Revelation- Part 7

The earth was transformed into a beautiful garden of Eden after the tribulation. The Lord has reigned on earth for a thousand years, and wickedness has not been tolerated.
Zechariah 14:17-18- And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
If nations don't come to Jerusalem every year to worship the Lord, a drought consumes their country. If anyone disobeyed the law, he was thrown into a literal lake of fire on the earth.
Isaiah 66:24- And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.
But, what happens when this thousand year reign comes to a close? The devil gets one more shot at humanity.
Revelation 20:7-9- And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
It's hard to believe that after a thousand years of living under the Lord's rule there would be people who would fall for the devil's lies. But, they do.
They come with the devil as an army against Jerusalem to take the throne from the King of Kings.
And God sends fire down from heaven, like he did to the altar in Elijah's days, and destroys them and the entire world!
Revelation 20:10- And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
At this point, everything is destroyed. The heavens and the earth melt away from the heat of God's righteousness. And every soul now living and past dead are standing in nothingness before the Lord God Almighty.
II Peter 3:10-12- But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Daniel 7:9-10- I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
Christians from the church age have already had their judgement. This is the judgement of everyone else- the Great White Throne Judgement.
Daniel 12:2- And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Acts 17:31- Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Psalms 28:4- Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.
This judgement will be for the Old Testament people according to their works, and the New Testament people according to not only their works, but also what they did with the knowledge of the Son of God dying for their sins.
The Jesus that died on Calvary's cross to pay their sins will be the one judging them.
John 5:22- For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Romans 2:6- Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Matthew 25:31-36- When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Matthew 13:43- Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
This is the final judgement. Those who are damned will be thrown into Outer Darkness, and those who are redeemed will live forever with the Lord God Almighty.
And what do you think happens to the universe?
It's made new.
Psalm 102:25-26- Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
Hebrews 12:26- Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
Isaiah 66:22-23-  For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
Revelation 21:1, 3-5- And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
It must have been an all consuming sight that John was witnessing. The world that he knew and lived in burning up and a brand new one bursting forth!
And where do you think the Christians from the church age will get to live? A place called New Jerusalem. I floating city of brightness and beauty.
Revelation 21:2- And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 21:9-12, 21-23-  And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
This beautiful city will be our home. And the new earth will have a throne on it where Jesus will rule for all eternity.
Revelation 22:1-5- And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.  In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
An unimaginable ending to the world we live in. John was overwhelmed.
Revelation 21:6-8- And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 22:6-8- And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
A natural reaction to seeing all this, John fell before the angel to worship. The angel told John not to worship him, but to worship God.
And as the wonder was still fresh in his mind, John found himself sent back through space and time to the island of Patmos.
But, he wasn't sad. He had a mission. He was going to tell the entire world what he had seen.
Revelation 1:4-8- John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, an the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation series coloring pages

Revelation- Part 6

The war is over, but the earth is destroyed. Humanity is almost wiped out. And, even the solar system needs fixing.
So, that's what the Lord Jesus Christ does.
Zechariah 14:8- And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
Isaiah 35:1-2- The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.
Joel 2:21-17- Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things. Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength. Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
Not only will he cure the land, but, he will remove the curse that sin places upon the animal kingdom.
Isaiah 65:25- The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 11:6-9-  The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 35:7- And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
Amos 9:13-14-  Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
A world like the garden of Eden! And, those who survived the tribulation will also be healed.
Isaiah 35:3-6, 8-10-  Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away
Ezekiel 48:35b- and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
It's going to be a wonderful time! And, those of us who have lived our lives doing what Christ asked and telling others about him will get to reign over cities on this beautiful paradise!
But, we're not the only ones reigning during this time.
Matthew 19:28- And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Revelation 20:4- And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Along with the apostles and those who died for Christ during the tribulation, Jesus is going to have an earthly throne, and so is King David!
Zechariah 2:10-11- Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.
Ezekiel 34:23-24-  And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.
Ezekiel 37:24-25- And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever.
Psalm 72:1-8-  Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
Those who live on the earth will have children and will see the Lord on the throne. The earth will repopulate for a thousand years.
This will be such an amazing time. But, also, a holy time. The rules which men must abide by now will be stringent. And, the punishment for disobedience will be immediate!

Revelation series coloring pages

Revelation- Part 5

Satan knows his time is up. The Lord is angry and he's coming with an army!
Revelation 19:11-16- And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
The devil knows that there's a great battle about to happen, so he brings his own army.
Revelation 19:19- And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
It's going to be an awesome sight. The earth will tremble with fear!
Isaiah 66:15-  For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.
Nahum 1:2-6-  God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.
Zechariah 14:2-7- Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.
The sight is so dreadful that those who aren't a part of Satan's army will try to hide from it.
Revelation 6:15-16-  And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
Isaiah 66:15, 18- For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.
Zechariah 14:12- And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.
Isaiah 2:9-11- And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not. Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
Do you think it will be long battle? Nope, it won't be. Victory is certain.
Nahum 1:14-  And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile.
Revelation 19:20- And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
God will make a literal hell on the surface of the earth. It will be in the Old Testament land known as Moab, what is currently known as Jordan, on the East side of the Dead Sea.
And, into this burning place he will toss the people who took the mark of the beast, as well as the beast and the false prophet. For the next thousand years passersby will be able to look at the consequences of worshiping the devil.
Isaiah 66:23-24- And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.
But, what about he devil? Will he escape? No.
Revelation 20:1-3-  And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
He gets thrown back into the bottomless pit and locked up tight for a thousand years. And finally, there is peace!

Revelation series coloring pages

Revelation- Part 4

The devil knows his time to reign is getting short. The world is a bad place to live right now! And, it's only getting worse.
Daniel 8:24-  And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
Zechariah 13:8-9- And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
Those who don't take the mark will be hunted and killed.
Revelation 13:6-7-  And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
​Daniel 7:25-  And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
​The devil will have the power to not only kill the bodies of those who don't submit to him, but he will also have the power to trap their souls so they can't go to heaven and escape the terrors on earth.​
​Revelation 6:9-10-​ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
​God won't let this go unpunished. He sends his own horrors in answer.​​​
​Revelation 9:14-21-  Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.​
​The ones who took the mark became so wicked that they didn't repent of their sins, instead they added to them by blaspheming the Lord God Almighty.
Those who died and were trapped would one day be comforted in heaven. God had promised them that if they would lose their lives they should find them.
Revelation 12:11- And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
They overcame by their death. And, they weren't the only ones who would die by the hand of the devil.
Remember that God had promised to sent Elijah before the Great and Terrible day of the Lord? Well, Elijah comes back with Moses.
Revelation 11:4-7- These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
They will preach for three and a half years to those in Jerusalem. And, afterwards the devil will kill them by beheading. But, they only stay dead for 3 days- because this marks the last rapture in the Bible. Those who have died and were trapped won't stay there.
Revelation 11:8-13-  And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.  And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
This is known as the post tribulation rapture. And it means that the tribulation is almost over!
Matthew 24:29-31- Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Once the elect have been removed, God is ready to come back. Good thing, too, because the earth has been ravaged beyond recognition. And there is very little mankind left alive.
Revelation 11:14, 18-19-  The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
The third woe is a woe to the devil and his followers. Because, the Lord Jesus Christ has assembled his armies, He has readied his troops, and He is heading for the battlefield!

Revelation series coloring pages

Revelation- Part 3

The world is in an upheaval! Natural disasters, plagues, animal attacks, another round of people vanishing without a trace, and the leader of the world unite movement has been killed!
Revelation 8:13- And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
This marks the second half of the tribulation which is also called the Great Tribulation. Things were about to get much worse!
Revelation 13:1-4, 11-15-  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. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
The man of sin who had been assassinated gets resurrected by the dragon that John saw. This dragon is Satan. And the person who was the man of sin is no more- he is now the devil incarnate; Satan in the flesh.
 We aren't sure if John is writing in a simile meaning that there is a person who is so wicked that he is like a dragon, or if John is truly writing what he sees and there will be horrific monsters ruling earth during this time.
Revelation 17:8- The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
When the beast comes out of the bottomless pit and enters into the man of sin, that man becomes known as the Son of Perdition. And that beast doesn't come out of the pit alone.
Revelation 9:1-3, 7-11- And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.  And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
These creatures are servants of the Son of Perdition, and they had one job- to cause pain.
The horrors that will fall on these people are something worse than any nightmare or horror movie!
First, the Son of Perdition will go into the Jewish temple and sit down on the ark of the covenant and tell everyone that he is god. He will demand to be worshiped. This is something the Jews were warned about by Old Testament prophets and by Jesus Himself.
Matthew 24:15-21- When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Jesus said that these people should flee- run away and don't look back! Why? Because it's going to get even worse.
The Son of Perdition will make people worship a false image. He will make them take a mark in their bodies to show their loyalty to him. And this mark will damn their souls.
Revelation 13:16-18- And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Every  knows about the mark of the beast! Why would anyone take the mark? Some out of fear- they can buy, sell, or eat without it. Some because they don't know what happened to those millions who have disappeared twice now, and they don't want it to happen to them. And some, because of a lie the devil will tell them. The same lie he told Eve- you won't die.
The son of Perdition will have amazing power. He will give people a false eternal life! But, this will only make them more miserable. So many evils will rampage across the world at this time that we cannot write them all down. But, those who live during this age will suffer like no other ever has!
Satan has come back to inhabit the man of sin's body turning him into the Son of Perdition. He has said that men have to worship his image and take his mark or be killed.
But, he isn't the only thing that came out of that pit!
Revelation 9:3-6-   And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
Why would the devil harm the people worshiping him, you might ask? Because he's angry!
Revelation 12:7-9, 12-  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.  Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
The devil knows that his time of power is coming to a close. So, he's going to throw everything he has at humanity! And, it's going to be terrible!

Revelation series coloring pages

Revelation- Part 2

The tribulation has been pretty nasty up to now. The world is still reeling from so many people disappearing, then natural disasters and animal attacks start to kill those who are left. The only comfort the people are finding is in a politician that has stood up and demanded global unity.
But, this man is not the great peacemaker that everyone believes. And, only those who are reading their Bibles and searching for God will see that he is nothing but trouble!
Deuteronomy 4:29-30-  But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;
​Jeremiah 30:7- ​Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.
God doesn't want anyone to go to hell. That's why He sent His Son! And that's why He's going to send powerful preachers back to warn the inhabitants of the earth.
II Peter 3:9-  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Revelation 11:3, 5-6- And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.  And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
Malachi 4:4-5-  Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Daniel 12:1- And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
So, how do people get their names written in the book of life during the tribulation? Well, it's a two part thing.
​Revelation 12:17-  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
You have to not only ask Jesus to save you, but you have to keep the 10 commandments. It's faith and works- believe in what Christ did on Calvary and keep yourself pure before God and man. This is easier to do during the first part of the tribulation than it is the last part!
​You see, something happens in the middle of the tribulation- well, two somethings.​
​When Jesus was on this earth, he told an interesting parable.
Matthew 25:1-13- Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Remember our earlier verse about the husband and the wife? Well, the groom in the Bible is a reference to Jesus Christ, and the bride is a reference to the Church (or saved Christians during this time period). To have a wedding, the bride has to go to the altar (the rapture of the church).
This parable is about the part of the ceremony after the wedding service, normally called the reception. The Bride and Groom have already been married, and now they sit down to enjoy a meal with all their friends and family as husband and wife.
These 10 virgins represent people in the tribulation who have asked the Lord to save them and are working to keep the 10 commandments. During the night, part of the virgins run out of oil and have to go buy more- they failed to keep the commandments and now they have to ask the Lord to forgive them of their sins and wash them in His blood again.
But, they don't ask for forgiveness in time and they get left out of the wedding meal.
Revelation 19:7-11-  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
There is going to be a second rapture! If someone missed the first, they will go through part of the tribulation. But, they have a chance to escape before it gets really bad!
This mid-tribulation rapture, as some people call it, can be seen in the lives of the 144,000 witnesses. God chooses these Jewish men to preach His word while on the earth.
Revelation 7:2-4- And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
These men are sealed and called to a special calling just like the apostle Paul. Notice they are sealed while still on the earth.
revelation 14:1, 3, 5-7-  And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.  And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.  And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Just seven chapters later they are singing in heaven. How? They were raptured!
Why would God take them out in the middle of the tribulation? Because there was something even worse coming!​
​The man of sin was going to have an uprising on his hands. And, someone was going to kill him.​
Zechariah 11:17- Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
Somehow, the man of sin is killed and in his death his right eye and his right arm are going to be ruined.
Revelation 13:3b-  And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death;
Much of the world will mourn the loss of this man. But, the ones who read the Bible will know- this is only the beginning of troubles!

Revelation series coloring pages

Revelation- Part 1

John is in heaven beholding some pretty wondrous things! He's getting a glimpse at what most people only dream about.
But, there are some things happening down on earth during this time, as well, that John has to take note of so he can write it down for the future generations.
Havoc has been wreaked across the planet earth. Millions have vanished without a trace. Planes and trains and cars and boats have crashed causing damage, explosions, fires, and other problems all around the world.
As the inhabitants left try to clean up the mess and console those who have lost people, a new leadership is forming to bring the whole world together under one ruler, one law, and one religion of tolerance and peace.
This man may seem like a wonderful savior, but he is anything but that! The Bible calls him the man of sin.
John 5:43-  I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
II timothy 2:3-4-  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
People think that he's a great person because he brings peace to a troubled world, but he was prophesied about thousands of years ago! He does bring peace, but not for long. War is constantly at his heels.
By the time people figure out who he really is, it will be too late for some of them.
Daniel 11:20-24- Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle. And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant. And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people. He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time.
 Daniel 8:23-25- And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
What John sees is not something new. It is something that Daniel said over and over again would happen.
Daniel 9:24-27-  Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Daniel prophesied that the Messiah would be rejected. he prophesied that there was coming an end time where the city of Jerusalem would be destroyed and the world would become desolate.
Latter times in the Bible is usually a reference to this time period. The temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt and a treaty between the nation of Israel and others will be put into place.  But, the new ruler will rise up and make an agreement with the Jews, but then he'll break that agreement. And that's when the real trouble will begin.
What Daniel saw and tried to warn people about way back then, is what John is now watching unfold. But, John has a better vantage point, because he is in heaven.
While the man of sin is building his kingdom, God is pouring out vials of wrath on the earth to get men to realize their sins and turn to him before it's too late.
Revelation 6:2, 4, 5b, 8-  And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.  And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
Revelation 8:5, 7-13-  And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast [it] into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.  The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; 9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
This already messed up world is going to get visited with famine, plague, destruction, animal attacks, and natural disasters. But, that is only the beginning! God is hoping that people will turn to him and search for him.

Revelation series coloring pages

The Church Age- Part 22

It is now close to the beginning of the first century A.D. Many things have changed around the world!
Rebel factions had popped up in Jerusalem and had caused so much trouble for the Roman government that the Roman Empire declared war against the city and it's people in the neighboring country.
They had entered the lower part of the city and tore through it burning and destroying as they went. When they got to the temple, they removed every stone seeking hidden gold. Absolutely nothing was left, just like Jesus had foretold!
Matthew 24:1-2- And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
The Jews that had survived were carried away to be slaves, or had fled away to far off countries seeking asylum.
John, the last remaining apostle, had been boiled by the wicked emperor of Rome, but he didn't die. Because he lived, the emperor exiled him to the volcanic island of Patmos, where he sent criminals and other people he deemed dangerous to die.
Sitting on this lonely island, John went through something that not many people in history have had the opportunity to see. John was transported through time and space! He was taken to heaven and shown the future- the end of all things.
Then he was sent back to earth, to that small island of Patmos, to write down what he had seen for those of us who would come after.

Revelation 1:1-3- The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
John starts out with a warning to 7 specific churches located in Asia Minor, currently known as the country of Turkey. These churches were given specific warnings that related to things that would happen in the world throughout the centuries. I'm not sure if John understood everything, but as the time came to pass those who read of the events were given the understanding of what was being spoken.
Revelation 1:9-11- I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Can you imagine sitting on a small, lonely, deserted island and then all of a sudden hearing a voice so loud that it sounded like a trumpet going off?
When John turned to investigate who was speaking an awesome sight was before him.
Revelation 1:12-18- And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
John saw the body of the glorified Lord Jesus Christ. It was such a dreadful sight that John fell down with his face flat on the ground and didn't move.
It wasn't until the Lord laid his hand on John and told him he didn't have to fear that John was able to relax and take in what he was seeing.
Revelation 4:1-6- After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
John was taken straight to heaven by the sound of a voice saying so loudly, "Come up hither!"
One minute he was looking at the ocean from the island of Patmos, the next he was seeing the throne room of the Lord God Almighty!
He tried to describe it to us, but it's hard to imagine. A beautiful throne with a being that shined like blue and red. There was greenish rainbow surrounding it, and lightening shooting out from it, and he could hear loud sounds or voices.
All around were seats with men wearing long white robes and golden crowns, and strange creatures with wings and animal faces. But they weren't being still and just starting at the throne.
Revelation 4:8b-11- and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
What could John be thinking of this site? As the beasts praised the Lord God Almighty, the men fell on their knees and cast their crown before the throne and started praising His as well.
Perhaps John stood there in awe. Or maybe, he joined in the praise. He doesn't tell us.
This instance marks the beginning of a new era on the earth- the Rapture of the Church and the beginning of the Tribulation.
Jesus promised while He was on earth that He would come again to receive us.
John 14:3- And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
I Corinthians 15:51-52- Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
How does this happen? A trumpet will sound? A loud noise will be heard?
Philippians 3:20-21- For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
I Thessalonians 4:16-17- For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
We will know when it happens. There may be many trumpet sounds. But the trumpet will sound. The Lord will shout- possibly the same thing that He shouted to John on Patmos "Come up hither."
The ones who asked Jesus to save them so long ago will have their bodies pulled from the ground and assembled into an indestructible vessel, while those who are still alive will have the curse of sin stripped from their body. Then together our feet will leave contact with the ground as we float up to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds.
What do you think will happen here? Absolute chaos!
Luke 17:34-36- I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Every saved person will disappear from the mortal world. Cars will be without driver, planes will be without pilots, Mothers and Fathers will be without children, kids will be without parents. Possibly every person left will have lost someone.
But, we won't be sad. We will be heading for the most amazing sight! Not only will we see Christ, but we will see all the saints from all around the world, both living and dead, gathering together to go with Him to see exactly what John saw- the throne room of God!
What happens next?
The Judgement Seat of Christ.
Romans 14:10-12- But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Each of us will take a turn to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ and explain to Him why we did or didn't do the things in our lives. We aren't going to be asked about our brother, or our sister, or our parents- what they did won't matter then. You will be asked about you only. You will be standing there alone.
It is important to know that our works will be judged, not our souls.
​Philippians 4:3-And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. ​
​Our names were written in the Book of Life when we asked the Lord to forgive us of our sins, wash us in His blood and save our souls. And, when He washed us in His blood it removed ALL of our sins.​
​Ephesians 5:25-27- Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.​
​Colossians 2:13-14- And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; ​
​Our sins were judged at Calvary. These were forgiven when we knelt in faith at the foot of the cross and laid them there for Christ's death to pay the wages.​
​It is our actions that are judged. ​

II Corinthians 5:10- For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
And by this judgement, we see what it is that we will be rewarded.
I Corinthians 3:9-15- For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
As we stand there, everything that we have done will be presented as one of six types of things- gold, silver, gem stones, wood, hay, or stubble. When the fire of God's Word is shined upon it, the gold and silver and gem stones will be safe, but the wood and hay and stubble will burn up.
What are these things? Gold and silver and gem stones represent faith and our Bible reading and witnessing and the souls that we led to the Lord. Wood and Hay and stubble are the things we waste on our selfishness, our worldly desires, or our flighty impulses.
What survives may be placed into some of the crowns we can earn.
I Corinthians 9:25- And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
II Timothy 4:8- Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

I Thessalonians 2:19- For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

James 1:12- Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

I Peter 5:4- And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Why would we need a crown? Perhaps to throw at Christ's feet like the elders did before the throne of God? Or, perhaps to wear while we rule with him.
Revelation 20:6- Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

II Timothy 2:12- If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
Deny us? How will He deny us? He will deny us the privilege of reigning with Him. Wouldn't it stink to live for a thousand years on a planet and see all of your friends and family with a city to rule, and you're stuck walking in some meadow somewhere because you didn't want to bother?
I Corinthians 15:57-58- But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Remain strong! Stay the course! Stand up and work for the Lord, because He's promised a sure reward!

The Church Age series coloring pages

The Church Age- Part 21

Paul has arrived in Rome. He has been granted the privilege of his own house to stay in, he just has to be guarded by a soldier- the first known case of house arrest.
Paul's zeal for the Jews has not diminished one bit. But, the Lord has a way of making your prayers come to pass.
Acts 28:17-22- And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
Paul called all of the leaders of the Jews who were in Rome to come to him. He wanted to plead his cause to them.
When they arrived and he spoke his piece, he found out that they had no idea of anything that had occurred in Israel- no letters had been sent, no messengers had been dispatched.
They did, however, have a question. They wanted to know what was up with the Christians. They'd heard that Jews back home were very upset about it, but they didn't know what it was or why they were upset.
Acts 28:23-29- And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
Paul set a day when the Jews would come to him and he would give them the gospel! What an amazing thing! His zeal for the Jewish people was recognized by God that day in an opportunity to preach the deliverance of the Messiah to his own people in Italy!
Some believed, and some didn't. But, Paul wasn't surprised. The Bible foretold a long time ago that the Messiah would be rejected by the Jews and that in so doing the door to the Gentiles would be opened.
The time of the Apostles was almost over.
The signs and wonders which were given to persuade the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah had ended.
II Timothy 4:20- Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Paul wasn't able to heal Trophimus. And, he was constantly with a doctor.
Colossians 4:14- Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
Paul had learned some grace. He was alone with his doctor friend, but he saw the value of someone he had once thought unreliable.
II Timothy 4:11- Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
John Mark had also grown in grace, and was now a willing missionary.
These two men, Luke the physician and John Mark, would be forever changed by their time with Paul. Both would go on to write a copy of the gospel of Jesus Christ from their vantage point and remembrance- Luke and Mark.
Paul saw many people give their hearts and lives to the Lord Jesus Christ while he was in Rome, including some of the Roman Empire's ruler's family.
Phil 4:22- All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
All who passed by Paul had the chance to hear about the Savior who gave his life for mankind!

Acts 28:30-31- And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
But, no one lives forever. Paul knew that his time on earth was soon to end. He would stand before a Caesar who didn't like the Christians, and his punishment for that would be death by beheading.

II Tim 4:6-8- For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
But, Paul wasn't afraid. He knew what was waiting for him- His Savior, His mansion, His rest!
Paul wasn't the only apostle who lost their life for the sake of the gospel:
History says that Simon Peter was crucified upside down.
His brother, Andrew, was crucified in Greece. He hung on the cross for two days preaching to all who passed by before his soul went to heaven.
Philip, who led the Ethiopian Eunich to the Lord, was crucified in Egypt.
Bartholomew was killed out East, some say in the country of India.
Doubting Thomas was no coward. He took the gospel to Greece, as well as India, where he died by a spear.
James Levi was the second longest living apostle. He was stoned to death at the age of 94.
Thaddeus Jude was crucified in the Asian Minor country of Turkey.
Simon Zelotes went to Africa and then up to the island country of England where he was crucified.
By 90 A.D. the apostle that remained was John the Beloved. It was said that the wicked Caesar, or Emperor, had tried to boil him alive, but he didn't die. You see, John hadn't finished his race, yet.
Remember when Jesus was talking with His disciples after he resurrected and Peter asked what John would do? Jesus replied that if John tarried until Jesus' return that it didn't matter, because Peter had his own job to do.
Many people thought that meant John wouldn't die. But, that's not what Jesus said. John would live to see Jesus' return. But, not because he would live for 2,000 years!
God was going to work an amazing miracle. The last one any apostle would see while on the earth. One that would show those who would dare to read it the future!

The Church Age series coloring pages

The Church Age- Part 20

Paul has been sitting in a Roman jail cell in Caesarea. Soon, he and the other prisoners would be put on a ship and sent to Rome.

Acts 27:1-2-  And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

Even though Paul was a Roman prisoner, he was granted certain liberties that normal prisoners weren't allowed.

Acts 27:3-4-  And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

Paul was allowed to leave and meet up with his friends in this city. Just being able to have visits was a special occasion for prisoners, but for them to be allowed to leave and visit other people and places was practically unheard of! Paul was being given blessings from God that were to encourage the brethren and prove to Paul that God was in control of every situation.

Acts 27:5-8- And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

Sailors back in these days knew the waters. They could tell by how the sun set and by how the sun rose what type of weather there would be for that day. But, they couldn't see past that day.

Once out on the water away from land, if a bad storm hit, they just had to hunker down and ride it out. This could cause a lot of problems from the ship being damaged, to cargo being swept off the boat, to the boat being dragged off course and the crew being lost at sea.

Acts 27:9-13- Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

The Lord had warned Paul that the trip was going to be rough. If Paul could have convinced the captain of the ship to remain where they were until winter had passed they would have a better journey.

But, neither the captain of the ship nor the owners of the ship believed that Paul had information for the Creator of the world. They didn't like the city they were in and really didn't want to stay in it an entire winter. 

When the weather was really nice with no sign of a storm, they decided to head out to a different harbor where they would be more comfortable through the winter.

Acts 27:14-20- But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

Everything that could go wrong on that trip, did. There was a terrible storm that carried the ship off course. It brought it close to the mainland where there was a danger of rocks ripping holes in the ship, or the ship getting caught in quicksand and dragged to pieces by the raging waves!

The were able to tie rope around the ship to try to hold her together. But, they had to throw all their cargo overboard because the ship was getting water into it. If they didn't lighten the load the boat would sink.

Their path was lost, their cargo gone, and after a few days of not being able to see the sky to tell where they were the men began to lose hope of ever making it to Rome alive.

Acts 27:21-26- But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

Paul stood up and told the sailors that they should have listened to him and not left the harbor. But, he encouraged them by letting them know that an angel had promised that they wouldn't die, they would make it to an island.

Acts 27:27-29-  But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

After two weeks adrift in the turbulent sea, they came to finally see land. They kept measuring the depth of the ocean floor from the top of the ocean to see how far they were from the land.

As they got closer, they had to drop the anchor for fear running into some rocks and destroying the ship. They were hoping the daylight would come soon so they could see to guide the ship safely to the island.

Acts 27:30-32-  And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

Some of the sailors were going to take the lifeboats and try to make it to the land with them. But, Paul knew if they left the big ship they would die.

When he told the captain this, the captain cut the ropes holding the life boat and let the waves carry it away.

He had learned that Paul knew what he was talking about. And, he was ready to listen!

Acts 27:33-36-  And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

As they were waiting for day break, Paul said that they should all eat. It had been two weeks since anyone ate anything, and they would all need their strength to swim to the shore of this island!

Paul took some bread and prayed and asked God to bless it and then he began to eat. This encouraged the rest of those on the ship to eat, also.

Acts 27:37-41- And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

Once they could see the island in the daytime, they saw that there was a creek going into the island. They were hoping to be able to sail the ship up the creek and then anchor it safely in a harbor.

But, the creek wasn't deep enough for that. The front of the ship got stuck in the sandy bottom and the back of the ship was being whipped around by raging waves. The ship was beginning to tear apart!

Acts 27:42-44- And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

A soldier suggested that they kill all the prisoners before getting to shore. This would ensure that none of them escaped. Remember, the soldiers would be killed for failing to deliver their prisoners.

But, the centurion that had guarded Paul had come to understand that there was some thing about him. He didn't want Paul to be killed. So he advised everyone just make it to land the best they could.

Acts 28:1-2- And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Once everyone was safely to shore, they were greeted by the indigenous peoples who lived there.

These people were kind and started building a fire for the sailors and prisoners to dry  and warm themselves. Remember, it was winter time!

Acts 28:3-5- And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them]on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

Paul wanted to help, so he began gathering sticks for the fire. But, somewhere in that pile was a poisonous snake.

As Paul was placing the sticks on the fire, the heat made the snake try to come out and it bit down onto Paul's hand. Paul just shook it off into the fire and went on his way.

The indigenous people thought at first that Paul must be a wicked man that some god was trying to kill. And since he didn't drown in the sea a snake was sent to finish him off.

Acts 28:6- Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

When Paul didn't die, or even get sick, the people decided he must be some sort of diety.

Paul wouldn't let them think that for long! He had a calling to tell the Gentiles about the Savior and just because he didn't know where he was didn't mean that he wouldn't get to work telling these people about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:7-10-   In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

Paul used the gifts that God had bestowed on the Apostles to help the people of this island. he healed them from their sickness and diseases.

The people were so thankful that they gave the visitors whatever they needed while they were there, and helped them with what they needed to continue on their journey.

Acts 28:11-16-  And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

There were many stops along the way. It wasn't until well into the Spring time that they finally made it to Rome.

Paul was allowed to visit his friends along the way at each stop and this encouraged him. I'm certain that it also blessed the Christians he saw, too.

When they reached Rome Paul's words had come to pass. They had a troubled journey and lost the ship and the cargo, but every soldier and prisoner had made it safely to their destination.

The Centurion that guarded Paul took him to a house instead of a prison cell, and there Paul remained with his guard until he could stand before Caesar.

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