December 31: Revelation 19-22

December 31, Revelation 19-22

Revelation continued…

The entire summary/commentary for Revelation is from my wife Dana Parriera! 

Well, this wraps up my year long commitment to writing every day a summary/commentary on the Bible. What an epic journey this has been. Blessings to you in the name of Christ as you seek Him and Glorify Him!

Revelation 19 19:1-10. Everyone rejoices in Heaven because the judgments of the Lord have come against Earth and the enemy that has infected her. Meanwhile, those who have died will get their robes of righteousness and we are reminded that anything we have to endure on Earth will be rewarded by Jesus. 

Relation 19:11-21. This is my favorite description of Jesus. We might picture Him as baby Jesus. But then we forget that He is a God. Here, Jesus is God and Man. He is coming in with power. Jesus rides in on a horse, wearing a robe dipped in blood. Jesus is a warrior. And His warring power will be aimed at fighting those who disobeyed and mocked Him. This Beast that is to come, is nothing compared to Jesus. 

Revelation 20 20:1-6. This part talks about a section that we don’t talk about much. It states that those who died during the Age of the Antichrist, that were martyred for Jesus, will come alive and reign with Jesus for 1000 years. 

Revelation 20:7-10. Then Jesus is going to let Satan out of the fiery pit and let him loose for more judgment and so that Satan can get more punishment for the things he gets to do. And then Jesus will throw him finally into Hell forever. 

Revelation 20:11-15. Then the books will be opened and the Lord will Judge the living and the dead. This is where God is a good Judge and unless you are covered by the love and forgiveness of Jesus, you will be condemned. So turn to Jesus now, while you still have time to ask Him to forgive you of your sins; since we will be judged by the things that we have done. Then the Lord Jesus also will sentence Death and Hell into the fire, getting rid of them forever. We also know that the power of Sin is Death. So Sin will be finished as well... Yeay.   

Revelation 21 The Lord will take us and let us live in a new Earth and a new Heaven. We will be treated as if we were at a wedding. And living with Jesus will only be experienced by those who love Him. Wow...

Revelation 22 Those of us in Heaven, will get to see and spend time with Jesus face to face. As a Father, Brother, and as our God. It will be indescribable. Jesus leaves us with these words, that He is the one who wrote this book through John, and that we are to take His words seriously. That we need to obey Him and love Yahweh. That we are to fear Him and turn away from any sin that tempts us. For He is coming very soon!

To sum it all up: 

• Live your life in anticipation of Jesus returning. Get rid of the sin and filth in your life and pursue holiness to His Glorious Name!

December 30: Revelation 12-18

December 30, Revelation 12-18

Revelation continued…

The entire summary/commentary is from my wife Dana Parriera! 

Revelation 12 12:1-6. Talks about the spiritual issues that have happened in the past and some think that even the star constellations in the sky will reveal what is happening. As the war against Satan and God’s chosen children will be drawing to a finale. As the 2 Witnesses are gone, that puts us into the messy time of things. 

Revelation 12:7-17. Where Satan is battling Angels in heaven and is eventually thrown to Earth for the remainder of the ‘End of the World’ as we know it. Satan will attack the Jews and they will be saved and preserved by the Lord. Meanwhile, Satan will make his war on the saints of Yahweh. On those who ‘keep the Commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.’ How do we know what to do to continue to be faithful to Yahweh? We need to obey His Commandments and remember to put our faith and trust in Jesus the Christ. This is what will separate us from everyone else. There might be those who hold to the testimony of Jesus, but fail to keep the Commandments of God. This is how we know - who the enemy will be going after and who is going to heaven... Keep the faith and fight the good fight, by trusting in Jesus to save you and showing fruits of repentance by obeying YHWH by keeping the Commandments of God. 

Revelation 13 Talks about 2 beasts. We don’t know if these are literal beasts or spiritually looked as though they are beasts. Daniel tells us that beasts are how the Lord spiritually sees certain kingdoms (Daniel 7). So we have knowledge. The question is are these beasts - kingdoms or something else? Could it be a global community? The United Nations? Or the unity of the whole World? Are they men? Are they fallen angels who come to earth? Are they leaders of something bigger? We just don’t know. But what we do know, is that the plans of these beasts will be bent on hating the God of the Bible and His people. And by this - we will know who they are.

Revelation 13:1-10. The 1st beast will have the power of Satan behind it (Satan is the dragon) and through this power it will demand worship of people. It will be allowed by God to make war on the saints and to conquer them. The martyrs will be many, as this godless beast rises to power. And did you know that today, in 2015 - more Christians are being killed then throughout all History. In fact, today - every 3 seconds someone in the world dies for being a Christian. And this will be the goal of the beast. And everyone who is not a Christian, will accept this new way of life and serve the beast. And for the Christian death and prison will be for us, and happily we will go - knowing that the End of sin, evil, and death is close upon us. As Jesus will save us by helping us endure to the end of our lives. 

Revelation 13:11-18. The 2nd beast will force all to worship the 1st beast. And that some image, statue, or robot will be given demonic power to be able to speak to the people and all the people who do not love God will worship and submit to it. This is where Christians get the jitters when people start talking about placing biometric chips in people. This technology, which couldn’t have been guessed years ago, was written thousands of years ago in the Bible. On the right hand or the forehead, there will be some sort of technology that will allow those who receive it, to buy and sell. Without it - they can not be apart of society. What is this ‘mark’? The Greek word is ‘Seal’. Like in the 1800‘s when someone sealed a letter with wax and placed their singeing ring seal embedded into the wax to prove the ownership. This is the wording for what is going to physically happen. Just as the Lord will spiritually seal His servants as in Rev 9:4. The enemy copycats the same thing and desires to place a ‘seal’ on his people. And since the enemy can’t put a spiritual seal on them, he will place some sort of branding on them - which maybe could be biometric as computer chips are meant to keep track of such things. That means: without this ‘mark’ or ‘seal of Satan’ that you could not be active in society, no buying groceries, no driving, no drivers license, no house, no job, no - nothing. You would be homeless and cast out of society. There will be consequences to not receiving this ‘mark of Satan’ and it seems the only ones who will be denying this mark will be true Christians. Although, even some ‘Christians’ will be tricked into getting this mark. And once marked by Satan, the Lord will not have you... 

Revelation 14 Revelation 14:1-5. Talks about the Lord’s first fruits, the 144,000 that were talked about in Chapter 7. It seems as all those who were marked are now in heaven. Whether raptured or martyred for their faith. These ‘first fruits’ are Gods. This reminds me of the First Fruits in the Old Testament. Where the first boy that opened the womb was His and dedicated to the Temple. The parents could buy back their kids by offering a special offering to the Temple in replacement of giving their child to the Lord’s service in the Temple. These servants of the Lord will be Gods. And while this is all going on Heaven, meanwhile chaos is happening on Earth. 

Revelation 14:6-13. The Messages of the 3 Angels. The Angels pronounce some facts for us to know. 

The 1st Angel states to all people to fear the Lord because His Wrath is coming on the Earth. 

The 2nd Angel states Babylon is fallen in judgment to the Lord, for sinning against God. 

The 3rd Angel states that this Judgment for taking the Mark of Satan will be spiritually condemning for all eternity. 

Can you take this mark and still be saved? Can you get a chip placed in your hand or in your brain and still be obedient to God in your heart? Can you accept this new way to live on Earth and still have entrance into heaven? The answer is no! Jesus makes it very clear that all those who take the mark. Or accept this. Will enter in Judgment from God. God has warned us for 2000 years to not accept this. Jesus will watch over hell (vs. 10 as Jesus is the Lamb) and He will watch over all who accepted the mark of Satan to live a life on Earth. 

But the Lord gives hope to those who will not take the mark. And although they will endure pain and death - they will be blessed as those who die during this time period will get to reign with Jesus for 1000 years. But I will talk about this in a little bit. But just remember that Jesus is here for His people and will reward them for going through such painful things... 

Can I pause here for a second and speak truthfully to you? The ‘mark’ of Satan, isn’t going to be black and white. Nowhere does it say that you have to deny Jesus to take the mark. Instead, later in Revelation 20:10 it talks about how the devil deceived those who took the mark. You see. It will all be a deception. Some people will take the mark and think “well, I still worship Jesus in my mind, so a physical thing isn’t important.” Or, “I don’t have to deny Jesus to get it, so it is fine.” You see, deception will be everywhere. So then, how are we to know what it is? How can we make sure that we aren’t going to be deceived in taking the mark of the beast? 

I had a recent trip to the DMV, The Department of Motor Vehicles, to get a new drivers license. When I was filling out my info, I read through all the paperwork and was filling it all out. I then came to the first question. When I read that they wanted to put a microchip into my drivers license. It seemed optional, so I didn’t want to put it in. I walked up to the guy at the counter - to ask him about it. I asked if I could opt out of getting the chip in my drivers license, since it seemed optional. He looked at me and stated, “Yeah, it is optional.” I said that is great. So do I just check ‘no’? He looked at me and said something like, “Listen, it is optional. The option is not getting a drivers license if you don’t want the chip.” I looked at him and said, “So if I check ‘no’ then I don’t get a drivers license? That doesn’t sound like an option to me.” He said, “Listen, if you don’t like the idea of having a chip, don’t get a drivers license while it isn’t mandatory. Because soon, it will be mandatory and then you won’t have a choice, to not have one.” I was stunned. So I looked at him, trying to wrap my brain around it. And he sat back and stared at me. I was thinking and so I tried again, to understand this. He looked at me and stated, “Yup. Listen, if you don’t like the chip, while it is an option - don’t get a license or a passport.” I still couldn’t let it go. I looked at him and asked again, “So I couldn’t drive or cross the border, if I don’t check this box to get a license with a microchip in it?” He looked at me and stated, “Yup.”  I sat down and debated what I was going to do. Meanwhile, my number was called and I went to the counter where this lady was. She mentioned to me that I didn’t check the number 1 box and stated that I needed to do it. 

I stated, “So what if I fill out all my paperwork and just check the ‘no’ box. What then?”  She looked at me and said, “If you don’t check the box, we just never send you your license.” I stood there shocked. I said, “So, I would fill all the paperwork out, get my picture taken, get a paper copy that expires in a month, and I just would never get sent my real license?” She nodded her head. I was stunned. 

I sat at the DMV for some time, debating. And eventually I caved and checked the box. But it was a great example to me, what it will soon be like for those of us who challenge this mark that is coming. And the pressure to regain normal life, if we just get the mark...

What did I learn from my trip? I learned that my DMV trip was no more then peer pressure to do what they wanted me to do. I learned that those whose foundation isn’t firm against getting the ‘mark’ - will cave, as I did with my drivers license with a biometric chip imbedded into it. You see - what ever the ‘mark’ is going to be. Whether a microchip, a biometric tattoo, or some coming technology; whatever the ‘mark’ will eventually be - it will become mandatory on our right hand or forehead - we must decided now if we want it or not. We must decide now to not get it. That we have to understand that if we deny this coming ‘mark’ that we will have to give up our right to buy, to sell, to drive, to have a job, to live... This will be our cost for not being a part of this ‘beast’ system, that is coming. And the truth is, we won’t have to deny Jesus to get the mark. That will be the greatest deception ever. And it is already starting, as I experienced. People will believe the lie - that they can have the mark and still be saved. Instead, Jesus states in this chapter, verse 11 that ‘whoever receives the mark’ will be punished for eternity. And that we are called to endure the hardships that are to come, and to keep the Commandments of the Lord. 

Revelation 14:14-20. The Lord is dealing with the Earth as a farmer gathers in the crops. Jesus talked about this when He was alive as a man on Earth in the Parable of the Weeds in Matthew 13:24-30 and Matthew 13:36-43. And we are seeing the end of that parable here, when the reapers (the Angels) will gather them all and place them in judgment. And the blood from the people of Earth will reach the top of a horse’s bridle. We don’t know how it is that the Lord will do this, but with this much blood, it doesn’t sound pretty. 

Revelation 15 Revelation 15. Is about the Wrath of God that is placed in bowls and given to 7 Angels. These judgments of God’s Wrath are 7 plagues that will be unleashed on mankind. Meanwhile, those in martyred in Heaven are singing to Yahweh, as they know that the time is coming to a close and the rejoicing in Heaven is for Jesus’ Kingdom to Come. This new Kingdom of Jesus will be the final, winning Kingdom. And those of us who hate death and sin, suffering and evil - will long for this glorious day. 

Revelation 16 The 7 Bowls of God’s Wrath poured on mankind.

1. Painful sores on those who are apart of the ‘beast’ kingdom.
2. All the seas turned into blood.
3. All the rivers turned into blood.
4. The sun became hot and burned people. 
5. The beast kingdom starts loosing. (Just as Egypt kingdom lost)
6. The Euphrates river dried up and demons aren’t hiding any longer.
7. The biggest earthquake ever, with hailstones 100 pounds each. 

Even with all of this, those that hate the God in Heaven, will still curse Him. How can this be? Watch a disaster film and what is something they all say when they are running for their lives? Something like, “Oh my go@#!” Crazy isn’t it? But that is the point. They blaspheme with words they don’t believe, and in doing so - denying the very God that could save them. This is how those who this is happening to will (vs. 21) ‘curse God for the plagues...”  Unbelievable.

Revelation 17 This Chapter is all about the ‘Prostitute’ and the Beast. There has been much debate to who or what this ‘Prostitute’ is. But if it is alright. I would like to show you what the Lord has revealed to me through asking Him what this means. I believe that the ‘Prostitute’ is the whole world. Mother Earth. This global community on Earth will rule with the help of the enemy, the Beast. She will hate those who love Jesus and desire to kill them. Loving Jesus will go against everything that this global Prostitute will set up with the Enemies Kingdom. The Beast in return will want to destroy the world. Instead of the Enemy loving the world he wants to rule, he will long to destroy it. 

Revelation 18  Revelation 18 is all about the Prostitute who is called Mystery Babylon. Since I believe that Babylon is the whole world, it gives some clues to what the Prostitute will look like. When Scripture relates Babylon to the word ‘city’ it is translated from the term ‘dwelling place’ so it can mean anything where people can dwell. Keep in mind, this is what the ‘Mother Earth’ has turned into. A dwelling place for demons, selling human slaves, full of magic and sexuality - surely this is no place that any of us want to live in. But this is what Earth will look like when the enemy finally gets to rule. It will be full of evil. And the Lord will have great relief in bringing Earth and the wickedness that was done in her to an end.

To sum it all up: 

• The Spiritual world is just as real as our physical world - be aware of what is going on around you. 
• Our enemy, Satan, is powerful. But he is limited by God as to the power he has. Do not play with fire or you will get burned. Do not give the enemy a foothold over your life or access into your life. 
• Jesus is there for you - in all circumstances.
• Do not take the mark - be aware of the deception that will come.
• Be willing to accept the consequences for obedience. 

December 29: Revelation 6-11

December 29, Revelation 6-11

Revelation continued…

The entire summary/commentary is from my wife Dana Parriera! 

Revelation 6 1-11. Jesus opens the first 4 seals on the scroll letting loose the judgments on earth. These seals could have been opened a hundred years ago, with World Wars and rising False Religions. Noting that everything that happens on earth, is in the hands of our savior. Whether it plague, famine, doubt, or financial instability - is all up to Jesus. It might look chaotic here on earth, but Jesus has got this and is in control of it all. As this is His way of bringing about the end the world. Always giving people time to turn to Him. And here we also see those who are going to die for their faith, is also planned out and controlled by Jesus. Just because people have to die for their faith in Jesus, doesn’t mean that Jesus isn’t aware or in control of it. Instead the opposite is true. Jesus has a time period for it. And instead of hoping it will stop, since He is in control of it, gives them robes of righteousness and tells them to be patient as more die for Jesus. Those who die for Jesus, will be rewarded greatly, and Jesus isn’t concerned about saving them, (Just like how Jesus didn’t save John the Baptist when He was on the earth, but instead planned it all out) but instead to wait until all who are suppose to die, die in Him and for Him. Their reward will be so great, that Jesus waits patiently for those who will die and comforts them in death. Although, it might not seem ‘fair’ - we have to understand that Jesus doesn’t think like a human. And living for Jesus is just as important as dying for Him. 

Revelation 6:12-17. Speaks of the rest of the seals being opened. Which I believe are the ones that we are waiting for. Which sounds like Climate Chaos to me... The beginning of the end. Here things can not be missed. A world wide earthquake. This will not only help us know when we are close, but notice how those against God will try to hide from Him. Not very smart, is it. But instead we are to turn towards Him. Although, it speaks of everyone hiding and cursing God. And through breaking of this last one, it seems as though it will start a chain of events that lead up to the Great Day of the Lord; the Wrath of the Lord. 

Revelation 7 We see that God is sealing a group for Him. We know that they are a part of the tribe of Israel to be saved. This would fulfill the promises of God - of saving those from the house of Israel. In an instant, these 144,000 are in heaven and John asks where they are from. The Angel states back that he should know, as he saw the 5th seal being opened and those with white robes were told to wait a little longer for God to take His judgment on earth. We know that these people have been killed for their faith, as those who are killed get to serve Yahweh in His Temple. People debate that these are the Raptured from Earth into Heaven. Others state that these are the martyred Jews. Either way, we know that they are now in Heaven. It is a promise to us, that if we die for Jesus - He will reward us and that He will wipe away the tears from our eyes... How beautiful is that.

Revelation 8 8:1-5. Things on Earth are going to get worse. With a silence in Heaven, we know that the Lord doesn’t take these things lightly, but these things are weighed and the timing is everything. Again, we see something Spiritual happening in Heaven; as an Angel grabs the prayers of the saints that are held in an alter before the Lord, and he takes it and throws it to Earth, the physical manifestation of that is there will be thunder, lighting, and an earthquake as the prayers collide to Earth during Judgment. 

The question: Will Christians be here on Earth for Judgment? The Truth is, we don’t know. People argue that Noah was saved from the flood and Lot was saved from the fires of Sodom. But the reality was that Noah endured in the safety of God through the Judgment. And Lot ran and hid, but endured living through the Judgment. They were both saved, true. But they also endured and had to go through it - seeing first hand the Judgment of God. When Babylon took over Israel and Jerusalem (Jeremiah 52), Daniel was captured (Daniel 1). Daniel endured the Judgment of God and had to deal with being taken captive. We need to understand that most of God’s people went through God’s Judgments. Look at the Judgments on Egypt when the Israelites were there. They had to endure the water turning into blood, and other plagues. Although they were spared a few if they obeyed (like the death of the firstborn if they smeared blood on their doors) they still had to endure the Judgments of God. But that the Lord also protects His people. And in that, we can Trust. That Yahweh will protect us, if we have to endure His Judgment. Through life and through death, Jesus will never leave us. 

Revelation 8:6-13. The Lord hands Angels some trumpets. These trumpets are more Climate Chaos. As the Earth is going to have its fill of Judgments from the Lord. You will notice a lot of ‘a third’. This reminds me, that ‘a third’ of the angels joined in a rebellion against God and joined Satan - the deceiver. And it seems that ‘a third’ is getting its Judgments and the Earth is being held accountable for the joining and acceptance of such evil. This all sets it up, for the 3 woes that are coming to Earth…

Revelation 9 9:1-6. An Angel blows the 5th Trumpet and an evil angel falls from Heaven. (We know that stars can represent angels because of the Book of Job uses these terms interchangeably.) This bad angel has the key to the bottomless pit and unleashes demons that were being held there. How are locusts demons? Well, look how John uses the word ‘like’. This means that he can not describe what he is seeing and is using something similar that he knows. Just as locust bugs eat and destroy the land, so these locust demons will destroy. We also know that in Joel 2, the locust army is mentioned and they have inhuman strength, yet are called an army. In Joel 2:6-11 we see that this locust army has inhuman strength and is demonic as they can climb walls and burst through weapons of earth.This might sound like a horror movie. But where do you think that people get these ideas that there will be a horde of zombies or demons will be unleashed onto Earth? Zombies are nothing but either possessed people with demons or demons themselves. Just know, that these aren’t new ideas. History is littered with zombies in pagan religions. Ancient Babylonian had this idea of Zombies coming to earth from the underworld and eating people. The Chinese Boxers were a group of possessed people, who believed that zombies would come out of the ground and kill their enemies. This isn’t a new idea. But the fact that the TV series ‘The Walking Dead’ has become so popular, shows that we are being prepared and programmed that this evil is real and coming. This is evil working through movie producers and writers. The enemy knows that these things will come upon the Earth. The enemy would just like it on his terms, but that won’t be the case. The enemy would also like his people prepared, but they will not able to stand against the Most High God and His Judgments. But look at verse 4. “(The demons) were told to only hurt those who DID NOT have the seal of God on their forehead.” This means that even the demon army has orders that they have to obey. And flip to Joel 2:11 - it states who’s army? The Lords. We know that even the enemies army is under the command of the Lord. As He can kill them with a breath of His Mouth. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Instead, the Lord is using this demon army to do His will, just like He used the Babylonians and the Assyrians for Judgment in the Old Testament. It should give us great comfort to trust in Yahweh, as He will protect His people... 

Revelation 9:7-21. The First Woe from the Lord to the Earth. The appearance of these demons were described the best John could. He uses the word ‘like’ - which tells us that it is hard to describe and hard to put into words. But that the leader is unmistakable, which is a demon from Hell - named Apollyon. This ushers in another Trumpet blast that brings more death, destruction, and plagues on the Earth. Herald in by more tragic scenes of death and destruction. But instead of turning to the Lord during this tragic time, people hated God even more and did not stop doing evil in the sight of the Lord.

Revelation 10 Revelation 10 is the Mystery of the Angel. John wasn’t allowed to write it down, and thus the Lord has to reveal it to His modern day prophets. As the Lord does nothing without revealing His ways. This Angel is debated on being good or evil, as he speaks without being told. But I can’t help but wonder if this Angel wrapped in a rainbow is talking about the promises of God. I read about the rainbow and I think of God’s promise to not destroy the world by a flood again. 

The Angel is holding a scroll that is sweet but sour to the belly. This reminds me of Ezekiel 2-3 where Ezekiel has to eat the scroll and it tastes sweet. Through Ezekiel's obedience the words of God are sweet and he is commissioned to speak the words that the Lord has given him, words of ‘lamentation and mourning and woe.’ This also reminds me of Jeremiah 15 and how the words of God’s Judgments are mirrored in the beginning of Jeremiah 15 with the 4 Horsemen in verse 2-3. As well eating the words of the Lord in verse 16. 

This leads me to think that this might be a good Angel and that mystery of God is sweet to those who are saved and sour to those who are not. As Judgment is sweet to those who are waiting for death, sin, and evil to be finished. Yet at the same time it is sour to watch the Judgments hurled onto Earth. 

But until the Lord reveals what it really is, truth is - we just don’t know...

Revelation 11 11:1-6. The Lord will rebuild His Temple in Israel. With the building of the Temple, the Lord will send 2 Witnesses. These Witnesses are debated that the real Elijah and Moses, or Elijah and Enoch will come back in the flesh to speak God’s truths. But we don’t know. We also have to understand that John the Baptist was Elijah in spiritual terms as Jesus told us in Matthew 11:14. So it could spiritually be them, but physically be someone else. The Two Witnesses might just have the spiritual anointing of the former prophets. If that makes sense to you... But either way God is sending 2 Witnesses who will be clothed in mourning wear and will prophecy for 3 and a half years. These Prophets will have the power to do what Moses, Elijah, and others did. Such as turning the water into blood as Moses. Such as keeping the clouds from raining as Elijah did. And it seems that they can kill people with fire from their mouths, which will help us know who they are:) As many people can’t do that...

Revelation 11:7-14. When the 2 Witnesses are done with their warnings. The thing that rises from the pit in Revelation 9, will kill them in the streets of Israel, which is the 2nd Woe. We know that Jesus died in Israel and that it is spiritually as wicked during the time of this, as Sodom and Egypt. Those what love sin, evil, and death will hate the 2 Witnesses and rejoice around the death of the 2 ‘troublemakers’ of them. But the Lord God will give life to them after 3 days and the world will watch, as they rise from the dead and an earthquake will hit the city. 

Revelation 11:15-19. The last Angel blew his Trumpet and victory was claimed, even though the battle isn’t finished. As they know it will all be over very soon. 

To sum it all up: 

• Put your faith in Christ today! Time is of the essence. 
• Plan today to live and die for Jesus 
• These events will happen and we must be ready. Are you ready to stand firm in Christ?

December 28: Revelation 1-5

December 28, Revelation 1-5

Revelation intro from the ESV Bible: ““The revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1) was probably written by the apostle John while in exile on the island of Patmos, off the coast of present-day Turkey. It was addressed to seven actual churches. Revelation begins with letters from Christ himself to these churches, letters that include commendation, criticism, and comfort. Then comes a long series of visions of judgment on the wicked, all in highly symbolic language. The church is depicted under great distress but is assured of the final triumph of Jesus as “King of kings and Lord of lords” (19:16), bringing to an end the rebellion of humanity and ushering in “a new heaven and a new earth” (21:1), where God himself will reign forever and ever (11:15). Revelation was probably written a.d. 95–96.”

The entire summary/commentary of Revelation is from my wife Dana Parriera!

• “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!  So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.  For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.  Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.  The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”

Revelation 1 Revelation 1:1-3 just lets us know that the book you are about to read, Revelation, is about the Revelations of Jesus Christ through John.

This whole book is a prophetic look at the world during the end of days.

Have you ever wondered what would happen at the end of the world? Well, you get a front row seat, as John takes us through what the Lord Jesus shows him and he writes it all down for us to read. John tells us that we are blessed if we read it. We might not understand it all, but we are still blessed for reading it and understanding that it is Jesus who writes the pages of History and who writes the pages of the Future. 

Revelation 1:4-20 tells us that this whole book of Revelations was given to John and he was suppose to send it to other churches. John tells the end from the beginning and starts off with that Jesus is coming on the clouds (vs. 7) and that the Holy Spirit is the 7 Spirits of Jesus. Which 7 represents the perfection of God. Then John gets to the story. He is in prayer and the Lord visits him and tells him to write down everything that he is going to see, and that he also has to send it to certain churches. We then get to see a picture of Jesus in His glory. No more is He a baby. No more is He a human. Instead John sees Jesus as God, and can only use the word ‘like’ so many times. Noting that what John is seeing, isn’t anything he can describe. Jesus in His glory is like nothing we can attain through our language, as He is Indescribable. 

Revelation 2-3 Jesus then picks 7 churches to write to and write about. What is interesting about this, is that these aren’t well known churches. These are not major churches. Instead, these are little, sporadic churches. Why would Jesus want John to write to these churches? Because there is more then what we can’t see. Remember, during the letters to the Churches - Jesus is constantly saying ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Why does He say this? Because not only were these physical churches of the time. But they are also the spiritual timeline of Church History. And we are in the last group...

Revelation 4 Then John is taken to heaven and sees the glory of Yahweh. Again, notice the word ‘like’ as John can only describe what it is like, as the words of what Heaven really looks like is indescribable. We see the beings that the Lord is surrounded Himself with and how we have nothing like that on earth. And all day long, they praise His Great Name. 

Revelation 5 Then John sees part of the Future as if a scroll. The only one who has authority and can make the Future happen is Jesus, so He grabs the scroll and starts being worshipped as God, since He is God. The only one who has the authority of the Future is Jesus, who is God. The Scrolls are (I think) literal. As Heaven holds different rules then the Earth. Things are spiritual and things are representative. But I believe these are literal things that the Lord will use. Just as others who have ascended to Heaven have seen things in Heaven, that we have mimicked on Earth. Such as the Temple of God, the Alter, etc. I think that these things are done in Heaven are literal and have Spiritual effects. It is like they happen up in Heaven Spiritually, then they manifest Physically on Earth. Although, we might only see the earthly and physical, we must know that something Spiritual is happening as well.

If you want to watch a great Revelation Study, there is one on Youtube that is fantastic. It is from Fuel Project. Here is the link... 

One thing that Fuel Project states that is great, is that it might seem like the Church is missing from Revelation. But it isn’t. Instead, the focus is back onto the Jews and Israel, like it was in the beginning. So keep that in mind.

To sum it all up: 

• The book of Revalation has caused many a debate! I do not believe that that was the intention. Those who read this book are blessed. 
• There are many key themes throughout this book & one of the main ones is to hear what the Lord is saying through his Spirit.
• The ultimate and game result is that Jesus Christ is coming back and we need to REPENT! We are called over and over again to repent. When you fall short, repent - when you fail, repent! Martin Luther's is quotes as saying something along the lines of "a lifestyle of a believer is marked with repentance" - I agree. granted, with Christ we are Saints and not sinners, but we are not perfect. So when we fall short and sin against a Holy God - REPENT! 

December 27: 2 John 1, 3 John 1

December 27, 2 John 1, 3 John 1

2 John intro from the ESV Bible: “Second John warns against the same false teaching mentioned in 1 John. This letter, however, was addressed to “the elect lady and her children” (perhaps a local congregation), and focused on Christian hospitality. False teachers were using the kindness of Christians to gain influence within John’s congregations. John’s letter spoke of this danger and warned against opening one’s home to these destroyers of the faith. While the basic themes of 1 John—holding fast to truth, love, and obedience—are evident, there is the additional focus on what Christian hospitality is all about. Only when you find agreement on sound doctrine will you find meaningful fellowship. The letter was probably written by the apostle John in the late first century a.d.”

• “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” 

2 John 1 Greeting. John is the author of this short letter. It is written to the elect lady. This is a debated issue as to whether this was a specific lady or a church. Either way, it is written to one that John loves and someone or a group that truly abides in Christ with truth. John writes, “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.” Grace. Mercy. Peace. It all comes from God through Jesus Christ. 

Walking in Truth and Love. Some of the children, either the literal kids of the lady or the congregants of the church, are walking in the Truth. What were they to be doing? Walking in the truth and loving one another. 

John goes on to warn them about false teachers or deceivers. “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” What is an antichrist? Those who do not confess Jesus Christ is coming back in the flesh - or those who are against Christ (anti-Christ). John cautions them about these people so that they may stay the course and win a full reward - eternity with Christ. Here are the options: “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” Jesus is the way. Without Him we do not have God. With Him, we do. If people come to teach anything other than that are not from God and we are not to have anything to do with them. If somebody is a false teacher, have nothing to do with them. When it says don't have them into your house or even give them a greeting, it means do not approve of what they are doing. Stand true to your convictions. 

Final Greetings. John’s heart is to see her/them. He wants to come and see them so that their joy may be complete. There is much more to say, but he wants to say it in person to them… 

3 John intro from the ESV Bible: “Third John supplements statements on Christian hospitality in 2 John. It applauds a Christian named Gaius for living out the teachings of the apostles—he had welcomed traveling Christian missionaries into his home—while condemning Diotrephes, a selfish church leader who not only refused to help these itinerant, godly teachers but also had slandered and opposed those who disagreed with him. This book demonstrates that pride can divide Christians if they are not living by God’s Word. To avoid the dual dangers of false teaching and division within the church, believers should practice the dual virtues of love and discernment. The letter was probably written by the apostle John in the late first century a.d.”

3 John 1 Greeting. John wrote this to Gaius, whom John loves as a son in Christ. We don't know much about this man, except that he was loved by John. There has been some great spiritual growth and John has heard about it. This has brought great joy to John knowing that his ‘kids’ are following Jesus and walking in the truth. 

Support and Opposition. John writes to his beloved friend, Gaius. He and others have been taking care of traveling missionaries. How are we to take care of missionaries? “For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” We are all in this together - God has each of us where He wants us. 

Here comes the opposition part - Diotrephes. He is a selfish man that does not submit or acknowledge John’s authority. John will practice church discipline. “So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.” Diotrephes needs to be stopped - he is not taking care of Christians and is a hinderance to the Gospel. People are either for Christ or against Him. “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”

Final Greetings. John finished this letter similar to 2 John. He has much to say but wanted to meet them in person instead of just writing to them. 

To sum it all up: 

• Walk in love - literally abide in Christ. 
• Stand true to your convictions. Do not give in to persuasive false teachers. 
• Pride… This is the real deal. 
• As a pastor, John received great pleasure in seeing the growth in those that God has placed in his pastoral care. Pastor’s invest 

December 26: 1 John 1-5

December 26, 1 John 1-5

1 John intro from the ESV Bible: “This apostolic letter speaks authoritatively about the truth of the incarnation—a message John’s doubting readers needed after hearing false teachers deny the full divinity and humanity of Christ. It reaffirms the core of Christianity, saying that either we exhibit the sound doctrine, obedience, and love that characterize all Christians, or else we are not true Christians. When all the basics of faith are in operation, we not only know joy but can live a holy life and be assured of salvation (3:19, 24)—even though we are still far from perfect (1:9). This assurance comes especially as we find ourselves learning to “love one another” as brothers and sisters in Christ (4:7–8). This general letter to congregations across Asia Minor (now Turkey) was probably written by the apostle John in the late first century a.d.” Today’s study is taken from Bakers Commentary.

• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1 “The first four verses of the epistle are introductory. They are a summary that tells the reader about the content of the letter. But the introduction also reminds him of the first verse of Genesis and the first verse of the Gospel of John to show him the continuity of God’s message. The writer informs the reader that the message he and other eyewitnesses proclaim is true to fact. This message concerns the Word of life, namely, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. John invites the reader to have fellowship with God.

John seems to oppose religious teachers who make bold and unfounded statements. But before he alludes to some of their remarks, he states the heart of God’s message to man: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” The statements of these erring teachers simply are unacceptable in view of God’s revelation. Their remarks are contradictory to the message of God and reveal the unrepentant heart of the sinner who claims to have no sin.

John encourages the reader. He says that if we walk in the light, and confess our sins, God will forgive us our sins and purify us through the blood of Jesus, his Son. Therefore, we must walk in God’s light.”

1 John 2 “John mentions God’s promise for remission of sin not as an excuse for sinning but as comfort and assurance for the believer who occasionally falls into sin. He admonishes those who know the Lord to obey his commands; they must walk as Jesus walked. John gives them not a new command but an old one: love your neighbor as yourself.

In summary John exhorts all Christians whom he tenderly addresses as “dear children.” He appeals to fathers and to young men because they have known Christ and they have overcome the devil. He tells them not to love the world but to obey the will of God instead.

John warns against the coming of the antichrist and instructs the believers to recognize those people who deny the Father and the Son. These persons are antichrists. He pleads with the readers to remain in the Son and in the Father and to receive the promise of eternal life.

The apostle informs the Christians about the significance of their anointing. Their anointing is the gift of the Holy Spirit who remains in them. And last, he reminds them of the coming of Christ and encourages the believers to be confident and unashamed. As children of God they are expected to pursue righteousness.”

1 John 3 “John exalts the Christians, who are called children of God. Although we are not recognized as such by the world, we know that at the time of Christ’s return we, as God’s children, will be fully revealed in glory. We will be similar to Jesus Christ and we shall see him. Therefore, the person who belongs to Christ must cleanse himself from sin. John points to Christ, who as the sinless One has come to remove sin.

The children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil. They who live in fellowship with God do not continue to live in sin. Moreover, the child of God not only has God’s seed in him; he also knows that he has been born of God.

The message John leaves with us is that we should love one another. We are not to follow the example of Cain, who belonged to the devil. However, we show our love to the brothers and know that we have passed from spiritual death to life. We will receive the hatred of the world. John observes that the person who hates his brother is a murderer.

John cites the example of Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for us. He encourages us to follow that example. We must show our love not merely by words but with deeds and in truth. By emulating that example, we learn that we are true Christians.

God answers our prayers, for we receive from him whatever we ask as long as we obey his commands and please him. God’s command is that we believe in Jesus and that we love one another. If we do this, we have fellowship with God, and through the Holy Spirit we know that God lives in us.”

1 John 4 “In the opening verses of this chapter John tells the readers to beware of false teachers and to discern the Spirit of God. He encourages the recipients of his letter with the knowledge that they belong to God and he exhorts them to be faithful to the teachings of the apostles.

John admonishes us to cultivate mutual love, for love originates with God. Love is divine, for God is love. God sets the example by sending his Son into the world. And if we show love for one another, God has fellowship with us. Our acknowledgment that Jesus is the Son of God confirms that God lives in us. Thus we have confidence on the judgment day. Love expels fear. The person who fears does not have perfect love.

John concludes with the statement that if we love God and hate our brother, we are liars. We have received the command to love God and our neighbor.”

1 John 5 “The subject of this chapter is the doctrine that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Throughout the chapter, John expounds this theme. He begins by stressing the unity that exists between God and the believer. Love for God must coincide with love for the child of God. Love for God is expressed when the believer obeys God’s commands. Moreover, the believer who is born of God overcomes the world, for he believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus came by water and blood; the Spirit testifies to the significant events that the words water and blood represent. We ought to accept God’s testimony more readily than the testimony of man. Anyone who rejects the testimony of God concerning his Son makes God a liar. But the person who accepts this testimony has eternal life through the Son of God.

We have the assurance that God hears our prayers. Provided our requests are in accordance with his will, God grants whatever we ask. The Christian community also prays for the brother who falls into sin. Nonetheless, John advises that we do not need to pray for the person who commits a “sin that leads to death.” Believers, however, do not commit this sin, for God keeps them safe. As believers, we know Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God and eternal life. John concludes this chapter with the admonition to guard against false teachings.”

To sum it all up: 

• We must stand for Christ. 
• Like Jesus showed Himself to John to show others, we are to do the same. 
• You cant pursue both Christ and sin. It is one or the other. 
• Satan is the ‘ruler’ of the world, or he is anti-Jesus living. Don't be fooled. 
• If you abide in Christ, then you are pursuing righteousness. 
• Sit in Christ. 
• We need to put our money where our mouth is. Basically, with Christ - lets see what you got. Are you in? Will you trust Him to work it all out?

December 25: 2 Peter 1-3, Jude 1

December 25, 2 Peter 1-3, Jude 1

A very Merry Christmas to you! Yes, it is this Jesus that we study and give our lives to - Praise Him!!!
2 Peter intro from the ESV Bible: “In this second letter, Peter describes (ch. 2) some twisted versions of Christian truth being taught. Recalling his experience of Christ’s glory at the transfiguration (1:17–18), Peter explains the “more fully confirmed” truth of the gospel as an antidote to heresy. The gospel is like “a lamp shining in a dark place” (1:19). In chapter 3 Peter focuses on those who scoff at the idea of Christ’s triumphant return and the final judgment. Just as God once destroyed the world with water, he will one day bring his fire to it. In light of this, we should live in “holiness and godliness” as we await his return and the salvation he has promised to all believers. Peter probably wrote this letter about a.d. 67–68, shortly before his death.” Today’s study is taken from Bakers Commentary.

• “…make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 
• “For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved… For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”
• “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

2 Peter 1 “After identifying himself, Peter greets the readers of his letter with a salutation in which he expresses the wish that they may increase in grace and peace through a knowledge of Jesus Christ. He informs them about the great and precious promises God has given them. He exhorts them to add to their faith seven virtues: goodness, self-control, knowledge, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. He teaches them that they will be effective and productive in their spiritual life if they increase these qualities. He encourages them to ascertain their calling and election, so that they may enter Christ’s eternal kingdom.

Peter reminds the readers of the truth they possess. He wishes to refresh their memories, especially because the duration of his earthly life is short. He discloses that Jesus Christ has told him about his impending death. Therefore, he puts forth every effort to have them remember spiritual truths.

With the other apostles, Peter preaches not fables but truths about the power and coming of Jesus Christ. He proves the veracity of the apostolic message by relating his account of the transfiguration. He is able to testify that he heard the voice of God the Father commending the Son. God’s revelation is confirmed by the prophetic word of the Scriptures, which have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. Indeed, the prophets were carried along by the Spirit when they spoke the Word of God.”

2 Peter 2 “Peter writes this chapter to warn the believers against the pernicious heresies of false teachers who openly deny the sovereignty of Christ and consequently face swift destruction. Peter describes the greed and dishonesty of these teachers and as a warning states that many in the Christian community will follow their immoral ways.

With a number of examples from history, Peter compares the destiny of the false teachers to that of the angels who sinned and were condemned to hell, to the unbelieving contemporaries of Noah who perished in the flood, and to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah that were reduced to ashes. By contrast, God protected Noah and his family and rescued Lot. Thus, the Lord spares the righteous but punishes the unrighteous on the day of judgment.

The false teachers even slander celestial beings, arrogantly level accusations, behave like animals, and thus face inevitable destruction. In broad daylight they yield to drunkenness and practice adultery. They are greedy and skilled in seduction. Peter uses the illustration of the life and motives of Balaam, whose donkey rebuked him.

Peter’s language is picturesque. He resorts to metaphors as he describes the false teachers, whom he depicts as waterless springs and clouds without rain. Once more Peter warns the believers against seduction. The heretics promise freedom, yet they themselves are slaves of sin. Because they have known the way of righteousness, the apostates are accountable for their actions. It would have been better for them had they never known Christ. With two proverbs about a dog and a sow, Peter concludes his lengthy description of these false teachers.

2 Peter 3 “In this second epistle to his readers, Peter exhorts them to think clearly and to recall the teachings of the prophets and the apostles. He alerts them to the danger of the presence of scoffers in their midst, for these false teachers deny the return of Jesus Christ and the coming of the judgment day. Peter reminds the readers of the creation of the universe and the destructive forces of the flood. These facts the scoffers purposely forget. Yet as the world perished in the deluge, so heaven and earth will be destroyed by fire.

Peter teaches the readers about time and eternity when he compares a thousand years with one day in the sight of God. The day of the Lord will be postponed because of God’s patience toward sinners. Yet that day will come unexpectedly. When heaven and earth have been destroyed, a new heaven and a new earth will appear; they will be known as the home of righteousness.

God’s patience signifies salvation for the sinner. This is the message Paul also conveys in all his epistles. Some unstable people twist the meaning of Scripture. Peter concludes his letter by exhorting the readers to be on guard and not to be dissuaded by the false teachers. He urges the believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.”

Jude intro from the ESV Bible: “The letter of Jude warns against those who, having gained admission to the church, were perverting the grace of God, denying “our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (v. 4). Jude used Old Testament examples to warn of these “blemishes” on the church. He wrote multiple denunciations of these ungodly people who “defile the flesh” and “reject authority” (v. 8). He urged Christians to continue in godliness and love toward such people, in some cases reasoning with them, in other cases “snatching them out of the fire” (v. 23). Jude closes with one of the most beautiful doxologies in all of Scripture (vv. 24–25). Jude was the brother of James (probably “James the Lord’s brother,” Gal. 1:19). He likely wrote sometime between a.d. 65 and 80.” Today’s study is taken from Bakers Commentary.

Jude 1 “Jude writes a letter to strengthen the readers in their faith and to warn them not to be misled by apostates who in life and doctrine try to lead them astray. After identifying himself, he greets the recipients and pronounces a blessing of mercy, peace, and love.

In a personal manner, Jude says that he had planned to write a letter about the doctrine of salvation and to urge the recipients to contend for the faith, that is, the gospel. However, he changes his mind because of the presence of immoral men who have infiltrated the Christian community. Jude reminds the believers of three Old Testament examples that illustrate divine judgment: the unbelieving Israelites in the desert, the rebellious angels who left their positions of authority, and the immoral men of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jude calls the infiltrators “dreamers” who engage in immorality, rebellion, and slander. He cites the incident of the archangel Michael, who refrained from bringing an accusation against Satan. These ungodly men follow the way of Cain, Balaam, and Korah. They are blemishes in the company of Christians. Relying on a prophecy of Enoch, Jude describes the coming of the Lord with his myriads of angels. The Lord will judge the ungodly according to their words and deeds.

The readers know about the coming of the scoffers, for the apostles have given them instructions. Jude urges the believers to strengthen one another in the faith and to wait prayerfully for the realization of eternal life. He exhorts them to show mercy to doubters, to save others from destruction, and to be wary of sin’s contamination. He concludes his epistle with a splendid doxology to God.”

To sum it all up: 

• Our holiness must be genuine. Repent where you have fallen short and pursue holiness in Christ. 
• Living your life with selfish intentionality will bring you to destruction. As my Grandpa used to always say, a moment of pleasure can ruin the rest of your life. Do not seek the pleasures of the world, rather seek the pleasure of our Father in Heaven.
• “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”