Those Who Are With Him

Scripture: Revelation 17

"These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful" (Revelation 17:14).

Called - by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

Chosen - in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14)

Faithful - unto death (Revelation 2:10)

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Tomorrow morning, if the Lord wills, I will present an OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE lesson - Manners in God's House.

1. Be on time.

2. Sit quietly.

3. Let others listen.

4. Sing praises to God.

5. Talk to God.

6. Give money quietly.

7. Walk with care.

8. Take care of God's house.

Jason Cicero

The Seven Bowls of Wrath

Scripture: Revelation 16

The true and living God "rules in the kingdoms of men" (Daniel 9:21). Revelation 16 appears to describe God's judgment of the Roman empire. These "bowls of the wrath of God" are poured out on the earth, not in the final judgment, but in a judgment that results in men continuing to blaspheme God (Revelation 16:21).

Rome sinned against God, did not heed the warnings of the trumpets, and God poured out His wrath.

I have sinned against God. His trumpets of warnings are sounding now. I can avoid His wrath if I repent.

Jason Cicero

They Sing

Scripture: Revelation 15

Those "who have victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name" sing (Revelation 15:2-3). Not just any song, mind you. "They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God,and the song of the Lamb" (Revelation 15:3).

The song they sing: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested" (Revelation 15:3-4).

Long to join those who sing! Fear the Lord and glorify His name! Worship Him in the beauty of holiness!

Jason Cicero

The 144,000

Scripture: Revelation 14

In Revelation 7 the 144,000 are on earth: "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand..." (Revelation 7:3-4).

In Revelation 14 the 144,000 are in heaven: "Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand...for they are without fault before the throne of God" (Revelation 14:1, 5).

As long as we follow the Lamb on earth, we will end up in Heaven: "These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes" (Revelation 14:4).

Jason Cicero

The Mark of the Beast

Scripture: Revelation 13

In the latter half of the first century Roman emperors began erected emperor temples where Roman citizens were required to prove their loyalty to the emperor. Some would burn a pinch of incense at the image of the emperor. Others would pour a libation and taste sacrificial meat.

In order to buy and sell in Roman markets in the latter half of the first century one would need a certificate. This certificate was given by the cult priests to those who had worshiped the emperor. Revelation 13:17 seems to be a reference to this certificate: "and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

What would the Christians of the first century do? Bow the knew to Caesar or Christ? What would you have done?

Jason Cicero