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Angels/Demons & the End Times Lesson #6

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scroll down for earlier lessons in descending order

You can click on earlier lesson by date to the right "Blog Archive".

(Lessons are posted once a week on Friday afternoon

For Lesson #1 click on 5/31 at Blog Archive

In case you’re wondering, if our study is about angels why are we now touching on the Book of Revelation? In chapters 1 & 2 of Revelation, Jesus has a message for each of the angels of the 7 churches in Asia Minor. Angels are mentioned 23 times throughout the Book of Revelation. Demons (i.e., fallen angels) are mentioned in 3 different chapters of Revelation (Rev. 9:20, 16:14, 18:2). Our study of angels wouldn’t be complete without this overview of angelic activities during the End Times, i.e., the spiritual realm. Demons and God’s angels are very much a part of the End Times. 

This and the next lesson constitute the end of our study of angels (I think), the spiritual realm of angels, End Times including Rapture and Tribulation. We can’t see angels or demons, but they are very active on planet earth. Most Christians have an image of what is meant by the End Times, including the Rapture and the Millennium. When I concluded the last lesson I wondered if I had enough material for another full lesson. Actually, it turned out that I have too much content to fit into a single lesson; which means there will be yet another lesson following this one. I hope you get as much out of it as I tried to put into it.

This is not intended as a study of the Book of Revelation except where it refers to Satan, demons and angels. The chart highlights key points of the Book of Revelation and the spiritual realm. Where the chart notes “Rapture (Rev. 4:1)”, v.4.1 is in reference to John being taken into heaven (raptured) during his vision. It is an interesting chart and good place to start this lesson. You can click on the chart to enlarge it and esc to return. 

Most Christians in the Evangelical world believe in a literal Rapture. This view was highlighted and gained popularity in the “Left Behind” TV and book series. Not all branches of Christianity believe in a literal Rapture. We will look at the various views, principally Protestant including Lutheran, as well as Catholic and Orthodox views. 

This slide shows a commonly held view of the Millennium (means 1,000 yrs.) by many Christians. Rev. 20:4-5 makes note of the Millennium, giving rise to various interpretations and understandings. Some see it as a literal 1,000 years, others see it as symbolic representing a period of time. Some believe Jesus will return to earth and rule for 1,000 years; while others believe He will rule through His church. We will look at the different views and rationale for each.

The Garden of Eden must have been exactly like this before Adam’s fall dragging the whole world order into chaos, decay and death. Some associate Isaiah 65 with the Millennium, when God restores what it was once like—before Adam’s fall—for a 1,000 years … Some believe the Millennium is symbolic and not literal. In either case, according to Isaiah, the lion will be lying down with the lamb—which makes for one happy lamb. Isaiah could very well be referring to the New Earth noted in Revelation 21:1. Isaiah 65 doesn’t specify a 1,000-year timeline. 

Chart shows the three most popular views in regard to a “literal Rapture” and sequence relative to the Tribulation and Millennium. Certain branches of Christianity do not believe in a literal Rapture, which we will look at, but enough do believe, making it worthy of discussion within the context of our study. 

What does the Book of Revelation say about the Millennium? The 1,000-years (millennium) is noted in Revelation 20:1-10. Again, some believe it is symbolic, others take it as stated, as a literal 1,000 years. The thousand years (i.e., millennium) is only mentioned in Revelation 20, but it’s mentioned six times. 

Whether literal or symbolic, Satan and his influence on the world system is real. Revelation 20 clearly indicates a time when Satan’s reign ends and can no longer influence the world. Not only is Satan’s influence real, but so is his rage against God and the world. Is Satan in denial about his defeat? Does he still believe—as when he revolted in heaven—that he can ultimately defeat God. Not only is Satan’s influence turned loose on the world, but so is his rage and determination to destroy everything.

I see Satan mirrored in Adolf Hitler’s rise to power, his attempt to exterminate the Jews, and his decisions at the end of WWII—i.e., not allowing his armies to withdraw from the battlefield even on the verge of defeat. When it became apparent that Germany was defeated, and the Russians had entered Berlin, Hitler ordered the total destruction of all of Germany’s infrastructure, and ordered the German army and German people to fight to the bitter end, which many did. This is the same hatred and rage we can expect from Satan, knowing defeat was imminent. I see history as a learning tool; I believe this one can be applied to the End Times.

The view not previously shown is Amillennialism, that sees much, if not most, of Revelation as symbolism, including the thousand years (millennial) noted in Rev. 20:3. Nor does it believe in a literal reign of Christ on earth; that His influence is through His church and evangelism of those born during that 1,000-year period.

The word millennium doesn’t appear in the Bible, it is used in reference to the “thousand years” noted several times in Revelation 20.

A view of the Rapture is linked to the Millennium. There are different views on the Millennium, one being that the people entering that 1,000-year period, are born-again Christians who lived through—actually, suffered through—the Great Tribulation. Others do not see it as a literal 1,000 years of Christ’s reign on earth, but that He rules through His church, which evangelizes those born during that period. 

Since Rapture isn’t mentioned in the Bible, where does the term come from? Belief in a Rapture is rooted in 1 Thessalonians 4. Advocates point to it as a strong indication of a literal Rapture. Others believe it refers to the final resurrection at the return of Jesus Christ after the 7-year Tribulation, to establish His kingdom here on earth, at the end of which the New Heaven descends on earth (Rev. 21:1) thus giving us a New Heaven and New Earth.

Hopefully, the next two slides answer that question in the slide.

This and the next slide explain why I believe God establish a millennium period after the Tribulation. Even Lucifer and his angels in heaven and man in the Garden of Eden, though created perfect and sinless, and in a perfect environment, sinned of their own free will. 

It is God’s final lesson to humanity. The Millennial period would be everyone’s dream… if Jesus reigned on earth, things would be perfect is every way, a world of perfect social justice and world order, free of strife under Jesus as Lord. And yet… some people willingly sinned. 

All of which takes us to the Rapture. When and where does the Rapture take place? Or does it? Where does it fit in respect to the Millennium?  

I find it necessary to repeat myself at times, that some believe and others do not believe in a literal Rapture and literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth. This slide reflects the view that appears to be the most widely held one within Christianity. Some believe John was writing in regard to the Roman Empire, which ended around 480 AD. Some see Revelation as mostly symbolism. Others see it as a literal reference to future events. If John was only addressing 1st century Christians and the Roman Empire, what relevance would it have for us? If it was for 1st century Christians, what would its principle message have been for Gentile converts if its understanding rested on O.T. prophesies as some believe? In other words, it’s complicated. 

Of course there is a lot of symbolism in the Book of Revelation, but perhaps we don’t get it because it hasn’t unfolded yet. Revelation would certainly serve as a warning if those events started to unfold, especially if the antichrist gained political power. 

At some time or other, many if not most Christians have pondered what is described as the “Rapture”. Is it a literal event yet to come? I think one of the first things that come to mind when we hear End Times is the Rapture. As mentioned, there was a TV series and a number of books depicting the Rapture and the aftermath, which certainly influenced many Christians’ opinions. There are several different views within the Church body which we will explore further in our next lesson. 

We can only imagine the headlines if the rapture was to occur. You’ll get the drift of it by also reading the sub-headings shown on this illustrated front page—especially the one on “top religious leaders”. The message being, not everyone in the Church is of the Church, including church leaders and clergy. It speaks volumes about certain liberal denominations that have replaced the biblical gospel with a social gospel, which does not lead to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, but Jesus as a social worker with a focus on physical well being and not salvation of souls. 

What do the main branches of Christianity profess about the End Times? The following slides tell us in their own words, downloaded from the web.

As a former MS Lutheran, I held to this particular view for many years; primarily because I never had insight into or thought about the other views until the “Left Behind” TV series. So, why do Lutherans reject a literal Rapture?  Principally because the Rapture view is about 200 years old and is not the historic position of the Church nor was it proposed, discussed or debated by the early church fathers. Nor is it a doctrinal issue like grace versus works or the nature of Christ. 

Others, beside Catholics, share the amillennial view. Both Lutherans and Catholics hold the “amillennial” view as the historic view of the Christian Church, which is a sizable part of Christianity.  

I wanted to include all of the major branches of Christianity, which of course includes the Orthodox. One would think they would be consistent with the Roman Catholic view, but they aren’t as noted. They aren’t professing the Rapture as doctrine, but as a possibility that they haven’t ruled out.

What about Presbyterian? There are three views within the Reformed faith as noted. Premillennial, Postmillennial, and Amillennial are all included in Reformed thinking. In other words, since it is not a doctrinal issue, it depends on what theologian or pastor you talk to. But, it does rule out the view associated with “dispensational premillennialism” which we will look at in the next lesson. Aseity in position (b) means the “quality or state of being self-derived or self-originated; specifically: the self-sufficiency, independence, and autonomy of God.”  Ref: https://reformed.org/eschatology/

Chart presents a biblical timeline within the context of our study, from Adam’s fall, to the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20. It shows the rapture prior to the 7 years tribulation—when the antichrist rules planet earth. This may very well be the most popular view with Evangelicals—we get to escape the 7-year Tribulation. But, as the saying goes: “No pain, not gain!” Will the Tribulation be a time of spiritual growth for the Church and individual Christians? Will it take Christians from a state of indifference and apathy to a time of deep spiritual awakening and fervor? Scripture does mention rewards in Heaven for suffering here on earth: Rev. 2:10; Matt. 16:27; Luke 12:33-34; 1 Cor. 3:8; 1 Tim. 6:17-19. The chart also shows the reestablishment of the State of Israel, which leads us to the next slides. Some scholars DO NOT give any relevance to Israel’s reestablishment to Revelation. Nevertheless, there is a State of Israel that was established after the Holocaust and against great odds.

As someone who focused on the lessons of history, it's very existence is almost a miracle, and against, not some odds, but great odds. Did God permit a holocaust to compel the Jews to abandon Europe and return to their historic homeland? Satan instigated the holocaust, but God used it to accomplish His will. I can’t help but think, God used the creation of Israel as a vital part of the End Times. 

Again, I’m a strong believer that history reveals a lot about biblical lessons and events. There are those that look at history for its lesson and those that don’t. I am one that does. From my perspective, the map shows the odds against a state of Israel existing or even surviving, being totally surrounded by hostile nations that seek its destruction. Hitler’s efforts to exterminate the Jews began with the Holocaust, which led to the reinstatement of Israel after WWII, their historic and biblical homeland. They even won what’s called the six-day war in 1967 against overwhelming odds from a much larger united Arab army, determined to destroy Israel. I think even the very existence of Israel says a lot about the Jews and the End Time. That the very establishment of the State of Israel in and of itself is prophetic. 

In 1967 Israel fought a 6-Day War against overwhelming odds, for its very survival. This map shows the odds against Israel, and Arab armies building up to invade and destroy Israel. But, Israel struck first defeating and routing the combined armies of Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Israel advanced into the Jordan-held West Bank and routed the Egyptian army in the Sinai, which they gave back to Egypt under an Egypt-Israel peace treaty signed on March 26, 1979 under President Jimmy Carter. Coincidence or prophetic? There will be a New Jerusalem (Rev. 3:12 & 21:2), also called the Tabernacle of God, the Holy City, the City of God, the Celestial City, the City Foursquare, and Heavenly Jerusalem, is literally heaven on earth. And it’s location is on the Jerusalem temple mount, where a mosque now stands.

This particular explanation of the tribulation, downloaded from the web, fits the previous slides concerning reinstating of the State of Israel in our times. 

The Jerusalem temple at the time of Jesus is shown on the left, on right is a mosque that now stands on the temple mount. The mosque was first built in 705 AD. It was destroyed by earthquakes in 746, 754, and again in 780. It was partially destroyed by another earthquake in 1033, and another one built two years later. It was restored again in 1187. Do you think God had a message? 

 Is there any relevance to the rebirth of Israel in our time? Many Bible scholars believe there is. 

Throughout the Old Testament, God did not abandon His people, Israel. Often God sent angels to protect them. 

I’ll let this slide speak for itself. 

We will pick up at this point in our next lesson. This chart lines up the four main views held by different branches of Christianity, which we will look at and why people believe as they do. The slide can be enlarged by clicking on it. We will discuss this further in our next lesson. Until then, blessings to all.  

                                                                        END OF LESSON #6

Covenant Presbyterian Church

Sunday morning Foundations Classes
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Angels/Demons & the End Times -- Lesson #5

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scroll down for earlier lessons in descending order

You can click on earlier lesson by date to the right "Blog Archive".

(Lessons are posted once a week on Friday afternoon

For Lesson #1 click on 5/31 at upper right 

Happy 4th of July! Pray for our Nation and our President!

I had intended this to be the last lesson on angels and the angelic realm, BUT…. One commentary noted that angels are the bridge between the spiritual and the physical realm. What does that mean? The fallen angels were cast out of heaven to the earth, and even though we can’t see them, they are creating havoc here, there and everywhere. When I research a topic sometimes the information grows sufficiently to warrant an additional lesson, like now. 

Satan’s rebellion began in heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15) with him and his angels being cast down to earth (Revelation 12), which we looked at in lesson #1. In Revelation chapter 20, Satan meets a crushing final defeat, being cast into the lake of fire and brimstone. It doesn’t state it, but I think its safe to presume that Satan’s fallen angels were cast into hell with him, forever and forever! When we witness civic unrest and riots in our cities, we may be prone to ask, “Why is this happening?” Ecclesiastes 1:9 tells us: "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." History is not only interesting but serves as a lesson of what is to come. We can see examples of it in our own lifetime. If you believe Satan is not active in today’s civic unrest, think again!

Do you see spiritual warfare? Or are these just unhappy, discontent people who feel the odds are stacked against them? 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

Satan’s greatest weapon is knowing our weaknesses and using it to stir discontent and discord. He is an expert in stirring up and inciting “discontent for a perceived wrong!” Apparently, he even was capable of convincing 1/3 of the angels that they were getting a bad deal from God, or that God was holding something back from them that they deserved. If so many angels were swayed by Satan’s lies, don’t you think people would be, especially since Satan has free reign across the earth, here, there, and everywhere? 

Stand Ready for what? Though unseen, God sends His angels throughout the world to assist His church and protect His people 24/7 (Luke 4:10; Psalm 34:7). When people deny or reject God, there are consequences (Gal. 6:7-8); in doing so, they set out the welcome mat, opening the door for and unleashing evil. In these chaotic times, the Church needs to take its role in prayer seriously (Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 46:1; James 4:7) and sharing the Gospel. God will not reward evil with good or protect those who reject Him; even nations are not exempt from His wrath. We see example down through history, even within our own lifetime—WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, 9/11...

Because I strongly believe the lessons of history are essential learning tools, which also includes standing strong against evil. Our principle weapon against Satan is prayer, but we can also resist, by word and deed, the evil he manifests in the world (James 4:17). Just as Satan influenced Judas Iscariot (Luke 22:3) to betray Jesus, and the Pharisees (Matt. 22:15-18) to press for Jesus to be crucified, Satan greatest weapon is his persuasive influence and sway. Adolf Hitler’s persuasive sway over Germany—the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation—is a manifestation of Satan in the flesh. 

Reflecting on the Battle of Britain during World War II, the successful defense of Great Britain against relentless and destructive air raids conducted by the German air force (Luftwaffe) from July through September 1940, after the fall of France. If Winston Churchill had accepted Hitler’s terms to negotiate and had not put up a valiant defense against the German Luftwaffe, Nazi Germany would have made Great Britain helpless, allowing German forces to overran all of Europe unimpeded, nor would America have entered the war against Germany; and today Nazi Germany would still be in power. Hitler lost to the USSR only because he was fighting a two-front war (Eph. 6:10-18). Churchill not only resisted Hitler, but he also resisted Satan (James 4:7-8). Both Britain and America were in fervent prayer on the home-front (Psalm 39:12, 66:20; Luke 1:37). Did it make a difference? Absolutely!

Evil is manifested in many different ways and by many different people. Map shows Nazi Germany’s conquest across Europe (red areas). We can be certain that Hitler’s hatred of the Jews was fueled by Satan himself, even though Hitler was a baptized Roman Catholic and had served as an altar boy as a youth. If Winston Churchill had not resisted Hitler, we would be living in a very different world today. Satan wasn’t sitting idly by in hell when all this was going on. In Luke 4:5-13 we are told that all the world kingdoms are under Satan, including Nazi Germany. Luke 4:6 "And [Satan] said to him, I will give you [Jesus] all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 So if you worship me, it will all be yours." 

God did not leave us defenseless: Eph 6:10 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." These really are words of encouragement, that we are not defenseless against dark spiritual forces. Prayer and the Word are important defensive weapons against evil onslaught (Eph. 6:10-20). Just like basic training in the military prepares young men for war, God prepares us for spiritual warfare with His Word. The Book of Revelation contains the final chapters on angels and spiritual warfare—the battle is real, but, the good news is that Satan does lose the war!   

What better place to get wisdom and knowledge than God’s Word—the Bible, both Old and New Testaments include history. But the Bible isn’t just history of Israel and the founding of the Church, it is also a handbook of what we should be doing today in this world, as God’s people. 

We're not going to be covering this, but it illustrates that the Bible stretches over the course of human history from God’s perspective, not only its history, as related to God, but its lessons as related to mankind along with Satan’s influence beginning in the Garden of Eden and man’s fall, instigated by Satan’s lie (Gen. 3:1-7). The human race has been prone to and influenced by Satan’s lies ever since. The Devil can’t be everywhere at the same time, but he has a lot of help with millions of demonic-angels working with him to destroy all that God created, especially man. (For those inclined, you can click on the slide to enlarge it).

The Greek word translated as “angel” is found over 170 times in the New Testament, each time it means an “angel” never pastor. The letters were written to the churches themselves, and not to an individual leader. Most scholars believe that the angel translation is the best one. Since our study began by focusing on angels, lets look at the churches, which are described in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. The location of all seven churches are in what was the Roman province of Asia, which is now modern Turkey, almost 100% Muslim. So what happened to those churches, especially since each one had an angel? There may be a small remnant of Christians in those particular areas, but they are basically Muslim communities. Christians are just 0.3-0.4% of the population of Turkey? All seven churches stand as a lesson for today’s church—we need to be faithful to His Word. We need to be mindful that Christians did not have individual Bibles back then. So, we have a remarkable advantage today, one that we need to use both wisely and faithfully. 

As stated before, I love history, not only because it’s interesting, but it’s a learning tool. So, I inserted a little ancient history to put this lesson into perspective within the larger context of spiritual warfare which has led to the fall of great empires down through history for many similar reasons—human nature doesn’t change, nor has the instigator of discord. Man puts false idols before God, which we saw in the Old Testament leading to the destruction of Israel, God’s Chosen People. Hopefully, we will fare better as One Nation Under God. 

The Gospels, Epistles and Book of Revelation were all written during and within the Roman Empire at the height of its power. Few think of Rome as a Christian Empire, but it was exclusively Christian for its last 100+ years. Rome was founded in 753 BC., and survived as such for over 1,000 years. Over time it became a Republic ruled by Senators and later by Emperors. Christianity was granted legal status in 313 AD, when Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan. In 380 AD, Emperor Theodosius declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. So what happened to the Christian Roman Empire? 

The Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD, from internal discord and external attacks across their northern border; it was formally dissolved in 480. The Eastern Roman Empire's capital was Constantinople, later called the Byzantine Empire, which fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1453. The City of Constantinople is now the City of Istanbul. During most of its existence, the empire was the most powerful economic, cultural, and military force in Europe. Why am I mentioning this? No Roman could ever imagine the end of the Roman Empire. Nor did the British people imagine the decline of the British Empire which stretched across a large part of the globe, from India to Canada and Australia. In the same way, most Americans cannot imagine the end of this Constitutional Republic. Is it possible? History says it is. When Rome became Christian, it was a political decision, and not primarily one of conversion. It was declared a Christian nation by its emperor a hundred years before its fall. 

From the very beginning, back to the Garden of Eden, and down through what had been great empires, to the end times, we see Satan playing a significant role. The antichrist in Revelation serves with the power of Satan. 1 John 2:18 tells us that many antichrist will come. In all cases he is accompanied by his fallen angels doing his bidding, each with extraordinary power. In the Tribulation, the coming antichrist, in the image of the beast, will be Lucifer in the flesh (Revelation 13). He will masquerade as an angel of light, claiming to be Almighty God. (2 Corinthians 11:14; Daniel 11:36; Revelation 9; Revelation 13:11-18)

Isa 46:9-10 -- 9 "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please."  Nothing happens without God’s permission as a matter of right and wrong, and blessings and punishment. He doesn’t create evil but does allow it to occur by people so inclined toward evil, such as the riots on our streets. Yet, He will use it to accomplish His will overall; which I think drives Satan crazy and fuels his rage! All of history is laid out in accordance with God’s plan and timetable.

Protests across the nation are tearing down historic monuments as a way of erasing what they consider an offensive past. If history is the judge, their interpretation of moving toward a perfect utopian society is not a realistic vision.  Of course it just doesn’t happen that way. During the rise of Adolf Hitler in post World War 1 Germany, anything that offended Nazi doctrine was destroyed, including burning of books that contradicted their Aryan ideology and any written by Jews. All it did was catapult their ideology into the mainstream leading to concentration camps for Jews, and staunch Christians that opposed their ideology, and for racially inferior groups residing in Germany, etc. The only solution to the problems we are seeing sweep across our nation is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Is this still in the realm of spiritual warfare? Absolutely. Jesus and sharing the Gospel is an affront to Satan and a weapon against him. 

What is the lesson being depicted in this image? We cannot fight the Devil on his terms, nor look at politics as the only solution. Neither can we ignore the political battle taking place at every level of government, as efforts to defund police, allow civic insurrection and defacing of historic monuments, all of which are being tolerated by elected officials. As stated in the last lesson #3, there are dark clouds descending on America across the entire spectrum: political, civil, cultural, and spiritual. Certain mainline churches have embraced the latest “spiritually toxic” anti-biblical cultural demands as the new normal in lieu of God’s Word and the Gospel.  Satan is winning that particular battle. 

Most people who hear or think about “dark forces” as stated by Gen. Flynn, think in terms of political power. Which, is true, BUT, there is a dark spiritual side also: Col 1:13 "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."  We can be certain that the forces Gen. Flynn has been dealing with are truly striving to drive God out of America. Spiritual warfare isn’t just riots in the street, but is equally real at the highest levels of political power, maybe even more so. This is why prayer for our Nation and our President is so essential. 

Is such a statement made by President Reagan, political? Some would say yes, but nothing escapes the spiritual war American is facing. Read President Ronald Reagan’s August 23, 1984 statement. Reagan served as the 40th President from 1981 to 1989. If we believe God can’t be invoked by a president, or political leader, then we have a real serious problem. As also stated by President Reagan, if we forget that “we are one nation under God”,

we would certainly “be a nation gone under”. If you don’t believe America is in a spiritual battlefield read Ephesians 6:10-18 again.

President Ronald Reagan’s comments are a perfect lead in to the next couple of slides. We are living in challenging times, that most Christians are not even aware of, and which constitute an assault against God and Country.  Is it a form of spiritual warfare that Paul warns about in Ephesians 6? Absolutely.  

A group who calls themselves “The Disciples Of Lucifer”, even have a Facebook page showing a list of 22 cities where the “Luciferian March For A One World Government” was to take place this past Sunday (June 21st — the Summer Solstice). This and associated groups have several Facebook pages. The one called “Luciferians” has 491 members. Another called “The Luciferian Society” has 9.4 thousand members. And there are others of similar Luciferian* names. I read one report by a witness to Sunday’s Raleigh NC march, which is noted on the next slide. 

Note: *Lucifer, the Morning Star, was Satan’s name before his fall. There was a time when this never would have been accepted as an open public display, because it was contrary to our national values and cultural norms. Apparently, no more.

Based on what I read regarding the marches, apparently it was a “mixed bag” where in some cities more Christians showed up to protest the Luciferians. Thank God! The point of even posting this is that Satan is alive and well on planet earth, even right here in the USA. We can’t just sluff it off as a “bunch of nuts” because Satan’s influence is real, very real, and calls for prayer for our Nation and our president. Eph 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

With all that’s going on, the COVID-19 pandemic, racial discord and civic unrest, how does God keep us in perfect peace? His angels are at our side through thick and thin (Luke 4:10; Psalm 34:7, Psalm 91:11). When we know who God is, and that He sent Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, worship and prayer can bring a sense of peace and comfort upon our soul, especially when we dwell on Him and His Word. 

If the church loses sight of its mission to share the Gospel, and focuses instead on attracting people with cool things as its priority, it has already lost the battle. 

In the books of Daniel and Revelation, God gives us a description of the antichrist of Bible prophecy, which is a study in and of itself, way beyond this particular study, but an important introduction to the finality of our study on angels and their interaction with mankind, of which Revelation 14:9-12 paints the picture of the finale of the spiritual battle here on earth, but it’s not over just yet. 

Revelation is probably one of the most less understood, misunderstood, and even disputed books in the Bible in regard to what exactly does it mean. Consequently there are a number of views regarding what it means when it refers to the End Times. Yet most are confident that their viewpoint is the correct one. We will explore this further on.

The Book of Revelation paints a broad picture of the End Times, the culmination of Satan’s power and deadly attacks on God’s people. But, there is a day of reckoning carefully spelled out by John, its author, beyond what this lesson can convey. Nevertheless, the message is that even with all the power they sway in spiritual warfare against God’s Church and His people, ultimately, Satan and his angels are destined to lose. Satan has strived throughout history to create a new world order under his influence and authority, and at times and in a limited way, he was successful. He will continue to have a limited victory, as he had in the past, but in the finality of history, he will lose. So, dear brothers and sisters do not despair at the evil onslaught unleased against our nation. Prayer is a defensive weapon against Satan and his demonic angels. How is it a deterrent?  It provides a barrier against Satan’s onslaught. God wouldn’t tell us to pray if it wasn’t an effective defense (Matt. 24:20; John 17:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 6:18; 2 Th.3:1-3; Jude 20).

Don’t blow your mind trying figure out and understand every nuisance on this slide, there is far too much to absorb without an open and extensive discussion. Nevertheless, it’s worth a look. It’s a biblical overview of the two paths mankind is on, also why there are different viewpoints on the end times. It’s an example that we are only scratching the surface with studies like this one, about angels, the angelic realm, good versus evil, and even a slice of the End times, which includes the Final Judgment, the New Heaven and New Earth, etc. For those inclined, you can enlarge the slide by clicking on it, and hitting esc to undo the enlargement. Perhaps another time and another study we can get into it as such.

Shown on this slide are the three main views held across Christianity regarding when the Rapture is expected to occur or not. So, stay tuned for our next lesson which will be posted next Friday afternoon. Until we meet again, blessings to all!. 

 END OF LESSON #5