The Reporter   
 Volume 45 # 50,  --  December 16, 2005

 

The Gospel Will Triumph

– Revelation Eleven –

 

   Revelation 11 begins with John being given a reed and instruction to measure the temple. The application here is that God is making a separation between the clean and the unclean for the purpose of judgment. The children of God will be protected and the worldly unbeliever and even the worldly in the worldly church will be rejected. The worshippers are to be measured by the word of God.

 

   This chapter shows beyond doubt that the gospel will triumph. Early in the history of the church the gospel was preached with remarkable success. This was followed by a time when the gospel was seemingly crushed. However, the Roman Empire had not taken into consideration the power of God and might of His gospel. Rome came to be overthrown and the gospel lives on. 

 

   Revelation chapter eleven closed with the sounding of the seventh trumpet. (Revelation 11:14-19) This provided a picture of God's final judgment on Rome and also on all nations. This vision carries over through the remainder of the book and the message is clear – the kingdom or church of God has won!

 

   The command to measure the Temple – Revelation  11:1-2:  John  was  given  a  reed  to measure: (1) the Temple of God, (2) the altar, and (3) the worshippers. He was not to measure the outer court. This is those people that are associated in every way with Christianity, but who actually are no part of it at all. The reed John was to use is not a literally reed for how could it measure a worshipper? The reed symbolizes the Gospel in its function of determining who is in the church and who is outside of it.

 

   The temple that was to be measured was not the Jewish Temple. Likely that Temple had already been destroyed. At best, if it was still around Jesus said it was a "den of thieves." (Luke 19:46) The Temple in this text is the church of Christ. (I Corinthians 3:16-17) The measuring is very similar to what was seen in the book of Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 40:2-42:20) The measuring in Ezekiel was done to separate holy and the common. The measurements are made by the word of God.

 

     The altar was to be measured. The altar refers to the worship itself, the doctrine and practice of the faithful portion of the church. God wanted people to understand how the atonement was made, and the true method of justification before God. There was no pardoned without sacrifice. It is by the sacrifice of Jesus that the only method of reconciliation with God has been provided. We must make sure that we believe correctly concerning what Jesus has done for us.

 

   The worshippers were also to be measured. It was important that their lifestyle, character, and behavior be in harmony with what is taught in the word of God. Those who are not faithful to God will be allowed to be in contact with His faithful people for an extended period of time--described as three and one half years--to bring sever persecution against them. Through this time there is protection promised for God's faithful church.

 

    The description of the two witnesses – Revelation 11:3-6. The message of the two witnesses is that the gospel will triumph. It is easy to see that the figures behind the two witnesses are Moses and Elijah. The power to shut heaven that it rain not, have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues certainly reminds us of these two Old Testament greats. God's two witnesses, the Law and the Prophets testify to the fact that Christ is Divine.

 

   The true church of Christ is persecuted, and God's Word is denied, and opposed by evil men continually. The two witnesses would prophesy 1260 days. This covers the entire Christian age. Each time 1260 days is used it speaks of the time that the church is nourished by God or of victory for God's people. When the expression 42 months is used persecution is under consideration. The time frame under consideration for both is the entire Christian age.

 

   There have been times when God used literal fire to punish or destroy the wicked. Here the fire is symbolic but the message is the same. This is much like when God said to Jeremiah "...I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood and it shall devour them." (Jeremiah 5:1) Those that oppose God's church and God's word face certain destruction.

 

   The two witnesses are slain and arise again – Revelation 11:7-13: During the miraculous age of the church the gospel was preached with great success. (Acts 12:24) This time was followed by a period when the beast came out of the bottomless pit and the gospel seemingly was crushed to the ground. It appeared that evil had won. At the time of the writing of the Book of Revelation the gospel was going through this critical stage.

 

   The beast is mentioned with no introduction. He had been around sense the Garden of Eden. Satan constantly makes war against the church of Christ and against the gospel of Christ. Satan is able to kill the word of God in many hearts. He does this by scoffing at it, by denying it, by changing it and by contradicting it. The great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, is Rome. It is called Sodom because of its worldliness. It is called Egypt because of its false religion. It is called Jerusalem – where the Lord was crucified – because of persecution.

 

   After a short, indefinite period of time – three and a half days – God’s power would cause Rome to be overthrown and the message of redemption to again be proclaimed. Rome simply had not taken into account the power of the word of God. The two witnesses went up to heaven in a cloud. This is a picture of victory. The enemies of God would both see and feel His might. 

   

   The seventh trumpet is sounded – Revelation 11:14-19:  The seventh trumpet (third woe trumpet) pronounced final judgment on Rome. This section brings us to the end of the world and to the eternal peace of heaven for the righteous. Now we know that the kingdom of God has won. There is truly victory in Jesus. God's judgment will come on every nation that forgets Him and eventually upon all nations.

 

   In the seventh trumpet we have final victory for the faithful of God and final defeat for those that rebel against Him. Sinners were angry with God's faithful church. The answer to man's wrath was the coming of God's wrath upon the wicked world. At the final judgment the righteous will receive their heavenly reward. The wicked also shall receive their reward simultaneously with the reward of the righteous. Are you ready for that final day?

 

   The gospel is God's great news that Jesus died for sinners. Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16). Will you accept God's wonderful news that Jesus died for your sins and be baptized into Christ to put on Christ? Those who serve God faithfully are preparing for final judgment.

 

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: Stabler Hospital: Bobby Moore (father of Marie Owens & Brenda Herring), Baptist Hospital South: Jim Osborne (son of Catherine Osborne). In Need Of Prayers: Bill Autrey, Christopher Bagents, Malachi Beauchamp (parents Dan & Bre at ynnad4172@yahoo.com), Charlie Brown, Gene Buck, Marie Curlee, Rosie Dunklin, Carolyn Duncan, Ethel Gafford, Roy Goodwin, Ramona Gravely, Ron Green, R.E. Hall, Evan Hartsell, Darlene Herring, Veronica Jarzyniecki, Jessie Kennemore (father of Trina Croley), Frank Johnson, Mary Lawrence, Margaret Munro, Margaret Phillips, Mary Powell, Reese Raybon, and Doris Taylor. Crowne Health Care: Ila Ruth Callins, Laura Ellis, Kathy Johnson, Raymond Lowery, Myrtle Perdue, Bertha Phelps, and Iva Lou Wright. Homewood Greenville: Marie Walton. Pine Needle: Mildred Johnson. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Wilmer Howell. Shut-Ins: Jean Hayes, Mary Lou Phelps, and Mary Tindal.

 

2. Baptized Into Christ: We rejoice over the baptism of Christine Lucas. Her husband is Larry (February 28th), children are: Patrick (November 2nd), Kaitlyn (August 30th) & Christine’s birthday is June 14th. Their address is 528 Aztec Road, Greenville, Alabama 36037 – Phone 382-0528. Let Christine know you love her.

 

3. Remember To Pray: Eric Bagents needs our prayers as he serves in Iraq. His address is Eric Bagents, 3/117th FWD1 APO AEO9378. Pray for him and write to him often. Also pray for Allan Jackson.

 

4. Mission In The Mountains: What: Evangelism/Service effort, Where: Greenback Church of Christ in Greenback, Tennessee, When: Friday, December 30th – Monday January 2nd and, Cost: Each child will need money for food throughout the trip (lodging will be provided). For more information see Darrell Powell.

 

5. Golden Age Banquet: The Golden Age Banquet will be on Saturday, January 7, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. The Youth Group will honor our golden age members here at Walnut Street with a special meal. Please attend and allow us to show our appreciation.

 

6. Birthdays: Celebrating birthdays this week are: December 19th EmmaRae Jackson and Ramona Newton, December 20th Gene Buck and Myrtle Perdue, December 21st Missy Alford and  Reid Daughtry, December 22nd Margaret Phillips, December 23rd Wayne Garlock and Debbie Johnson and December 24th Leroy Waller.

 

7. Special Thank You To: (a) Debbie Acree and all who purchased gifts for the needy families we helped, (b) Joan Barr and all who help with the party at Crowne Health Care, (c) Margaret Phillips for hosting the Secret Pal Christmas party and for all who participated, (d) Barbara Walker for hosting the Ladies Christmas party, and (e) Joan Barr, Nell Daughtry, Nell Davis, Susan Murphy Deborah Owens, Eleanor Stabler and Mary Lou Terrell for the flowers and decorations in the building.

 

8. Thank You: Dear Walnut Street Family, Words cannot express how much my family and I appreciate everything you have done for us while I am recuperating from a broken ankle. The prayers, visits, cards, and phone calls have been wonderful. We especially thank you for all of the food that has been prepared for us. I love you all. Margaret Phillips

 

9. Sign-Up Sheets For 2006: The sign-up sheets for closing the building, driving the van, preparing communion, and greeting visitors for 2006 are on the bulletin board. Please sign-up to help – NOW!

 

10. Ladies Bible Class: The Wednesday morning Ladies Bible Class will not meet until January 4, 2006.

 

11. Pictorial Church Directory: We are excited to announce that we will be publishing a new directory. We know that the new directory will be a keepsake and will help our families to know one another and draw closer together. This is especially important to new families. Family portraits for our new directory will be taken beginning February 26, 27, & 28, 2006.

 

 “The Consequences of Failing to Attend”

 

   Previously I wrote on the subject of Church attendance, and hopefully instilled in you the knowledge of the great blessings that can be gained through gathering with the Church.  Great joy and blessings accompany obedience to All of God’s commands. Therefore it is given that obeying God in attendance to worship will bring us many good things. However, with all of God’s commands there are also consequences for those who fail to obey.

 

   When one fails to be faithful in attendance to the worship service, he shows much about him-self. First of all, he shows that he lacks respect for the Holy Scriptures. Anyone who respects what God’s word says, will read it and follow the example of early Christians. Acts 20:7 says that the disciples, or followers of Christ, met on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord’s supper, and to hear Paul preach.  Hebrews 10:25 says Christians are not to forsake the times of assembly that have been ordained, but are to use those times to exhort one another to do good. So, it is evident in one who fails to attend that he does not act as if he respects the will of God. 

  

   The unfaithful Church attendee also displays disrespect for the elders of the Church. They have been set in the oversight of the Church.  (Acts 20:28) Therefore, the things they ordain, that are in accordance with the will of God, we are to obey. (Hebrews 13:17) In addition to the command for all Christians to gather on the first day of the week, most elders have established other times for the Church to gather and participate in worship to God. So, if you are in the habit of neglecting the services, which the elders have ordained, you are in the habit of neglecting the services, which God himself has ordained and commanded. 

 

   If you have been unfaithful in church attendance, you need to repent today, because you have sinned. “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”  (James 4:17.)  “For the wages of sin is death…”  (Romans 6:23.)                 

- - - - Darrell Powell

 

He who does as he pleases on the Lord’s Day does not please the Lord.

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)