Sermons

In chapter 17 of the book of Revelation, a fallen rich woman or “great harlot” is described who sits on a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns. She is called “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth.” She is identified as a “great city,” sitting on “seven mountains” or hills. What is meant with these symbols? And what is the meaning of the “dreadful and terrible” fourth beast in Daniel 7, having “huge iron teeth” and ten horns, and the “little horn,” coming up among the ten horns, speaking “pompous words against the Most High,” intending to “change times and law,” subduing three kings and persecuting the saints of the Most High for “a time and times and half a time”?

How do we know what the truth is and do we believe in it?  What separates us from every other religion out there?  What are we to do with the knowledge that has been given to us to bring forth results?

In this second installment of our three-part series on biblical prophecy, we will show that the Bible and history reveal the identity of the famous mark of the beast. This mark is associated with the beast in Revelation 13:1-10, which is a political and military power. It collaborates with a religious power, which is described as a second beast in Revelation 13:11, having two horns like a lamb and speaking like a dragon. In what way will this religious power create an image, which will cause all to receive the mark of the beast? Why will no one be able to buy or sell who does not have the mark of the beast? What is the difference between the mark of the beast and the sign of God, which identifies true Christians?

As people grew into cities, nations, and civilizations, they had a tendency to become corrupt. The story line plays out time and again. They grow too wise in their own opinion and then wicked in their thoughts and deeds, so much so that there is nothing left but for them to be destroyed. What lessons can we learn from these tragedies in the Bible? How can we make sure we are not falling into the same mistakes and traps?

The world is experiencing a lot of change: change in the environment, in the way we live, and with society. Trust in God and faith in His laws are not a factor anymore as attempts to make this world we live in are becoming “more acceptable” in the eyes of man. God makes it clear what He prohibits and how we can be saved, before it’s too late.

In this first installment of our three-part series on biblical prophecy, we are discussing the famous number of the beast’s name, which is mentioned in Revelation 13. Many have tried unsuccessfully to identify the beast and to calculate its number. But who or what is the beast, and why is it described with seven heads and ten horns? Is the beast a kingdom, a human leader, or both? Is its number 666 or 616? Will the end-time beast receive a deadly wound, which will be healed? Could the beast be a woman? Is the beast the Antichrist?

How do we view the world in light of our spiritually enabled eyesight? For thousands of years Satan has been misguiding mankind with one purpose: to lead us away from God.

When the plans that we make meet adversity, what is the best way to handle it? The examples of people’s lives and instructions in the Bible provide the answers.

The Bible prophesies that at a time when a short powerful work of preaching the gospel message is being revived, modern Babylon will rise once again in Europe as the final short-lived resurrection of the ancient Holy Roman Empire. We are seeing the beginning of this prophecy being fulfilled in Germany; and Satan is very angry, knowing that his time is short.

To produce good fruit, one has to apply certain attributes which should produce blessings, if applied correctly.

Most of us—who claim Christianity as our belief—would say that we are members of the Church of God. In fact, all kinds of people claim membership in a church—saying that they are true followers of Jesus Christ and God and fully believing they have God’s blessings. But with so many divergent views about what the Church of God represents, is that really possible? Does the Bible, the inspired Word of God, back them up? And for us, is there irrefutable proof that we have it right?

We must be vigilant in keeping our spiritual focus pure and unadulterated by this world. The early church was plagued with deceit and destructive heresies and it took constant work by the apostles to fight against these tendencies.  Our battle with allowing counterfeit doctrines to creep in is still ongoing.  Satan hasn’t given up trying to misguide us and we can’t become complacent in fighting him off.

The story of Cain and Abel provides meaning and symbolism for us today. Are we willing to yield to God’s law and His righteousness as Abel did or will we take Cain’s approach and let sin creep in and take control of our lives?

Size: 12.8 mb | Length: 36 minutes   (Part 2)

Why is it impossible for man to keep the law of God? Why are we told that we are all sinners, and that there is no one who is righteous and seeks after God? Is there no hope for us? Or is there a way to live a life which is pleasing to God? Why did God give the Holy Spirit to His Church on the Day of Pentecost? Can this lead to a fundamental change within the carnal and natural man who is sold under sin? And if so, how exactly can and must this change occur?

When we suffer, we must always remember that God does not forget our tears. Even when we are severely tested, God is there to help us. God wants to give us comfort and encouragement, as well as peace and tranquility; He has compassion for those who mourn and who are brokenhearted. The book of Ruth gives us an important understanding as to how the merciful God works in our lives.

We often learn lessons about obedience and lessons about faith, but what about “obedience to the faith”? What does this phrase mean? How is the practice of obedience affected by faith? How does the exercise of faith change when considered in the context of obedience? Living our lives in a way that is acceptable to God depends on understanding the answers to these questions.

Nations rise and fall—is that merely the result of blind fate? Or is there a great purpose being worked out by God for ALL of His creation? Is God actually guiding the eventual outcome of man’s activities among the many races and nations?

Choosing to simplify our lives can be a difficult thing. The world offers a pursuit of more, but a Christian life is one that aims to remove distractions and focus on one very important thing – committing our life to the glorification of God.