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| Revelation 19:17-21 highlights the real Armageddon |
(pt. 2)
INTRO-
The Global War on Terrorism has been going on for 17
years and counting (post 9-11-01).
Satan’s enduring conflict against God, humanity, and the
truth makes the Afghan War look like a N.Y. minute; (from Gen. 3- present day).
In view of history, why do the people of God cry, “Marantha!
Come quickly Lord Jesus, come?” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
1) It
coincides with the 2nd Coming of Christ Jesus
(Revelation 19:11-16;
Matthew 24:27-30; Luke 12:37-40, Zechariah 12-14)
2) It’s
the final conflict between good and evil (heaven and hell; the
redeemed and the big bad World; Christ and the Antichrist).
(Zech.
14; Revelation 16:13-16; 19:19-21)
3) It’s
wonderfully, anti-climatic! (for believers that is)
(Revelation
19:17-21)
4) It’s
“the Pickett’s Charge” of Satan's historical conflict against God and his people!
(Revelation 19:19-21)
6) This
prediction reminds Christians why we must live each day in light of eternity..
Here are 4 practical take-aways:
I) BE FORTHRIGHT!
(Romans 1:16-32; 2:5, Luke 13:5; John 3:36)
II) BE THANKFUL!
(1 Cor. 15:57; Psalm
32)
III) BE INSPIRED!
(Matthew
10:28; Heb. 9:27; 11:1-12:3)
IV) BE VERY AFRAID (IF you are not a genuine Christian- 2 Cor.
13:5)
(Heb.
10:30-31; Rev. 19:17-21)
For
Further Reflection/Application: Let us be effectual doers and not merely hearers of the Word
Satan’s war against God, humanity, and the
truth has been going on since Genesis 3.
Read 1 Peter 5:8, Matthew 4:1-11, and Ephesians 6:10-20. Provide two examples from the Old and New
Testaments that give evidence that a spiritual war is taking place. Provide
four examples from contemporary times and/or from your own life that prove this
is so.
Revelation 19-20 informs us (generally) when
the final “war to end all wars” will occur and how it will come about (see also
Zechariah 12-14).
How does the Deceiver trivialize future
things like Armageddon? (From Hollywood apocalyptic movies to false religions
like Islam which fictionalize end times theology)
Why did the preacher compare Armageddon to
“Pickett’s Charge” at Gettysburg? If
you’re a Christian how is this prophesy wonderfully anticlimactic (and why is
it so encouraging)?
How does the biblical doctrine of total
depravity manifest itself during the future Tribulation (note how hell-bent the
fallen heart is)? Think about this
against this backdrop of John 3:1-12 and Ephesians 2:1-10.
Can one know real, lasting peace (personally
and globally) without the Prince of Peace?
(Isaiah 9:6-7; John 14:26f; Rev. 20-22)
Be Forthright-Are you being lovingly forthright
in your evangelistic conversations? Are
you consistently warning people of the devasting consequences of unbelief? If not, why? See Luke 13.
Be Thankful- How does Rev. 19:11-21/1 Thess.
1:10 move us to greater heights of thankfulness?
Be Inspired-
Write down how biblical eschatology/prophesy fuels global missions and
personal evangelism? Consider the
example of missionary heroes past and present.
How should the biblical doctrine of final judgment and eternal perdition
impact the Church? Your household?
Be Afraid- If you are not a genuine believer
you should be very afraid of the wrath that is to come. Note Hebrews 10:30-31; John 3:36; Acts
17:30-31.
Related
Praise Songs: Theology fuels Doxology! We dig deeply in order that we may go high!
The Lord is a Warrior- Caedmon’s
Call
The Hallelujah Chorus- Handel
Victory in Jesus-
Jesus Shall Reign O’er All the Earth- Keith
and Krystin Getty
Is He Worthy? Andrew Peterson
One Day (When We All Get to Heaven)- Matt Redman
The God of Angel Armies- Chris Tomlin
Soldiers of Christ Arise- Grace
Community Church (hymn)
Related Biblical Texts: Search the Scriptures to see if these things be so.
Daniel 7; Joel 3; Zechariah 12-14; Matt. 24:27-30;
1 Thess. 1-2; Revelation 19-22
