Wednesday, April 5th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 5 (Letters to The Seven Churches in Asia Minor).

"And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges." (Revelation 2:12).

The church in Pergamous was the third recipient of the letters Jesus wrote to the seven churches in Asia Minor. And he said unto them; "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth."(Revelation 2:13).

Just like it was in the first two letters we have discussed, the first thing Jesus addressed here is also their works. Please, don't play light on your commitment in your local church. You will give account to the Lord when you stand before his judgment seat on judgment day.

In addition, he said that Satan had his seat there. In other words, Pergamous was one of Satan's operational headquarters on earth. This signifies the strong presence of evil power in that region. Though, Satan moves to and from the face of the earth, there are territories he exerts strong influence, operates from and also holds his meetings there in the realm of the spirit. In spite of Satanic presence, our Lord Jesus commended them for holding on to their faith.

However he said; "...I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate." (Revelation 2:14-15).

Doctrines of Balaam simply refers to teachings that lures God's children to commit immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols thus making them vulnerable to demonic attacks and afflictions. Balaam is also greedy. And this is what most of our churches have turned into. They do most of the things they do just to extort the people of God.

The doctrine of the Nicolaitans is similar. Their doctrines was compromising in nature. It makes believers comfortable in practicing gross sexual immoral acts and idolatry in the church. It's similar to those who preach today that grace has covered you no matter what you do. This is a lie from the pit of hell. And our Lord Jesus condemned such teachings. He thus urged them to repent quickly otherwise he will fight against them with the sword of his mouth - Revelation 2:16.

He ended the letter with a promise which reads; "... To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (Revelation 2:17). The early part of this verse reads; "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches..." (Revelation 2:17a). So, what he said to the church in Pergamous, he says to all.

Prayer: Glorious Father, I give you all the glory due to your name. I thank you for yet another beautiful day. I reject every form of doctrine that is not founded on Christ. I receive grace to live my life to please you always in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 5:5, 1st Timothy 1:10, 4:1.

Thursday, April 6th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 6 (Letters to The Seven Churches in Asia Minor).

"And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass."(Revelation 2:18).

The fourth letter Jesus wrote to the churches in Asia Minor was written to the church in Thyatira. The opening text described Jesus as one whose eyes are like flame of fire and his feet like fine brass. The description of his eyes unveils how stern his judgment will be. On that day, you will not hear him say, forgive them for they know not what they are doing '. He is coming for judgment and he certainly won't put on a smiling face. So, ensure that you are not found wanting on that day.

He said to the church in his letter; " I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first." (Revelation 2:19). The emphasis on works was such that it was mentioned twice. Please, don't joke with your God's given assignment. You will give account of it on that day.

He however expressed his disappointment on certain aspects of their Christian walk. Thus, he said; "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols." (Revelation 2:20).

There was gross sexual immorality in the church which they permitted. But it was a self acclaimed prophetess who was used as an instrument of darkness. She lured other men of God to commit fornication and eat things sacrificed in idols.

However, God in his mercy gave her space of time to repent but she didn't. God judged her saying; "Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works."(Revelation 2:22-23).

God's judgment on Jezebel affirms the fact that there is no such thing as eternal security. Grace does not cover your sin. You must repent of every wrong act if you don't want to be judged by God. And the scripture says that; "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:33). Tomorrow, we will continue with the moral lessons we can get from this fourth letter.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for the sweet night rest and the opportunity to witness a new day. Be thou exalted above all else and let your glory fill the earth. I ask for grace to keep the faith till the end and remain faithful to the responsibility committed to my trust in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Corinthians 6:18, Acts 15:28-29.

Friday, April 7th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 7 (Letters to The Seven Churches in Asia Minor).

"And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass."(Revelation 2:18).

Yesterday, we began to discuss the letter of Jesus to the church in Thyatira. We mentioned how Christ expressed his displeasure to the church for permitting Jezebel, a self acclaimed prophetess to teach and seduce God's servant to commit fornication. And she was thus judged.

In the latter part of the letter, Jesus said; "But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden." (Revelation 2:24).

Jesus exempted those who rejected the demonic doctrine of Jezebel from punishment. It matters what you believe and who you listen to. That a man of God is well packaged and speaks queens English doesn't make his doctrine right. Find out the truth in God's word for yourself through deligent Bible study. Don't swallow everything you hear from the pulpit hook line and sinker.

Christ also exempted those who have not known the depth of Satan. The depth of Satan obviously refers to his secrets unveiled to those initiated into occultic practices. We have quite a few people who profess to know Christ but are into deep occultic practices. This shouldn't be. You can't serve two masters at the same time. You can't be a partakers of the Lord's table and of the devil's table.

He concluded his letter to them saying; "But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning starHe that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. "(Revelation 2:25-29).

The kingdom of this world will one day become the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour and we will reign with him on earth. The phrase, 'give power over the nations' refers to positions of leadership such as Presidents, Governors etc that will be committed to our trust depending on your present faithfulness and commitment to his work. So, serve the Lord with zeal and faithfully. Payday is coming. Your labour will not be in vain.

Prayer: Everlasting Father, I worship you in the beauty of holiness. I thank you for your manifold wisdom and righteous ways. Grant me the grace I need to keep the fire burning and my light shining till the end in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 4:14, Hebrews 13:9, 1st Timothy 4:1.

Saturday, April 8th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 8 (Letters to The Seven Churches in Asia Minor).

"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead." (Revelation 3:1).

The opening text is the introduction to the fifth letter which Jesus wrote to the church in Sardis. Let's look at the rendering of the opening text in the New English Translation. It reads; "To the angel of the church in Sardis write the following: “This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a reputation that you are alive, but in reality you are dead." (Revelation 3:1, New English Translation).

Our Lord Jesus unveiled the true state of the church in Sardis in the opening text. While the church still think that they are alive, Jesus let them know that they are actually dead. And in verse 2 of the same chapter, he said; "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God." (Revelation 3:2).

The church was cautioned to strengthen the things that are about to die. And Jesus said they were found wanting in their works. Furthermore, he said; "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." (Revelation 3:3).

When Jesus said that he will come as a thief in the night, in this context, he meant death taking your soul when you least expect it. And so many believers have died in their errors without repenting. Don't let it happen to you. If there is anything you know that you are doing that is sinful, repent quickly and avoid God's righteous judgment.

However, he commended a few of them who have kept their garments clean and promised that they will be counted worthy to walk with him in white - Revelation 3:4. He concluded the letter thus; "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. "(Revelation 3:5-6).

Notice verse 5 says that he will not blot out their names from the book of life. It therefore means that names can be blotted out. This is another proof that there is no such thing as once saved, always saved. So, serve God with reverence and true holiness. Keep your garments clean always. Repent of every wrong act before Jesus will visit you like a thief in the night.

Prayer: Holy Father, I give you thanks for your mercy and goodness towards me. I thank you also for the salvation of my soul. I ask for your mercy in areas I am found wanting in my walk with you. Let the blood of the lamb cleanse me from all sins so I can be counted worthy to stand before you blameless in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 5:26-27, 1st Thessalonians 2:12.

Sunday, April 9th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 9 (Letters to The Seven Churches in Asia Minor).

"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth."(Revelation 3:7).

Happy Easter celebration to all fans and readers of this devotional study. I declare this day that as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus from the dead, you will rise above your challenges and be celebrated also in the mighty name of Jesus.

Today, we will look at the sixth letter which was written to the church in Philadelphia. The introductory verse said that Jesus has the key of David. A key is an object that opens and closes a door thereby giving or denying you access to a room. God had promised David that he would raise up a son from his lineage to sit on his throne forever. And that Son is Jesus. So, Jesus is the only one giving the exclusive right to sit eternally on the throne of David. Thus, he has the key of David that grants him access to the throne of David.

A key is also a symbol of authority. And when He opens with the key, no one can shut and when he shuts, no one can open. Hence, he told the church in Philadelphia; " I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." (Revelation 3:10).

He also closed the door against temptation that was ordained to affect the whole world - Revelation 3:10. In addition, He promised to come back quickly and as such, admonished them to hold fast to what they have so that no one takes their crown - Revelation 3:11.

In conclusion he wrote; "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."(Revelation 3:12-13).

So, ensure you run the race to the end. Trials and temptations will come but God will certainly give you the victory over them all. Jesus is coming back soon. May he find you doing his will faithfully when he returns so that you will be counted worthy to receive the crown prepared for you at his coming.

Prayer:Glorious Father, I give you thanks for your faithfulness You are worthy to be praised and adored. I declare that doors of opportunities are opened for me in the mighty name of Jesus. No one will take my crown in the name of Jesus. Give me the grace to overcome every temptation and run the race to the end in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Isaiah 22:22, 2nd Corinthians 2:12, 2nd Timothy 4:7-8.

Monday, April 10th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 10 (Letters to The Seven Churches in Asia Minor).

"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God." (Revelation 3:14).

The last letter our Lord Jesus wrote to the seven churches in Asia Minor was written to the church of the Laodiceans. And just like the other six letters, the first thing our Lord Jesus Christ addressed was their works. Thus, he said; "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot." (Revelation 3:15). The state of this church was about the worst state compared with the other six churches. Our Lord Jesus said they were neither cold nor hot. And he wished they were in either state.

To be cold means someone who hasn't responded to the gospel. It refers to the sinners or lost souls. To be hot means to be ablaze for Jesus. It means to serve God with zeal or enthusiasm. But he couldn't place the church in either of these categories. Rather, he said that they were lukewarm.

Hence, he warned; "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:16). Ironically, this is the state of a large percentage of the present day church. Just like Jesus warned the church of the Laodiceans, he is sending the same warning to us today. Lukewarmness makes you a misfit for the kingdom of heaven. Lukewarm Christians always go to church late and they are hardly in every church service. They also seldom participate in soul winning activities. Repent quickly if you fall into this category.

This church boasted in its riches and wealth but the Lord said that they were wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked - Revelation 3:17. He concluded the letter thus; "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: BE ZEALOUS THEREFORE, AND REPENT. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."(Revelation 3:19-22).

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the salvation of my soul. I appreciate the opportunity given to me to serve. Have mercy on me in any way I have displayed an attitude of lukewarmness. I receive fresh grace to serve you with zeal for the rest of my life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Romans 12:11, Titus 2:14.

Tuesday, April 11th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 11 (Vision of The Throne, The 24 Elders and The Four Living Creatures).

"And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald." (Revelation 4:2-3).

Chapter Four of the book of Revelation began unveiling the events of the future most of which are written in chronological order. According to John what is revealed to him are things which must be hereafter - Revelation 4:1.

John saw one who sat on the throne who is obviously God. And the only way he could describe him is by using precious stones because of his glorious appearance. God himself is invisible but his glory can be seen. If you want to see God in visible form, look at Jesus. He is the express image of the invisible God.

John continued his narration saying; "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold." (Revelation 4:4). The identity of the 24 Elders were not revealed but they are most likely going to be great heroes of faith both from the Old and New Testament Saints. They had crowns of gold on their heads. Remember that Apostle Paul boldly said that he has a crown reserved for him on that day - 2nd Timothy 4:8. He probably will be among the 24 Elders.

In addition, John said; "And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle."(Revelation 4:6-7).

The four beast which is translated four living creatures in some versions are symbolic representions of the church in different ages. This was revealed in Revelation 5:9 which reads; "And they (the four beasts) sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, AND HAST REDEEMED US to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."

The verse above says that they are the redeemed of the Lord. The first beast was like a lion which represents the early church. The second beast was like a calf and its symbolic of the church during the dark age when idolatry was common in the church setting. The third was like a mere man. This is symbolic of the church during the reformation age but devoid of the power of the Holy Spirit. The last beast is likened to an eagle. This is the the present day church that will witness the rapture of the church.

We will all one day stand before the throne of God to worship and adore him. So, be ready for the coming of the Lord. Just as it is written; "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."(1st Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I give you glory, praise and honour. Besides you, there is no other God. I thank you for unveiling the event of the future to us so we will understand the mysteries of your plans and not perish with the world. I ask for grace to serve you faithfully to the end so I will be counted worthy to partake of the heavenly kingdom in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Revelation 4:9-11, 1st Corinthians 15:51-54.

Wednesday, April 12th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 12 (Unveiling of a Book With Seven Seals).

"And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." (Revelation 5:1).

In the fifth chapter of the book of Revelation, John saw a book on the right hand of God seated on the throne sealed with seven seals. Narrating his vision, John wrote; "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon." (Revelation 5:2-3).

John wept bitterly because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. However, one of the elders said; "... Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." (Revelation 5:5).

John saw Jesus as a lamb that appeared to have been slained having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he came and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne - Revelation 5:7.

When he did this, the four living creatures and twenty four elders fell down and worshipped the lamb and God that is seated on the throne with few songs of worship. The opening of the book with seven seals unveils the events of the future beginning from the days of the early church to the revelation of God's vengeance on the wicked people of this world and reward for the faithful saints.

Tomorrow, we will begin to look at these events some of which are already fulfilled. We will also know where we are in the time line of events as unveiled in the book with seven seals. Meanwhile, serve God continually with reverence and fear so that you will be counted worthy to escape the wrath of God.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for keeping the night watch for me and the opportunity to witness a glorious new day. I thank you also for unveiling the events of the future to us as contained in the book of Revelation. I ask for your grace to stay focus in my service towards you in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Isaiah 61:2, Jeremiah 46:10, Luke 21:22.

Thursday, April 13th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 13 (Opening of the First Seal).

"And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.And I saw, and behold A WHITE HORSE: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."(Revelation 6:1-2).

The sixth chapter of the book of Revelation begins the unveiling of the events of the future through the opening of the seals one after the other. When the first seal was opened, John saw a white horse and on the horse is a rider with a bow and a crown given to him. And he had successive victories.

Who is the rider on that horse? And what does the colour white signifies in this context? Some Bible scholar says that the rider is Jesus himself. This can't be true because Jesus doesn't use a bow in warfare. A bow is a physical or carnal weapon and the scripture says that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.

Jesus and his white horse is unveiled in the nineteenth chapter of the book of Revelation. And he makes war with a two edged sword in his mouth, not with a bow.

Quite a few other Bible scholars says the white horse represents the early church. This isn't also true. The church doesn't spread by physical war. We persuade men to receive the gospel through preaching and never by coercion.

There is also the assertion that it refers to the anti Christ. This is also far from the truth. This white horse rider has just a crown symbolic of one empire or a nation. The anti Christ will have ten crowns as the territory he will rule from will be a confederation of ten European countries - Revelation 13:1.

What then does it represent? The white horse rider represents the spiritual power behind the Roman emperors who beginning from the first century conquered most part of Europe, North Africa and near East. The Roman Empire generally experienced a period of prosperity and dominance in this period and the first century is remembered as part of the Empire's golden age. The white could be symbolic of the relative peace, prosperity and stability enjoyed during this period.

This event has already been fulfilled as Roman Empire already collapsed. Tomorrow, we will continue with the opening of the second seal. Make up your mind to serve the Lord without distraction as every single events in the book of Revelation will be fulfilled.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are worthy to be praised and adore. And I thank you for your goodness and faithfulness towards me and my family. You rule and reign in the affairs of men. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven in accordance to your predetermined plans in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 1:9, Revelation 1:1.

Friday, April 14th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 14 (Opening of the Second Seal).

"And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword."(Revelation 6:3-4).

The opening of the second seal revealed a red horse and the rider was empowered to take peace from the earth and brought conflicts amongst nations that resulted in wars and great loss of lives.

This prophecy was fulfilled from the period of the first world war through to the second world war and other wars that took place in several nations across the world. Memory will not fail us to recall the Civil War that took place in Nigeria also.

Our Lord also predicted these wars during his earthly ministry. He said on the occasion he spoke about the events of the last days; "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."(Matthew 24:6-7).

Till date, there are still wars that are being fought in quite a few nations but cannot be compared with the devastations that World War 1 and 2 caused. Wars cannot cease in this present earth as the world cannot enjoy peace after rejecting the Prince of peace who is Jesus.

But in the midst of these wars, God is able to preserve the saints especially those who have a special mission on earth that must be accomplished. The relative peace we are having presently on earth is because of the presence of the church. And any moment from now, faithful saints will be raptured. Ensure you keep your garments clean, walk in love towards the brethren and stay committed to your responsibility so that you will be counted worthy to go with the Lord when he comes.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank for your mercy and grace that has kept me thus far. I commit my day into your hands trusting that only your counsel concerning me shall stand. Connect me with my destiny helpers and deliver me from wicked and unreasonable people in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Luke 21:9-11, 2nd Thessalonians 2:3-4.

Saturday, April 15th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 15 (Opening of the Third Seal).

"And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand." (Revelation 6:5).

Yesterday, we discussed the opening of the second seal which took peace away from the earth and brought wars. The opening of the third seal unveils a black horse and he that sat on it had a balance scale in his hand. The verse that follows the opening text reveals what the scale is used for. And it reads;

"And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine." (Revelation 6:6). The New Living Translation renders the first part of the verse thus; "And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, “A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay...”

The message is clear. There was a high rate of inflation which is expected as one of the negative effects of wars. It takes a day's wage to buy a loaf of wheat. It's like using three thousand naira (N3,000) you earn in a day's job to buy a loaf of bread which is supposed to cost N200 at most.

There was hunger in this period of the third horse and I believe that so many could have died from hunger. This is indicative of the colour of the horse. Black is a symbol of death and evil.

In spite of the high cost of stable food, the oil and the wine were untouched. The oil in the scripture is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. And we know that the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the salvation of souls. So, salvation will still be available free to those who are ordained to eternal life.

The wine represents the blood of Jesus. When Jesus instituted the communion, he said this cup of wine is the new testament in my blood. So the Holy Spirit will be there to convict the world of sin and the blood of Jesus will be available for cleansing.

So, war has no effect on the free gift of salvation provided on the platform of grace. God's mercy will always reach out to lost souls even in the time of deep crisis. The kingdom of darkness is only interested in the destruction of lives and properties but God is not willing that any soul should perish. It is however our responsibility to communicate this gospel to lost souls at all times. Remember that there is joy in heaven when souls are won into God's kingdom. Be an instrument even today to beam the light of the gospel to sinners so they can be reconciled back to God to the praise of his name.

Prayer: Holy Father, I worship before your throne in spirit and in truth. I thank you for the salvation of my soul and the gift of life. I ask for boldness to always communicate the gospel of our Lord Jesus to lost souls. And as I do, may those who are ordained to eternal life receive this free gift of salvation in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 24:7-8, John 3:1-7, 16:7-8.

Sunday, April 16th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 16 (Opening of the Fourth Seal).

"And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth."(Revelation 6:7-.

The opening of the fourth seal reveals a pale horse and the name of the rider is death. This is actually the era we are living in. This prophecy is fulfilled before our very eyes. This is why there is so much news about death like it has never been before.

There are strange forms of death that was unheard of decades back. You hear news of a brother killing a sibling because of a banana that cost just N200. Husbands are killing wives and wives are killing husbands in such a manner that one wonders if they truly have conscience.

A recent news reported a houseboy who killed his master working in the Central Bank of Nigeria. He also killed his wife and their only son on the excuse that he refused to increase his salary. People kill these days at the slightest provocation. This is because the spirit of death is in the air influencing them from the realm of the spirit to act like beasts. And those who easily yield themselves to the voice of that wicked spirit of death end up as tools in the hand of the devil.

The rate of suicide is also much higher than ever. Terrorist groups are also making life unbearable for people living in regions where they kill at will. Ritual killings and assassinations are also on the rise on a daily basis. It takes the divine protection of God to keep one safe in our going out and coming in.
And the opening text says that the effect of the killings will be felt in at least a quarter of the world population. So, it might get worse in certain regions. We might likely see fresh wars among nations. Communal and cult clashes are also likely going to be on the increase.

Accompanying Death in his ride is Hell personified. This is a pointer to the fact that most of this killings are projected from hell itself. And most of these souls end up in the pit of hell.

Believers all over the world should therefore spend more time praying and reaching out to these lost souls through planned evangelism and crusades. Also stand in the gap for your fellow brethren, family members and friends. We are at the very end of this age. The coming of Christ is near. Let's take this gospel to where the sinners are and reconcile them back to God faster than the devil is snatching them to hell. Above all, take heed that you don't fall into errors that could disqualify you on that day.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for keeping me as the apple of your eyes. You have been my refuge from the storms of life and my help in times of need. I ask for your grace to do the work of soul winning as I should. Protect me, my brethren and my family members from the projection of death in every form in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Timothy 3:1-3, 1st John 2:18.

Monday, April 17th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 17 (Opening of the Fifth Seal).

" And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held." (Revelation 6:9).

The opening of the fifth seal unveiled the souls of believers who were slain for the word of God and the testimony which they held. The verse that follows the opening text reads; "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" (Revelation 6:10).

The first thing that this verse reveals is that the souls of the dead are conscious. This is why they cried even though they were physically dead. This refutes the claim by some religious sects that the dead are not conscious. Death is not a cessation of existence. It's just a transition to the spirit world which is much more real than the physical world. While some of the souls of the dead go to hell after dead, the souls of those who are saved goes to heaven.

The second thing revealed by the verse above is that vengeance belongs to God. This is why they cried to God to take vengeance on those who slayed them. The wicked will never go unpunished. There are Christians who have been gruesomely murdered in the past and many more are being killed on a daily basis even in this part of the world. But God has set a day aside to take vengeance against this wicked and unreasonable people. But these souls were running out of patience. Thus, they asked; When will God take vengeance on them?

"... And it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." (Revelation 6:11).

The killings will continue even after the rapture of the church which will take place during the period the fourth horse will ride. And we are already in that era. The raptured Saints are actually the four living creatures revealed in the fourth chapter of the book of Revelation. Those who missed the rapture will go through a great tribulation period where they will be killed. And after they are killed, God will begin to take vengeance against the killers as will be revealed in the course of this study.

So, serve God in such a manner that you will not miss rapture when the last trumpet blows. Be diligent in church service attendance and the responsibility committed to your trust. Walk in love towards the brethren. Help the needy around you. Above all, preach Christ to lost souls and keep your garment clean. The rapture of the church is imminent. May you be found worthy to be caught up on that day together with other faithful saints.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, be thou exalted above the all heavens and let your glory be over all the earth. I thank you for revealing the mystery of your plans to us. I receive fresh grace to serve you in reverence and fear. Preserve my spirit, soul and body blameless unto the coming of my Lord Jesus in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Isaiah 63:4, Romans 12:19, Hebrews 11:4.

Tuesday, April 18th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 18 (Opening of the Sixth Seal).

"And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood." (Revelation 6:12).
The opening of the sixth seal reveals what is about to happen to the earth just before the second coming of Christ. And this will be after the tribulation periods that will happen to the saints of the present church left behind and the Jews during last three and a half year reign of the anti Christ.

It’s important to note here that there will be two great tribulation periods. The first will be the persecution of the saints left behind after the rapture of the present church of the Gentiles. The second will be the tribulation period the Jews will go through in the last three and a half year reign of the anti Christ. It is this second tribulation period that Jesus made reference to in the twenty fourth chapter of the book of Matthew. The present day church at that time was still a mystery.

Our Lord Jesus said; "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." (Matthew 24:29). This affirms what John the beloved saw in his vision as contained in the opening text.

John in his vision also saw the stars of heaven falling and the heavens departing like a scroll. The sight will certainly be scary. In addition, he said that every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

Furthermore, John said; "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? "(Revelation 6:15-17).

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for saving me from the wrath to come. I pray that your saving grace will reach out to lost souls as we share this gospel with them. Strengthen us to abide in the faith so we will not be condemned with the world in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Romans 2:5, Hebrews 10:25-31, 1st Peter 4:18.

Wednesday, April 19th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 19 (144,000 Jews Sealed for Protection).

"Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel."(Revelation 7:3-4).

In the chronology of events of the last days we have studied so far, it is revealed that the faithful saints will be raptured first. They are actually the four living creatures before the throne of God in Revelation 4:6. The identity of the four living creatures is confirmed in Revelation 5:9. And the rapture will take place during the period the fourth horse is riding which is the time we are living in.

Immediately after the rapture of the church, the saints left behind will face great tribulation. Those who will still hold on to their faith will be saved but they will all be persecuted to death. Prior to this persecutions, the souls of those who were slain cried for vengeance at the opening of the fifth seal. And they were told to rest awhile until they have slain the other brethren like they were slain - Revelation 6:11.

And the remaining brethren will be slain during the great tribulation period. After the great tribulation periods, God will take vengeance against these wicked people of this world. But before he does that, 144,000 Jews will be sealed for protection so that they will not be affected by the judgment.

The 144,000 are from the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel; 12,000 from each tribe.
However, the 12 tribes listed excluded the tribe of Dan which was one of the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel. Bible scholars said Dan was excluded because they rejected the land allotted to them. In addition, they chose another land and went into idolatry.

It's imperative to mention here that the present day church is sealed with the Holy Spirit. But the 144,000 Jews will be sealed on their forehead because the ministry of the Holy Spirit ends with the rapture of the church. In addition, the ministry of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin will be over after the rapture. No one will be saved among the Gentiles after the rapture of the church. Only those who are already saved but missed the rapture will have the opportunity to still make heaven if they cleanse themselves from their sins and hold on to their faith. The tribulation saints will be the focus of our study tomorrow.

Prayer: Great and Mighty God, hallowed be your name. I thank you for your mercy and grace upon my life. I thank you for the opportunity given to us to be part of your kingdom. I pray that you will deliver me from every temptations designed to disqualify me from making the rapture of the church in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Revelation 7:1-8, Romans 2:5.

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Thursday, April 20th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 20 (The Tribulation Saints).

"And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of GREAT TRIBULATION, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."(Revelation 7:13-14).

After the 144,000 Jews were sealed for protection against the wrath of God that is about to be unleashed, John wrote; "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands." (Revelation 7:9).

One of the elders asked John; "...What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?"(Revelation 7:13). The Elder asked John this question because the raptured saints were already in heaven. So, where did these ones come from? And they are too many to be numbered.

Well, John said he doesn't know. And the Elder revealed to him that they are the saints which came out of great tribulation. This statement refutes the claim by some Bible scholars that all believers will go through the great tribulation. If this claim is true, the question of their identity will be unnecessary.

Further details about these tribulation saints revealed that they are not the entire body of Christ. The later part of verse 14 says they "have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." It means their robes were stained with sin. If it's true that they represent the entire church, it implies that the whole church is in sin. And we know that this can't be true because Christ is coming for a glorious church without spot, wrinkle or any blemish - Ephesians 5:27.

So, the raptured church as I earlier revealed are the four beast or four living creatures before the throne. The tribulation saints at the time of rapture had stains on their garments. So, they missed the rapture. However, most of them made it after receiving cleansing by the blood of the lamb and also reaffirmed the Lordship of Jesus over their lives. Howbeit, they will all be persecuted to death. And so many who can't endure the persecution will renounce their faith and be eternally doomed.

The choice is yours. Be faithful in your service to God and keep your garment clean if you want to make the rapture. The second opportunity will not be an easy one. They will devise different means of torture just to make you renounce your faith. Tomorrow, we will throw a little more light on the tribulation saints of this present day church of the Gentiles.

Prayer: Righteous and Everlasting Father, be thou glorified above all else. I thank you for saving me and getting me acquainted with what we befall the lost souls and disobedient believers in the last days. I ask for grace to serve you better and live a life that is pleasing to you in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Thessalonians 5:9, Colossians 3:1-6.

Friday, April 21st.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 21 (The Tribulation Saints - Continued).

"Therefore are they (tribulation saints) before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." (Revelation 7:15).

Yesterday, we talked about the tribulation saints. They missed the rapture on account of sin. However, they still made it having washed their stained garments by the blood of the lamb. But they will all be persecuted unto death for holding on to their faith.

Besides notable sins such as fornication, adultery, lying, stealing, murder and idolatry, three are other forms of sin that could make a believer miss the rapture. Example of sins that could make you miss the rapture are; deliberate abstinence from fellowship, ignoring the need of brethren when it's within your power to help, lack of commitment in church and refusal to preach the gospel to lost souls.

The opening text said that these tribulation saints are before the throne of God and serve him day and night. It's interesting to know that the service they were reluctant to attend on earth is now a daily routine in heaven.
The verse that follows the opening text reads; "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat." (Revelation 7:16). What made them hungry and thirsty? Why were they under the scorching heat of sun? It was because of the persecutions they faced.

On account of it, , they could not come out publicly to buy food to eat or water to drink. They could not also stay in their homes because they will search everywhere for them. Most of them will definitely be under the scorching heat of the sun in attempt to run for safety. But at the end of the day, there will no hiding place. Helicopters and drones will be deployed to search them all out, arrest and persecute them to death.

I don't think any wise believer would love to go through this tribulation. It's not going to be a pleasant experience. It's therefore better to dedicate your life to his service now on earth. Stop skipping church services. Be involved in soul winning. Help those in need around you especially the brethren. "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."(1st Thessalonians 5:23).

Prayer: Glorious Father, I thank you for the privilege to see another wonderful day. You are worthy of my praise and adoration. I thank you for the opportunity given to me to be a part of your kingdom. I ask for grace to serve you diligently and keep the faith to the end in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Hebrews 10:25-31, Matthew 25:41-46, Ephesians 5:1-6.

Saturday, April 22nd.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 22 (The Seven Trumpet Judgement).

"And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up."(Revelation 8:6-7).

The persecution of the saints that will be left behind after the rapture of the church will end the church age. A great multitude of believers will through the great tribulation and still make it. But it isn't going to be a pleasant experience.

After the church age of the Gentiles has ended, God will resume his dealings with the Jews who are presently experiencing spiritual blindness. This is why Paul wrote; "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that BLINDNESS IN PART is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in."(Romans 11:25).

But before God resumes his dealings with the Jews, he will take vengeance against the wicked rulers and people who persecuted the church. These vengeance will be unveiled by the seven trumpet judgment. At the blast of the trumpet seven different times by angels assigned, a specific judgment or plague will be unleashed on these wicked people.

The last part of the opening text said that the first angel sounded and there followed HAIL AND FIRE MINGLED WITH BLOOD, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. It is certainly going to be a scary site to behold. And in just a few hours, every green grass and one third of all trees will be burnt up. This first trumpet is the beginning of sorrow, torments and severe punishment on the wicked people of the earth.

John continued his narration saying; "And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed."(Revelation 8:8-9).

Just imagine waking up to see the rivers turned into blood. The death of one third of the creatures in the sea will definitely cause the whole land near the sea to stink. Goods worth billions of dollars will be lost as one third of the ships will be destroyed. Two trumpet judgment are over. Five more are yet to come. Tomorrow, we will continue with the study of the seven trumpet judgment of God.

Prayer: Dear Father, who is like unto thee? You are glorious in holiness and fearful in praises. None can match the greatness of your power. I thank you for the living hope I have in Christ. Deliver me from every plot of Satan to sway me away from the faith in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Thessalonians 1:6-8, Romans 12:19.

Sunday, April 23rd.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 23 (The Seven Trumpet Judgement - Continued).

"And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters." (Revelation 8:10).

Yesterday, we looked at the first two judgment that were unleashed on the earth at the blast of the trumpet by the first two angels. The opening text says that the third angel sounded and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters.

Stars are so far away from the earth such that it will take light years for light from the star to get to the earth. In addition, they are so big that the sun is considered to be the smallest star. They are equally as hot as the sun but they look so small because they are trillions of miles away from the earth. Some stars are even hotter than the sun.

So, a star falling on the earth is like trying to smash an ant with a sledge hammer. However, as it falls, it disintegrates into smaller parts otherwise no one on earth will survive the destruction it will cause if it falls as a single mass.

The fallen stars have to fall at a speed faster than the speed of light to stand the chance of reaching the earth in the shortest possible time. Even at the speed of light, it will take a star about 4 years to get to the earth. But John in his narration saw the stars reaching the earth almost as soon as the angel sounded the third trumpet. The speed is beyond what science can explain.

Well, the verse that follows the opening text reads; "And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter." (Revelation 8:11). The star that fell was not only bitter, it was poisonous and so many people died when they drank the water that was contaminated with the star.

Thank God we will not be on earth to witness these judgment on the wicked people of the world. Don't permit the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches and the pleasures of the world to lure you away from the faith. Make effort to overcome them so you can be counted worthy to escape God's wrath.

Prayer: Merciful and Gracious God, I worship you in the beauty of holiness. You are great in counsel and mighty in deed. The works of your hands testify of your goodness and greatness. I commit my day into your mighty hands. Deliver me from every evil works of darkness and fulfill the good pleasure of your will in my life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 8:3-6, Nahum 1:2.

Monday, April 24th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 24 (The Seven Trumpet Judgement - Continued).

"And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. (Revelation 8:12).

Three judgment at the blast of trumpet thrice by angels is passed. Now, according to the opening text the fourth angel sounded and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise..

One third of the sun, moon and stars were affected aa soon as the fourth angel sounded his trumpet. One third of the day became dark on account of this. So also is one third of the night. But no lives were lost. But it will certainly put fear in the heart of those present at that time.

John continued his narration saying; "And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" (Revelation 8:13). In other words, these wicked people should get ready for the worst as the last three angels are about to sound their trumpets that will result in fearful and unimaginable punishment.

And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power."(Revelation 9:1-3).

The torment these locusts will bring to these wicked people can better be imagined than experienced. This will be the focus of our study tomorrow. Meanwhile, "...be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1st Corinthians 15:58).

Prayer: Dear Father, blessed be your glorious name which is exalted above all else. Your steadfast love endures to the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Guide me through this day with your very eyes. Lead me in the right path you have planned for me to take. I will live the rest of my life to your praise and glory in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 1:4-6, Isaiah 5:16, Hebrews 10:30-31.

Wednesday, April 26th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 26 (The Seven Trumpet Judgement - Continued).

"And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates." (Revelation 9:13-14).

After the five months torment of the special breed locust is over, the sixth angel will sound its trumpet. And the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates will be loosed as contained in the opening text.
These four angles which will be loosed are assigned to slay one third of men in the space of one year, one month and one hour - Revelation 9:15. But they will achieve this feat with an army of two hundred million - Revelation 9:16. Details of the identity of these armies were not given.

In addition John saw the weapons that will be used by these armies. The description fits modern day armored tanks. He described them as horses from which issued fire and smoke and brimstone out of their mouths.

It should be noted that the sixth trumpet judgment alone will take over a year to execute. And these events are part of what will happen after the rapture of the church. At this point the anti Christ who will rule for seven years is not yet revealed. So, it's impossible for anyone to correctly predict the year Jesus Christ will come back to establish his millennium reign on earth.

John concluded the narration of the sixth trumpet judgment thus; "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet REPENTED NOT of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: NEITHER REPENTED THEY of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts."(Revelation 9:20-21).

Notice the phrase, 'repented not'. There will be no repentance after rapture. Now is the time of salvation. Every believer should wake up and preach the gospel to lost souls. Believers who are not involved in soul winning activities may not make heaven. So, don't think all these punishment are for sinners alone. God's wrath will also fall upon the children of disobedience.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for waking me up this morning to see another glorious day. It's not because of my righteousness but because of your mercy. I ask for mercy in my shortcomings especially in the aspect of soul winning. I ask for fresh grace and boldness to reach out to lost souls in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 9:7-8, Colossians 3:6.

Thursday, April 27th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 27 (The Seventh Trumpet and The Two Witnesses).

"But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets." (Revelation 10:7).

The blowing of the trumpet by the seventh angel will complete the mystery of God according to the opening text. What is the mystery of God in this context? It is the hidden secret he had for the Gentiles which is now revealed to the Prophet and the Apostles.

According to Apostle Paul; "How that by revelation he made known unto me THE MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the MYSTERY OF CHRIST) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE FELLOWHEIRS, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel."(Ephesians 3:3-6).

Before the revelation of this mystery, the Jews were seen as the only people chosen by God. In addition, the Gentiles were seen as an inferior race of people. But God had a plan to make the Gentiles part of his family with equal status. And this is accomplished in Christ.

Hence, Apostle Paul wrote; "For through him we both (Jews and Gentiles) have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." (Ephesians 2:18-19).

After the blast of the seventh trumpet, this mystery will be completely executed. And all other nations which the kingdom of darkness had control over will become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ - Revelation 11:15.

But before the seventh angel sound the last trumpet of vengeance, two witnesses will be empowered to prophecy for one thousand, two hundred and sixty days which roughly translates to three and a half years. The prophetic ministry of these two witnesses resumes God's dealings with the children of Israel. The mission of these two witnesses and who they are likely to be will be the focus of our study tomorrow.

Prayer: My Father in heaven, hollowed by your name. You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. You work out everything according to the good counsel of your will. I thank you for the word that I hold on to as the anchor of my soul even in trying moments. I also thank you for the gift of your Spirit who comforts us and abides with us until the redemption of your purchased possession in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 1:9, 2:11-15, Romans 16:25.

Friday, April 28th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 28 (The Prophetic Ministry of the Two Witnesses).

"And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." (Revelation 11:3-4).

We said yesterday that before the blast of the seventh trumpet, God will empower two witnesses to prophesy for 1,260 days. According to the scripture; "And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed." (Revelation 11:5).

So, their prophetic ministry is unstoppable for the period of time assigned to them to carry out their ministry. In addition the Bible says; "These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will." (Revelation 12:6).

Who are the likely characters that are assigned this prophetic ministry? The first likely character is Elijah. According to the scripture; "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." (Malachi 4:5). No wonder verse 6 said that they have the power to shut heaven, so it will not rain in the days of their prophecy. This was one of the the notable miracles Elijah performed before he was taken by the Lord.

The second character is likely going to be Moses because he was the only Prophet who turned water into blood and smote Egypt with all manners of plague. However, the setback in this is that the prophets both were killed after they ended their prophecy. And it is appointed unto man to die once.

The question then is, did Moses really died? He was told to come up to the mountain and die but the Jews never saw his dead body. So, it's possible he really did not die but God chose to keep it as a secret. Otherwise, he would have permitted them to give him a befitting burial. And if the Jews found out that Moses did not die, they probably would have made him an object of worship.

We should also remember that it was Moses and Elijah that appeared to Jesus during the transfiguration of Jesus. These two Prophets thus have a unique role to play in the latter days. Their prophetic ministry resumes God's plan for the Jews. And they are the prophets assigned to preach the gospel as a witness unto all nations before the end comes - Matthew 24:14.

After they ended their prophetic ministry, they were killed by the beast that ascends from the bottomless pit. They refused to bury them and rather displayed their dead body on the street of Jerusalem (which is spiritually referred to as Sodom and Gomorrah) for three and a half days. But on the third day, the spirit of life from God entered them and they stood on their feet after which they were caught up to heaven.

There was a great earthquake and a tenth part of the city (Jerusalem) fell, seven thousand people died and the remnant gave glory to God. Soon after this, the scripture said, "...seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11:15). But the salvation plan of God is not complete until the Jews are reconciled back to God. And this will happen after their dramatic relationship with the AntiChrist which is about to be revealed. This will be the focus of our study tomorrow.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, you are worthy to be praised and adored. Besides you, there is no other God. Heaven and earth adore you and angels bow before you. I thank you for counting me worthy to be a fellow citizen with the saints and joint heirs with Christ. I pray that you preserve my spirit, soul and body blameless unto the coming of my Lord Jesus in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Luke 1:17, 9:29-30, Hebrews 9:27.

Saturday, April 29th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 29 (The Revelation of the Anti Christ and the False Christ).

"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.(Revelation 13:1).

The opening text is a revelation of the anti Christ that will rule from a confederation of ten European countries. This is represented by the ten crowns upon his ten horns. The seven heads is later revealed to be seven mountains on which the woman (city) sits - Revelation 17:9. The only city that sits on seven mountain is Rome. Rome will be the headquarter of the new kingdom. Hence, the kingdom of this anti Christ is also referred to as the revived Roman Empire by Bible scholars. This kingdom is represented by the ten toes in the image of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2. It will be the last kingdom of darkness on earth.

John continued his narration saying; "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months."(Revelation 13:4-5).

This revived Roman Empire will be the new super power nation on earth. America and Russia will be submissive to this new super power. Verse 5 above said that he is permitted to continue for forty two months which translates into three and a half years.
The total number of years the anti Christ will rule is seven years. Isreal will experience peace for the first three and a half years of the reign of the anti Christ because of the peace treaty they entered into with the anti Christ as revealed by Daniel - Daniel 9:27.

The second prominent figure that will play a significant role is the false Christ which is revealed as the second beast in the thirteenth chapter of the book of Revelation - Revelation 13:11. He is also known as the false prophet. He will be accepted by the Jews as their long awaited Messiah. He is pictured as having two horns which represents Judah and Isreal. And he spoke like a lamb which signifies the false role he will play as the Messiah. Jesus is the true lamb of God but this beast will also pretend to be the lamb of God.

The scripture says; "And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,"(Revelation 13:12-13).

John continued saying; "And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."(Revelation 13:14-15).

This false Christ or second beast will play a significant role in interrupting the peace treaty entered into. And what he will do after the first three and a half of years will take away the blindness that has been covering the eyes of the Jews. And when this blindness is taken away, they will realize that they have been deceived and Jesus who they had earlier rejected is truly the Messiah. But it will be a period of great trouble for the Jews. And all the predictions Jesus made in Matthew 24 will be fulfilled. This will be the focus of our discussion tomorrow.

Prayer: Dear God and Father of my Lord Jesus, I bow my knees and worship you in the beauty of holiness. I thank you for working out things in accordance to your predestined plan for us all. I pray that your purpose for the salvation of the remnants of the children of Israel will be accomplished in due time in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Daniel 2:40-45, 7:19-27, Revelation 13:6-10.

Sunday, April 30th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 30 (The Mark of the Beast, Great Tribulation Period and the Second Coming of Christ).

"And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads" (Revelation 13:15-16).

Yesterday, we unveiled the anti Christ and the false Christ. His empire which is a confederation of ten European countries will be the new super power on earth. The second beast who is the false Christ will set up an image of the this anti Christ after three and a half years reign of the beast. This image will be empowered to talk and everyone on earth will be forced to worship this image.

According to Daniel, this image will actually be set up in the temple of God. This is what our Lord Jesus referred to as the abomination that causes desolation in the twenty fourth chapter of the book of Matthew - Matthew 24:15. It is the setting up of this image that will open the eyes of the Jews to know that this second beast is a false Christ. And the anti Christ and the false Christ will unleash great persecutions on Israel as a nation.

Hence Jesus said; "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (Matthew 24:21-22).

The false Christ will cause people to receive a mark on their foreheads or on their right hands or the number 666 without which you cannot buy or sell. The Jews at this point will be persecuted to death. After the persecution, the 144,000 that were earlier sealed will be raptured. They are the elect Jesus talked about in Matthew 24:31.

At the end of the tribulation period, there will be Seven Vail Judgment on the Kingdom of the anti Christ and the worshippers - Revelation 16. After this, Jesus will come back with some saints from heaven and make war with the beasts. He will defeat them and cast them into the Lake of Fire. Satan will be bound for 1,000 years and Jesus will establish his millennium reign on earth. And the faithful Saints shall reign with him on earth.

Prayer: Eternal Father, I magnify and exalt your holy name. Thank you for the unveiling of your grace that has brought salvation to mankind. May your kingdom be established on earth according to your divine plan and purpose in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 24:15-31, Revelation 19:11-21.

Monday, May 1st.

The Importance of Walking in Divine Love - 1.
(Your Faith Life Depends On It.).

"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." (Galatians 5:6).

Love is a very broad subject but in this study, we will narrow our discussion to the divine love of God. This kind of love is known as agape in the Greek language. It's an unconditional love that God himself demonstrated to us by giving his only Son, Jesus who died for us. Just as it is written; "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:. Put in another way, Christianity is a revelation of God's love.

We receive the ability to walk in this new kind of love the very moment we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. And God expects us to walk in love. There are several reasons why love walk is very important to us believers. This will be the focus of our study in this month's devotional study.

Thrice in the New Testament, the Bible says that the just shall live by faith - Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11 & Hebrews 10:38. The scripture went further to say that; "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6).

As important as faith is in our Christian walk, it won't work without love. SO, YOUR FAITH LIFE DEPENDS ON LOVE. This is one of the reasons so many Christians make confession of faith but nothing seems to be happening. So, if you have been laying claim on certain promises of God and nothing seems to be happening, check your love walk.

When our Lord Jesus was teaching the principle of prayer of faith, he said; "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11:24). He immediately linked this principle to walking in love when he said; "And WHEN YE STAND PRAYING, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:25-26).

Forgiveness is one of the attributes of love. If you don't forgive, it will make your faith inoperative. It's also for this same reason Peter wrote; "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; THAT YOUR PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED." (1st Peter 3:7).

In other words, treat your wife well if you don't want your prayers which you say in faith to be hindered. It takes true love to treat your wife well. Men who beat their wives are mistreating them and such act will paralyze your faith which is needed to secure answers to your prayers or to bring your confessions of faith to pass.

So, if you want your faith to produce results, ensure you walk in love towards all especially the brethren. Don't speak evil of them. Avoid strife and envy. Thus, the scripture says; "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the opportunity to witness a new month. I commit my goals this month into your mighty hands. Order my footsteps to the right places and the right people. Preserve my going out and my coming in. I also pray that the love you have deposited in my spirit will guide my thoughts, words and actions as I step out in faith this blessed day in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 5:23-24, Isaiah 58:3-11.

Tuesday, May 2nd.

The Importance of Walking in Divine Love - 2
(Your Prayer Life Depends On It.)

"Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity" (Isaiah 58:9).

Another very important reason you should walk in love is because your prayer life depends on it. We have dealt a little bit about it yesterday when we dealt with how love walk affect your faith life. There is a relationship between faith and prayer. However, even though every prayer has an element of faith in it but not every act of faith requires prayers.

So, it's imperative we separately address how love walk affects our prayer life. We all desire answers to our prayers but most of the time, there are seeming delays in receiving answers to them. Sometimes, the answers does not show up at all.

One factor that could be responsible is how you respond to the need of the poor and needy brethren around you. Even the Saints of old under the Law of Moses were rebuked for neglecting the poor in their midst. And God made it clear through Prophet Isaiah that it's one of the reasons their prayers were unattended to.

Isaiah said that they sought God daily in the place of prayer and even backed it up with fasting. He also noted that there was strife in their midst - Isaiah 58:2-4. In the opening verse of Isaiah 58, God said he wants to show them their sins. He began to remind them things they ought to do that they were not doing.

Thus, Isaiah wrote; "Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh." (Isaiah 58:7).

God wants us to reach out to the poor and needy. Life is not all about you and your family. You are a custodian of the wealth God has given you. Be sensitive to the need of those around you and be quick to respond to them if it's within your power. Don't turn blind eye to the cry of the hungry and homeless. It's one of the reasons most prayers are unattended to. Hence, the scripture says; "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard."(Proverbs 21:13).

For those who willingly reach out to need, Isaiah wrote; "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity. "(Isaiah 58:8-9).

The choice is yours. Close your ears to the cry of the poor, the Lord will also close his ears to your cry or prayer. Reach out to the poor and needy around you, answers to your prayers will overtake your requests.

Prayer: Glorious and Everlasting Father, I give you glory and honour due to your name. I thank you for reminding me of the need to be sensitive to the needs of those around me especially the needy brethren. Have mercy on me in manners and ways I have failed in the past to respond to their needs. I am resolved to be a blessing to others with the much you have blessed me. Thank you for always causing me to have more than enough so I can be a blessing to the needy in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Isaiah 58:10-11, Acts 9:36-40; 1st John 3:22.

Wednesday, May 3rd.

The Importance of Walking in Divine Love - 3.
(Your Eternal Destiny Is Hinged On It.)

"And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom." (Luke 16:22-23).

The story of the rich man and Lazarus is a very popular story told by our Lord Jesus during his earthly ministry. It isn't a parable. It was a true life experience. Our Lord Jesus by the gift of the word of knowledge knew what happened and was able to narrate the story. In parables, you don't mention specific characters. But two specific characters were mentioned in this story; Lazarus and Abraham.

The rich man went to hell not because he was rich but because he refused to show love to Lazarus who was in a poverty stricken condition. Even Lazarus sought for the crumbs that fell from the rich man table but couldn't get it. Rather, the scripture says; "...the dogs came and licked his sores." (Luke 16:20).

So many believers today behave like this rich man. God has so blessed them with wealth that they can empower hundreds of believers around them. But they despise them and keep piling up the wealth they will leave behind someday.

Quite a few of them make huge donations in church just to be recognized. But they hardly put smiles on the faces of the poor brethren in their midst. If you truly love God such that you give huge amount for one project or the other in church, direct that same love to the brethren. This is why John wrote; "...for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God LOVE HIS BROTHER ALSO." (1st John 4:20-21).

Our Lord Jesus also used the parable of the sheep and goat to illustrate the blessing of benevolence and the danger of ignoring your brethren in need. Those who ministered to the need of the hungry, naked, visited the sick and those in prison entered into everlasting life. But those who ignored them entered into everlasting punishment.

Don't harden your heart to the need of the poor and needy around you especially when it's within your power to help. It could stand against you on judgment day. You don't even have to be intimate with someone before you render help. This is why the scripture said; "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2).

Even if you don't have the much someone in need requested from you, give what you can. God tag those who ignore the need of the poor as wicked - Deuteronomy 15:9. And no wicked man has eternal life in him. Don't lose your salvation on account of this. You don't lose anything by giving to the poor and needy. Rather, you receive more blessings so that your capacity to give can increase.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, who is like unto you? You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I bow my knees and worship before your throne. Prosper me beyond measure so I can have more enough to give to those in need in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 16:19-31.

Thursday, May 4th.

The Importance of Walking in Divine Love - 4.
(It Builds Strong and Lasting Relationships - 1).

"Love is always patient; love is always kind; love is never envious or arrogant with pride. Nor is she conceited, and she is never rude; she never thinks just of herself or ever gets annoyed. She never is resentful." (1st Corinthians 13:4-5, International Standard Version).

We have all been into one form of relationship or the other. Some lasted while others didn't. And some are on the verge of breaking up. If you want to experience strong and lasting relationships, you must consciously walk in divine love. The natural human love is selfish but divine love is not.

Some of the attributes of divine love are listed in the opening text. First, it says that love is patient. Most relationships break because one or both of the parties involved are not patient with each other. Further, it says that love is kind. To be kind is to be active in doing good. Who doesn't want to be with a kind man or woman? But the moment people notice that you are not kind, they gradually move away from relating with you closely.

In addition, it says that love is never envious. Envious people are always resentful when they see that someone close to them appears to be doing better. So, they are not happy when something good happens to you. They are very competitive. If they see you put on new clothes, they will ensure that they get one that is more expensive than yours. The bottom line is that it leads to strife and unhealthy competitions. No one wants to keep that kind of friend.

Again, it says that love is not arrogant. An arrogant person often look at others with contempt or disrespect. Relationships where one or both parties are arrogant either doesn't last or completely devoid of joy. An arrogant person cannot apologize when he or she is wrong. The phrase, 'I am sorry' can hardly come out from his or her lips. Arrogance is pride in display.

Make effort to walk in divine love if you want to experience strong and lasting relationships. I suggest the message of love should be taught
in the church more frequently. There are too many broken relationships and marriages these days just because the it's not spiced with ingredient of divine love. We will continue on this subject tomorrow.

Prayer: Dear Father, I worship and adore your holy name. You are beautiful beyond description. I thank you for depositing your love in my heart. Grant me the grace to walk in the consciousness of this love towards the brethren and everyone I have the opportunity to relate with in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Luke 6:35, Galatians 5:26, Romans 13:13.

Friday, May 5th.

The Importance of Walking in Divine Love - 5
(It Builds Strong and Lasting Relationships - 2).

"Love is always patient; love is always kind; love is never envious or arrogant with pride. Nor is she conceited, and she is never rude; she never thinks just of herself or ever gets annoyed. She never is resentful." (1st Corinthians 13:4-5, International Standard Version).

Yesterday, we discussed a few attributes of love that helps to strengthen relationships and make them last. We said that love is patient, kind, never envious and not arrogant. Today, we will look at a few more attributes of love that helps to strengthen relationships.

The later part of verse 4 of the thirteenth chapter of the book of First Corinthians says that love is not conceited. To be conceited is to be puffed up. Put in another way, it's having an excessive high opinion of oneself. And one of the byproduct is disrespect for others. You must do away with such character trait if you want your relationship to last.

Furthermore, it says that love is not rude. To be rude is to have bad manners especially in the way you talk to others. If you talk in such a manner as to hurt the one you are talking to, you are not walking in love. This is why the scripture says; "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6).

It also says that love never thinks just of herself. In other word, love is not selfish. It doesn't consider herself before others. Selfish people focuses on doing things that is in their interest only even if others are hurt in the process. Strong and lasting relationships cannot be built on selfishness. Thus, the scripture says; "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Philippians 2:4).

The later part of verse 5 of the same chapter says love does not get annoyed. The King James version says that love is not easily provoked, Anger is a negative emotion that has destroyed most relationships and marriages. It has even led to the early death of one of the partners in some marriages. Learn to control your anger if you want to build a strong and successful relationship.

Make effort and do away with characters that can ruin your relationships. Spend more time praying and studying God's word. And make quality decision to walk in divine love. Refuse to allow your flesh to dominate you. The Holy Spirit will supply the required grace as you consciously walk in love. We will look at two more attributes of divine love that helps to strengthen our relationships tomorrow.

Prayer: My Father in heaven, I thank you for the opportunity to see a brand new day. Thank you for deposition your love nature in my spirit. I receive grace to love others especially the brethren the way you love me in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Colossians 3:8, Ephesians 4:26, Romans 15:1-2.