Higher Aim with Dr. Curt Dodd

We are now in the 13th Chapter of the Book of Revelation. Today, we will look at the last half of Chapter 13. It will introduce us to the false prophet, the second beast. The Bible speaks about him over and over again, as one who survives a fatal head wound. It is important for us to understand that. He has one agenda and it's the agenda of the dragon, Satan, who empowers him. He literally wants to conquer the world. He will be given authority to do that for 3 1⁄2 years. That is half of the 7-year Great Tribulation period.

At this particular moment of time in the Book of Revelation in Chapters 12 and 13, we have seen several things. We have seen that the woman is Israel. We have seen Michael the Archangel. We have looked at Israel's remnant, those who will be saved. The male child, who is Jesus; we have been introduced to the male child (who is Jesus). The dragon is Satan himself. We need to keep these characters in mind as we see this vision story that John is telling us, while he unfolds the picture. The Bible tells us that the devil is going after the entire world. Because he knows his time is short, he is extremely angry. Clearly, Satan will turn up the heat. So let’s look at what we need to do to understand better what’s ahead for this world in the end times.

We are in a spiritual battle. John saw it correctly; he saw a war in heaven. Does that sound odd to you, that heaven (which should be a place of peace) is at war? Does that sound out of place? Today’s key verses provide a great perspective on history. They also provide a great perspective on the reality of what is happening now. When we get this right and put it in order, we will be able to make sense of what is happening right now in our culture and in this world. Let’s look at what John had to say about the war going on in heaven when he wrote this chapter of Revelation.

Today’s key passage can be a difficult one to interpret, but it’s one that’s so important to understand so that we gain a better idea of what the Lord is trying to tell us through this book of prophecy. So throughout this message, we are going to look at who the woman is and who the dragon is in this particular section of Scripture,
and then we’re going to close with why this information matters to us in present day. Let’s dive in.

As God unfolded many things to John throughout the book of Revelation, God unpacked the judgments upon this planet that will take place in the future during the Great Tribulation. The Two Witnesses have appeared, the Second Woe has passed, and the Seventh Trumpet has sounded. In the midst of this calm, before everything breaks loose, God gives John a heavenly perspective. I have a feeling that things are different in your life spiritually; it is confusing and distressing. Maybe, you are wondering, “God, where are you?” He hasn't moved. He wants you to have a heavenly perspective, just like He gave John. We’re going to look at the aspects of that perspective in this message.

Nothing is more powerful than standing for the Lord against the backdrop of a dark culture. God calls us to do that. We must ask ourselves, “Am I willing to stand? Am I willing to take a stand in this culture where God has placed me? Am I willing to be different? Am I willing to be hostile to the culture or to people I care about? Because I would rather stand on the principles of God.” Scripture tells us that God will bring judgment on a religious system that has nothing but distraction concerning it. In the midst of this, God raises up two dynamic witnesses. We don't know their names. They are not identified by their names, but rather by their purpose. I want you to see several things as we examine this passage of Scripture so that you can be encouraged and challenged to be a bold witness for Christ.

As we continue our study of the book of Revelation, we need to understand the concept of the Kingdom of God. First, there is the Millennial Reign of God, which is to come. In this thousand-year period, God will set up His Kingdom on earth. Second, there is the Kingdom of God within you, where God rules over your heart and life. Even though this chapter is more informational rather than inspirational, it is important that we understand how everything fits together. Therefore, we will take a step back and look at the Temple that is mentioned specifically in the first two verses.

Whether you are in pain or in service and doing God's will, we need a fresh glimpse of who God is. That is very critical in your spiritual maturity. John was in service. He was on the Isle of Patmos and God was allowing him to go through pain, while allowing him to serve. In the midst of this, Jesus gives John a fresh glimpse of Himself, and He can do the same for you. As we wrap up this mini-series, let’s review what we’ve already learned about how John saw Jesus and learn a little bit more about the fresh glimpse John got of Jesus so that we too can have a fresh glimpse as well.

In Revelation Chapter 10, we are taking it step-by-step to uncover some of the jewels and gems in this passage. When God comes alongside us in the midst of our trials and tribulations, He does not often give us a detour. Instead, He provides the way for us to go through the middle of the mountain, all the way through. The way He does this is to give us a fresh glimpse of Himself. This is exactly what He did for John as he wrote the book of Revelation. So in this message, we are going to look further at the glimpse John was able to get of God.

The passage we are going to look at today passage is powerful when we are going through difficult times. I am sure John must have felt overwhelmed writing about the judgment of God. As I have been preaching verse by verse through the Book of Revelation, I have been overwhelmed. I am ready to get through the judgment part and focus on heaven, but not yet. We are looking at this passage because it is there for you and for me, so that we are reminded that God will come through for us just when we need Him the most.