Revelation 11:19-12:17
Symbolism is plentiful throughout Revelation 12. We start out with the image of the pregnant woman crying out in birth pains and a red dragon (vs. 1-3). Now at this point, we're looking back at events that have already taken place. The woman is a depiction of Israel out of which Jesus will come, and the red dragon is Satan. The woman gives birth (to Jesus) and He is caught up to God and to His throne (vs. 5). In these first few verses we also see that Satan draws 1/3 of the angels in heaven to join him in his rebellion against God (vs. 3-4).
The text then moves on to a battle between Satan and Michael the archangel with his angels (vs. 7). Michael and company defeat Satan and his evil angels and they are thrown down to earth (vs. 9). We don't have a specific time reference for this event. We're then told that Satan pursues Israel but that Israel flees from Satan into the wilderness where she is protected and provided for (vs. 14). Satan tries again to overcome Israel in verses 14-15 but is unsuccessful. His wrath intensifies and he then makes war against all those who keep the commandments of God (vs. 17).
This chapter gives us a really good view of Satan and his goal which is to destroy the followers of God and His Son, Jesus. Right now, Satan is bent on destroying us as we stand for God in this world. We are his target.
So what can we do now, today, to keep Satan from being successful in his efforts against us? Think about it. What's your battle plan? Tami W.
The root of sin seems to be turning in to the needs of the self, above all else; so I would say to defend against selfish, inward thinking we need to develop a cheerful willingness to put others' needs ahead of our own as Paul said in Galatians 5:13.
HI TAMI
MY BATTLE PLAN IS SIMPLY THIS: I KNOW THAT I CANNOT IN MY OWN STRENGTH STAND AGAINST SATAN AS WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD SO, I MUST PUT ON A FULL SUIT OF ARMOUR AND BE WELL EQUIPPED WITH THE NECESSARY WEAPONS OF WAR. THIS IS WHERE GOD RECENTLY PUT ME IN TOUCH WITH POWERED BY 4 AND THE BACK TO THE BIBLE BROADCAST VIA THE INTERNET AND JUST IN TIME FOR ME TO BE A PART OF THE STUDY ON REVELATIONS WHICH HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN A TOTAL MYSTERY TO ME.
WHEN FULLY EQUIPPED I MUST GO OUT INTO THE WORLD WITH GOD'S INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT TO SEEK OUT POTENTIAL BELIEVERS WITH WHOM I MUST SHARE THE WORD OF GOD, ENCOURAGE AND PRAY FOR THE INTERVENTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THEIR LIVES WITH THE HOPE IN CHRIST THAT THEY TOO WILL PUT ON THE FULL ARMOUR AND ADOPT A BATTLE PLAN.
DURING THIS TIME I MUST REMEMBER THAT THE ENEMY IS NOT ASLEEP AND WILL BE COMING AT ME TO DESTROY ME SO I HAVE TO KEEP EVEN CLOSER TO MY LORD AND SAVIOR BY TRYING WITH ALL MY MIGHT TO KEEP HIS WORD AND PRAY CONTINUALLY FOR HIS GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION. BY HIS GRACE WE WILL OVERCOME.
REGARDS IN CHRIST
CECIL
Satan is like a devouring lion as the Bible says...re is hungry and relentless in his pursuit!...therefore I must have greater vigilance in the Word of God and memorizing scripture. I need to say I can and not I can't whne it comes to finding time with the Lord!
My battle plan is to put on the whole armour of God. Eph 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
I pray that I may be able at all times to be ready to stand. God bless you all
Yes, we have to put on the whole armour of God. We have to fight the good fight with all our might. We have to stand up for Jesus who has always stood with us. Remember God was, is and will always be faithful. Trust in Him. Our fight is against Satan and God will be our Rock, Our Fortress and our Shield. We do not have to worry whether God is going to help us or not, HE WILL! but we have to be prepared to keep in His Word, Be faithful and listen to what He tells us.
Right now we should not be wondering , "Can I do this?" Yes we can because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Let us continue to pray without ceasing. The world needs our prayers. God will hear us. I pray Lord to remain in our hearts, in every word we say, in our thoughts and everything we do and lead us on the path you have made for us. Thank You Lord. We praise Your Holy name.
This question is directed to Allen, a Biblical Correspondant with BTTB. Allen, you sent a response to my question yesterday concerning Chapter 7. There is something I'm not seeing yet, so let me rephrase my question. I believe to be a part of the Church, one must be a born again, confessing Christian. Now, Dr. Kroll is saying that we, the Church, will be taken from this world so we don't suffer the Tribulation. If so, there will be no witnessing Christians left on Earth to lead others to Christ. How, then, will 144,000 others come to the faith with no Christians here? This may be a "rib" issue, but for some reason my curiosity isn't satisfied yet. Are these Jews just being ushered into God's kingdom?
I agree with many of the previous posts that putting on the full armor of God is important. I also believe that praying when we're coming in and going out and about during our day is also important. Praying that God will keep a hedge of protection over us, that the light and love of Jesus will shine on us toward others and praying that we do and say the things that are pleasing to Him is what I want to do.
I recently purchased the book "Character Driven." I look forward to starting it soon. I have a little sign by my phone in my office that reminds me that Christ's presence is always with me. I put a little post-it note on it that says character driven. It is a reminder to me to remember that I should always show a christ-like character no matter what. Good comments from Eglon and Joan about putting on the whole armour of God. A very good reminder of how important that is as well.
Laurie, in answer to your question, I think that in his sovereignty, God can reveal himself to these 144,000 through special revelation without using Christian witnesses. As Allen mentioned, Moses and the prophets didn't have witnessing Christians either, God revealed his intentions to them one-on-one, so to speak.
just like isreal fled into the wilderness and was protected and provided for,we as children of God will also be protected and provided for if we also flee from satan.keep in the Word and be prayerfully diligent.we have a sword and need to learn how to use it.staying in the Word is like fencing school