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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for October 2020
November 1, 2020
Revelation 20:8 – And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: and number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Thought: When the Lord relaxes his hold on Satan, Satan goes forth on his mission with a fury. Here, he goes forth to deceive the nations. This is his fundamental mission in the world. Satan also solicits help from others. John tells us that he used Gog and Magog “to gather them together to battle.” Gog and Magog are symbolic names for enemy nations, a host of nations, to war against the people of God.
Ezekiel 38:1-3
November 2, 2020
Revelation 20:9 – And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
Thought: God’s enemies are relentless. One falls and another rises. Since the saints are the visible presence of God on the earth, they are the focus of God’s enemies. Yet, the saints cannot be destroyed. God is on their side. He fights for them. John describes God’s providential care with these words: “…and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” The fire of God’s wrath is hot and destructive. Any enemy that rises against him will be overcome.
Psalm 97:3
November 3, 2020
Revelation 20:10 – And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Thought: The forces of evil are many. These wicked forces have a commander. His is known as “the devil.” John now sees the archenemy of God cast into the lake of fire and brimstone. He joins those who fought for him, that is, the beast and the false prophet. Their end is deserved. Their end is horrible. Their end is lasting. They “shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” God’s people can rest. God’s people can rejoice. God’s people are victorious. Oh, what a day!
Matthew 25:41
November 4, 2020
Revelation 20:11 – And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Thought: The beast, the sea creature, the land creature, and Satan have all been defeated. Now, John sees what will happen to those who followed Satan. He sees “a great white throne, and him that sat on it.” The throne is pure. The one who sits thereon is majestic and powerful. His presence causes those both in heaven and earth to flee away. God now appears before all. His purpose is be judge of all.
Psalm 9:7-8
November 5, 2020
Revelation 20:12 – And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Thought: When the judgment happens, all appear before God. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God.” The standard of judgment is also revealed. Two books were opened. These two books, the Old Testament and the New Testament, were revealed to man by the Spirit of God. Notice, “the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Another book is also mentioned, the book of life. This is a book of names, the names of the saved.
II Corinthians 5:10
November 6, 2020
Revelation 20:13 – And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Thought: All will stand in the judgment. The fact that one has died will not exclude him from the judgment. The hadean realm will not keep one out of the judgment. Every human being will stand before the one who sits on the great white throne. They will be judged “according to their works.” This means that their actions, their works, will be judged according to the divine revelation God gave to man. Dear reader, what we do in life matters. How we live matters. Our lives will be judged.
Romans 14:12
November 7, 2020
Revelation 20:14 – And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Thought: The lake of fire and brimstone was prepared for the devil and his angels. It will also possess all that is associated with the evil one. The beast and the false prophet will be there. Now we learn that death and hades will be there. John labels this as “the second death.” Death is a separation. Man’s spirit separates from his body in physical death. This is the first death. All those who are cast into the lake of fire will be separated from God forever. This separation is the second death.
Revelation 21:8
November 8, 2020
Revelation 20:15 – And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Thought: Can you imagine standing in the judgment and find out that your name is not in the book of life. God says: “I am sorry. You are not here. Depart from me for I never knew you.” My friend, your name CAN be there. The way to do it is to have your works conform to the Word of God. Read God’s Word. Study God’s Word. Obey God’s Word. Have your name recorded in the Lamb’s book of life. If you to not, the alternative is to be cast into the lake of fire.
Hebrews 12:25
November 9, 2020
Revelation 21:1 – And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Thought: The words “a new heaven and a new earth” are figurative, referring to a world different than the present. Notice the words: “…for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away…” There have been several times in the course of God’s dealings with man that He created a new heaven and new earth for man. After the fall of God’s enemies, a new heaven and new earth would exist for the people of God. In the last day, all of the righteous will have a new heaven and new earth.
II Peter 3:13-14
November 10, 2020
Revelation 21:2 – And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Thought: The “holy city, new Jerusalem” is the precious church for which Jesus died. It is the antetype of the old Jerusalem, that is, the literal city of Jerusalem located in Canaan. The old city is now gone. The new city can now be manifested in its fulness as the bride of Christ. These two figures represent different aspects of the church. The church is the new Jerusalem, housing the temple of God. Too, the church is the bride of Christ and has a very intimate relationship with the Christ.
Galatians 4:24-26
November 11, 2020
Revelation 21:3 – And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Thought: The shadows of the Old Testament continue to be manifested in their substance in the Revelation. The tabernacle was the dwelling place of God in the economy of the Jews. Now, the church is the tabernacle of God. It houses the presence of God. Listen to John’s words again: “…and he will dwell in them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” God now resides in the new heavens and new earth in the tabernacle in new Jerusalem.
Hebrews 9:11
November 12, 2020
Revelation 21:4 – And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Thought: This verse is often applied to man’s state when he lives in his heavenly abode in the hereafter. It is a tremendous comfort to know that there will come a time when pain, suffering, sorrow, and tears will come to an end. Figuratively, however, there are times when God can bring these things to pass in a person’s life by providentially changing the circumstances of his life. He can make all that was bad become good. He can replace tears with joy. Suffering can be replaced with prosperity.
Isaiah 65:18-19
November 13, 2020
Revelation 21:5 – And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I will make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Thought: Man’s choice to sin and rebel against God often brings ruin and destruction. God who sits on His throne, however, is the One who can “make all things new.” This truth is wonderful news for the people of God, a message of hope in a time of despair. God wanted His people to remember this. Therefore, John was commanded, saying: “Write: for these words are true and faithful.” We have noted that the words are true, but they are also faithful. God will keep His promises.
II Corinthians 5:17
November 14, 2020
Revelation 21:6 – And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Thought: There have been many times in Biblical history that God’s plans and promises have come to fruition. God had promised the early church that He would destroy their enemies. At this point in the Revelation, it has been accomplished. The eternal God had crushed the opposition. Those who had thirsted after righteousness would have their desire quenched. God’s promised: “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Again, God provides for His saints.
John 7:37-38
November 15, 2020
Revelation 21:7 – He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Thought: There have been many children who have been blessed because they received an inheritance from their parents. Our heavenly Father has promised us an inheritance. Note that it will only be given to the one who overcomes. That inheritance will be beyond the child’s comprehension. It will also confirm the relationship he has with God. “I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” My friend, there is no greater blessing than to be a child of God.
Romans 8:16-17
November 16, 2020
Revelation 21:8 – But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Thought: Eight kinds of people are given a warning about the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. The first and last are the most shocking. The fearful will experience the second death. These are the ones who run from the presence of a threat. The last are “all liars.” This one shocks us because all of us have been guilty of failing to speak the truth. How we live matters! We need to discipline our lives and bring them in harmony with God’s Word. If not, the second death will be ours.
I Corinthians 6:9-10
November 17, 2020
Revelation 21:9, 10 – And here came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
Thought: We are impressed with the process of inspiration as we read this verse. John was able to see angels. Not only did he see them, he conversed with them. The things the angels told him and showed him were part of God’s message to His people. One of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues said to him: “Come, hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. This revelation would expand upon what John had already seen.
Joel 2:28
November 18, 2020
Revelation 21:10 – And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.
Thought: John had already seen “the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven” (Rev. 21:2). He is now carried away again to see the city in more detail. Notice that John says: “And he carried me away in the spirit…” John knew that he was inspired by the Spirit of God to see this vision. Aren’t we appreciative that God has given His revelation to man. Had God not given us the light of His Word, we would still be in darkness.
Ezekiel 3:14
November 19, 2020
Revelation 21:11 – Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
Thought: The New Jerusalem, the church, possesses “the glory of God.” His glory is so bright that man cannot look upon Him. However, the church can and does radiate His light into the world. John describes the brilliance of the church as like unto precious stones that glisten in sunlight. He mentions one of those stones, “a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” Most of us would love to possess high quality gems, but we can’t afford them. We can, however, be part of the church that radiates God’s glory.
Isaiah 60:1-2
November 20, 2020
Revelation 21:12, 13 – And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and name written thereon, which are the names of the children of Israel: on the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; on the west three gates.
Thought: The first thing that John sees is a wall around the city. Walls are boundaries. God’s people are within. The enemies are without. The fact that they are high and great emphasize God’s protection surrounding His people. There were also gates in the wall perfectly proportioned with three on each side. These gates are there for entrance. Anyone from anywhere in the world can enter. The angels stationed at the gates will tell them how. God wants people to come in, but only in the right manner.
Ezekiel 48:31-34
November 21, 2020
Revelation 21:14 – And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Thought: The gates of the New Jerusalem bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. These gates, however, were erected upon foundational stones. These stones bear the names of the twelve apostles. These men were the chosen ambassadors of Jesus Christ. They were commissioned to take the gospel to the world in order for all humanity to know how to gain access into the city. They were faithful in carrying out their mission. The church was erected on the foundation of apostolic teaching.
Ephesians 2:19-22
November 22, 2020
Revelation 21:15 – And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
Thought: In Revelation 11, the temple was measured. Now, the New Jerusalem is going to measured. John was commissioned to measure the temple. An angel of God will measure this metropolis. The temple was measured with a reed. The heavenly city will be measured with a golden reed. Although the temple of the Old Testament was a type of the church, it does not hold the glory of this new city. God had it measured to show is magnificence and to manifest its perfection. It is truly a holy city.
Ezekiel 41:1-5
November 23, 2020
Revelation 21:16, 17 – And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with a reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, a hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
Thought: There are many things we learn about the New Jerusalem from these two verses. First, it is a perfect square. The boundaries of most cities are irregular. The holy city is perfect because it was planned in the mind of God eternally. Second, the city if vast. One wall is said to be one thousand five hundred miles long. The city is great and will house all of the redeemed of all the ages. Third, the wall is high, one thousand five hundred miles high. Evil will never be able to enter this great city.
Revelation 21:27
November 24, 2020
Revelation 21:18 – And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
Thought: The description of this wall helps us to understand the nature of the city. It is valuable. It is composed of a precious stone. Too, it is extremely strong. Jasper has the ability to weather the test of time. In addition, jasper shines with purity when it is polished to perfection. All of these descriptions can be applied to the place where God’s people will dwell eternally: valuable, strong, and perfect. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.
Exodus 28:17-20
November 25, 2020
Revelation 21:19, 20 – And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
Thought: Most individuals know that jewels of all types are valuable. To have one involves an investment of a large sum of money. John’s imagery tells us again that the Holy City is of extreme value. It is not composed of just one gem. The foundations “were garnished with all manner of precious stones.” My friend, we cannot comprehend the blessings of being a resident of the eternal city of God. It’s builder and maker is God. Look at the Universe today, then think: “What could be next?”
Job 28:12-20
November 26, 2020
Revelation 21:21 – And the twelve gates were twelve pearls every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass.
Thought: Women love pearls. Jesus told a parable of a man who searched for a pearl of great price. Pearls are beautiful and can be very costly. Can you imagine a beautiful white pearl big enough for a gate to be carved out of it and placed within a wall of beautiful gem stones. How striking! Such is the gate of the holy city. Once inside the city, one continues to be impressed. The street is made of gold, “transparent as glass.” Without and within, the city glistens with beauty and purity and luxury.
Matthew 13:45-46
November 27, 2020
Revelation 21:22 – And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
Thought: Heaven houses the presence and majesty of God. There is no need for a temple there where God should dwell. In heaven, His presence is manifested in all places. In Judaism, the splendor of God came down from heaven to fill the tabernacle. In the gospel dispensation, God’s presence resides in the hearts of His people. In the hereafter, the magnificence of God will fill the heavens. No structure will be needed in which to present Himself. “The Lord Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”
Revelation 22:4-5
November 28, 2020
Revelation 21:23 – And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Thought: The sun is so brilliant that it lights up the earth. It is so bright that man cannot look upon it but for a few seconds. When the moon is full, it, too, can light up the earth. Both heavenly bodies are powerful and brilliant. Yet, in the new heavens and new earth, there will be no need for either. The glory of God and of the Lamb light the heavenly city. It is difficult for us to imagine the glory and splendor of deity. When we stand in their presence, we will be impressed with their radiance.
Matthew 17:1-2
November 29, 2020
Revelation 21:24 – And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
Thought: John notes two groups of people within this heavenly city. One is “the nations of them which are saved.” Jesus told His disciples to go and teach all nations in the Great Commission. Individuals within many nations obeyed the gospel and were saved. They will dwell with God and walk the street of gold. John also sees “the kings of the earth” there. Kings like David will be there. Those who honored God by obeying His law will bring their glory and honor into the holy city.
Isaiah 2:2-4
November 30, 2020
Revelation 21:25 – And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
Thought: Major cities in Bible times were surrounded by walls for protection. Within the walls were gates. The gates were opened in the day, but were closed at night. This, too, was for protection. An enemy was much more likely to approach at night. In the Holy City, the gates never shut. One reason is stated in the verse above, “for there shall be no night there.” A second reason the gates will ever shut is because there is nothing evil in the heavenly abode. The gates do not have to keep enemies out.
Isaiah 60:11-12
Read devotionals for December 2020