The Reporter     Volume 45 # 52,  --  December 30, 2005

 

The Picture Of Two Beasts

- Revelation Thirteen -

 

   We have already seen a war in heaven. Satan lost in the battle with those fighting for the child that brought redemption. Nothing Satan did could prevent the church from being established and salvation being made available to mankind. In fact, the early church grew rapidly as many became Christians. Having failed in destroying the church as a whole Satan now turns his attention to "the seed of the woman" or to the individual Christians. 

 

   Revelation Thirteen looks at what the Devil is doing to hinder Christianity and what God is doing to insure victory for His faithful people. In this section of Scripture we see that the Devil used the evil powers of Rome against the cause of Christ. Likewise he used false worship as many were forced to worship the Roman Emperor.

 

   The Devil had been given a "great sword" with which he could persecute the people of God. (Revelation 6:3-4) Now the Devil has the civil persecuting power of Rome and Emperor worship as allies in his battle against the righteous. What the Devil and all that follow him must learn is that he can never win because God also has two even more powerful forces on His side. Who could stand against the Blood of the  Lamb (Revelation  12:11),   and  the   final judgment of the Almighty? (Revelation 14:7) The battle may be difficult but victory belongs to the people of God.

 

   The beast out of the sea – Revelation 13:1-5: John pictures a beast coming up out of the sea. "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy." (Revelation 13:1) This sea beast represents the civil persecuting power of Rome.

 

   In Isaiah 17:12 nations are pictured as rising from the sea. "Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!" The beast from the sea is pictured as a dangerous animal, a venomous and wild beast.

 

   The sea beast had ten horns. Horn represents powers and ten horns represent complete power. "And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them." (I Kings 22:11) The seven heads represent perfect authority. This one has power and authority only as had been given unto him. The sea beast had ten crowns or diadems. These symbolize rule or power. The power of rule of the wicked Roman Empire was to blaspheme God and His children. This terrible beast was much like that described in Daniel 7:1-8.

   The fourth beast of Daniel 7 was exact in description to the sea beast. The message in Daniel was that the saints of God would be victorious. God wanted his people to know that Rome will be destroyed. "In this beast the persecuting power of Satan becomes visible." Many evil, worldly governments have directed these poisonous venom against God's people, but the saints of God always win. 

 

   The power of the sea beast – Revelation 13:6-10: The sea beast was so powerful that he had caused many to worship Rome. However, the Christians would only worship the God of heaven. The nation of Rome blasphemed God, blasphemed God's name, and His tabernacle. (Revelation 13:6) The Christians exalted God, even at the cost of their own lives.  

 

   The sea beast was not all-powerful. The truth is that God is still the sovereign in His universe. The Devil will never be able to destroy God's faithful people. (Romans 8:31-39) He will, however, use many methods to destroy the saints. He will use murders, massacres, and bloody punishments of all sorts. Those not written in the book of life will worship him. It is through the sacrifice of the life of Christ that victory over Satan is possible.

 

   The expression "If any man have an ear, let him hear" is found several times in the book of Revelation. Here it has specific reference to recognizing God's enemy and the followers of this enemy, and avoiding them completely. The enemies of God must be avoided because they will certainly be overthrown. If they live by the sword, by the sword they will die. The essential thing is for God's people to simply hold fast regardless of the circumstances. 

 

   The beast out of the earth – Revelation 13:11-14: The beast out of the earth was Emperor worship or false religion. This earth beast had two horns "like to the Lamb." The Lord Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God. This is a picture of one attempting to take His place. The lamb being a picture of religious sacrifice, therefore the land beast had the outward appearance of religion. The problem was that it was false religion.

 

   This earth beast spoke spake as a dragon. His sound was the damning, horrible sound of Satan. The proud, arrogant tone of this beast gave the appearance of greatness, as from God. This beast has all the authority of the Roman government. The wicked power of Rome was poured forth in every possible way to attempt to turn Christians from true worship and the true God. The beast desired the worship, and even attempted to force, himself, the worship that belonged only to God. People were driven into a state religion and force to worship the emperor.

 

   The Devil also used false sings and wonders to deceive the righteous. 2 Thessalonians 2:9 says, "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders." The Devil used seemingly great, lying wonders to draw people to false worship. The Devil even desired that they would make an image of the beast and worship it.

 

   The mark of the beast – Revelation 13:15-18: The mark of the beast takes us back to look at the problem of economic discrimination. The Devil desired to control the ability of man to make a living and to control his thought process. Thus the mark was on his right hand and his forehead. God had sealed His people and the Devil had marked his.

 

   God's number is seven. Six is a number that promises greatness but always falls short. The further man moves from God the further he moves from perfection. Man has moved many steps from His maker. But thankfully the book of Revelation does not end with such a hopeless picture. Remember, God's faithful people win!

 

   God's destructive power will come against those that do not obey the gospel and serve Him faithfully. To obey the gospel one must hear God's truth (Romans 10:17), be­lieve in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21) After baptism one must serve God faithfully regardless of circum-stances. Under any condition, we are always better off to serve God.

 

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: Stabler Hospital: Charlie Brown. In Need Of Prayers: Bill Autrey, Christopher Bagents, Jerry Barr (surgery January 16^th), Malachi Beauchamp (parents   Dan  &  Bree   at  ynnad4172@yahoo.com), Marie Curlee, Carolyn Duncan, Randy Fullington, Drew Gafford, Ethel Gafford, Roy Goodwin, Ramona Gravely, Ron Green, R.E. Hall, Evan Hartsell, Jessie Kennemore, Frank Johnson, Mary Lawrence, Margaret Munro, Margaret Phillips, Mary Powell, Doris Taylor, Mary Lou Terrell (lots of tests), Alton & Corrine Till. 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. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to the family of Sister Evelyn Murphy. Sister Murphy was the mother of John Murphy.

 

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

 

4. Assistance Needed: Dan & Bree Beauchamp are in need of finical help. They have had many expenses because of the cancer of their baby Malachi. Please give any contributions to Jimmy Walker.

 

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: January 1^st Olivia Reynolds and Cindy Thomas, January 2^nd Wallace Murry, January 4^th Darrell Powell, and January 7^th Charlie Brown and Jean Hayes.

 

7. Guyana Trip: Our trip to Guyana will be rescheduled for a couple of months later. If you are interested in going see Charles Box.

 

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

 

9. Ladies Bible Class: The Wednesday morn-ing Ladies Bible Class will resume on January 4^th. Make plans to attend.

 

10. Bible Class Teachers Needed: The church always needs good Bible class teachers. There is a need for a Toddler teacher at present. See Mike Bagents if you have an interest in teaching. Teaching a Bible class is a wonderful opportunity to serve God.

 

11. A Word Of Encouragement: Several people have Bible Studies going on. God bless you as you teach His word to others.

 

12. Thank You: (a) To the Youth Group, It really is such a blessing to have a fine group of young people like you to give so lovingly and generously of yourselves. I really appreciate your thoughtful gift of fruit and goodies. With love in Christ, Dot Killingsworth (b) Walnut Street Family, Thank you to all of the caring people who took time to help me with Kaitlyn on Wednesday night. She was taken to the ER after service for what we thought to be a broken arm only to find she had a nurse maid elbow (something that fixes on its own). As you can see she’s fine now. I wanted to express my appreciation to all of those who helped in so many ways during an emotional time for me. Christine Lucas (c) Thank you for the cards, calls, visits, and especially the prayers during the time of my surgery and now during the rehabilitation process. The great outpouring of love by everyone during this time makes me proud to be a member of the congregation here at Walnut Street. I love and appreciate each and every one of you. Thanks again for all that you have done for me! In Christian Love, Christopher Bagents

 

Who Are You Seeking

To Please?

 

   What determines whether or not someone has a sincere heart? Is it by the words they use to ensure their sincerity? Is it a gut feeling? A principle that Paul explained in Colossians 3:22, might be helpful in establishing the sincerity of one’s heart. He entreated those who were slaves to “obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.”

 

   So, what did Paul say is proof of a sincere heart? He encouraged those slaves to obey their masters “not by way of eye-service,” or as “people-pleasers.” In other words, don’t just obey while your master can see you, but always!  That is sincerity! A sincere person will be the same whether the world is watching, or he is completely alone.

 

   For Christians, sincerity is imperative in all aspects of life. Of course, we must live for God all the time, not just when others are watching.  But Paul went on to explain that we should do everything we do with the sincere heart that he described. He said, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.  You are serving the Lord Christ” (Col 3:23-24). Our heavenly reward should be on our minds as we do anything in our daily lives. If you feel mistreated at work and you are tempted to offer less than your best to your boss, don’t work for him, work as you were working for the Lord!  If you don’t feel motivated to complete your school work, do it as if for the Lord, “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” 

 

   Of course these are not the most important things in life. Our earthly bosses, school teachers, friends, etc. will not be rewarding us with eternal life. So, we should be careful to balance our attention and efforts according to importance. The Lord, His church, and our own spiritual lives should receive much of our time and energy. Who are you seeking to please?

- - - - Darrell Powell