Posted by: mikemcelyea | December 20, 2010

Revelation 13 – A Beastly Experience

Scripture:          Revelation 13

Observation:     In the constant struggle between God and Satan, Satan brings in two beasts to help him.  One from the sea and one from the land.  The first is terrible and intimidating – ugly and intimidating, it is arrogant and forceful.  The other is smooth – convincing and seemingly harmless – but ultimately deceiving.  Satan uses the first beast to persecute the church and the second to deceive – both are dangerous and both are deadly.

Application:      Throughout God’s Word we’re instructed in how to handle both these “beasts”.  When persecution comes, we’re to remain faithful.  We may not currently face physical persecution, but Christians around the world do.  Many lose their lives every year in countries where Christianity is a minority religion.  We need to read about their experiences to not only identify with their struggles, but to pray for them.  The other danger the Bible speaks to is deception by false teaching.  We have to work hard to test every spirit and evaluate every teaching to be sure it’s true to God’s Word.

Prayer:             If persecution comes help me stand firm in my faith.  In the same spirit, don’t let me be persuaded by deception, but test every teaching with the plumb line of your Word.

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