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The Coming Crisis
Today's is The Coming Crisis.
As I begin today's topic, I want to remember that we live in conflict. The mark of the beast prophecy in Revelation 13 tells us about the fiercest and very worst stage of Satan's war against God. Ever since Jesus died on the cross, the enemy has known he was defeated, but he is determined to take as many as possible down with him. His first strategy in this campaign is deception; when deception does not work, he resorts to force. He is ultimately behind the decree that anyone who refuses to worship the beast or receive his mark will be put to death.
Religious persecution, of course, is not new. It has existed ever since Cain killed Abel for obeying God's command. Jesus said it would happen even among believers.
Throughout Christian history, persecution was common. It happened in pagan Rome but was especially evident in the vicious persecution of Bible-believing Christians by the medieval church. The mark of the beast is the final link in this hellish chain. Like past persecutions, it is designed to force everyone to conform to certain beliefs and an approved system of worship.
The prophecy indicates that persecution will start with economic sanctions: no one can buy or sell unless they have the mark. Anyone who refuses to receive the mark will eventually be placed under a death decree (Rev. 13:15, 17).
The devil is already preparing professed Christians to receive the mark of the beast when the final test comes by encouraging them to make compromises in their lives. When the whole world appears to be following the beast in wondering admiration (Rev. 13:3), suddenly, the scene changes and the prophetic camera focuses on God's people. Revelation 14:12 gives us this picture. "Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" (NKJV). God's people live lives of godly obedience. By His grace, they stand firm when everything is shaking around them. While the world is following the beast, they "follow the Lamb wherever He goes" (Rev. 14:4, NKJV). By the power of Christ, they triumph over the powers of hell arrayed against them.
As we saw in lesson 9, the central conflict between good and evil is over worship. The beast uses deception and, when that fails, force and coercion.
As we approach the perils of the last days, the enemy's temptations become stronger and more determined.
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View all episodes
Today's is The Coming Crisis.
As I begin today's topic, I want to remember that we live in conflict. The mark of the beast prophecy in Revelation 13 tells us about the fiercest and very worst stage of Satan's war against God. Ever since Jesus died on the cross, the enemy has known he was defeated, but he is determined to take as many as possible down with him. His first strategy in this campaign is deception; when deception does not work, he resorts to force. He is ultimately behind the decree that anyone who refuses to worship the beast or receive his mark will be put to death.
Religious persecution, of course, is not new. It has existed ever since Cain killed Abel for obeying God's command. Jesus said it would happen even among believers.
Throughout Christian history, persecution was common. It happened in pagan Rome but was especially evident in the vicious persecution of Bible-believing Christians by the medieval church. The mark of the beast is the final link in this hellish chain. Like past persecutions, it is designed to force everyone to conform to certain beliefs and an approved system of worship.
The prophecy indicates that persecution will start with economic sanctions: no one can buy or sell unless they have the mark. Anyone who refuses to receive the mark will eventually be placed under a death decree (Rev. 13:15, 17).
The devil is already preparing professed Christians to receive the mark of the beast when the final test comes by encouraging them to make compromises in their lives. When the whole world appears to be following the beast in wondering admiration (Rev. 13:3), suddenly, the scene changes and the prophetic camera focuses on God's people. Revelation 14:12 gives us this picture. "Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" (NKJV). God's people live lives of godly obedience. By His grace, they stand firm when everything is shaking around them. While the world is following the beast, they "follow the Lamb wherever He goes" (Rev. 14:4, NKJV). By the power of Christ, they triumph over the powers of hell arrayed against them.
As we saw in lesson 9, the central conflict between good and evil is over worship. The beast uses deception and, when that fails, force and coercion.
As we approach the perils of the last days, the enemy's temptations become stronger and more determined.
Send us a text
Support the show
Become a supporter of the On The Way - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2303964/support