Armageddon
Intro World War I was called the Great War to end all wars; then came World War II. After World War II wars have been as numerous as ever. Will there be a World War III or worse or can we conclude that the war will be an ugly, bloodstained page of human history that we will soon be able to turn the page on and be done with? I’ll be back in a moment with the prophetic perspective on “Armageddon.” Message Hello, this is Cody Francis with Prophetic Perspectives. Armageddon has been discussed, feared and speculated about ever since John penned the famous words in Revelation. From Armageddon movies to novels to video games to bands and songs—Armageddon has been a popular theme. During World War I and World War II they were thought to be an impending Armageddon and the Armageddon brand is not lacking on conflicts today. The question is what is Armageddon? Are we on the verge of it? Why is there so much confusion about it? As we ponder these questions from the Bible, let us turn to the Lord for the wisdom and He alone can give. Outline I. First there is a gathering together to Armageddon. A. Gathering pictured in 6th plague – Rev. 16:12-16 B. Worldwide deception – vs. 13, 14 1. Frogs a. Covered land of Egypt – Exodus 8:6 b. Frogs catch prey w/tongues c. False doctrines lead astray – 1 Tim. 4:1 d. Everything must be tested by the Word of Go 2. Dragon, beast & false prophet a. Ecumenical movement b. Uniting of religions & nations c. Unity must be based on Word – John 17:17 3. Miracles performed a. Miracles cannot be trusted – 2 Thes. 2:9 b. Even do miracles & be lost – Matt. 7:21-23 4. Entire world is gathered together a. Entire world worship beast – Rev. 13:3 b. Entire world deceived by devil – Rev. 12:9 c. Do not follow a multitude to do evil – Ex. 23:2 C. Jesus has not come yet – vs. 15 1. Still comes as a thief; gathering together not knowing fighting Christ 2. Not to come upon us as a thief – 1 Thes. 5:4 3. Our character must be clean & white – Rev. 19:9 4. Not a spot or stain of sin – Eph. 5:27 D. Gathered together to Armageddon – vs. 16 1. Har-mo’ed – mount of congregation – Is. 14:4, 13 2. Har-megiddo – victory God won at Megiddo – Judges 5:19, 20 II. Then, Armageddon itself is fought. A. Seventh plague is poured out – Rev. 16:17-19 1. Babylon is rewarded 2. Babylon connected w/gathering to Armageddon – vs. 12 3. Babylon = counterfeit & oppressor of God’s true people a. Ancient Babylon destroyed Jerusalem & took captive b. Mystery Babylon drunk w/blood of saints – Rev. 17:6 4. Babylon primarily earthly antagonist – whole earth sides w/ 5. 7th plague = fighting of Armageddon B. Kings of the east 1. Kings from east – Cyrus & Darius defeated Babylon by drying river 2. Angelic messenger ascends from east – Rev. 7:2 3. Jesus comes from east – Matt. 24:27 4. Jesus & host of heaven come from east to rescue His people C. Battle described in 7th plague – Rev. 16:20, 21 1. Great day of Lamb’s wrath – Rev. 6:14-17 2. Jesus comes w/power & glory – Matt. 24:20 a. Righteous rise to meet Him – 1 Thes. 4:16, 17 b. Wicked destroyed by brightness of coming – 2 Thes. 2:8 D. Battle of Armageddon detailed – Rev. 19:11-19 1. Jesus unquestioned victor 2. False religions & persecutors meet their unhappy end E. Are we ready for this battle to be fought 1. Only two sides – one or other – which side are we on today? 2. Are compromising and going along w/majority or stand for Word? 3. Victorious w/Lamb – Rev. 17:14 a. Must be faithful unto the end – Rev. 2:10 b. Babylon breaks Law; God’s people keep – Rev. 14:12
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