not listen to Him; how would He deal with those who were His people and turned their backs on Him as the pagans did?

God is not to be mocked or taken for granted. God is God. He will protect and care for those who love Him. Even in the awesome (awful) day of His wrath, He will be with you. In that day, may He be for you and not against you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Sorry, not a pretty picture today. But, if you read chapter 13 of Isaiah, you will find that the day of His wrath is not a pretty picture.