Monthly Archives: February 2022

Daniel and Revelation

DANIEL AND REVELATION OPENED

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I want to invite you to an Answers from Scripture Zoom class called DANIEL AND REVELATION OPENED. It will be facilitated by myself and two other retired men. It will be a verse by study.

We are so sure these classes will benefit you that we will be drawing for a free iPad and other gifts if you attend ten straight classes.

THE ZOOM CLASSES BEGIN 3-1-22 (TUES) AT 7:00 PM CENTRAL AND EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT AFTER THAT. TO SIGN UP SIMPLY SEND YOUR EMAIL TO:

DanielRevelation2300@gmail.com.

You may be asking, WHAT CHURCH IS THIS? The short answer is no church. The facilitators of these zoom classes, Eddie, Larry, and Charlie, are retired family men who share a love for Jesus Christ and are excited by the opportunity to open the Books of Daniel and the Revelation of Jesus Christ again. (These classes were conducted last year for the first time. )

The facilitators have backgrounds across multiple denominations, and in these studies, they check denominational hats at the door and let the Bible speak for itself. It is discussion-oriented. Eddie, Larry, and Charlie have decades of experience in leading in-depth but low-pressure scripture studies, including the companion books of Daniel and Revelation.

You will not be asked to join a church. What you do with the information and material is up to you. Where you fellowship is entirely up to you. The desire of these men is for each person who joins the study to discover Jesus Christ or be strengthened in their current faith. We hope you will join us in this journey to see Jesus revealed, perhaps like you have never seen before!

I hope to see you!

Eddie Armstrong (Author of Answers From Scripture Online)

Inspiration

Lying and Deception-A Rampant Deadly Disease

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More deadly than COVID is the plague of lies and deception.  This fatal disease infects everyone in the world in one way or another.  It is not limited to politicians, rulers, and famous people.  Marriages and relationships can’t escape this deadly grip.  It is in churches, synagogues, and places of worship. It has become the fabric of advertising, documentaries, and entertainment.

People receive phone calls from scammers telling them lies to steal their identity and hard-earned money every day.  Husbands and wives tell lies to cover adulterous relationships.  The Church and its leaders have not escaped its tentacles.  Pastors, preachers, teachers, and followers deceive when the truth is not convenient or cuts across their desires or traditions.  Cult leaders weave truth and lies to create false religions.  Why is this?

The Anti-Christ-The Ultimate Delusion

Paul reveals why people (including church members) are easily deceived.  He addresses the Thessalonian church concerning the last days and the Anti-Christ (son of perdition, lawless one).  The Anti-Christ uses lies and deception to fool the people into following Him because they don’t love the truth.  The pleasure of sin and convenience sets them up in a mindless state for strong delusion.

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

1 Thessalonians 2: 9-12

Sadly, God’s truth is not respected, mainly because it is inconvenient, as one politician put it, concerning the environment.

Both Jesus and His disciples cautioned the church against lies and deception concerning the return of Christ.   Jesus had just told the disciples that the temple would be destroyed.  They connected the destruction of the massive temple with the return of Jesus.  But Jesus was more concerned about deception than brick and mortar.   The first words out of Jesus’ mouth were cautions about deception regarding His return. He used the word “deceive” four times. The entire subject of Matthew’s chapter 24 is to provide clarity about the method, signs of His return, and necessary preparation for His return.

“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many…. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.  For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.  See, I have told you beforehand.” 

Matthew 24:4,11, 25

Lying and Deception’s Connection to All Sin

Aren’t you tired of those who lie so convincingly only to have the truth come out later?  What disappointment!  God’s word makes it clear that lying is a serious business and it has serious eternal consequences. 

What makes lying and deception so invasive is its connection to many other sins.  Lying is often the foundation for sins such as theft, adultery, murder, selfishness, pride, and even the worship of God.

It is no wonder then that God forbids it.  It is the ninth commandment.  But don’t let its position minimize its importance.  It is a sin just as deadly as any other sin you can think of. James tells us:

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

James 2:10

The ultimate fate of those who practice lying and deception is tragic.  They will be destroyed by fire.  They will die what the Bible calls the second death (eternal death).

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Revelation 21:8

In the last chapter of the Bible (Revelation 22), there is a description of those raised in the second resurrection.  After a thousand years, Satan deceives them to attack the Holy City New Jerusalem from heaven to earth.  The city is surrounded, but God sends fire down from heaven, consuming them forever.  This is the second death.  Among these lost souls are those who practice lying.

But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

Revelation 22:15

The Origin of Lying and Deception

The first recorded lie in the Bible came from the fallen angel Lucifer who was thrown out of heaven. His lie contradicted the plain word of God to the first couple.  If only Adam and Eve had believed God and walked away, things would have been different.  But they didn’t.  They listened and did not hang up on the deceptive call from the one who had only destruction of God’s creation on his mind.  God had said they would die; Satan said they wouldn’t.  It is the pattern of lies to bring comfort and assurance to its victim initially.  Then they are caught in the snare.

And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”

Genesis 3:2

Here is where Eve should have hung up on the call from Satan.  She should have walked away and continued tending the garden with Adam.  But she didn’t.  She listened.  Here is a lesson for us all:  Listening to lies and considering them is never productive.  It is best to hold up your hand and refuse to even hear or consider it!

Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Genesis 3: 4-5

For disobedience, God says death.  Satan says, “No!”.  The subject of life and death has traveled the course in this world.  Their is confusion about the meaning of death. The pagan belief in reincarnation says you never die.  Even the Christian church has adopted the idea that a person (soul) never dies.  They live in eternal flames or heaven.  They claim the soul is immortal, but scripture never once says it is. This first lie explains away the clear passages on death. 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

Romans 6:23

Death falls upon all men because all have sinned, but the second death (Perishing) by the lake of fire, as described by John in Revelation 21:8, is death that is eternal.  It is the final paycheck for those who refuse the invitation of God and desire to live in sin.  These have not trusted in Jesus to give eternal life provided at the resurrection when He comes (See 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18 and 1 Corinthians 15: 51-55). Therefore, only the redeemed will live eternally.  The lost will perish.

He who has the Son has [life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5:12

The most famous verse in the Bible puts before the reader the two options of life or death (Perish). 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Belief (trust) in Jesus leads to everlasting life.  The opposite (unbelief or not trusting) leads to perishing.

Father of Lies

The self-righteous Pharisees approached Jesus one day and started an accusatory conversation with self-deceived lies about Jesus.  Jesus told them how to be free in the truth:

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31, 32

Here is the only way to be free from deception, lies, and ultimately death in the lake of fire.  We are to abide (live) by “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” regardless of tradition, convenience, or pleasure.

The soft-spoken Jesus told the religious leaders in plain words their condition.  He wanted them to be free.  They claimed their pedigree of having Abraham as their father. But Jesus contradicted them and claimed they had another father because they wanted to kill Him. 

Their temper was roused, and they alluded to Jesus’ apparent illegitimate birth through the fornication of Mary.

They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.”

Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.”

Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.”

John 8: 40,41

Jesus ignores their nasty assertion. He then asks a great question and provides the answer.  It is a vital truth that rings down to our time.  It has to do with understanding and believing Jesus. Then he reveals that Satan is the father of all lies, their real father.

Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. (We don’t understand Jesus because we don’t listen)  You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.

John 8: 43-47

What Shall We Do?

I am tired of all the lies in our society and in myself.  I cannot watch TV without deception and lies from advertisers and Hollywood writers.   A friend of mine records all his shows and sports events to skip the commercials.  I have tried the same.  If the streaming service doesn’t allow it, I simply mute the commercials.   

Satan is the father of lies and deception.  He desires to deceive even the very elect (if possible) into eternal death.  Lies and deceit are dangerous.  It can start as a white lie and then get out of control into a forest fire.

The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, sets on fire the course of nature, and set on fire by hell.

James 3:6

If you feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit, repent from the deadly sin of lying and deception and turn to the truth of God’s word.  He will never lie to you, and He will change you.  Will you join me in asking God to change us…to make us a new creature where lies do not occupy the temple of God?  Would you let this be your prayer today?

Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips And from a deceitful tongue.

Psalm 120:2

Daniel and Revelation

The Church at Pergamum-A Dangerous Place to Live

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Author’s note: The following is formatted as an example of the student notes for an upcoming Daniel and Revelation seminar conducted by three facilitators who leave denominational hats at the door. The seminar will be conducted for the benefit of the individual to find reasons for a solid faith in Jesus Christ.

The zoom class is a denominational-free and safe zone for those who want to go verse by verse to understand these two great books about the prophecies that all point to Jesus and His soon return.

About the Facilitators:

The facilitators of these zoom classes, Eddie, Larry, and Charlie, are retired family men who share a love for Jesus Christ and are excited by the opportunity to open the Books of Daniel and the Revelation of Jesus Christ again (This seminar was conducted late in 2020 thru early 2021 every Tuesday night via zoom). The facilitators have backgrounds across multiple denominations, and in these studies, they check denominational hats at the door and let the Bible speak for itself. Eddie, Larry, and Charlie have decades of experience in leading in-depth scripture studies, including the companion books of Daniel and Revelation. You will not be asked to join a church. What you do with the information and material is up to you. Where you fellowship is entirely up to you. Their desire for each person is to be strengthened in the faith of Jesus Christ. We hope you will join us in this journey to see Jesus revealed, perhaps like you have never seen before!

If you want to sign up and have an opportunity to win a free iPad for 10 attendance classes, send your email address to danielrevelation2300@gmail.com

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,

‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:  “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, [which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”

’ Revelation 2:12-17

Keywords and phrases to understand:

  1. Sharp two-edged sword

Answer:

  • Satan’s throne. Where Satan dwells (Seat of Authority). Hint: Rome Pagan and  Roman Emperor Worship center. Pergamum was the capital city of the Roman province of Asia!

Answer:

  • Antipas-faithful martyr. Who is he? Hint: what is he known for?

Answer:

  • Doctrine of Ballam and Balak. Hint: read the story in Numbers 22. What was Ballam’s objective?

Answer:

  • Stumbling block. Eat things sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality.

Answer:

  • Doctrine of Nicolaitans. God hates.

Answer:

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

  • They hold fast to My name and My faith. (Did not say, to your name or your faith. Why?)
  • Some within the congregation hold fast to a false and hateful doctrine of Balaam
  • This doctrine puts a stumbling block to God’s people.  Who said they should not eat food sacrificed to idols?  God.  Who said they should not commit sexual immorality.  Why just these two?  Satan chips away at reversing what God has said (See garden of Eden).  He chips away at what is holy (food dedicated to idols).  See the early church’s council to the newly converted Gentiles. (See Jerusalem decree Acts 15: 22-29)
  • Some within the congregation hold to the doctrine of Nicolaitans. Also, those in the church at Ephesus had the same problem (Rev. 2: 6). But the Ephesus church hated their deeds, as did God.  What are the acts and the doctrine of Nicolaitans?
  • God knows where they dwell.  It is a dangerous place to live literally and spiritually (A religious and more climate dangerous to their faith).  Do we live in a dangerous place? Why didn’t God tell them to move out away from the city?

Historical Significance

“The experience of the church in Smyrna coincided with the severe persecution of the faithful Christian church throughout the Roman Empire during the second and third centuries.  Historicist interpreters have generally applied the “ten days” (2:20) to the notorious intermittent imperial persecution (A.D. 303-313) initiated by Diocletian and taken over by his successor Gallerius.  This period was also characterized by further departure from the simplicity of the gospel.    In such a way, the church in Smyrna could represent the period in church history from the beginning of the second century until approximately A.D. 313 when Constantine the Great issued the famous Edict of Milan granting Christians religious freedom.”  Revelation of Jesus Christ-Stefanovic, p.125

Discussion questions.  What is the description of Jesus, and why is it important to this church?  What is the Two-Edged sword? (See Hebrews 4:12). The false doctrine can be rooted out through God’s word.  What does the sword give the person holding it to do?  How does the description of Jesus in each church provide the solution to the literal church, the historic church, and the church of today?

Final Thoughts

Pergamum was a divided church.  It was a dangerous place to be inside and outside the church.  Some remained faithful to Jesus and His word.  Others gave into the false teachings that God hated.  They also lived in a city known for false worship of rulers and false gods.  Those who remained faithful could be martyred at any time.  At any moment, the Roman emperor could have forced them to worship himself or the pagan gods.  If they refused, they would be martyred. 

While the Roman Emperor had a sword representing the rule of power and ending life if non-compliant, Jesus alone has control over life and death.  He has a double-edged sword in his mouth.  When He speaks, the dead rise to life. (See 1 Thess 4: 16-18)

Application for Us:

Are we as individuals remaining faithful to Jesus and God’s word? Where is our loyalty?  Are we a witness even to those in the church that holds to the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans?

Daniel and Revelation

Is The Church At Smyrna A Shadow of the Coming Events

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for the Last-Day followers of Christ?

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.  I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.’

Revelation 2: 8-11

Jesus

Four Ways to Hear

1.) Understand the church for which the message was originally intended. What was the city, culture, and condition of the church?

2.) How does that church match up with our local congregation? When you hear the issues of the Revelation church, does it ring a bell related to your congregation? For example, is it loveless, lukewarm, etc.?

3.) How does the message speak to me personally? Are you loveless, lukewarm, etc.?

4.) The contemporary significance of each church as a historical marker of the church’s journey through the ages (Historist view). the first church of Ephesus

Regarding question #1. Here is the description of Smyrna at the time of Jesus message to them:

The Church of Smyrna. Who Were They? Is This Us?

1.) A political, religious, and cultural center noted for the science and medicine that flourished there.

2.) Entertainment was king. They were proud of their largest public theater in the province. It seated twenty thousand people!

3.) The city was wealthy and beautiful, claiming the title of “the glory of Asia.”

4.) It had a special relationship with Rome (the government). The first to build a temple of home to the pagan god Roma.

5.) Christians were not popular and minimized. At the time of the book of Revelation, emperor worship became mandatory. Each citizen was required to burn incense on the altar to the godhead of Creaser, then issued a certificate. To refuse could bring death (Rev. 13?)

6.) There was a large and robust contingency of Jews hostile towards Christians. They joined the pagans against the Christians and incited the authorities to persecute them. They slandered the Christians and made false accusations of creating trouble and misery for them (purposeful misinformation?). Jesus depicts these Jews as the “synagogue of Satan.” As Christians, are we quick to minimize and criticize other Christians, not of our particular denomination? In today’s society, we may be our own worse enemy!

Consequently, there was fear among the Christians. What direction did Jesus give them? Did he tell them to become survivalists and store weapons and food to survive? Did he ask them to compromise their faithfulness to Him? No! He said this: “Stop fearing the things you are about to suffer.”

Here is the message to local congregations and individuals in the church. Stop the gloom and doom messages. Be truthful about the destruction of Christ’s return, but stop fearing and believe in God’s protection for those who love Him and His appearing. If suffering is involved, God will provide the strength to endure! The world fears for the things they see coming upon the earth, not the follower of Christ!

Stop fearing and start trusting in Him!

Jesus message to this city is the shortest of the seven .

Jesus introduces Himself as the first and the last, the one who was dead and came to life (2:8; cf. 1:17) This introduction of Jesus is well suited for a suffering church passing through dire, constant persecution.

Revelation of Jesus Christ, Ranko Stefanovic, p.123

The fact that Jesus died and rose to life after three days is the bedrock of the Christian’s hope. Our hope is not in dying and going to heaven. It is the return of Christ and raising us from the dead. Paul makes this clear in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 and the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 15. Like Jesus, we may be persecuted, but we have this hope that even though we die, we shall live again.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

Jesus, John 11:25

The Crown of Life

This church was already faithful, but Jesus is telling them to endure and continue to be faithful. The Christian experience of salvation is not a one-time event, but a continued journey.

But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Matthew 24:13

The Crown is given at the return of Christ. Let those “with ears hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Paul- 2 Timothy 4:18

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Jesus-Revelation 22: 12, 13