Revelation, A Case Study of A Valid Prophecy Part l
May 25, 2021 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral & Emotional Health, Bible Study
JESUS IS Coming Soon! IF HE Came Today; Are You Ready?
A Valid Prophecy
The Book of Revelation is quite an interesting, intriguing narrative account of the grand finale! Bursting at the seam it encompasses a great wealth of relative, similar, prophetic symbolism that is also found in the Books of Daniel and Zechariah. It is in Revelation that John shares his many quite extraordinary, remarkable visions. John endured a lot of persecution because of his faith and belief in Jesus Christ. It is here on the rocky island of Patmos John was exiled because he would not worship the pagan image of emperor Domitian.
What is so amazing there was improvement needed in each of the churches. John writes to the churches to help them get themselves in order. When John is writing he is writing to GOD’S entire CHURCH all throughout each city. He is obedient to make known what the Lord has given him to share. He candidly and transparently writes to the Church in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Tyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and unto Laodicea. He warns them and tells them what is to come. He tells them to take head to what he is saying.
The Apostle John was a leader of the Church in Rome. He was placed on the rocky Isle of Patmos to be put to shame. He was isolated or rather banished because of His strong belief and testimony in Christ Jesus. The irony of this is John was so very deeply rooted and inspired by GOD. Therefore he did not allow his physicality to hinder him from being a yielded vessel to the Lord. He was well aware of GOD’S OMNIPRESENCE! No doubt he learned first hand “to be in the world but not of the world” Here on Patmos the Lord gave the Apostle John phenomenal vivid picturesque 3D visions of what was to come.
Revelation is a magnificent Book of Prophecy. It was shared and disbursed to the (7) seven Churches within Asia which was a province in the ancient Roman Empire. Today we and the Church at large down through the ages have continued to benefit greatly from Revelation and its intriguing spiritual wisdom. Always keep in mind that seven is the number of completion.
The beauty of the Lord is He does sometime require that we disengage from the world. But never isolate ourselves from Him. “Draw nigh to GOD and HE will draw nigh to you!” Most writers or scribes are accustomed to spending time away in order to bring forth a message. God did not make any of us to be robots. He who in the fullness of His sovereign power allows us to choose. It is wise to spend time in the presence of the LORD! He sharpens and refines our discernment. As we grow in the grace and wisdom of the Lord we become more aware of who He is. The incredible thing about the Lord is we are never away from HIS OMNIPRESENCE.
Scores of readers shy away from reading Revelation and find some of its contents a bit disturbing. Others simply find it weird and even a bit irrational. However, when one looks closer through a spiritual lens you will discover that John truly and unselfishly intended to enlighten, inspire hope and encouragement in the midst of his own personal predicament. Revelation contains valid prophecy and a plethora of spiritual blessings.
The (7) Seven Churches
The person of Jesus Christ, His divine nature and character are transparently revealed in Revelation. Revelation comes from the Greek word apokalypsis, it means the unveiling of something that was previously unrevealed. The Apostle John saw amazing enlightening visions that he was instructed to write down while exiled to the Island of Patmos. He was directed by the Lord to send letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea they were within the province of Asia. Within these seven cities the Church had been established. Remember John had been exiled to Patmos for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Revelation has been described as one of the most complicated, intimidating Books in the Bible. One might pose the question; “Well if it is so complicated then why bother at all to read Revelation?” First and foremost because it is the inspired Word of God. John gives us a profound reason to persevere through its contents. One must certainly solicit the aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual ears for any lucid clarity. John himself really answers that question earlier on. He tells us that “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take it to heart what is written in it, because the time is near…”
The Apostle John astutely reinforces the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord! Everything was spoken into existence by Him and He is the Head of GOD’S CHURCH! He lived here on earth as the Son of GOD and He is the KING of Kings and the LORD of Lords.
CHRIST JESUS: THE WORD IN SINLESS FLESH
Here in Revelation we are reminded that Jesus created all things and all things are subject to Him. This was also confirmed in Colossians 1 & John 1. This further helps one to understand why Jesus humbled Himself, and actually became the “Word in Sinless Flesh.” It was out of obedience to the will of the Father that JESUS came to earth from Heaven. He Lived a disciplined sinless life and overcame sin in the flesh. He was heinously beaten, persecuted and slandered. He was crucified upon the cross, died, then arose gloriously with all power. CHRIST JESUS BECAME THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE and died for the sins of the world! Here we learn the immense significance of His amazing position as the “Lamb of God.” He once and for all gave His life. For those who believe this is the GOSPEL the “GOOD NEWS!” Just by knowing who we are in Him helps us to live or can help us to live victoriously as John did despite his situation and what was happening in the world!
Essentially our purpose for life and living is to discover GOD as our CREATOR and MAKER. To seek Him above everything else. We as believers belong to GOD. Therefore, we must accept CHRIST JESUS into our hearts as our LORD & SAVIOR! For we who are believers have been purchased with His Blood. GOD bestows upon us the precious “GIFT” of HIS HOLY SPIRIT; HIS COMFORTER TO LEAD US to ALL TRUTH! We must always keep in mind that The CHURCH belongs to HIM. CHRIST JESUS IS THE HEAD OF HIS CHURCH & HIS CHURCH IS HIS BRIDE!
Revelation contains an affluent wealth of prophetic visions that stretches one’s imagination to think far beyond the surface. To ponder and launch out into the deep where one’s faith or lack thereof becomes apparent. John goes on to describe the events on a scroll to be sent to the seven (7) cities where the Church was established. The seven (7) Spirits are the eyes of God which are spiritual facets of God’s Holy Spirit. The seven (7) gold lampstands represent the Church. To each of them he has some very specific and interesting comments. Take some time and see where your congregation of choice is? “He who has an ear, let Him hear what the Spirit says to the Church.”
It is important today in this 21st century to be mindful that the scriptures are being fulfilled. GOD’S WORD IS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! God wants us to have an intimate daily personal relationship with Him. He is the Most High God above Him is no other! It is important to know the Lord’s Word for yourself. This way you “will no longer be infants tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming…” as expressed in Ephesians 4.
Ongoing Spiritual Warfare
It is here in Revelation that we are reminded of the ongoing spiritual warfare that was and has continued to go on within and against God’s Church. Keep in mind when Revelation was written the many large, small, storefront and or mega buildings where the Church comes together for worship did not exist. We are to worship God daily. Yes we can come together to worship. With two, three, a few, many or a multitude… We the people are GOD’S CHURCH not the buildings we gather together in. When CHRIST returns we will be “CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM in the CLOUDS to MEET THE LORD in the AIR. SO SHALL WE FOREVER BE WITH HIM ” I Thessalonians 4
GOD DOES NOT HAVE TO ASK ANYONE’S PERMISSION TO BLESS US!!!
We live within a Spiritual warzone. The war between good and evil continues to divide God’s Church. This is again why it is so very important to have an intimate personal relationship with the Lord and know His Word. Revelation does not easily open its contents for one to readily embrace and understand. One must seek and call upon the Holy Spirit to keep you attentive. To continue through the many passages that requires a deep concentration and steadfastness through the many tumultuous interludes. This is also why it is so very important to worship the LORD “in SPIRIT and in TRUTH” whenever or wherever you worship; GOD indeed, is always truly worthy of our sincere praise!
All in all Revelation major overtones reassures us that our HOPE and TRUST must be in the Lord. John clearly reminds us that GOD alone, gave His only Begotten Son to redeem us from the clutches of sin and death and insure our access to eternal life!
Seven (7) is the Number of Completion
It is through Adam & Eve that sin and death entered our existence. During one’s mesmerizing safaric enlightening journey through Revelation there are many turns and unexpected surprises. Vivid, veracious scenes depicting the seven (7) seals, seven (7) trumpets, scrolls, exotic creatures, dragons and angels, seven (7) plagues and seven (7) bowls of God’s wrath, and a wondrous plethora of rare precious gemstones and so much more… Here in Revelation there is also a wonderful vision magnificently illustrating the joy and honor for being invited to the great wedding supper.
SEVEN (7) is the number of COMPLETION! It is within the LORD we can become complete. Everything we will ever need for life, daily living & eternal life we can discover in Him. The KING of Kings and the LORD of Lords emerges and gives us a marvelous glimpse of what Heaven is like. Always keep in mind; It is through Jesus Christ’s love for us, His birth, sinless life, crucifixion, death and resurrection that we have been redeemed and given the gift of eternal life. Within the power of His Glorious Resurrection is our Eternal Hope!
What has been happening within our country and throughout this world…
Yes, our country had a dreadful economic crisis, and property values plummeted and are now slowly rising. Extreme climatic weather conditions worldwide have been occurring. A multiplicity of extreme devastating forest fires persist. And yes, we are also experiencing the collateral damage of this Pandemic Coronavirus all over the world… Millions have been globally impacted. Hundreds of thousands have lost their lives and many have despairingly suffered. Things on the earth will never be quite as they were. As long as there are human beings on earth we can expect something…
In His time the Lord will restore whatever has been unjustly taken from us. God always has something better in store. He will also strengthen and solidify your trust in Him as we embrace and apply His Word to our daily lives… With the Lord nothing is ever really lost it is often shifted to another form or location or held in abeyance momentarily. Know that God never has a recession in Heaven or earth. The earth and everything in it is His! He so graciously allows us here on earth to momentarily partake in His many blessings. Everything really does belongs to Him!
There is much spiritual warfare going on to undermine the principles of God. Look all around and see the things that have happened contrary to His Word! The Supreme Court even voted against the WORD of GOD in favor of “same sex unions.”
Yes there has been is a plethora of foreign and domestic terrorism. There is also a resurgence of racial discrimination, systemic racism, racial profiling, violation of privacy as well as escalating of the many varied and random senseless shootings…
Yes, let us be ever mindful of the earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, fires flooding, mudslides, rain, sleet, snow, fierce winds, storms, tsunamis and various horrendous extreme climatic weather conditions. The massive destructive heinous fires as well. Many lives, homes, businesses, possessions and sanctuaries have been lost. Pray for those who are going through and for those who continue to experience the repercussions of the aftermath from all of the various storms. In times like these we need a Savior.
We must learn to keep our focus upon the Lord!
Let us not overlook the scandalous political forum that persists. It is clear that the WORD of GOD is being fulfilled for some of everything is going on. Pandora’s Box has lost its lid.
All of this serves to confirm the authenticity of God’s Word! There is yet more to come.
It is so very important to spend some time daily in the Word of God! Pray for discernment so you can better discern what time it is. God has forewarned is to live each day as though the Lord were going to return.
The Angel in REVELATION speaks candidly to the Churches
In Revelation an angel of the Lord reminds us that “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord the God of the spirits and prophets, sent an angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” God knows us from the inside out through and through. He knows the why, who what, and why not. You may not want to think about it but time is of the essence. Our entire lives are an open book to the Lord this is inclusive of everyone all over this entire universe!
It is important that we keep in mind that our life continues on throughout eternity. It is important that you know without doubt for sure where you will spend eternity! This is not based upon what someone says, thinks or does not say about you. It is based on His Word and knowing without a doubt that it is to Him you belong. “It is in Him we live and move have our being.”
Hear what His Spirit has to say “BLESSED are those who wash their robes, that they may go through the gates of the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehoods…”
Although Revelation may be difficult to comprehend at times, I want to encourage you to read on prayerfully. Remember the Word of God is like no other. It is “quick (alive) and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword…”Since it is so full of vibrant life, each time you take time to read it and glean it’s wisdom your spiritual ears and eyes are opened just that much more! You can learn something new each time. And yes most definitely, Revelation always keep in mind is a valid prophecy
If you have truly accepted Jesus Christ into your heart you have been granted the “GIFT” of Eternal Life in Heaven. God is your Father & Creator! But, have you really given some serious thought to what eternity will be like? Are you really living today to prepare to live with the Lord for eternity? Imagine The Word tells us that there will be no more, death, pain or sorrow!“GOD will wipe every tear from their eyes; AND THERE WILL BE NO MORE death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there b an more pain. for the former things are passed away!” Revelation 21 For there will be ongoing praising & rejoicing...
It is important to realize when you truly are living for the Lord whatever you are going through its not over for you. It’s just temporary. REPENT! Have FAITH in GOD! In the end “WE WIN” GOD always has the last WORD! “These are the words of HIM who is HOLY and TRUE, who holds the KEY of DAVID, What HE opens NO ONE can shut, and what HE shuts NO ONE can open!”
GENESIS to REVELATION
The Bible starts with a marvelous story of Creation. Genesis records the Beginning. Revelation records the End. It concludes with the creation of a new heaven and earth in Revelation. Those who overcome through Jesus Christ will “stand firm in the end.” (evil will not be able to mimic itself as good and continue to deceive many…) We don’t know the day nor the hour but JESUS is coming soon!!! We can draw nigh to GOD everyday. For HE will draw nigh to you. We can also rest assured that CHRIST JESUS is coming back for those who have not already transitioned and gone on to Heaven! Yes; know there will be some who do not believe who will be “left behind.” YOU have a choice! Life is but a vapor. Your day of transitioning to the Lord can come any day… So, start preparing and living NOW EVERYDAY as though you really are expecting CHRIST JESUS to return TODAY!
The Promises of GOD will be fulfilled! HIS WORD will not return void.
In this world where disobedience, mistreatment, persecution, immorality, evil, lying, SPIRITUAL WARFARE and deception continue to rise and escalate… CHRIST JESUS OUR SAVIOR tells us to endure by FAITH! TRUST HIM! In spite of how things appear. He really does ultimately have ALL things and everyone under His control! His message of Love, Repentance, Faith and Salvation are extended to ALL!
“THANK YOU HALLLELLLUJAH!”
HE IS The GOOD SHEPHERD! HE IS The “BRIGHT and MORNING STAR!” HE IS The GREAT; “I AM” and above HIM is no other! HE IS The ALPHA and The OMEGA THE BEGINNING AND THE END! THE FIRST & THE LAST! HE IS GOD ALMIGHTY! We CAN ALWAYS have HOPE and TRUST in THE LORD & HIS WORD! Therefore, LIVE EVERYDAY; “TO GOD BE THE GLORY!” & FOREVER BLESS HIS HOLY NAME!!!
Revelation, A Case Study of A Valid Prophecy: Part II : Alpha 7 Ministries
Today Is A Gift So Be “THANKFUL!”
December 28, 2011 by Minister/Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living, life
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I start each day with; “This is the Day that The LORD has made! Let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it! O LORD SAVE us; O LORD grant us success. BLESSED is he who comes in the Name of the LORD. From the House of the LORD we BLESS you.The LORD is GOD and HE has made HIS Light to shine upon us.” It is interesting how we can sometimes take it for granted that there will be another day after today! Think about it for a moment! Who but GOD can make a DAY?
As each new year draws near and end I am quite Thankful! There have been many things to take place this year throughout the world! Many who started the year out with us have passed on to the other side! There have been numerous earthquakes and natural disasters that have ravaged the land! The magnitude of the world’s overall dwindling economy has reached catastrophic proportions! Many countries are suffering… Yes some have begun to rebound but the aftermath is residual. The plethora of terrorists attacks are insane… For many things will never be quite the same. The ongoing cycle of wars ending and wars beginning seem endless…
I realize that the holiday season can be a time of great anxiety for many! Memories of loved ones that have passed on and distressing times seek to vigilantly rob you of your joy! But look you are still here! You still have more time! Time is priceless! Try to think about some of the happier moments and times that you shared with them and dwell upon the fond, humorous, tender and warmhearted memories! Build new and cherished memories to hold on to! Honor their memory now as you keep them close to heart! Live live to its fullest. Set new goals and forge ahead seeking ways to accomplish your goals! Look forward to an improving quality of life no matter how long or short… Change is always on the horizon! Anything that does not change is dead. Celebrate life itself as you continue to move forward!
I can personally think of some very unpleasant moments, times of grief, illnesses, deaths, distresses and calamitous disasters that have taken place but I do not want to dwell there! Nor do I desire to camp in denial! I pray that the Lord will continue to open my eyes to TRUTH! Knowing that He will lead you or I as we are willing to submit to His Will & Way! I so want to continuously “Abide in the Shadow of the Almighty…! ” Psalm 91. This verse assures us that His protection is always available… Time waits on no one! Well I must say that The Lord can and did allow time to be turned back for a moment… “
King Hezekiah was a great example! Here we learn that God keeps His promises! With Him even the impossible is possible! “Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go to the Temple of The Lord on the third day from now?” Isaiah answered, “This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what He has promised; shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?” “It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps,” said Hezekiah. “Rather, have it go back ten steps.” The prophet Isaiah called upon the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.” II Kings 20.
What are you saying; King Hezekiah was faithful to the Lord! He became sick and to the point of death. He turned his face to the wall and humbly and sincerely prayed to the Lord asking the Lord to heal him! As a sign he asked if the shadow could go back ten steps! The stairway of Ahaz is a sundial. The Egyptians made their sundials in the form of miniature staircase. Shadows moved up and down to tell the time! The Lord honored Hezekiah’s request! “On the third day from now you will go up to the Temple of the Lord. I will add fifteen years to your life…” II Kings 20. Here we can see that time belongs to GOD! Evidently Hezekiah had not yet fulfilled his purpose on this side of heaven and the Lord extended his time! He granted Hezekiah another fifteen years of life!
My point here is that time is so precious and sometimes we just never know from moment to moment what will be… Even in the face of death we can turn to the Lord! We can begin to relish each moment and seek to have happier moments! To sincerely make an attempt to deal with life responsively even when it becomes unpleasant despite what is going on about us! To live life to its fullest! I believe if you reach deep enough inside, and think broad enough anyone can find something to be thankful for no matter how infinitesimally small it might be! Life itself is a precious gift! Our good days can outweigh the rough times… You may have to take it moment by moment during the difficult days when you can’t see your way through… Just know someone somewhere has more or less yet, no matter how large or small or seemingly insignificant we can express thanks! Memories are priceless! God is bigger and beyond anyone, anything or any situation we may ever encounter! He will see you through!
If you have been depressed for a long time, it’s time for things to change! God really does the FRUIT of HIS SPIRIT to flourish within all of our lives daily! Know that it is the devil who wants to keep you bogged down in regrets, fear, doubt, shame and hopelessness. To make you feel so bad that the pains of life have you down and overwhelmed! To separate you from the Lord and to get you to focus on your pain! Don’t let your emotions continue to get the best of you. Exercise some self-control! Reach out to the Lord! Cry out to Him He can meet you right where you are! There is light at the end of the tunnel you may feel lonely but you are not alone! God can reach over your abyss of torment and bring you through to start anew! Know that today is a gift from Him!
God sent His Son Jesus Christ to save us from sin. Sin is anything that separates us from GOD! Jesus came to earth to give us hope for a better life with the Lord! He never sinned and did many marvelous miraculous healings, signs and wonders! He even fed thousands of people with a small lunch of fish and bread shared by a generous young boy! The Book of John even tells us that the world could not contain the books of all the miraculous things that Jesus did WOW! Look at GOD! HE IS AMAZING! Although JESUS helped many, He was still horrendously mistreated! He was beaten, spit upon then nailed to the cross and placed in a borrowed tomb! It was borrowed because He did not plan to stay there! What happened to Him was a part of God’s plan for us! Jesus redeemed us and paid the price for the sins of the world with His life! He arose with all power from the grave declaring power over sin and death! GOD IS AWESOME!
“But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was IMPOSSIBLE for death the KEEP its hold on HIM. David said about Him:
“I saw the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue REJOICES; my body also will live in HOPE, because you will not abandon Me to the grave. Nor will you let your HOLY ONE see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with JOY in Your presence!” Acts 2.
Today is a gift from God! Draw closer to the Lord and shift your focus to Him! He will and can make all the difference in the world in your life! Everyone who is willing to invite Him into their heart can receive His Holy Spirit! He is the Inner Teacher, Guide, Wonderful Counselor and Comforter! Do not let life just pass you by! Ask the Lord to fill your heart and lift you from despair and fill you with His JOY!
No one can be a better you than you! Don’t allow man to take you down the primrose path that leads to destruction… Don’t allow the devil to make you live in regrets… What has happened cannot be undone! But you can always choose to go forward from where you are with the hope of building a better tomorrow! You can live eternally with the Lord! Don’t let anyone or anything rob you of Hope! Seek God for yourself! We can always have Hope in the LORD! Faith is what inspires Hope! Trust GOD! This is why an ongoing intimate personal relationship with The Lord is so very important! God is Love! He is the Great Equalizer! This is why He gave us His Son JESUS CHRIST! To accept Him into our hearts and let Him become our personal SAVIOR & LORD! With Him your age, race, address, bank account, medical condition, state of mind, societal status, IQ, what you have or do not have, does not change His Love for You! In Him you can discover everything that you will ever need! He can help you be the best you! He can fill your inner void and give you His PEACE that surpasses the understanding of man! PRAISE GOD!!!
God has created each of us for a purpose! “And we KNOW that in ALL things GOD works together for the GOOD” Romans 8. In HIS time! Life is about living and discovering whatever that purpose may be. All the signs of the last days are all about us! “ “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:25-28. Knowing this we can be thankful as time draws near! Prepare today! JESUS IS COMING SOON!
In Him we can have blessed assurance! It is “in HIM we live and move and have our being!” Acts 17. Yes be Aware! Yes express your doubts and fears! However make Him your focus! Not in a legalistic religious way! God wants us to enjoy life on this side of heaven! Spend time in His presence, meditating upon His Word! Allow Him to write His Word upon the tables of your heart and trust Him to bring it to your memory when needed! His Word is precious Spiritual Food for our souls! You have as much time as you need with the Lord, because time belongs to Him! Draw closer to the Him regardless of what is happening or not happening about you! Despite what is happening in this world know that He is still in control! His Word is being fulfilled!
Make it a point to spend time in His presence today! Be Thankful today because tomorrow is not promised! We know from His Word that even when your days may be few if it is His will He can extend time! If your Faith is dwindling and your heart troubled ask the Lord to rekindle your FAITH! Surrender your anxiety, depression, sadness,doubt, regrets or sickness to Him and let Him restore your JOY! Recommit or commit to His will and His way! God is our Protector, Healer and Deliverer we must continuously learn to entrust our wellbeing to HIM! Allow Him to be your Refuge and Fortress! God has already given us the Greatest Gift ever which is JESUS CHRIST!! We can Celebrate Christmas, New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving , Anniversaries, Birthdays, Holidays and everyday knowing that “”The earth is the LORD’S and everything in it the world and them that dwell therein!” Psalm 24. Trust God for brighter moments, days and precious memories ahead! He CAN and will supply ALL of your needs in CHRIST JESUS! GOD TRULY IS ABLE!! Prayer and Faith go together! Each day is a day to be Thankful! “This is the Day that The LORD has MADE! Let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it!” GOD BLESS YOU!
