The American Wisdom Series 
 http://www.americanwisdomseries.com

Presents the Tell it like it is! series of studies:


This is Pamphlet #9308, Study #315 in our series. Much of it taken from ntrevelation8 
The truth about:

REVELATION 

Chapter 8

OF SAINT JOHN THE DIVINE BY JESUS CHRIST

Chapter 8 begins after the line of red stars ************* below.

But First please note:
Many churches stay clear of the Book of Revelation on a verse by verse study, because they teach;

"You're going to be gone anyway at that time".

They also say;
"It's not to be understood yet"
.

This is odd because the very word "Revelation"
means to "to reveal" or "unveil" something. 

When you unveil anything,

you make it known.

The book of Revelation is a sister book to the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. 

Both of these books were written to the people who live in the final generation, of the "latter days". 

Daniel was told to, "shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end:"  [Daniel 12:4].   

He was told by God; "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand: but the wise shall understand." [Daniel 12:10]

The wise are those who study God's word, line upon line, chapter upon chapter, and all these words are wisdom from God

This is why the wise should understand.

As we study Revelation, let us take a fresh look at the book, and allow God's Word to speak through us. Let's permit the Holy Spirit to allow His words to speak to our hearts which is our minds with understanding. 

This chapter covers a time period that most people living on the face of the earth today will live through, and the wise Christian should understand these teachings.

So, be very cautious of any group that would tell you not to study, or to throw away part of God's word. Those are words Satan would use.

Caution to students of God;s Word - Please remember two things when using our American Wisdom Series studies:
#1. Our commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may or may not be correct. #2. The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew text has some words which were given different translations at different places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what they think God meant to say. For example: According to the notes in the "Drake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth, doesn't it?  Gen. 1:2 And the earth was (became) without form, ... Having said that, let us continue with our "studies". These studies contain knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God. 
May the Holy Spirit be your only guiding light. Sincerely, John Rhine

Revelation 2:17  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; 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.

John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

This Bible Study was originally written by Roger Christopherson,

 published at http://www.theseason.org/ 

You can view it at the season`s web site (address above) as originally published
or here, as now edited by people at
 
The American Wisdom Series  

Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.

 ***********************************************************************************

Now here is our revised study of: Christopherson's Revelation chapter 3


REVELATION

Chapter 8

"Opening of the Seventh Seal, The Seven Trumpets of God"

Revelation 8:1 "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour."

We see here the opening of the seventh seal; for then it will start the sounding of the seven trumpets. Though the seals are not in chronological order, However, the trumpets are sounded to do an action. The trumpets are actions that are in order, and acted upon at the sounding of each of the trumpets.

Though the white horse of the first seal [Antichrist's arrival] is stated first as a seal, it is the sixth trumpet that sounds his arrival in person upon the earth. 

The seventh seal is the final seal and also the seventh trumpet. This first "half an hour" will be completed in the eleventh chapter. This is the hour of temptation; the first part of that hour.

This hour is when the Satan the false-christ is on earth, and he is the "son of perdition", which will be discussed in Revelation 17, which includes each of the first six seals. 

Jesus spoke to His disciples about each of these seals in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, as He sat on the Mount of Olives just prior to his death.

The seventh seal of Jesus' warning has to do with the "parable of the Fig Tree".

When you observe this tree, it will bring forth leaves, and not fruit.

Our generation is told that when we observe this, the re-establishment of the Jews back in Israel, the prophecies of the the end times would all take place, and that generation would observe them all. 

That generation started in May of 1948, when the Nation of Israel was established. 

This seal, then is the seal that will allow our generation to witness all the prophecies of the final days.

It's not difficult to understand, when you see what the seven trumpets are. 

They will come to pass in order, and with that seal, or knowledge in our minds, we can identify each of them.

Revelation 8:2 "And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets."

John witnessed these seven angels being given their trumpets.

Revelation 8:3 "And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden senser; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne."

This makes a total of eight angels standing before the throne of God, that are the main actors in this chapter. Seven of the angels hold trumpets, and one will hold the golden censer. The eighth angel is important, for he will use the incense of the golden censer to be offered with all the saints prayers on the altar of God, that is before the throne of God. These prayers are offered to God as part of God's promise to fulfill all prayers that are within God's will. This eighth angel's action is the first of the eight angels to come to pass.

Revelation 8:4 "And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand."

Only the saint's prayers are in this vial. God was reminded instantly of all these prayers, with the incense offered to Him by these saints. They include all the prayers of vengeance on behalf of the saints. They are all going up before God.

Revelation 8:5 "And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake."

What is this fire? God is a consuming fire; it's God's glory. God's glory and response to these prayers are going to shake many people up. If you are a true minister of God, telling people the truth of God's Word, it will shake people as the conviction of the truth of God's Word reaches their hearts and minds. 

It's impossible to be loved by the worldly minded when you preach the justice of God, along with God's love. Everyone loves to hear of God's unspeakable love, but when your sins are in focus, they're shaken.

Revelation 8:6 "And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound."

As the Word goes forth, and heaven is silent, the trumpets are about to sound.

Revelation 8:7 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 the earth was burnt up]: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up."

This is the first trumpet.

 Are you able to think in a spiritual sense?

 If you are looking for this to take place as a physical happening,
you're going to be deceived
.
 
The fire is God's consuming fire, and the distruction here is more than on a fleshly level. This deals with the future condition of your soul.

Your flesh, as in all mankinds, exists for only a few years [70 on the average], then it goes back to the dust or elements from which it came. 
Then It's finished.
However, your soul is eternal 
when it is covered under the blood of Christ.
The concern, then, by the Christian needs to be focused on the condition of their soul, and this is spiritual.

It is God's Spirit [the Holy Spirit] that will pour out on this earth, as never before. 

That Spirit is God's will, and control over all things.

it is God's will to give Satan the authority to act as the spurious messiah and do the things that he shall do, as we will see in the next chapter.
This false-christ, Satan, will come to this earth and do his deeds so that all the people on the earth can and will be tested
The movement to the religous one worldism will be total.
All the
"green grass" will fall to that world wide Satanic system.

I Peter 1:24, 25 "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. the grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."

Right now the pastures are green with the gospel, however those pastures of God's holy Word are drying up.
In the end we will see where Antichrist and his system will burn up.

Revelation 8:8 "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;"

The great mountain is a great nation, remember the sea are the peoples of the world.
This will be discussed later, however when a great nation burns and is cast into the sea, it ceases to be governed as a nation, but falls under a world wide system where boundries don't exist.

Revelation 8:9 "And the third part or the creachers which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed."

The sea are peoples, and nations;
and the here death is a spiritual death.

The ships that were destroyed were the commerce and trade.
 The commerce and trade of that great nation was hurt and burned very badly, for it dried up one third of all commerce and trade.
 Can you see this economic condition happening today?
 It's going to get worse.

To understand this sea, and the waters it contained; Revelation 17:15 defines it for us. "And he saith unto me, the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are the peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues [languages]."

This deals with the Harlot, "Mystery Babylon" [the false religious system]; the ten kings, or powers of authority that give their authority to the beast [Antichrist and his system]. The system where this whore is sitting upon includes the nations of the entire world, which is the waters. The sealed of God are the only exceptions to this system.

Now back to Revelation 8:9.

These "creachers" that had life and died, that were in the sea, are the men and women living on the earth that have become and are part of Antichrist's, Satan's, world wide system. They are the ones who were deceived by Antichrist and his world government. The "death" is a spiritual death of the soul, when they take up the worship and work for Satan's system. They are the ones putting their faith in the Rapture doctrine, and all those other doctrines that will lead their flocks, their families, and friends to the false-christ, Satan. They will do it in ignorance, for they have not studied and do not know Gods Word.

How could a great mountain fall into the sea? 

This mountain is a great nation, and when it allows itself to be taken over by these waters of people [the one world government], they will sap the strength right out of that great nation.

When it takes the industries, and removes trade barriers, the commerce of that nation is "burnt up"

This chapter quite obviously is refering to the United States, the only superpower left on earth, and this verse says one third of our wealth, and strength in commerce and trade will be gone for good.

Also adding to the sapping of the strength, or burning up of our wealth, are the heavy taxes our Godless leaders are imposing upon us, to flow through their huge give-away programs, and govermental theft.

We are in the end times of this earth age, and there is no more powerful nation of the face of this earth than the United States.
 America will continue to be drained, as our politicians continue to sell our country out, as well as our very souls to the Kenites, and this one world order.
God foretold us this would happen, and the Church world slept and bartered with the devil's kids for crums from their table.  
They bowed to them for advantage through the tax system, and now with the new tariff and trade agreements in place, America is being dismantled rapidly.

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

This is the sounding of the third trumpet of God. Remember Luke 10:18, "And I beheld Satan as lightening fall from heaven." Satan is called "the morning star" in Isaiah 14:12-16. This falling star is the devil, the "son of perdition". Satan reflects as a illuminated lamp, his "Illuminati" shining it's lies out to the world, and is drawing his world wide system together.

Do you see it happening today? If you don't, you're either blind, or in a convent. The news from all the media today covers only what is promoting the agenda of the United Nations, then it is so distorted and full of lies it isn't worth the time to watch.

The "shining ones" from the United Nations, which is part of the Illuminate, are given whatever authority of credit they need to carry on their murder, thievery, and attacks on the public at large.

The "rivers" are waters, or nations, whereas the "fountains" are in reference to "the fountains of the living waters", which are the Christians whose fountains of living water flows from our Lord Jesus Christ. This burning by Satan comes through deception, and many Christians will be deceived by Satan because they do not know the difference between the morning star [Satan], and the Morning Star [Jesus Christ the Messiah]. All except God's elect, are going to be deceived.

Revelation 8:11 "And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter."

Satan may look like Christ and offer fountains of blessings, but his fountains will give only bitterness. You think it is clean, fresh and pure water, but when you taste of that water its bitter. When you drink of it and digest it, it becomes poison to your very soul. This is why Satan is called "Wormwood" [a poison]. One third of the world will become part of Satan's system, and drink freely from the Antichrist waters. Will you? Are you prepared to know the difference, or are you trusting your soul to a pack of Kenites.

Many church denominations today are allowing changes to take place in their doctrines to allow for compromise with the world, and Satanic doctrines. They allow for abominations such as sodomy to enter their house of worship and call it of God. The chief shepherd of their Luciferian dogma is the "World Council of Churches". When this wormwood doctrine is allowed to happen, those churches lose total sight of Our Lord's teachings. They become part of the type of Churches that we saw at Ephesus and Pergamos, from chapter two.

Revelation 8:12 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.

The first three trumpets are well under-way and this is the fourth trumpet sounding. The false teaching; the falling of a great nation; The bitterness of Wormwoods [Satan's doctrine] in bring down churches everywhere; and these events are becoming more final with each passing day. When the true Christ comes, the entire world will be consumed by his authority and power; however with wormwood [Satan], only one third will be consumed by him.

When Satan arrives darkness will appear; and the darkening in the heavens will be exactly as you expect it to be when Jesus Christ returns to earth. The universe will even announce both comings. Notice, though, Satan will cause only one third of the effect, whereas our Lord's return will be complete and total.

Revelation 8:13 "And I beheld, and heard an angel [eagle] 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."

In the original text the word "Angel" should read "Eagle"; for the word in the Greek reads "Aetos". Why is this? Their is an urgency to this eagle's cry of "Woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth", by reason of the voices from the other trumpets. This is why the last trumpets are called the "woe trumpets". This is not woe to those in heaven, but woe to those who are living on this earth. It is aimed at our generation, and to you and me specifically, if you are a Christian. This woe is directed to those who are not doing their Bible study, and preparring themselves for what is coming.

All those who have studied the Scriptures, and used the proper tools of study, will know the true Christ from the fake. If you are rapped up in the rapture theory, or other one world doctrine, you will think Satan is the true Christ, and the waters old wormwood gives you are then poisonous to your soul.

 American Wisdom Series Editor's Note: We are going to stop here in this "Revelation of Jesus Christ" study to review some commentary chapter 8 in an earlier study we published on the "Revelation of Jesus Christ."  I don't believe you will find much difference in the general opinion of these 2 authors, but to read another person's perspective of events that did and will take place may prove helpful in our understanding of Jesus' revelation. Also, our introduction #9300 was taken from this earlier study so keep your eyes open for study tips and rules to help simplify your grasp of Jesus' end time revelation    

We have completed 6 Seals and John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, is still in heaven looking on as the Lamb of God now opens the 7th and final seal, which completes the unsealing of the scroll (remember 7 is the number of spiritual perfection or completeness) .

Now observe what happens!

Rev. 8:1
And when He had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
The 7th Seal is a "silence" and a lapse of time for "half an hour". Why?

Something is about to happen. The 7 Trumpets are about to blow! But before they do, there is a period of quietness, of silence, that transpires. Let's call it silent meditation, or the calm before the storm.

Remember: The Seals are KNOWLEDGE that we must have in our foreheads in order to escape the "hour of temptation" that Christ spoke of to the church of Philadelphia in chapter 3 verse 10:

Rev. 3:10
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Notice what happens during that hour of temptation: there is a trying, a tribulation, to them that dwell on the earth.

The 7th Seal is to KNOW when that "hour" is upon us, or as Christ would say "when all these things are fulfilled". Let's read what He told us just following the 6th Seal in Mark 13:

Mark 13:28
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
He just completed the 6th Sign/Seal and has now instructed us to LEARN the 7th Sign/Seal, contained within the parable of the fig tree, which is to KNOW (7th seal of knowledge) when the period of time has lapsed and the season (summer) is near.
[29] So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
So observe the manner in which a fig shoot is planted and starts to put forth leaves. It is not done by planting a seed.

Let's ask some questions.

Q.) What are these things which come to pass?

A.) The other 6 Seals that He just gave us AND the planting of the fig tree!

[30] Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
Q.) What generation is He referring to?

A.) The subject is the fig tree, so the answer is "the generation of the fig tree"!

Q.) When did that begin?

A.) May 15, 1948.

Q.) How do you know?

A.) To understand the (live link to)-parable of the fig tree (a comprehensive study reserved for another time) you must begin at the beginning, in the fig grove of the garden in Eden, and understand who the "children of disobedience" are, that they are the "seed" of the serpent, the "tares" of the Parable of the Tares in Matthew 13, the sons of Cain (kenites). This you must do in order to understand who the "bad figs" of Judah are spoken of in Jeremiah 24, which describes the setting forth of both the good and bad figs in Judea, in Jerusalem. Then you will KNOW that the United Nation's sanction of the State of Israel on May 15, 1948, planted the fig tree.

People are often shocked when they hear that statement, and not so much by the fact of the event itself, but by the connection to the Bible, i.e. by the identifying of a "modern event" with scripture, with the fulfillment of prophecy. It's as if they didn't know the Bible had any relevance to today except for its moral teachings. They have the mentality of "back in Biblical times", and it is no wonder when they hear the archaic, oh so holy, monotone style of the "selection from the Bible", "our scripture reading for today" that they hear when they attend church. You see, there's deception even in the way they read the Bible. Who communicates, who talks like that in the "real world"? Not you, not me.

Well, guess what? The Bible is not only relevant to today, but the prophecies contained therein are coming to pass almost daily. And so it fits absolutely perfectly that the next words Christ would say are:

[31] Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Better listen to Him if you plan to escape the hour of temptation, that hour when Satan is here in person, standing where he ought not, performing miracles in the sight of men, and successfully tempting the whole world into believing that he is Jesus Christ. Don't be deceived, remember that is the 1st Seal, the 1st Sign.

The Seals have now been removed and each and every one of them was opened by the Lamb of God Himself. The detail which He gives us sometimes seems overwhelming, but it is greatly appreciated by those who seek to know all the things that He has foretold us, and He has foretold us all things.

I suppose we could "sum up" the Seals in just a few words: They are to understand the powers and dark forces of the Four Hidden Dynasties (the 1st 4 Seals), what happen(s)(ed) to those who teach the true Word of God and confront the rider of the horses and the worldwide testimony of God's elect soon to be delivered up (5), to understand the Two Tribulations and the work (sealing) that must take place before the four winds blow (6), and to understand the parable of the fig tree and the season when all these things come to pass (7).

If you understand those 7 Seals, revealed to you by Jesus Christ, then you have eyes to see and ears to hear, and the scroll, His Word, will unroll before your eyes and you can read with understanding the marvelous mysteries of our God. There is nothing like it in the entire universe! It will turn your heart to Him with such love that you cannot contain it.

All sealed? Good, we're ready for the 7 Trumpets.

[2] And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
These seven angels, standing before the throne of God, are issued seven trumpets and are standing there obediently waiting for their command, ready to sound.
[3] And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
But first, let's call forth another angel and have the offering of the prayers of all the saints who have patiently waited on the Lord to avenge their blood. We read of them in chapter 6, remember?
Rev. 6:10
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?
Is this not how most events are started? Someone is called forth to give an opening prayer? Why does all this seem so strange to some?
[4] And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
One thing is for sure. All those prayers, including yours and mine, are there in heaven, and our Father has heard and continues to hear and always answers them, according to His will and our benefit.
[5] And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
Now that sounds frightening!

Note: Be prepared, for in the next few chapters we will encounter much symbology, but "not to worry" or "be frightened" as those are who would try to read a scroll that's still sealed. As we learned in the very first chapter of this great book, the symbolism is clearly defined and it produces vivid pictures in our minds which we will "see" clearly and understand that which is taking place.

And again, if we begin at the beginning, in the Book of Genesis, by the time we get to the Book of Revelation we will have learned much and seen most of the symbolism used in Revelation. For instance we would know that God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12:29
For our God is a consuming fire.
We would have read of the 'burning bush' on the mountain. We would have read about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and how the Fire who was in the midst of the furnace with them, that fourth one, the Consuming Fire we just read of in Hebrews, protected them from the fiery flames of combustion.

Will the fire that this angel takes from the altar of God, from Him, hurt you and me? Not on your life! We know that fire purifies Gold, but it consumes that which is stubble, like straw. So in like manner does He, the consuming fire, our Father.

[6] And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
OK, the angels are ready, everything is set to go with the famous 7 Trumpets of Revelation. If you are a student of God's Word, and if you understand the 7 Seals which we've just covered, then these trumpets will make a lot of sense. If not, I hope you like scary movies!

It is fascinating how eager people are to understand the Book of Revelation, which by the way is the last book in the Bible. Some want to know because they are curiosity seekers, some sense it could be true, and others want to know what is going to happen so they can "live it up" and then repent just in time to "make it" (as if they could 'pull one over' on God).

What are trumpets and how are they used anyway? Well, trumpets are loud horns and militarily speaking, when the trumpets blow, the troops begin to move into position to do battle, and then the final charge is sounded by the final Trump.

Again, and it bears repeating, if you are familiar with God's Word then you will have encountered trumpets many times before you get to Revelation, as well as most all of the symbolism in Revelation, which you will see.

For example, if you've read Exodus you will remember that it was Jo-shua (the same name as Ya-shua, i.e. same name as Jesus) who led our people into the promised land. Well guess what? We are about to enter into the promised land again, the Millennium. Do you recall what God instructed Joshua to do to take the city of Jericho? March around the city 6 days + the 7th. And on the last day, they compassed the city 7 times and blew the 7 Trumpets and at the "shout", the walls of the great city came tumbling down.

The same thing is about to happen to that great city, Babylon the Great, which we will soon read and learn about and how it falls. Have you read in 1 Thes. 4:16 how Christ returns?

1 Thes. 4:16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God...
That Trump will be the last one, the 7th one, when the walls of this flesh age come tumbling down, and that angel in Rev. 14:8 says "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."

So here's where we are in Revelation. We are all "sealed up" and we are about to go to war against the oppressor, you know who. And what did God command the PRIESTS to do when going to war? Blow the TRUMPETS, sound the ALARM!

Numbers 10:8
And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.
By the way, you can read in Leviticus 23:24 when the Memorial of Blowing the Trumpets is to be held: "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation."

The Seventh month! (That's not July either. Remember the 1st day of the first month always begins on the Spring Equinox.) So when will the final Trump blow? Who knows, but don't you think the 7th month would be a good season to watch?

Now here it is, God's command to blow the trumpets:

Numbers 10:9
And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.
Got your Gospel Armor on and in place (Eph. 6)?  Then get ready for the Trumpets of God to sound. We're going to War! But NOT against flesh and blood! "But against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephes. 6:12", i.e. spiritually, with the sharp two-edged sword as our weapon!

Also, before we begin the trumps, be prepared to encounter much symbolism, the purpose of which is Paint a PICTURE in your mind. Remember back to our first few lessons in Revelation, and our discussion about pictures? First SEE the PICTURE. The meaning is contained in the picture not in the individual words themselves, which are used to paint the picture. Do you understand?

Finally, keep in mind the 4 Hidden Dynasties (the first 4 Seals), which are used to deceive the people and bring about the New World Order, the One World "Beast" System, as we read about the first 4 Trumpets. We have already read in verse 5, Rev. 8:5, that the angel took "fire" from the altar of God and cast it into the earth. Remember from Heb. 12:29 that our Father is a consuming fire. That "fire" from the altar is His truth, His Word, and it "burns" alright, and it causes shakings and quakings even among individual households.

When the first 4 Trumpets sound, the Word of God is going to be cast, mixed even more, with the 4 Hidden Dynasties and things will really begin to "heat up". The first 4 trumpets, as were the first 4 Seals, are also grouped apart from the last three which are Woe trumpets to the inhabiters of the earth. Yesireee! Woe, woe, woe!

Let the action begin!

[7] 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.
Now that ought to paint a pretty graphic picture in your mind! Am I right? Hope it's not scary to you.

A "third part" is an expression meaning "not all of", i.e. only of portion of. We'll document that when we get to the 12th verse, but it's kind of like we say "wait a minute", which doesn't mean wait exactly one minute (except to a friend of mine who is so compulsive he'd probably start his stop watch.)

Have we ever seen hail and fire before in the Bible? Of course! Remember the judgments poured out upon Egypt?

Exodus 9:24-26
So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.
Our people were held captive in the land by Pharaoh. Our people today are held captive in their land by the 4 Hidden Dynasties controlled by the type of Pharaoh, Satan, the rider of the horses.
[25] And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.
There's your hail and fire and grass and trees. Amazing, isn't it. However, these things happened back then as ensamples whereby we would know what is to befall us, today, Spiritually! In other words, they were types. Here's your documentation where Paul is discussing Moses and the events which happened to the people:
1 Cor. 10:11
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Again, why did it happen that way? Why was it written in the Word of God? For us, upon whom the ends of the world are come, I'll go as far to say, so we could understand the Book of Revelation. Hello!

And now, here's the rest of the story.

Exodus 9:26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.
And so it is that the judgments of God, His Word poured out like the hail and fire on Egypt, when the trumpets blow, will not harm one hair on the heads of His own elect, those who are "sealed", i.e. who know His Word. Here's proof positive:
Rev. 9:4
And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
There is just plain nothing new under the sun, is there? Again, remember that this is spiritual warfare. The natural elements are not going to be "burned up" like a bon-fire, but many men (no gender intended) will be "burned" and become spiritually dead, branded, if you will, with the "mark of the beast".

And now the second Trump.

[8] 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;
Another astounding Picture in your mind! Can't you just see a great big mountain on fire as it zooms through the sky, like a fiery asteroid from outer space, with a long streaming tail of fire, and it crashes and splashes into the ocean causing it to turn blood red? Wow!

You have just seen the effect of God's Word as it is cast into the sea of people and encounters the opposing forces of the oppressor! Let us document.

First of all, and once again, this symbolism and terminology is not new, nor strange, to a student of His Word. Let's see, where have we seen a "burning mountain" before? ...... Aha! Yes, oh my goshen, do you realize that our people have "actually seen" a burning mountain? Go to Deuteronomy and read the whole story. Here's two clips:

Deut. 4:11
And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.

Deut. 5:23
And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, for the mountain did burn with fire, that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

And it would be this same Moses who would with a "staff taken from that burning mountain", like the angel with the golden censor taking "fire" from the altar, touch the waters of the Nile and it would turn to blood. Got the Picture?

Again, and I will keep repeating this for those whose eyes are just starting to open, these things were examples of the spiritual application for the end times! The waters and the seas and the rivers are PEOPLE. Here again is the documentation:

Rev. 17:15
And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
"Waters" are "Peoples", of all nations and languages, even of the whole world!

Isn't the Book of Revelation fascinating? Its very title means to "uncover" and "make clear", and it sure is true that a Picture is worth a thousand words. Can He paint a picture, or what?

We are now studying the famous 7 Trumpets of Revelation. If you are a student of God's Word, and if you understand the 7 Seals which we've just covered, then these trumpets will make a lot of sense. If not, I hope you like scary movies!

The Trumps of God commence the action of the final events of this flesh age, culminating at the 7th and final Trump on the Day of the Lord, the return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, when every knee shall bow. As the first four trumpets blow, adding "heat" to the 4 Hidden Dynasties, the world begins to become hotter and hotter, reaching the boiling point when Satan arrives in person on the first "white horse" and the battle for the souls of men rages full in the darkest hour EVER of human history.

We had come to the second trumpet which caused the "burning mountain" of God to be cast into the sea of people. That will heat things up for sure! The infusion of the true Word of God "polarizes" and causes those who love Him to love Him more, and those who oppose Him to actively oppose Him more! As an example, just mention "God" to the ACLU and they are "stirred" to remove Him from all aspects of society.

Let's continue with the 2nd Trumpet having sounded:

Rev. 8:9 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.
You must remember that the death that is brought upon men in the end times is "spiritual death" and not the death of the flesh body.  Do not worry about your flesh dying because that's "a given" sooner or later, isn't it? So if you're worried about dying in the great tribulation then you're way off track and have missed the boat entirely! In other words, if you're looking for a physical sword that might kill your flesh you'll never notice the one that just sliced your soul in half! Christ made this perfectly clear to us about the priority of the two deaths.
Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
And what has the power to bring about the death of the soul? What is the most powerful weapon in the universe? Answer: His Two-edged Sword!
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
So revere Him (not fear as in afraid) and you have nothing to worry about. So let's raise our level of thinking and begin to understand which death is important and which one isn't and to think 2nd death in this Book of Revelation. Remember the Picture concept of symbols?  SEE the Sword to see it cut, but KNOW it is the Word and know that Satan and his boys have swords also. The battle of the end times is not to cut flesh but to cut souls.

Now, what are these "ships" which are destroyed? The Greek word for "ships" means "vessel" as in "shipping vessel". These ships symbolize commerce, as in the ships of Tarshish, and there is much commercialism in all four of the 4 Hidden Dynasties. So I use the saying that governments and big business operate on the principle of "The Golden Rule", meaning that "The Guys With the Gold Make the Rules."

Do you remember when the Word of God was "poured out" unto Pharaoh through Moses? Did it not stir Pharaoh to oppress God's people even more? Remember, there's nothing new under the sun! Pharaoh was a type of Satan. Let's read it.

Exodus 5:10-13
And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.
Have you read the little booklet "The Hidden Dynasty of the Economy"? Do you know who the "taskmasters" of the people are today?
[11] Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.
You're going to have to work twice as hard now to produce the same amount of goods!
[12] So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.

[13] And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.

And so it is that the "taskmasters" today say "Fulfill your works, your obligations, and pay all your bills as when there was straw, as when only one in the household had to gather to fulfill the American dream. Now, my friend, you and your spouse both work hard to make ends meet. You go and gather and work 5 months out of the year to pay your taxes and usury to the taskmasters. That's even more than one third of your commerce which has died. Did you hear a trumpet? Enough said!
[10] 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;
In this 3rd Trump we get a different kind of "light" falling upon the peoples of the earth. And just so you know whose lamp it is, here's the name of this star:
[11] 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.
Wormwood means bitter (Chernobyl in Russian). What does it mean the third part of the waters became bitter? Remember waters = people. The people are become bitter and become spiritually dead, having been made bitter by Satan's system of oppression. Some star he is!

Christ told us of this same falling star in Luke:

Luke 10:18-19
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Compare the root Greek words used for "lamp" in Rev. 8:10 and "lightning" in Luke 10:18.

lampo :- give light, shine.

astrapto :- lighten, shine.

And so the lamp is Satan's light, his "truth", which most people of the world will accept as true.

So we see in this 3rd trump Satan, "the star", begin to fall from heaven.

[12] 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.
At the sound of this trump the whole earth is in a "partial eclipse" of deception and spiritual death. The 4 Hidden Dynasties have woven their shrouded web upon the world and have snared as captives those who walk as they slumber. The majority of Christianity falls into this category, for they have not eyes to see nor ears to hear, and our Father has allowed them as they wish, i.e. to slumber on (See Rom. 11:8).

The word "darkened" is skotizo and it means to "obscure". And that about describes it! People today cannot see the light of truth, for it has been "obscured" by the traditions of men, nor can they reckon the signs of the times nor the seasons for which the sun and the moon and the stars were created (Gen. 1:14), nor can they see the invisible horses which have ridden hard through the night, to and fro upon the earth.

But you "ain't seen nothin'" yet!

There are three trumpets yet to blow and they are Woe Trumpets! Woe to whom? Woe to earthlings!

So while the sun and the moon and the stars are partially darkened now, the entire sun and entire moon will soon be darkened when  the false-christ, Satan himself, appears in person at the 6th Trump. We will soon learn that he deceives the "whole world" (Rev. 12:9), i.e. there will be "darkness" over all the earth. Do you understand?

This may help. You may recall from the history of not too long ago that the "light of truth" was almost "snuffed" out. During that period of time in order to read the scriptures you first had to obtain a license (which in my experiences always means pay a fee), and then you had to show yourself approved to your confessor (and you better not be trying to start a reformation). Note: If you haven't read "The Letter to the Reader" by the translators of the King James Bible, then by all means you must. Here's a link you can go to LetterToTheReader It will document that which was just stated.

Now, do you know what that period of history is called to this very day? The DARK AGES!

But again, you "ain't seen nothin'" yet!

Now to complete chapter 8:

[13] 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!
"And I beheld" means good old John is still there in heaven observing these things for us. I almost forgot about him. It seems like he's been there a long time, doesn't it?

This word translated "angel" is aetos and should be translated "eagle" as Dr. Moffat has it in his translation. Have you ever heard the shrill of an eagle's cry? Imagine that shrieking caw as the "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabiters of the earth!"

Webster's dictionary says of the eagle: "eagles are known for their strength, size, keenness of vision, and powers of flight. Our Father likens His protection of His children in Deut. 32, the Song of Moses, to the outstretched wings of the great and powerful eagle.

Deut. 32:11
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
We'll read more of the protection of wings of the Great Eagle when we get to chapter twelve.

Next we will read of the 5th Trump and learn of a great locust army to come against our people. Those without the gospel armour on (Eph. 6) are going to get devoured, those with it on and in place will squish locusts like little pesky bugs.

Four Trumps have now sounded as we move down the line towards the end, to the angel of the 5th Trump, which is the first of the 3 Woe Trumpets. Remember that the "woe" is to the inhabiters of the earth. The spiritual conditions down here have so deteriorated to the point that the enemies of God and of His children will now be likened to a great army of swarming locusts. This is the "Picture" that our Father would have us see in our "minds eye" representing the terrible devastation wrought upon the minds and souls of men and women by the "children of disobedience".

           

                   

To study the Bible is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it, the highest of all goals.  We pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you accomplish both.


The American Wisdom Series

is

Published by:

Rhine Publishing Co.
E-mail address - americanwisdomseries@verizon.net

Here at the American Wisdom Series our goal is to make you think about and question the wisdom of the current:
doctrine of many of our Christian churches, (The Man on a White Horse)
political direction of our country, (The Man on a Red Horse)
economic direction our country has taken, (The Man on a Black Horse)
 and teaching of our schools and media, (The Man on a Pale Horse)

The Four Hidden Dynasties of the New World Order Revelation 6:1-8
"The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse"
Did you know all four are being ridden by Satan?