Worshipful singing and warfare are connected Biblically; we should worship in song as we fight our daily battles! The 144,000 in this passage do this, and also remain blameless and chaste. If they fail, they must purify themselves before entering the war camp, as when entering the tabernacle. So to remain ready for battle, ready to serve the Lord, they instead choose to keep themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes... a great example for Christians in every age!

Psalm 130 is a Psalm of Ascents, rising from despair to redemption with God. We don't trust in our own works, but in Him because of the finished work of Jesus. He's quick to forgive, as we should be with others! He can pull us out of sin and raise us up. The least of our sins, if unforgiven, would condemn us for eternity... but if we come to Him for mercy, His redemption is plentiful!

To those God has saved, He gives the Holy Spirit, who gives us everything we need to serve and glorify God. Whatever gifts, skills and characteristics God has put in you, use them to make a joyful noise, and to serve and glorify Him! Do good and honest work, to the glory of God. If we do this, we'll be living in a way that fishes for men, for souls! This is an essential way that God draws people to Himself.

As Christians, we have many opportunities to be a peacemaker. Peacemaking is communal, as that is the nature of life in Christ. It requires sacrifice: controlling our reactions, and enduring persecution.

But for embodying this and the other eight Beatitudes, the reward in Heaven is great! We should rejoice and be glad in this persecution.

Those who fear the Lord, who turn to him, waiting expectantly, will receive Him. He is in the business of forgiving sinners... But it is the sinner's responsibility to come to God! Then nothing is strong enough to pry us from his hands. God's steadfast love is available for ALL of us. His redemption is plentiful because it was purchased by the blood of another, not our own works. We're saved only by believing and running to Him. So hope in His steadfast love!

Pastor Josh explores the implications and meanings behind the mark of the beast and the number of the beast. The Antichrist will have a lot in common with both Solomon and Nero. Though the coming of the final Antichrist may be far off, many today have begun forming an allegiance with the Antichrist spirit. We must choose: salvation (carrying the mark of Christ) or eternal torture (the mark of the beast). This determines where we spend eternity!

We must "test the spirits" in every area before diving in too deep. This includes political candidates, social movements, even the entertainment we choose. The Pharisees and Sadducees pushed ahead based on their gut feelings... they didn't test the spirits. Here's the test: is this activity or interest bringing glory to the Son?

If there's anything in your life that you shouldn't be doing, run away from it now-- it may seem harmless like a lamb, but it's really a murderous dragon in disguise. Satan glorifies himself, and delights in our downfall.