http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/ Christian fellowship forum with a bible study. en Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:42:31 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/satanism-128/ Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:17:13 GMT One of the most important deterrents to following Satan is the ultimate end of those who follow him. The Bible gives ample warnings about the future... One of the most important deterrents to following Satan is the ultimate end of those who follow him. The Bible gives ample warnings about the future for satan and those who follow him.

Read 1 John 3: 7-10; 4: 1-3
How can we identify those who are following satan?

Read Revelation 20:10-15. What is the ultimate fate of satan and those who follow him?
My opinion: There is many things that seem harmless but can open up doors to satan, or evil spirits.
One is movies and TV shows, one of the fastest growing shows on TV is I'm sorry I forgot the name but it is about two vampires considered good who love each other, and then the Bad vampire who wants the good girl vampire. Movies like The Halloween Sires with Jason. Nightmare on Elm Street, Many movies about werewolves and vampires, zombies. Of course The Exorsist on so on, Lets not forget Video Games. And yes Rock Music, or what ever they call it now. Some people think this stuff is harmless, don't kid yourself and yes I have watched some myself, so I'm no better than anyone else, but believe it or not there is spells and incantations and symbolism connected directly to these items, so we especially Christians have to be very careful what we and the youth get involved with. ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/satanism-128/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/halloween-126/ Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:00:08 GMT Well I know this is a hard subject to discuss but during the teaching of Satanism this a good place to have it. First off it is not my place to tell... Well I know this is a hard subject to discuss but during the teaching of Satanism this a good place to have it.
First off it is not my place to tell anyone what to do.
Is Halloween a harmless Holiday, or is it rooted in the occult world of witchcraft and satanism? Should it be allowed in our schools.

Halloween's pagan orgins and history. The Pagan/Occult calendar of Druids, Witches, Pagan and Satanists marks Halloween as one their highest " holy days." Druidic rites and ceremonies with which "Samhain" (Halloween) was originally observed thousands of years ago.
All the seemingly innocent symbolism of Halloween. Black cats, snakes, broomsticks, bonfires, "trick or treat," jack-o-lanterns, apple dunking and Halloween Costumes has its roots in Sorcery, witchcraft and satanism. Parents resonsibilities are challenged to decide whether to allow their children to participate in celebrations which glorify Pagan Occultism.

We locally here had a High Priestist in a cult who came to the Lord here in my area. She did a long documentary of this subject and satanism in general it was shown on a christian network, she confirmed that all the crusome details of what goes on in a Satanic cult, which she included Halloween are for real. By most of those involved it is called" Hallow even" in which the dead walk the earth and search for their souls.
Here is just a few scriptures that would be connected to this.
Romans 13:12; 12:9
1 Thess. 5: 21-22
James 4: 7&8 & 1:27 John 1:11
Ephesian, 5: 11,12
1 Timothy 4:1
There is plenty more.
If you have a comment feel free to reply, all I ever ask is keep them short because I have the habit of not reading through long ones.
Just for your info I did go out as a youth, that was many years ago. Now it is something I will not be part of, However we no longer have any small children to deal with anymore. I do help out at our church in what they call the Harvest Festival where the church youth play games and win prizes mostly candy, but I must say I don't know if that is much better. ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/halloween-126/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/satanism-125/ Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:23:35 GMT One of the most important deterrents to following satan is the ultimate end of those who follow him. The Bible gives ample warnings about the future... One of the most important deterrents to following satan is the ultimate end of those who follow him. The Bible gives ample warnings about the future for satan and those who follow him.
3. Read 1 John 3: 7-10;4:1-3.
How can we identify those who are following him.
4. Read Revelation 20:10-15. What is the ultimate fate of satan and those who follow him?
Spiritism, Mediums, Psychics
Can people truly communicate with departed spirits? Can we talk with the dead? Christians and non-christians have argued about the possibility of communication with the dead. But the Bible makes it clear that any attemps to communicate with the dead are in violation of God's law. In fact God considers such acts detestable. He hates them.
In discussing the growth of satanism, the occult, and psychic or spiritualist religions, The Christian Research Institute a California-based organization which specializes in the study of false religions-has noted that as long as there has been recorded history, men and women have longed to contact dead loved ones and friends.
Mediums prey on this desire. Many who do not seek out mediums, palm readers, fortune tellers, and other spiritists think they are harmless and amusing. When you see the commercials for psychics on television, a small disclaimer at the bottom of the screen states it is for entertainment purposes only. But the opposite is true. Attemps to contact the dead can be extremmely harmful, opening oneself to "psychic forces" that claim to predict the future can enslave a person. It also opens the door for demon possession.
Others are drawn to seek communication with the dead through such " harmless" party games as Ouija boards. Under the guise of fun, people open their homes and lives to deceptive, denomic influences.
5. Read Isaiah 8:22. When God's people turned from God and began seeking anwers from mediums and spiritists, what did God tell them would happen?
Does this apply to people who seek anwers from psychics they see advertised on television? If yes, how so?

There are some who claim that the ability to see into the future or to speak with spirits of departed loved ones is a gift from God. They claim that because they bring comfort and reassurance, it is a gift to draw people to God through contact with the dead.
Some psychics, who do not claim to contact the dead but say they are simply in tune with cosmic forces or with alien life forms, also claim theirs is a gift from God. This gift, it is claimed, was given to prepare the way for Christ's second coming, or to open earth's people up for angels coming and setting up God's kingdom, or to allow aliens to teach us how to live in harmony as God originally desired for the human race. But are these so-called psychic powers really a gift from God?
6. Read Deuteronomy 18: 9-13. What does God's word say about spiritism? Is it really a gift from God?
In reality, a psychic's ability with the dead is through logical deduction of what the seeker wants to hear ( therefore deception) or by denomic help.
7. Read Exodus 22:18 and Leviticus 20: 6,27.
What were the Israelites to do with sorcerers, mediums, and spiritists?

I would like to add that today that there is about 10 TV. shows on the air right now and most draw a huge viewing populations, of course it would be impossible to count the movies.
Also we had a First Lady who had what she refered to as a spirit guide come and channel this first ladies thoughts to be able to communicate with Elanor Roosevelt. ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/satanism-125/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/satanism-124/ Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:46:03 GMT Probably the most blatant attack Satan has made against humanity is found in satanism. Are people really worshiping satan? Are stories of satanic... Probably the most blatant attack Satan has made against humanity is found in satanism. Are people really worshiping satan? Are stories of satanic enslavement and horrors true? Do people really mutilate animals and offer human sacrifices to satan? The answer to all these questions is, "Yes." Worship of the evil rather than the good is an obvious backlash against Christianity.
Of all Satan's ways of seeking to destroy people, direct worship of the devil today may be the most frightening. Despite some wild tales which are unsupported by evidence,police,pastors,and psychologists are convinced that satanic worship and ritualistic abuse are taking place.

1.Read Luke 4:5-8. How does Christ's temptation by the devil to worship him compare with the recent increase in satanic worship?

In addition to open satanic worship, the devil has many less obvious ways to snare people. Some of the more subtle ways the devil traps people into occult practices include supposedly harmless fantasy games.
The popular craze for contact with supernatural beings demons, vampires, and even angels is closely related to satanism and occult practices. There are actually people all over the world who consider themselves to be vampires, and drink human blood because they believe it brings strength and supernatural powers.
Through devoting themselves to satan worship and/or the occult, people think and do things which serve the devil's purpose. Innocent people are hurt sometimes even killed and many others become enslaved to fear and violence. For all practical purposes, satan uses the worship and occult activities to "devour" his "devout" followers and to ruin many lives.

2. First Peter 5:8,9 gives three things Christians can do to thwart the influence of satan in their lives. List these.

To be continued. ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/satanism-124/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/satanism-123/ Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:07:53 GMT Do to the time we are in, and I believe a lack of of understanding, I believe the enemies attacks are on the uprise and the latest current events, I... Do to the time we are in, and I believe a lack of of understanding, I believe the enemies attacks are on the uprise and the latest current events, I believe now more than ever this is a very important subject to discuss, and maybe open some eyes. This is all from a course I have taken some time ago.
So I'll try to do my best to be informative, along with scriptures that can help to thwart the influence of Satan. I will start getting materials gathered and start by weekend.
Thank You,
Robert ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/satanism-123/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/spiritism-114/ Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:53:39 GMT A while ago I did a topic Called
" In seach of the truth"
Well I would like to continue.
So I will start with Spiritism.
The First subject will be;
Satanism;
Today I will start with and introduction to the overall subject off Spiritism, There is no intention to scare anyone if your a Christian we all have the Power of the Holy Spirit to protect us, I also know this may raise some questions feel free to ask and I'll be glad to research to answer your questions.
I took a class in this and will be reseaching as we go along so let me start:

Spiritism:
It's late, but you can't seem to get to sleep. So you turn on the TV and flip through the channels. Station after station has infomercials promoting free time talking with a psychic, and now they have prime time TV shows involving psychics states.
"We're here to serve you, to comfort you, to guide you," on psychic states.
" Just pick up the phone and you're on the way to having your dreams come true," another promises.
But are these promises too good to be true? You'd better believe it! Although it seems harmless on the surface, there are forces at work that do not fit into a Christians ,life- forces that would like to snare anyone gullible enough to pick up the phone and dial the toll-free number.
Because of such seeming incredible supernatural events and other " coincidences" that seem incredible, many people have been drawn to spiritism, psychic phenomena, and spiritualistic religions. Those who seek to ensnare are not limited to the psychic phenomena, and spiritualistic religions. Those who seek to ensnare are not limited to the psychics you see on TV., but include those involved in witchcraft,
Native American "natural" religions, and even satanism.
Recently you can find alot more on the net and plenty of ads in the back of just about any magazine.
Here is some scriptures related to Saul the First King of Israel and His experiences. 1 Sam 16: 14-23,
1 Sam 28: 7-25.
I should mention here that no one gets the thought that these spiritualistic religions; *Have no connection to the Holy Spirit in any shape way or form. ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/spiritism-114/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-104/ Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:11:23 GMT Chapter 22: V.1 The river symbolizes the blessings of God. V.2 The tree of life suggests abundant life. Everything necessary to substain life.... Chapter 22:

V.1 The river symbolizes the blessings of God.
V.2 The tree of life suggests abundant life. Everything necessary to substain life.
V.3 God's curse is removed forever.
V.4 See His face: The redeemed enjoy perfect fellowship with God and the Lamb.
Verses:6-20 There are seven confirming witnesses testifying to the authenticity of the message.
V.6 The first witness is that of God through His angel. These words refer to the content of Rev.
The holy prophets is literally,
" the spirits of the prophets," their natural faculties under supernatural inspiration. Which must shorly take place refers to the spiritual conflict (see 17: 14).
V.7 A response by Jesus. Coming Quickly according to God's time not man's
Verses: 10,11
Do not seal: The visions are not to be kept secret for a later generation, but are relevant to all Christians until the consumation of the kingdom.
Verses:12-16
The fourth witness
The Alpha and the Omega:
Jesus applies God's title to Himself.
All who have obeyed the Lord may enter the city, but all others are excluded.
The Root and the Offspring: Jesus is not only the promised King of the linage of David, whose kindom would be established forever (see 2 Sam. 7:13,14), but the creator of David (see Ps. 110:1;Is. 11:1,10).
The Bright and Morning Star
is the dawn of the new eternal Day. (2:28; Num. 24:17).
Verses 18,19
This solem warning is directed against any perversion in interpretation of the prophecy of this book, made by those who read into Rev. what the Holy Spirit never intended to teach.

*References, I used some on-line info, but shortly found allot of disagreement which only leads to confusion. One quick example is of course the Rapture, there is four main views.
This lead me back to prayer for The Holy Spirit's guidance and wisdom.
So I took allot of info. from my Bible's comentary.
I use The Spirit Filled Life Bible.
A New King James Version
General Editor Jack W. Hayford.
Thomas Nelson Publishers.

I enjoyed this study very much, and gained much insight through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I hope some got some help through this.
Thank You,
Robert Cragg ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-104/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-103/ Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:01:51 GMT Chapter 21 v.2 The Holy city is the bride of Christ, the church (see verses 9,10) as well as the abode of the saints. Verses 3,4 The tabernacle and... Chapter 21
v.2 The Holy city is the bride of Christ, the church (see verses 9,10) as well as the abode of the saints.
Verses 3,4 The tabernacle and the description of the bliss of the saints indicate the unbroken fellowship between God and His people. Because of His presence there is no more sorrow.
Verses 5,6
God proclaims the completion of the newas well as the destruction of the old.
V.8 Cowardly: Courage and patient endurance are indispensable in the conflict between the Lamb and the dragon.
Unbelieving is the opposite of faithfullness.
Abominablemeans polluted by the Earths's abominations.
Sorcerers: The literal Greek refers to those dealing in drugs. Liars are those who deviate from the truth and join the deceivers.
V.10 High Mountain refers to the actual site of the Holy Jerusalem (see Ps. 48:1,2; Is. 2:2 Ezek. 40:2;48:12-16; Mic.4:1; Zech. 8:22; 14:16).
21: 11-14 Jasper see 4:3 The twelve gates are open in all directions to all peoples.
The twelve tribes plus the twelve apostles are the combined people of God, incorporating the Old and New, built on twelve foundations, the testimony of the eyewitnesses to the revelation of God ( see Eph.2:20).
Verses 15-17 The City is a perfect cube, a symbol of perfection, as was the Most Holy Place (see 1 Kings 6:20). The dimensions of 12 and 1,000 indicate that there will be perfect room for the redeemed.
Verses 18-21 The precious materials used in the construction of the city magnify its beauty and glory.
Verses 22,23
Neither temple nor created light is needed, because of the presence of God and the Lamb.
Verses 24-26 The city is perfect it is universality and its holiness. ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-103/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-101/ Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:50:24 GMT Chapter 20 Verses 1-3 The Devil, who empowered the Beast (Anti-Christ)and the False prophet shares their doom. In the first stage of his... Chapter 20

Verses 1-3 The Devil, who empowered the Beast (Anti-Christ)and the False prophet shares their doom. In the first stage of his judgement, he is bound for a thousand years in the bottomless pit.
The purpose of binding of the Devil is that he should deceive the nations no more.
From the time of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, it has no longer been possible for satan to keep the peoples of the world in darkness without contest (Luke 2: 29-32) as disciples proclaim the gospel to "all nations" (see Matt. 28:18-20).

An angel coming down from heaven laid hold of the dragon signifies that satan is uniquely at work on Earth. He is bound for the lenght of the Millennium in order that Christ might establish divine authority.

Verses 4-6
The plural thrones is used only 4 times in Rev.and those seated on them are always the twenty-four elders. Judgment was committed to them as representatives of the church un heaven and on Earth.

Souls: The vision is of a time before the final Resurrection.

The first resurrection includes the resurrection of 1. Jesus Christ
2. many dead saints of OT times
(Matt. 27:52,53)
3.The dead saints of the church.
4. The rapture of the living saints.
( 1 Thess. 4: 16,17)
5. Those who are martyred for their testimony during the Great Tribulation.
Verses 7-10
Satan's desire to hasten the day of the battle in order to frustrate God's purpose by limiting the scope of His salvation(2 Pet.3:8-10)
but he is bound until God determines to release him. He then will make one last effort to destroy Christ and His people. This is the last insurrection that the Lord will tolerate. Satan will next be cast into lake of fire and tormented forever.
Verses 11-15
The final judgement is concerned with the spiritually dead, not the saints.
The Book of Life was opened to reveal that the names of the dead do not appear in it.
"The last enemy" to be destroyed is Death and Hates,the temporary abode of the dead until the Final judgement. They are as powerless as the other forces of evil. ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-101/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-100/ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:49:27 GMT Chapter 19

1-6 The voice of a great multitude exults over the triump of righteousness and truth. The word [B]Alleluia[/B]("Praise The Lord")occurs only in this passage in the NT.

Verses 7-10 The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

An actual meal in heaven, is the final manisfestation of the marriage of Christ and His Wife. This culminates their initial relationship, likened to an engagement, which was a legal arrangement in Jewish culture. This follows the coming of Christ as Bridegroom in the Rapture of the church before The Great Tribulation and precedes His return seven years later to establish His millennial kingdom.

*( I know that there will be many objections to this view of a pre rapture of the church before the Great Tribulation. There is also the mid trib view, and a post trib view and others who say there will be no rapture view. The pre-trib is based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. which to me is Biblically correct, I do not however want to debate this subject. Also I agree that Revelation is not written in chronological order.)

V.11 The white horsesymbolizes victory. Faithful and Truedescribes Jesus, final victory in the war.
V.12 Many Crowns represent Sovereign authority.
V.13 Christ's robe is dipped in His atoning blood, not that of His enemies.
V.15 The sword coming out of His mouth is the word of God. (see Heb. 4:12) Rod of Iron: see 12:5
Treads the winepress: See 14:19,20.
V. 16 This awesome title is earned by Christ's completed work and victory on the cross, is the basis for His cosummmating the victory over the dragon and his allies.
Verse 17-21 The victory is announced before the battle is fought.
Birds of prey are invited to a grisly feast.

The beast and the false prophet are seized and cast alive into the lake of fire.
Their allies are slain by the Word of the Lord, which has the power to overcome all evil. ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-100/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-99/ Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:28:59 GMT Chapter 18: Babylon represnts the satanic world system in all of its industrail, economic, and commercilism to contrast to what last-days... Chapter 18:

Babylon represnts the satanic world system in all of its industrail, economic, and commercilism to contrast to what last-days apostate, religious forces symbolizes in Chapter 17.

18:9,10
The voices of the kings who are allied with Rome lament the fall of the mighty city.

18: 11-20
The voices of the merchants selfishly lament the loss on their comments and markets.

18:21
Great millstone is prophetic symbolic action indicating total destruction (see Jer. 51;63, 64; Luke 17:2). ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-99/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-98/ Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:02:03 GMT Chapter 17 V. 1 John is shown the Judgement close up. *The Great harlot*is babylon sybolic of the ancient city of Rome, a type of every... Chapter 17

V. 1 John is shown the Judgement close up.
The Great harlotis babylon sybolic of the ancient city of Rome, a type of every idolatrous system opposed to christ. The many waters are the people groups over whom the harlot reigns.
V.3 The scarlet beast is the beast that rose out of the sea (13:1). Its heads and horns symbolize the power of the empire which supports the harlot.
Sitting on: Anti-Christian civilization is undergirded by anti-Christian political power (13:1-10).
Names of blasphemy: Divine titles appropriated by an emperor or a state civil religion.
V.4 The adorment of the woman suggests her wealth and earthly glory. Abominations are idol worship and its defilements.
V.5 Roman prostitutes were required to wear a label with their names on their foreheads.
Babylon: see 18:1-19:10. To the eaely Christians, Rome was Babylon (see V. 9; Peter. 5:13) The Mother of idolarty and all its evils.
V.9 The city of Rome sits on seven hills.
V.10 Seven Kings represent the complete number of Roman Emperors, however many there might be, and by implication the number of political powers that persecuted God's people throughout history.
Verses12,13 Ten Horns: By some see the governors of the chief provinces of the Roman Empire, who for one hour ( A.D. June 68 A.D. December 69). were involved in the bloody civil strife that nearly destroyed Rome as an illustration of the spiritual principle that anti-Christ political and military power inevitably destroy the undergrid, thus inducing their own retribution and fulling the purposes of God
( Verses 16,17). ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-98/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-96/ Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:11:11 GMT Chapter 16 1. God Himself commands the Final Judgment. V.2 The first judgment is similiar to the sixth Egyptian plaque. (see Ex. 9:9-11). V.3... Chapter 16
1. God Himself commands the Final Judgment.
V.2 The first judgment is similiar to the sixth Egyptian plaque.
(see Ex. 9:9-11).
V.3 This plaque is similiar to the first one in Egypt (Ex.7: 17-21).
V.4 Unlike the Egyptian plaque, which only the waters of Egypt were affected, every sourse of Earth's fresh water supply is now affected,indicating complete judgment.
V.6 God's judgement is retributive justice, of equal weight with the crime.
V.7 The voice of the martyrs affirms the right of God to vindicate them. (6:9, 10; 8:3).
V. 8,9 No matter how intense the suffering, the people, having lost the capacity, did not repent. Like Pharaoh their hearts are stubbornly defiant.
V. 10,11 The throne of the beast was the capital of the empire, Rome
(see 2:13; 13:2).
V12-14 The Euphrates, the last barrier to total destruction, is removed (9: 14-21), clearing the way for invasion from the east.
Frogs symbolize the denomic work of this unholy counterfeit trinity.
The great dayis when the total redemtive purpose of God will be consummated in both salavation and judgement.
V. 15 The Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and demands watchfullness on the part of the followers of Christ. They who are spiritually prepared. See Matt.24-42 and 1 Thess. 4:18- 5:2.
V.16 Theyare the denomic frogs. Armageddon, may refer to the Mount of Megiddo, at the upper entrance to the Plain of Esdraelon, Israel's chief battlefield in ancient times. (see Judg. 5:19; Kin. 9:27; 23:29; Zech. 12:11).
Also some say Armageddon is located in the nothern part of Jezreel.
V's 17-21 Into the air:The judgement is universal. It is done:The Judgement is complete. ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-96/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-95/ Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:12:32 GMT Chapter 15:1-4 Prepartion is made for the consumation of the Judgement with the introduction of seven angels who will empty the seven bowls (... Chapter 15:1-4

Prepartion is made for the consumation of the Judgement with the introduction of seven angels who will empty the seven bowls ( 16: 1-21).

While the seals and the trumpets picture partial judgements, the seven bowls picture judgments that are about to be consummated, and thus are the last.

V.2 A sea of glass mingled with fire is suggestive of the deliverence of Israel at the Red Sea, with its waters reddened by the pillar of fire. The emphasis on the saftey of the redeemed.
Verses 3&4 Moses sang a song of redemption following the crossing of the Red Sea (see Ex.15:1-18), which is now the song of the Lamb, a song celebration of God's judgement, power, and sovereignty.

The tabernacle of the testimony is, literally," the tent of witness," the exact word describing the ancient tabernacle in the Greek text of Ex. 40:34,35. From this heavenly counterpart of the earthly tabernacle, the seven angels come forth to execute judgement. The angels are dressed as priests.

Smoke: See Is. 6:1-4 Glory: See Ex. 40:34,35; 1 Kings 8: 10,11.
No one was able to enter:
The mercy seat is now inaccessible. No futher petitions or intercessions will be heard until the Final Judgement is completed.
God Himself commands the Final Judgement. (16:1) ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-95/ http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-94/ Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:36:54 GMT Chapter 14 The 144,000 represent the Jewish remnant sealed and spared from the Great Tribulation. The Lamb is Jesus Christ. Mount Zion, typical of... Chapter 14
The 144,000 represent the Jewish remnant sealed and spared from the Great Tribulation. The Lamb is Jesus Christ. Mount Zion, typical of the seat of kindom power in Jerusalem. The new song is a song of redemption which only the redeemded can understand.

Verses 6,7 The gospel is everlasting, in contrast to the Old Covenant, and is intended to be heard universally. It is good news to those who respond to it, but judgement to those who refuse it.

V.8 In the OT, Babylon was a center of idolatry, the occult, and immorality. Some believe it refers to Rome. From God's perepective, the city, the world in every generation, has already been judged and is fallen. The wine of the wrath of her fornication: Idolatry, worshiping the monster, inevitably results in the drinking of the cup of God's wrath in judgement.

V. 9-11 Tormented with fire: There can be no compromise in spiritual conflict. ( see 19:20 20:10; Matt. 18, 8,9 Mark 9: 43-48).

9-13 A third angel announces the full fury of the wrath of God on all those who worship the beast. the believing Jewish martyrs will suffer physical death, but those who worship the Antichrist will experience eternal punishment (see 20:10-15).

The coming judgments and preview of Armageddon are revealed. This passage depicts a time of seperation of the wicked from the righteous, and the focus will be God's final dealing with earths people. (see Matt.25:31-46).

14:20 Outside the city suggests retribution for those who compelled Jesus to suffer " outside the gate"
(see Heb. 13:12,13).
The number associated with the amount of blood should be qualitative not quantitative, heightening the utter gruesomeness of the scene
(see Is. 63: 2-6). ]]> Robert Cragg http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/robert-cragg/revelation-interpreting-94/