#twowaystolive

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God's Pure Word - ONLY!

I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19)

I thought to end the series on this verse for a simple reason. God's word has always been under attack. The same tactic has always been used. The other reason is that in the Garden, there were two trees. This final warning was also evident in Eden with Eve's dialogue with the serpent. In a way, we will look more at Genesis 3 than Revelation. The devil will always undermine God's word: "Did God really say?" He places doubts in our mind: "You won't surely die." He tells us God is a killjoy: "God know you will be like Him." Finally, Eve's responses are the reason for the pause. The devil may use his tactics, but our response also needs to be sound. Her initial response says it all: 1) Must not touch. This is adding to God's word. She had not handled God's word as she should. Adam and Eve were commanded to tend the Garden. Part of the work of tending is trimming, so touch must surely come into play. 2) Lest we die. Eve here is taking meaning away from the Bible. Sure, she had not seen any death up to this point. Maybe she did not understand what was meant. She still took meaning away, as God said you will die. Her final thought is also important as this is probably how we justify ourselves when we choose to sin: Understood (Lust of the flesh) It is edible, so must eat. I can do it, so why not? Sight (Lust of the eyes) - Delight to the eyes. She is beautiful so why not? Gain wisdom (Pride of life) - good for gaining wisdom. You never know if you do not try. John said the same thing in 1 John 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." The devil has never changed strategy since Eden. Our response also has not changed. One could argue that Eve just did not know what God's word actually said, leaving her vulnerable to being exploited and tempted. Either way, her handling of God's word was very poor indeed. There is a remedy for this. We must read God's word again and again and again. Sometimes fast as I am doing it in 90 days currently. Sometimes with more careful thought as we have done in this series. There have been times in my life where I have read the Bible in a week. Other times that I have memorized portions and therefore chewed on a portion much longer than other times. I encourage you to do the same. Back to the quoted text. If we add to God's word, the plaques of the book will be added to us. I see many prosperity teachers doing just this. They are also guilty of the second part of taking meaning away from God's word. If we do this, God will take away our part from the tree of life. We do not want this either. After all, being banished from the Tree of Life was a consequence of the fall. Let us be careful how we deal with God's word. I know there was a time that I was guilty of the first, but in ignorance. God have mercy. Two Ways to Live? We can study and read God's word all we want, but we must also obey God's word. The first thing we need to get right is His command is to Repent and Believe the Gospel. Have you done this? Have you believed the Gospel? Have you repented of sin? If you are a believer, how is your devotional life? Father thank you for this series. It has indeed been worthwhile. Thank you that there are indeed Two Ways to Live. 1) In humble submission to you and obedience to your word, or 2) In total rebellion and disregard for your word. The fruit may be different in different people, but they are at work. I pray you help us to live for you forever.

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Tree of Life

And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:1-2)

At Creation, man found himself in a Garden with a choice. He was initially permitted to eat from the Tree of Life, but was banished as he sought evil instead. This is an act of mercy by God, imagine living eternity on earth where there is only evil, with no chance of redemption. In Eden, we were presented with a choice and took the curse and banished from life. In Revelation, we are back in a garden, with the Tree of Life on both sides of the river. The leaves are for the healing of the nations. In addition, the curse placed on us in Eden is taken away and there is no more curse in Revelation - in heaven. We are around God's throne, we shall see His face. God's name will be on our forehead. And we shall serve him. Reading the previous chapter with the visions of the New Heavens and the New Earth and Jerusalem coming down from heaven. The descriptions and the most important - nothing unclean will enter in, so nothing will pull us away from the Lord once we are there. No more sin, no more temptation to sin, no more evil. As Christians, we do not have to wait to be there. God has already made a way for us to approach His throne of Grace to receive Mercy. He has done this through Jesus'death on the cross. We can talk to him anytime we please. Interesting in the quoted verse, we not only have the Tree of Life, but also the Water of Life flowing. Two Ways to Live? As nothing impure may enter into Heaven, you need to ensure you have been purified. This can only happen by you repenting of sin and believing on Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, that he did it for you personally. This act of trust in God, and God will wash away your sin and purify you from all unrighteousness. The other alternative is the lake of fire. Please repent and believe the Gospel and be saved. Father, we look forward to the day that our tears are wiped away, that there is no more curse, no more sin, no more temptation. In the meantime, strengthen us to do your will and to resist the enemy.

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Books Were Opened

And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12)

This is the final judgement. Eternity has commenced. There is now no more second chances. The opportunities we had between the cradle and the grave is all we will receive. The great question is in verse 15. "if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire." In the quoted verse, the books are opened. The dead were judged out of the things written in that book. Saints though have Eternal life, even though the body perish, the soul goes to be with the Lord. Verse 13, Death and Hades give up their dead, but we are not in Death or Hades, we are with the Lord. Paul says absent from the body, present with the Lord. There is a clincher in my view. All our names are written in the Lambs book of Life. Moses in Exodus 32:32 says "and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written". It isn't that your name is not written there, the problem is that it has been blotted out. It gets blotted out by our refusal to acknowledge God's law and our refusal to obey God's law. Jesus said that "whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life". You do not see, death or Hades, but have life, the condition being that you believe on him, who he is, the work he did and you trust him at his word. This brings about a change in heart. A change of turning away from God's law, to turning to God's law and obeying it. A change from not wanting to know anything about God or His word, to having a thirst for His word. Not just to know His word, but to obey His word and to know the God of the word. A change from trying to be self-sufficient, to being God dependent. And God commands all people, everywhere to repent. God does not delight in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). Two Ways to Live? It really is a life and death question. Not immediate, but eternal. Where will you spend eternity? Will you remain dead in your sins and finally be thrown into the lake of fire? Or will you be made alive in Christ and live with Him forever. Father, we look forward to being with you for eternity. I pray that we may play our part in bringing others with us to glory. I pray for unsaved family and friends that they may have an encounter with the risen Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.

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Worship Jesus

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they that are bidden to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are true words of God. And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:9-10) Epiphany Every single instance right through the Bible of an angel being worshiped, or a righteous man being worshiped - See Acts 14:8-18 where Lystra wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas. The few instances where this was not done, is when the angel is called "the Angel of the Lord". These would be what we call a theophany. Also sometimes a pre-incarnation of Christ. Visions of Christ in the Old Testament before he was born. There is not a single instance of Jesus rebuking anyone for worshiping him when he walked the earth. Apostle John here is being shown numerous amazing images by this angel. Images of events yet to come. Some things so glorious, that we cannot truly comprehend. John also being the disciple whom Jesus loved, who leaned on him at the Last Supper, the last surviving apostle. This John, wanted to worship this angel, but this angel said no, don't do it. This angel is a 'fellow-servant" with John and with all of us who believe. He then says to "worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." All the Biblical prophets that ever were all pointed to Jesus. Jesus himself said that John the Baptist was the last of the prophets pointing forward to Jesus. Jesus is 100% the central character through all scripture. This Jesus is not only fully man so that he could deal with the sin of humanity, and the wages for sin (Romans 6:23), namely death, but He is also fully God. If he were not God, he would be the greatest blasphemer and heretic and idolater the world has ever known, as he not only accepted worship, but also claimed divinity. Jesus does not need to command anyone to worship him. The command is already implied in the Ten Commandments. If Jesus is God, we must worship him. These visions of John in Revelation, the marriage supper of the Lamb, the Bride, the destruction of Babylon, where so marvelous, it almost caused him to stumble. These visions are all about Jesus. Two Ways to Live? What will you do with Jesus? Just another man - good though he is, or is He truly God who has come in the flesh? If he is God, we must worship him. Father, we look forward to these days depicted in Revelation. Keep us faithful. Keep us from wondering away. I pray for those who deny Jesus is some way or other that they may see him for who he truly is.

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Last Chance to Repent?

And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, having eternal good tidings to proclaim unto them that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he saith with a great voice, Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters. (Revelation 14:6-7)

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that come off victorious from the beast, and from his image, and from the number of his name, standing by the sea of glass, having harps of God. (Revelation 15:2)

I have read through to Revelation 18 now and came back to read these verses here again. Chapter 15 it is clear that we are talking about believers who overcame the beast and his mark. Chapter 14 though is a warning and I was trying to understand if there is any warning to actually repent in the words of the angel. Then I thought about Joshua and the discovery of Achan and his sin "And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to Jehovah, the God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me." (Joshua 7:19). Was Achan saved? He did give a full confession. Is this chapter 15 a partial fulfillment of the words "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess"? Immediately after this, wrath is poured out. If this is the final warning to repent and believe, it truly does show God's love. Right up to the final moment, he is still calling people to repent. Until that moment is too late. It certainly does make sense as we know God's character. Up to chapter 18, judgement is poured out and specfic judgement on Babylon. Two Ways to Live? Ultimately, this series has been the same question over and over. Are you saved? The question is asked in numerous forms. Some side issues have been attached, but ultimately it is all about your salvation. Are you saved / born again / repented / believed the Gospel? etc. We started this series around around May 2023. I tried finding the exact date, but couldn't find it. It has been interesting. I am still not decided on the new series. I may have a couple days (or not). Well done to those that are still here. Welcome to those that have joined. Our previous series included: False preachers and their teachings Prayer Two Ways to Live. Father, I do pray for any that are reading, but are not saved. I pray you work a work in their heart and draw them to you. Thank you for all who have been on this journey. Thank for those that have joined. Please guide me in the next series as we read through the Bible yet again.

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Beastly

And it was given unto him to give breath to it, even to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as should not worship the image of the beast should be killed. (Revelation 13:15)

I am (or was) a little bit of a computer nerd. I enjoy how technology can make life easier. There was a time though when Star Trek 3D holograms were science fiction. They still are, but not for long, I think. The description of the beast creating an image that has breath and is able to talk is very much a serious possibility in the not too distant future. Matthew 24 has this verse "If therefore they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the wilderness; go not forth: Behold, he is in the inner chambers; believe it not." (Matthew 24:26). This verse would make sense in a world where hologram spheres are erected in various places and it talks to people at the same time. Thereby giving rise to this verse. It gives a kind of omnipresence to the beast. Something he does not possess. I mention this more out of curiosity rather than to suggest that this is how it will be done. Watch and pray is our instruction.

This beast (and I get confused about which one is spoken of), "deceiveth them that dwell on the earth" (v 14). There is a very clear deception. A very strong deception. Jesus said that even the elect would be deceived - if that were possible.

This creation of the hologram is so that many people in diverse nations and cities can worship the beast. But some will not worship and will be killed as a result.

Some will still escape, so the threat of worship or else, becomes an economic threat. They are to "burn incense to Caesar" or remain hungry and not able to access their bank account, unless they take his mark.

The only way that you attain this mark is by worshiping the beast (or his image). This worship is at first a deception, then it is compelled by threat of death, then it is coaxed by threat of starvation or economic law. These requirements are probably where the idea of a one world religion, one world government, one world currency probably all come from. We already have the UN with its many affiliates such as WHO and too many others to list.

Interestingly, one of the titles of the pope is Vicarius Filii Dei, meaning the Vicar of the Son of God. If you take each of the letters of the Roman title and convert them to our decimal system, we find it adds up to 666. NOTE: there the letter U is a new letter and previous V was used in places. So, when you see the U think v, and use 5.

v = 5 F = 0 D = 500

i = 1 i = 1 e = 0

c = 100 l = 50 i = 1

a = 0 i = 1

r = 0 i = 1

i = 1

v = 5

s = 0

500+100+50+5+5+(6*1)=666

This is just for interest sake. Let us at least just keep our eyes open. Other historical figures have also had their names add up to 666. One interesting character I have had my eyes on since early 2000s has been Bill Gates. He is really the father of the personal computer. Computers store digits. It has a language. All the letters in the alphabet (and those in Cyriac) all have a number assigned to them. It is a computer code called ASCII. Now you take his name BILLGATES he adds up to 663, but he is Bill Gates III (the third), so add the 3. Windows computers are perpetually infected by viruses, and the cure was the antivirus. After he left Microsoft, his philanthropy took him to vaccines. Makes one think.

This mark at this point in time could be a few things. It could be as simple as a tattoo, it could be a microchip implant - we already do this to our pets, and other animals. It could be something completely different.

Whoever the final beast is who demands worship will eventually be revealed. Who he actually is, we cannot say for sure.

Revelation 14:9-11 has a stern warning for those that receive the mark of the beast.

What is not clear to me at present is if believers will be here when this mark is introduced. God starts pouring out his wrath on mankind, but before he does that, we are found to be in Heaven having endured Great Tribulation. If this is the case, you and I are safe. What these could be then are those that remain, but suddenly realize what has happened and turn to Christ in repentance. They still endure God's wrath, but are somehow protected. One problem I have always had with the rapture theology is that if God removes his church, where is His witness? Where are those that must still share the gospel. Are there any more that must still hear?

Two Ways to Live? The question must always be asked, "Are you saved?" As there is a strong deception, another question is "Are you equipped to handle the deception?" There also being so many theories about end times, but the most important question after these two is, "Are you obeying Jesus where he commanded us to 'Watch and Pray'?"

Father, on one hand Revelation is very clear, on another we are also just not sure. However, we are commanded to Watch and Pray. Help us to be faithful as you reveal to us what will come. Protect us from evil. Give us wisdom in the days ahead.

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Satan Overcome

And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death. (Revelation 12:11)

In the previous chapter, we have the Seventh trumpet sounding. With the sounding of the trumpet, judgement day is set up. But this is the judgement of the dead. Also, there will be a reward given to God's people, the prophets and the saints. The dead are clearly those who have rejected God's grace and are therefore doomed for eternity. We also see that the temple of God in heaven is seen, together with the ark of the covenant. It would seem that God's law is eternal. Which makes sense as God is eternal. Chapter 12 starts with what sounds like a Gospel narrative in apocryphal language. Verse 7 commences with a war in heaven where Satan loses and is tossed to the earth. Whereas we see Satan in the Garden of Eden, this seems to be a different tossing. "He hath but a short time" (verse 12) and he made war with the saints. Verse 10 tells us why Satan had access to heaven - he accused the saints day and night (verse 10). However, these accusations were voided by the same saints: 1) By the blood of the Lamb 2) Word of their testimony. 3) They loved not their life even to death. We may well be the generation of Christians that will be persecuted to death. Not just in the regular hotspots. Even today, there are laws being enacted that curtail free speech and people are prohibited from even praying silently. Nobody knows what the future holds with any sense of certainty, except as the Bible tells us. It does raise a question though. Are we ready? Are we prepared to die a martyr? The question has been raised by numerous Christians in Congo (DRC) and Syria in recent days. Do you have a testimony? Are your sins washed away by the blood of the Lamb? If the answer is yes, we are promised ultimate victory. It may seem that we lose. But we do not. We overcome the devils schemes. Whatever the difficulty, whatever the challenge, even if it is life threatening, we overcome. The timeframe of when this casting down occurs is not clear to me yet. Rev 20:7, there is another (the same??) thing of the devil being loosed and him making war and seemingly trapping the saints. Either way, the statement will always be true that the saints overcame the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Again, I encourage writing down this testimony. We should also have daily testimonies of how God has been working in our lives. Two Ways to Live? Either you are to be judged with the dead, or rewarded with the saints. Do you have a testimony of God's work of salvation in your life? If not, please repent and believe the Gospel, before it is too late. Father, thank you that you do tell us what will happen in the future. Sometimes, things are clear, sometimes they are not, especially when it comes to a timeline. Thank you that you will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bare and that you do treat each one of us according to our ability. Give us the strength for whatever the future may hold.

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Order of the Trumpets (Part 2 or Pre Trib, Post Wrath)

The order of the trumpets are as follows: 1) White horse - conquering and to conquer. Also a false Christ (see Matthew 24:5) 2) Red horse - take peace from the earth. (Matthew 24:6) peace is taken from the earth, with nation rising against nation (24:7). 3) Black horse - has a balance and prices of goods are exorbitant (famine). Famines and earthquakes in diverse places (Matthew 24:7). 4) Pale horse, the riders name is Death, Hades followed him. Authority to kill with the sword. These are the beginnings of travail (Matthew 24:8) 5) Martyrdom of saints. They will deliver you to tribulation (Matthew 24:9) 6) Earthquake, sun darkened, moon bloodied etc. A kind of a pause for the 7th trumpet, but also when the rapture seems to occur. (Matthew 24:29) Sun and moon darkened), the gathering of the elect (verse 31). 7) Which is also when the 7 trumpets commence, with God pouring out his wrath. We can see that the events in Revelation are in sequence with the events in Matthew (also Mark and Luke). Important to note, in Matthew 24:3, his disciples came to him and asked a question, or rather three and in Matthew 24, he is answering all three, but not necessarily in sequence. In the middle, Jesus talks about the temple destruction and fall of Jerusalem. The questions are: 1) When shall these things be? 'What things?' is relevant to ask. Matthew 24:2 - destruction of the Temple which happened in 70AD. Verse 34 says that THIS generation shall not pass away). Jesus being killed around 30AD, a generation being 40 years, perfect prophecy 2) What shall be the sign of thy coming? 3) The sign of the end of the world? Revelation, we are only dealing with the signs of the end of the world and Jesus return. NOTE: The post became too long. The original is found on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18gGDnrTTP/ This text together with much else was edited out.