“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 (Trumpet 7) If you interpret that the Trumpets are “judgments” that come upon the world AFTER the church is raptured…then the interpretation of Revelation goes in a very pointed direction…namely – Dispensational, Pre-tribulation Rapture Theology. (Popular, but not the oldest nor the theology of the early church or the early church fathers) If…on the other hand, you see the Trumpet Visions (as I do)…as “warnings” to the end time generation(s) - and 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) Then the interpretation of Revelation is very different. (More of a Mid-Tribulation Theology) This view sees that the Church in the last days generations 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 HOW ONE INTERPRETS CHAPTER 11 – /ESPECIALLY/ - depends upon how one interprets the Trumpet Visions. *I believe the Trumpet Visions are warnings to the end time generations. *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 nuclear weapon use. 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 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!”

CHAPTER 10 –11:14… falls between the end of the 6 th Trumpet and the blowing of the 7 th Trumpet in 11:15. IN CHAPTER 10 – We learned: We learned THAT THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL – missions and outreach is the MOST important thing the church can do in the last days generations! “And the Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the earth and then the end will come.” LET’S READ CHAPTER 11 The same MIGHTY ANGEL of Chapter 10 is revealing the content of Chapter 11 to John

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 and Daniel 9: Dan 9: 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."

THE MAIN STORY LINE OF CHAPTER 11: “TWO WITNESSES” from the Lord – will preach during this 3 ½ years and will infuriate the ANTI-CHRIST. 3. The two witnesses (I BELIEVE) are ISRAEL (National and Spiritual) and the CHURCH! 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) 4. 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) 6. But, a short time after this “killing” – something astounding happens! (Next Week!)

Look at some of the details - their symbolism and message: *TWO witnesses – (Jesus sent…, 2 witnesses legal matter, Acts 1:8 “You shall be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth!) *In sackcloth-(a sign of mourning and repenting – scroll/honey/sour) *When they try to harm them (GK - to do wrong, an injustice-) *Fire comes from their mouth (II Kings 1:10 – Elijah, Luke 9:54 – James and John –call down fire from Heaven!) *This is how they (who attack the witnesses) must “die”( Hebrews 4:12) *Power to shut up the sky, call down fire from heaven (Jesus/Peter) *When they have FINISHED their testimony (GK – an accomplished task or assignment – Jesus) *The “Beast” will attack and kill them – GK – both words can be used literally or figuratively – context. *GO AND MEASURE THE “TEMPLE”(?) (I Corin. 3:16, II Corin. 6:16) and COUNT THE WORSHIPPERS THERE.