Prophecy's Mark of Allegiance

Intro 

Under the Nazi regime during World War II, Jews were forced to wear an identifying mark. Will a mark be forced again? I’ll be back in a moment with the prophetic perspective on Prophecy’s Mark of Allegiance.

Message

Hello, this is Cody Francis with Prophetic Perspectives. During that awful period, outward marks were common. Jews were forced to wear marks identifying them as Jews—from white armbands to a yellow star of David. From these markings thousands were identified and shipped off to the atrocities of the concentration camps. A comprehensive marking system of various colors of triangles was used to denote different classes of prisoners in concentration camps. But what does this have to do with prophecy? The Bible reveals that there will be marks used again. Perhaps not all the details will be the same, but marks play a significant role in Revelation. The most famous of these marks is the mark of the beast, but God has a mark of allegiance, as well. What is this mark of allegiance? How can we have this mark of allegiance? As we turn our thoughts to study Prophecy Mark of Allegiance, let us ask the presence of our Lord.

Outline

I.        Prophecy’s mark of allegiance is in contrast to the beast’s mark.

A.     Most famous mark = mark of beast – Rev. 14:9

B.     God has a mark on hand & forehead

1.      Forehead & hand – Deut. 11:8, 18

2.      Jews took literal & wore portions of Law

3.      Obedience what identifies God’s people today – Rev. 12:17; 14:12

4.      Not just external obedience, what else is required?

II.     Prophecy’s mark of allegiance is loving obedience to Law.

A.     Jesus revealed importance of loving obedience

1.      All law hung on LOVE – Matt. 22:36-40

2.      Condition of eternal life – Matt. 19:16-19

3.      Liar if no obey – 1 John 2:3, 4

B.     Not a hard burden, but greatest blessing!

1.      Not burdensome – 1 John 5:3

2.      For our good always – Deut. 6:24, 25

3.      Burden if really love? Have to call girlfriend

C.     Not out of date/old fashioned

1.      Stand fast forever – Ps. 111:7, 8

2.      Perfect, no improve perfection – Ps. 19:7

3.      Billy Graham – never out of date

4.      Changeless, eternal, perfect law

a.       Given grandeur & power of Sinai

b.      Written stone & spoken by God

c.       Man – 35mil; God – just 10

d.      Survey grand beautiful precepts – Ex. 20

D.     How fit in w/gospel?

1.      Mirror – Reveals need Savior

a.       Law knowledge of sin – Rom. 3:20; 7:7

b.      Sin = transgression law – 1 John 3:4

2.      Grace exalts the Law

a.       Grace exalts law higher – Rom. 6:1,2,14,15

b.      By faith, we exalt – Rom. 3:31

3.      Law inseparably linked w/gospel – part of the gospel!

a.       Abolishing law abolishes gospel

b.      Law foundation of God’s throne

c.       Whole duty of man – Ec. 12:13, 14

d.      Break one – guilty of all – James 2:10

E.      Loving obedience = Prophecy’s Mark of Allegiance

1.      Condition of eternal life – Rev. 22:14

2.      Jesus still says today – John 14:15

a.       I Love You, Mother

b.      Devil on final assault God’s holy Law

c.       Enlist in loyalty Jesus, by lovingly obeying?

I Love You, Mother

“I love you, Mother,” said little John,

Then forgetting his work, his cap went on.

And he was off to the garden swing,

Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

“I love you, Mother,” said Rosy Nell;

“I love you better than tongue can tell.”

Then she teased and pouted half the day,

Till all were glad when she went to play.

“I love you, Mother,” said little Fran;

“Today I will help you all I can.

How glad I am that school does not keep.”

And she rocked the baby till it fell asleep.

Then stepping softly, she brought the broom,

And swept the floor and tidied the room.

Busy and happy all the day was she,

Helpful and cheerful as a child could be.

“I love you, Mother,” again they said,

Three little children as they went to bed.

How do you think that mother guessed,

Which of them really loved her best?