To Overcome Them

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To Overcome Them

The book of Revelation is written  in a picture language  that prophecies  the very end times  and a bit  of heaven.    Although we can all read Revelation  and get a very good idea  of the main gist  of what will be happening  in this world,  no one can claim  to accurately identify particular events  with all these different prophecies.     This book is meant  to assure us  of God’s control  of our futures — no matter how awful  things around us are.     We don’t have to know  exact details  —  just be aware  of the forces  of evil  that will be at work  in the end days.

With that  in mind,  Revelation chapter 13  has something to say  to us  today.     It would be good  to thoughtfully  and prayerfully consider this chapter  as we observe  what is happening  in the world today.    Obviously,  people these days  travel a whole lot more  than ever before  in history.     Also,  communication today  spreads ideas  at the speed of light  throughout the world.

In this age of technology,  people are more exposed  to all sorts  of philosophies,  religions,  theories,  ideas,  and ideals  than ever before.     Concepts and beliefs  that Grandpa and Grandma never heard about  in their whole life time  are now becoming commonplace  around the world.     Today,  our youth  are being taught all sorts  of philosophies,  beliefs,  and “politically correct” ideas  that would horrify our grandparents.

To top that off,  many of our youth  willingly accept  all they are taught  —  whether at college  or in the media  —  as truth  that can be blended right into  their family heritage.     They think  of all these ideas  as a part  of their personal life  —  instead of just being a part  of someone else’s life.     The end result is  that they are unable  to identify truth  and all beliefs  become a mish-mash  of nothingness.     Their faith   in Jesus Christ  as their Savior is gradually being killed  and they are totally unaware  of it.

The generalities  of the evil powers  in this world  to overtake  and destroy Christian influences  is spoken of  in Revelation 13.     It describes a beast and dragon  arrogantly speaking blasphemies  and being allowed  to have overwhelming power  in this world.     This evil power  will be so great  throughout the world  that people will worship the beast.     Then, Revelation 13:7-9 says,

And it was given  to him  to make war  with the saints  and to over come them;  and authority  over every tribe  and people  and tongue  and nation  was given  to him.

And all who dwell  on the earth  will worship him,  every one whose name  has not been written  from the foundation  of the world  in the book  of life  of the Lamb  who has been slain.

If anyone has an ear, let him hear.

This should make a person listen up.     Christians will be overcome  by the evil powers  in this world.     Their faith  won’t be destroyed,  but this could be referring  to things like schools and public places  no longer being allowed  to give reference  to God  —  students no longer being allowed  to pray  in school  —  all references  to God  in the historical documents  of the founding  of the United States  might be taken out  or dismissed  —  Christians finding it harder  to get a job  because of their faith  —  courts deciding  against Christian concepts  in all kinds  of court cases  —  laws that will tear down Christian concepts  regarding right and wrong  in many areas,  so that we will be forced  to live  in a very immoral society  —  and the list could go on  in many specific details.

The point is  that God wants His children  to realize  that this defeat will happen.    It is so important  that we recognize this evil influence  in our personal lives  that God says,  “If any one has an ear,  let him hear.”

In other words,  we need  to be aware  that we will be defeated  in many ways  and some will even be tortured  and killed  for their faith.

Even more importantly,  we need  to be aware  of the evil influences  that will speak blasphemous  and arrogant words  against God,  trying to tear down our faith  and all truth.     Being forewarned,  we are to become strong  in God’s word  so that we can recognize  the grossness  of all wrong teachings  and belief systems.     We are not  to let the influences  of the world  confuse us  or destroy our faith.

After Revelation gives  all these forewarnings,  verse 10 says,  “Here is the perseverance  and the faith  of the saints.”

In other words,  God’s saints  will stand strong  in the true faith.    They won’t let themselves  be influenced  by false teachings  and immoral ideals.     As they let God’s word  build up their faith  and knowledge  of the truth,  they say,  “Hallelujah!     Lord,  You do all things  well.     You have kept  Your word  since the beginning  of time  and we know  You will keep Your word  to the end  of time.     Blessed be Your love.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

 

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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