Revelation 16:1-6 - The "Great Tribulation" Begins

First, again thanks to everyone for your prayers for Michael Luke.  Just wanted to give a brief update on him as you continue to pray. He continues to do fine. Yesterday there was some blood pressure challenges but as of last night it was back to normal and everything else has remained steady and he is stable! Kimberly was able to go home yesterday but Luke will be in the NIC Unit for several months as he continues to develop and grow! Again, thanks for your prayers! They mean everything to Luke and to all of us! Today, we are looking at Revelation 16. If you review Revelation 8 you will notice the parallel between the trumpet judgments and the vial judgments here in Revelation 16. In each case, the judgment affects the same things, but the vial judgments are more severe. It seems too that the vial judgments occur in quick succession, aimed especially at the Beast and his satanic kingdom. The first three and a half years of the Tribulation were indeed a terrible time as the seals were opened and the trumpets sounded their judgements. It appears that at least two billion people are killed by the plagues that take place during this time. But now, the period of time that Jesus called the “Great Tribulation”, will take place with these seven last bowls of God’s wrath being poured out. The "loud voice" out of the temple commands the seven angels to pour out the contents of their vials (Rev. 16:1), after which he announces "It is done!" (Rev. 16:17) The "mystery of God" is finished! (Rev. 10:7) The martyrs in glory had asked, "How long?" (Rev. 6:9-11) and now their cry would be answered. The Bible provides the only true beacon of light and hope in the darkness and despair of the world. In its pages are comforting, encouraging, and affirming words of the peace, goodness, joy, and love of salvation. Believers are reassured as they read of God's love and promises and of their eternal inheritance in His kingdom. But while the Bible is a book of hope, it is also a book of judgment. Because God loves righteousness and faith, He must hate sin and unbelief. He cannot love truth unless He hates lies. He cannot love goodness unless He hates wickedness. He cannot reward unless He also punishes. The Old Testament repeatedly warns of coming judgment, particularly in those passages that describe the final Day of the Lord judgments (Joel 2:28-32; Zech. 14:1; Mal. 4:1, 5). The New Testament also reveals God's judgment of sinners. John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, preached a confronting, even harsh message of judgment. The apostle Paul spoke of "the God who inflicts wrath" (Rom. 3:5), noted that "the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience" (Col. 3:6), and described the terrifying time "when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power" (2 Thess. 1:7-9). Hebrews 10:26-31 concludes with these words, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge His people." It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Today, is a day of grace! But one day it will be to late for those who refuse to repent! God bless!