This “revelation of Jesus Christ” contains some of the most glorious descriptions of Him, His bride (the church), and the age to come. Its conclusion is probably the most encouraging message in the Scriptures about the future. However, the middle of this revelation predicts some of the darkest, most terrifying events in history, along with the antichrist and harlot church. Yet all are part of the “revelation of Jesus Christ.” Why is such evil included in this revelation of Jesus?

     For the last few years, we have gone through times when a new crisis or major controversy seemed to be happening every month, to now, when it seems like we are facing two or three a week. Certainly these times are becoming more intense, but this does not mean that we need to feel increased pressure in our personal lives. We have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. If we have built our lives on that kingdom, the whole world can shake, but we won’t.

      I shared last week that water shortages after the West Coast disasters would cause the loss of many people, which will ultimately be worldwide. Preparing emergency sources of drinkable water is something all believers should do. Drinkable water will be one of the most valuable commodities in the world in the future.

     One of the main cauldrons where prophetic ministries are formed is the local church. Prophetically gifted people do tend to be different, and to fit into a local church setting can be one of the most difficult of all tests for them. Few understand them, and therefore, few will trust them, usually for a long time.

         There are a couple of additional points about the throne of God in Revelation 4 that we should consider. As we touched on before, we see many different beings in the heavenly or spiritual realm in Scripture. One point to consider is that Satan was only able to draw a third of the angels to follow him in rebellion. Some think that because a third of the angels fell and two-thirds did not that the good outnumbers the bad two to one. This is far from the case.

         I hear from thousands of Christians each week, and sometimes that many in a day. I also hear from those from other faiths or no faith at all. They are diverse—from almost every denomination and nation. I don’t base the following on scientific polling, but it is a good sampling and may be even more accurate than the polls have been recently.

         When the Lord called me to take on some very difficult restoration projects, it was the best of times and the worst of times. He gave me jobs no one else wanted. They were hard on me and harder on my reputation, and sometimes cost me good friends. But through them I got to know the heart of the Lord better than I ever had through study. The harder the job, the more deeply I grew to know Him and the more fulfilling it was, and I think, the more fruit that came.