“THE 7 th ANGEL SOUNDED HIS TRUMPET AND THERE WERE LOUD VOICES IN HEAVEN…”

REVELATION CHAPTER 11 – PART II How one interprets Revelation depends entirely upon how one interprets the “Trumpet” visions of Chapters 8-9 and 11:15 I SEE - the Trumpet Visions as “warnings” to the end time generation(s) - (and not “Judgments” that occur AFTER the rapture) I understand the 7 th Trumpet as occurring at the time of the Rapture (Ref. Rev. 10:7, I Corinthians 15:51 and Matthew 24: 29-31) If my understanding is correct -then the Church in the last days generation (s) will be here when the anti-Christ first makes his appearance and - will undergo at least a brief time of persecution just before the rapture. After the rapture…God pours out His Wrath on the unbelieving world and the anti-Christ system.

REVELATION CHAPTER 11 – PART II *I believe that there is a distinct possibility that the first 5 trumpets make up 3 major world events that have already happened…beginning with WWII and the first use of a nuclear weapon. In Trumpet number three, God even gave us the NAME of that event!…An event by this name has occurred (in exacting detail to the Revelation prophecy) only once in history…in 1986! *I believe that the world is probably now between the 5 th and the 7 th trumpet warning. If this is so…then…Revelation 10 and 11 are especially relevant in our lifetime! To Understand Chapter 11 – WE MUST REMEMBER… WE ARE STILL IN THE “TRUMPET VISIONS!” THE SAME MIGHTY ANGEL OF CHAPTER 10 IS SPEAKING… READ CHAPTER 11

THE MAIN STORY LINE OF CHAPTER The Holy City (Jerusalem and/or the Church) will be “trampled” by Gentiles (profane or unbelievers – particularly the antichrist) for 3 1/2 years. He will set up some of his authority here. This corresponds exactly with Daniel 7:25-27, Daniel 8:11-12, Daniel 9:26-27 – The antichrist will rule from here. (See also Luke 21:24) 2. “TWO WITNESSES” from the Lord – will “preach” during this 3 ½ years and will infuriate the ANTI-CHRIST. 3. The two witnesses are ISRAEL (national and spiritual) and the CHURCH, not “men”. Chapter 11:4 “These (two witnesses) ARE the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.” (Zechariah Chapter 4, Revelation 1:20, Eph.3:4-6, Romans Chapters 8-11)

THE MAIN STORY LINE OF CHAPTER The anti-Christ will show his rage towards these two “witnesses” at about the 3 ½ year mark of his rule. 5. These two witnesses will be “killed” (silenced, stopped, put-down – outlawed). This decree of “killing” them will come from the anti- Christ himself. (Again… both of the above correspond exactly to Daniel 7:25 and 9:26-27) 6. For 3 ½ days (A short time)– they will appear to be completely “put down” – “dead”. The unbelieving - profane and vile world will celebrate the putdown of (Biblical) Christianity. 7. After this short time (3 ½ days) – of apparently being finally “put down” – THEY ARE RAPTURED! 8. NOW…There is celebration in Heaven! (including the raptured Christians…and then the Wrath of God (Revelation 11:8) is prepared to be poured out on the unbelieving world.

Dan 7: He (the anti-Christ) will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. 26"'But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. 27Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.' Dan 9: After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. 27He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him."

FOCAL POINTS - TODAY I will give POWER to my two witnesses (The word POWER is not in the Gk!) The emphasis is not on the power but on the WITNESSES given by God to the world “And I will give my two witness, and they shall…” Their bodies will lie in the streets of the “Great City” – (Sodom, Egypt) Where they crucified our Lord. (Jerusalem or Rome or BOTH!) After 3 ½ days - Compare to what Jesus said in Matthew 24:29 (Immediately after the tribulation of those days) ( Also Dan.7:25-26, Dan. 8:25, Dan. 9:27, Dan 12:1 and Mark13:14) LOOK WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! * Breath of Life entered them from God – (Holy Spirit) (The church has always “lived” and received its true power from the Holy Spirit of God!) * Stood on their feet – (They were “resurrected”!) * Terror struck the unbelievers – (Matth. 24: – Jesus said “ the earth would mourn” at this event.) * Loud voice from Heaven! (I Thess. 4:16) (THE RAPTURE!) * Come up here! (I Thess. 4:16-17) (THE RAPTURE!) * Went up in a cloud! (Matth. 24 and I Thess. 4:17) (THE RAPTURE!) *The 7 th Trumpet blows at this same time! (I Thess. 4:16-17, Matth. 24: 29-30, I Corinthians 15:51, Rev 10:7) *Accompanied by a huge earthquake – (Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection!)

I Thessalonians 5:1-11 1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self- controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, (alive or already dead - ON THAT DAY – is the context!) we may live together with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

“RAPTURE PICTURES” THROUGHOUT THE SCRIPTURES Noah/Flood - Tribulation – “Rapture” – Wrath Sodom-Gomorrah – Tribulation- “Rapture” -Wrath Israelites in Egypt – Tribulation – “Rapture” –Wrath Israelites at the Red Sea – Tribulation – “Rapture” –Wrath John 16:33 33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I have overcome the world."