“WORLD PEACE!” I remember as a young boy watching the Miss America and Miss Universe pageants and as they questioned the contestants about their future dreams, they always said that their goal was “world peace.” Unfortunately, that is an impossibility in a sin cursed world. At best, we can have the illusion of peace, and that is what we see as the first of 7 seals are opened in Revelation 6:1-2, “I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.” (v2). This rider wears a “stephanos,” (a crown given as a prize) not a “diadem” (a royal crown). It is important to understand that this crown was given to the rider by the one who gave the scroll to Christ (God – Revelation 5:1). Before the terrors of the tribulation break loose and lead to the battle of Armageddon there will come a period of peace. But it will be a deceptive peace, as the world is lulled into a false sense of security followed by war, famine, and death. The world’s desperate desire for international peace will serve as … READ MORE

As we come to Revelation 6, we are introduced to a terrifying time, and a terrifying group of horsemen. As we reflect back on Revelation chapters 4-5 we are amazed at the scene in heaven, and the wonder of the throne of God, and those who are worshipping at that throne. Alot has been made of the 4 horsemen, but before we take a few days to look at them, we need to be reminded of two very important things regarding this revelation in chapter 6. First, these things are given to provide hope in the hearts of believers, not fear! As followers of Jesus Christ, we do not need to be afraid of these riders or what they bring to the world. Second, we need to recognize that they cannot unleash their power onto the world, until God deems the time right, and Christ opens the seals on the scroll given to Him by the Lord! One of the realities of the Book of Revelation is that God demonstrates His power. Throughout the book we find creatures and angels who are bond for a time as Christ prepares His return. I have been asked if these things are not … READ MORE

Deception! In Matthew 24:4-5 Jesus, tells us that as He prepares to return there will be the appearance of those who claim to be the answer to the problems of mankind. These are people who promise deliverance from racial, economic, religious, social and national ills. We live in a day where discernment is lost, we are tempted to believe what we are told, rather than to search out the truth. The struggle is how do we know what the truth is? Many years ago, as Jesus was questioned by Pilate before His crucifixion, Pilate asked a question that has plagued mankind for centuries, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). People have asked me over the years, “With so many religions, denominations, and churches, how do we know which one is correct?” My answer to that is a simple, but complex answer: “To know the truth, you must understand what the Bible says, and trust it as truthful!” It really does not matter what men and women, think the Bible means, what matters is simply, “What does the Bible says.” Circumstances may change but God never does! We can trust the simple truths of the Word of God to guide us through … READ MORE