Revelation 13

March 7, 2022

The Beast from the Earth

Revelation 13.11-18

Another beast shows up on the scene with one job…by performing great signs he is to deceive the world into worshiping the first beast and its image. And all the earth-dwellers…all those who have not trusted in Jesus…will do just that. They will show their allegiance to the beast by receiving his mark.

It’s easy to get taken in when we only look at the appearance of things without understanding their substance. When we see things from an earthly perspective instead of a heavenly one. Our problems/sufferings are one thing…we often lose sight of what God is doing in the midst of those things. But what about when things seem to be going really well? Bigger paycheck. Greater influence. More followers. That’s probably the more insidious danger…because compromise is a real possibility. Especially if we want to keep those things.

But we are to set our eyes on the things above. We are to look at our circumstances…both good and bad…through the lens of the Word…evaluating based not on our perception of right and wrong, but on what God says is right and wrong. That’s the insight/wisdom and understanding piece. That keeps us from falling prey to the deception of the enemy.

I’ve said it before, but here we are again. There are only two sides in this campaign…you are going to have to be “all in” on one of those sides. Either the side of the King or the side of the pretender, the side of the Lamb or the side of the dragon. And only one side will win…in fact has already won, and that’s Jesus’ side. So if you have not trusted in Him yet, make today the day.

It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life and that you might reign with Him forever.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Revelation series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

February 28, 2022

The Beast from the Sea

Revelation 13.1-10

A terrifying beast with all the power, dominion and authority of the dragon behind him wages war with the saints and overcomes them. And he causes all the earth-dwellers, all those who have not trusted in Jesus, to worship him. Who is like the beast and who can make war with him? The King of kings and Lord of lords aka a Guy named Jesus. That’s who.

As we are going through Revelation, there are two different lenses through which we see the world: one earthly and one heavenly. On earth…seemingly total chaos with the enemy apparently winning. Waging war and overcoming. And if you are a Jesus-follower…not looking too good for you. Sure looks like you picked the wrong side.

In heaven…God is in complete control. His sovereignty is unquestioned. The enemy and his minions may roam the earth, but they are subject to God. And there’s coming a time when heaven and earth will once again be reunited…the kingdom will come and God’s will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Then all the kingdoms of this world will be judged… In the end, the saints’ victory will be manifest. Good triumphs over evil. Jesus wins.

With that in mind, what are we to do? Simple. We are to live our lives as a citizens of the eternal kingdom right now, today. To influence others by our uncompromising faith. And come what may…to faithfully persevere. Remember that suffering comes before glory. So don’t give up. Don’t give in. Jesus wins.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Revelation series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.