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Rev. 7:9-17
You are invited to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 9:30. We think you’ll be glad you came! It is never wrong to remember those brave men and women who have given their lives for the cause of freedom. Scripture tells us God will momentarily stop His severe judgment on earth to recognize and celebrate His servants on earth and those saints in heaven who also gave their lives because of the greatest freedom – the freedom from eternal punishment in a Christ-less hell! This event will take place between the sixth and seventh Seal judgment during the Great Tribulation. Notice in Rev. 7:1
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- A RESTRAINT! These angels are sent to restrain/control the winds of the earth. One writer suggests that without them the airborne plagues from the previous seals would spread around the world. Our Great, Omnipotent God intervenes in judgment until His faithful servants are sanctified and safe. God has been restraining evil from delivering its full force against mankind since Eden. He gives example after example throughout both Testaments. Only God knows how many times He has withheld evil from your or your loved ones through the ministry of intervening angels. Did you ever thank God for His restraining power on your behalf making your life quiet, so the effect of life’s plagues didn’t harm them? You should you know – often! Notice also God’s restraint brings about
- A RECOGNITION! In verses 3-13 the recognition is threefold. First is the 144,000 Jews saved during the Tribulation and protected by God’s grace from the Antichrist. Their primary purpose is to preach the Gospel causing multitudes to repent and be cleansed in the redeeming blood of Christ. Notice God’s divine protection at work again? The second recognition (vss. 9-10) is the innumerable group of people from every place on earth. These people are very special people because they are people who were saved because a Jew told them about God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ The Messiah. Think about that! The third recognition is to God Himself! Read verses 11-12. One writer says this may be the greatest worship service ever! Focus especially verse 12. These are seven attributes of worship to God. How many of these heavenly virtues do people see in your Christian life every day? Second question – how many of these attributes does GOD see in your life every day? All seven should be seen above and below every day all day! Then there is
- A REWARD! Read verses 15-17. These saints are rewarded for their great courage, suffering, perseverance and loyalty as Christians during the Tribulation. Look at how God is going to reward them! These are the true war heroes who will receive God highest honor for their valor. The difference between these Christians and us is like the difference between those men and women who went to the front lines to fight for freedom and those who were stateside working in offices. When you think about our lives as Christians compared to those who will become Christians during the Great Tribulation, we are the ones who have it soft. When you think about our lives as Christians in America in the age of grace our witness, testimony, and sharing the gospel in light of these Tribulation Christians and their witness, testimony and outreach – who are the real heroes and who are the real cowards?
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions call us at (574) 643-9419and let us show you truth answers from God’s Holy Word.
