Revelation's Tribulations Intro What does a terrible drought and famine, a vacillating king and determined, corrupt queen have to do with the Tribulation? I’ll be back in a moment with the prophetic perspective on Revelation’s Tribulation. Message Hello, this is Cody Francis with Prophetic Perspectives. One of the greatest prophets came and stood face to face with one of the wickedest kings of the nation of Israel. Stern and startling was his message—no dew nor rain, and quickly as he appeared, he turned upon his heals and left leaving the entire court astonished. Sure enough, exactly as Elijah said, the drought began: one year, two years, three years. During this time Elijah & God’s people had to hide in caves and rely upon ravens for their food as the wicked queen hunted them down. It was a period of great persecution and famine, not only physically, but spiritually, as well. God’s Word could only be proclaimed in isolation otherwise the ruthless queen who was controlling the king would hunt and destroy those faithful to the God of heaven. It was a period of terrible tribulation for God’s loyal people. At the end of this three and half year period with no dew nor rain, God’s name was vindicated and His people could come out of hiding once again. This is not just a story, if we compare it’s details with the tribulation of Revelation, we find striking similarity. The drought, its time period, the king, the queen all have their counterpart in Revelation’s Tribulations. As we study the three tribulations of Revelation, let us turn our hearts to the Lord in prayer. Outline I. The Blessed Tribulation A. Glory in tribulations – Romans 5:3 B. Will have tribulation – John 16:33 1. Jewish persecutions 2. Pagan persecutions 3. John companion in tribulation – Rev. 1:9 C. Tribulation reveals depth of our love & loyalty – Matt. 13:21 D. Cannot escape coming tribulation 1. Only enter kingdom of God through – Acts 14:22 2. Pray not take out of world – John 17:15 II. The Great Tribulation A. Jesus gives us the basic time frame of the great tribulation – Matt. 24 1. Signs, preaching gospel, etc. – 24:4-14 2. Roman destruction of Jerusalem – 24:15-20 3. Then there will be great tribulation – Matt. 24:21 4. Begin sometime after the destruction of Jerusalem B. Great tribulation repeated subject of prophecy 1. Antichrist make war & wear out saints – Dan. 7:21, 25 2. 7-headed beast make war & overcome saints – Rev. 13:7 C. Time period associated w/this persecution 1. Saints given into his hands – Dan. 7:25 2. Woman flees into wilderness for 1260 days – Rev. 12:6 3. 7-headed beast blasphemes for 42 months – Rev. 13:5 4. Prophecy mentioned seven times 5. Day = year – Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:34 6. 1260 years persecution & blasphemy by 7-headed beast D. Papal power continue for 1260 years 1. Leo the Great sought to establish papal power supreme 2. Conquering of the Goths – fatal policy began 3. Power of Goths broken by failed siege of Rome in 538 4. From 538 – 1798 papal power loomed larger than any other 5. 1798 – Pope exiled by Napolean’s general Berthier E. Period of persecution unrivaled 1. Church by divine right 2. Church persecuted – only a tyro will deny that 3. Fled wilderness – Rev. 12:6, 14 F. Jesus gave signs at the end – Matt. 24:29 1. Great Earthquake – Nov. 1, 1755 2. Sun darkened – May 18, 1780 3. Stars fell – November 13, 1833 G. Great persecution of 1260 years past 1. Not looking for a 1260 day period – already past 2. History bears out w/striking authenticity III. The Final Tribulation A. Cannot expect final crisis will conclude w/o challenges 1. Mark of the beast enforced – Rev. 13:15 2. Not being able to buy or sell – Rev. 13:16, 17 B. A time of trouble predicted – Dan. 12:1 1. In intensity nothing greater 2. Saints not overcome; Michael delivers this time C. Are we faithful to the Lord in the little battles? 1. Faithful least, faithful much – Luke 16:10 2. Endure & not deny Him now – 2 Timothy 2:12, 13
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