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Hear current audio messages by Pastor Scott Burr at:
http://sermon.net/dayspringchurchag

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Soon!-The Great Tribulation (Pt.2)

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”-2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

During this seven year period known as the Great Tribulation the Anti-Christ will exercise tremendous control over multiple arenas including the world’s economy (Rev. 13:16-17), religion (Revelation 13:8), governments (Rev. 17:12-13), and military (Daniel 7:8). Once he reveals his true nature, he will attempt to annihilate the people of God; Jew and Gentile:

“And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation.”-Revelation 13:7

It is during this seven year period that God will begin to execute judgment upon the earth. The judgments will become increasingly more devastating midway through the tribulation period. The remaining 3 1/2 years are referred to as the times of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7).

The judgments consist of 7 seal judgments which release conflict upon the earth, scarcity/famine, widespread death, increased martyrdom and cosmic disturbances (Revelation 6:15-17). Revelation 9:20-21 describe for us the trumpet judgments that are responsible for the destruction of 1/3 of the vegetation, seas, fresh water, and the heavens. All of these still yet to be followed by the bowl judgments that conclude God’s wrath upon the earth with loathsome sores, the sea and fresh water being turned to blood, men scorched by the sun, intense darkness/pain, earthquakes and massive hailstones (Revelation 16:21).

However, despite the severity of these judgments, Scripture tells us that the people of this world will blaspheme God because of the these plagues; but refuse to repent and give God glory.

Yet, in the midst of all these things, God continues to extend His hand of mercy towards those who have rejected Christ.

We see His mercy extended in several ways throughout the book of Revelation. In Revelation 7:3-4 we see that God seals 144,000 Jews (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel). They are a mighty witness of God’s faithfulness on the earth during the tribulation period. We also read about two witnesses clothed in burlap who are given the power to prophecy for 3 1/2 years. They will boldly proclaim the glory of God before they are ultimately martyred and then raised from the dead for all to see. However, if that isn’t enough, Revelation 14:12-13 declares that God in His great mercy will send forth an angel to declare the gospel to all nations, tribes, and peoples; so that all might hear the truth of God’s goodness:

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.”-Revelation 14:6

Knowledge of these events can be very overwhelming, however, they are not intended to instill fear, but rather to incite faith. How do we respond to such treacherous times? By placing our faith in Christ:  “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”-Revelation 14:12.

Pastor Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church

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