The Beast out of the Sea

ruins - letter to the church in sardis

The letter to the dead church in Sardis – Revelation

Revelation, Seven Letters to Seven Churches

We move on to the fifth of the seven letters in Revelation.  We’re on the home-stretch.  This time the letter to the dead church in Sardis.  Jesus has very little in the way of good things to say about the church in Sardis.  And, of course, bad things.  In this church, the examination will again be about the relationships between the good and bad statements.  But this time, Jesus very clearly points out the differences to the church.  And therefore, to us as well.

The letter to the dead church in Sardis – Revelation More

Will the beast in Revelation be able to deceive Christians?

Will the beast in Revelation be able to deceive Christians?

A look at ourselves

There’s no reason to think the actual beast in Revelation exists today. There are prerequisites, events that must take place before the antichrist makes his or her appearance.

So why go through all this if the beast doesn’t exist yet? Well, because it matters. If we can be deceived today, what hope do we have when the events in Revelation start to unfold?

Given that we’re so easily deceived today, it’s critically important that we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. In church-speak, to be able to discern the difference between truth and lies. Not on our own, but with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s look at a few examples of things that deceive Christians, even today
As I said, these examples are important. The things that deceive Christians today are from “ordinary” people. In other words, they aren’t from the antichrist. Not from the beast in Revelation.

Will the beast in Revelation be able to deceive Christians? More

persecute - prison cell - specifically, persecution of Christians

But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you

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“But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you.”  

This is something most Christians would have read.  Hopefully, we also remember.  But, do we really believe it?  Maybe we believe it, as long as it’s for someone else and not for us.  You know -NIMBY – not in my back yard.  Or even in my neighborhood.  

The thing is, Jesus said this would happen.  As Christians, how are we supposed to respond when Christians are persecuted?  Let’s start by getting some context for the opening line.

But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you More

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