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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Anxiety. Depression. Suicidal thoughts. Some days can get so dark it feels like there’s no light in sight. But a band in Southern California believes the very darkness they face can give birth to light. It’s their name and the essence of who they are: they’re “Hopeful.”
In 2021, lead vocalist Randy James experienced extreme health complications. After battling an autoimmune disease for nearly a decade, things became even more intense. He was constantly sick, which led to anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Suicidal thoughts tormented his mind, and he was ready to give up on the music he loved to create. Until God gave him a lyric—and that lyric changed everything for him.
Formed in Oceanside, California, Randy and guitarist Hunter Jackson started recording music together shortly after God gave Randy the lyric that inspired hope. Joining forces with their friends Eddie Bulena, James Barragan, and producer Gable Price (founder of Gable Price and Friends), Hopeful. was born.
The punctuation in their name isn’t an accident. It’s essential to their story. Hopeful. strives to be a rebellion against hopelessness, and the period symbolizes that hope is the end of all discussions. God has changed each of the band members’ lives, giving them strength in their darkest seasons. And now they’re ready to make music that “kicks hopelessness in the teeth.”
“We’re making music because we want our songs to reach people at their darkest moments,” said Randy. “My goal for Hopeful. is that we can reach someone who’s at their breaking point and bring them back on a path of hope.”
Comprised of Randy on lead vocals, Hunter on lead guitar, Eddie on rhythm guitar, and James on drums, Hopeful. is producing “alternative ‘slap depression upside the head’ rock,” according to the band. Their sound is reminiscent of other bands like Switchfoot, Colony House, and The Killers, beginning with the release of their debut EP, When The Turbulence Hits.
Each of the five tracks on the EP was written for one purpose: to provide hope. When The Turbulence Hits begins with “Oxygen Mask,” an alternative rock-driven track encouraging listeners to care for themselves before helping someone else with their metaphorical “oxygen mask.” The second track, “Shipwrecked,” turns inward to when God rescued Randy from another bleak season of his life.
“I wrote some of the lyrics of ‘Shipwrecked’ six or seven years ago,” said Randy. “It was written during a dark time—even darker than that time in 2021. I was backsliding. But I heard God speaking to me, ‘Randy, you don’t close your eyes so you can see or hold your breath so you can breathe.’”
After working with Gable Price on “Shipwrecked,” those lyrics found their way into the catchy pop/rock track featuring Randy’s soaring vocals and the band’s booming electric guitars.
“We’re going to write music about hope, but we’re going to do it in a fun, unique, fresh-sounding way,” said Randy. “Gable has been a huge asset to that.”
Halfway through the EP, “Steady… Steadily” encourages listeners that “everything you’re going through is gonna make you strong.” With an arrangement reminiscent of a Coldplay song, the song has an emotional build-up and a drum and guitar-heavy finish featuring both Randy and Hunter on vocals.
As the record continues, “Pressure” is an upbeat song written by Randy, Hunter, and Bryce Suyenaga (drummer of Jettee). The song was inspired by their individual struggles with anxiety, juxtaposed with the hope of Jesus.
“The bridge is essentially Psalm 23,” said Randy. “We wanted to transition the song to how Jesus met us in our darkest moments and carried us through. Because of that, we’re feeling ‘so much better now.’”
The EP finishes with “Wasting Away,” a stripped-down, acoustic-driven song that wrestles with the frustration and negativity the music industry can bring. It was also inspired by Randy’s struggle with depression, and is a prayer encapsulated with the lyrics, “Please save me, Father, from wasting away.”
For Hopeful., When The Turbulence Hits is only the beginning. They’re currently working on a full-length album, with a new single that will be released by the end of summer. In the meantime, Hopeful. will make their debut at Alive Music Festival in Mineral City, Ohio, on July 19. For tickets, click here.
To stay up-to-date on Hopeful. and their upcoming releases, follow their journey on Instagram. Find out more about the band by visiting HopefulTheBand.com.
Hopeful. Rebels Against Hopelessness on When The Turbulence Hits
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When is Satan cast out of heaven?
A specific date is not given, but the next verses give us a hint:
And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.
– Revelation 12:13-14
When he sees he is thrown down to the earth (verse 13), Satan persecutes the woman who gave birth to the male child. Israel flees to the wilderness from Satan and his Anti-Christ figurehead and is nourished by God for the final three and one-half years (1260 days).
A “time” in the Bible is equal to one year. “A time, and times, and half a time” refers to three and one-half years. Satan is forever cast out of heaven midway into the seven-year Tribulation. This time cannot be attributed to any other moment in history. The context of the rest of Revelation and the other Scriptures won’t allow any other interpretation.
But wasn’t Satan thrown out before the creation of Adam and Eve?
Genesis tells us God relegated Satan to the dust of the earth after his corruption of Adam and Eve in Eden. He lost his first estate, but he still has limited access to heaven.
Wait. The devil doesn’t live in hell? What is he doing in heaven?
Many people don’t realize Satan doesn’t live in hell, as evidenced by the book of Job in the Old Testament and this section of Revelation 12 (See also Zechariah 3:1). He doesn’t live in heaven either. He’s a man without a country, relegated to the lowly position of God’s unwilling servant until his own day of reckoning in the final judgment.
How can he possibly be considered God’s servant?
God uses the devil to reveal both evil and the righteousness in the hearts of humanity. The human soul best relinquishes its fruit upon the threshing floor of trial.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.”
– Job 1:6-7
This scene is repeated in Job 2:1-2. According to the Scriptures, Satan constantly hurls accusations against believers before God.
“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.”
– Revelation 12:10
What does Satan do with his time on Earth when he is not busy accusing believers before God?
He’s roaming the earth looking for any weakness in a believer that he might exploit. He’s inflicting all the damage he can in a hellish scorched-earth policy to torment God’s people and cause God pain.
He knows how much God loves humans. He doesn’t understand it, but he knows how to use it to inflict pain upon the Kingdom.
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
– 1 Peter 5:8
At the mid-point of the tribulation, this door between heaven and earth shuts in Satan’s face. I believe Jesus’s statement in Luke 10:18 was forward facing:
And He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning.”
Satan falls every time a person finds Jesus; every time a believer finds victory in the midst of trial; every time a prayer is answered; every time he is reminded of his estate squirming in the dust, head crushed.
A day is coming when he will be completely vanquished to Earth.
For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.
– Revelation 12:12
A short time indeed. He will have 1260 days until he is locked up for a millenium. After Christ has ruled Earth for one thousand years, Satan will be released from his cell. He will lead another brief rebellion against God. This will be quickly squashed, and Satan will meet his final fate in the lake of fire.
This weekly series follows the story line of the Christian thriller Blood Falls. Each episode occurs in chronological order, giving context, perspective, and Biblical foundation for the novel. Discover the true stories and incredible facts behind the book! See the entire series here: https://cmaddict.com/tag/behind-blood-falls/
The Outcast – Behind Blood Falls
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We can understand the events of the last half of the Tribulation in the light of Revelation 12 and Matthew 24
And He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning.”
– Luke 10:18
As we have discussed in previous episodes of Behind Blood Falls, both the Old and New Testaments clearly prophesy a terrifying and distinct disruption of nature and world systems leading to a climax in history. These events will lead to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (not to be confused with the Rapture of the church that precedes these. Remember Enoch and Noah).
Why is it critical to understand what is happening upon the earth?
Your future depends upon it.
There is a time coming, as in the days of Noah, when God will pour out His wrath upon an unbelieving world. Unlike the first, this judgment will be executed with fire.
For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed by being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly people.
– 1 Peter 3:5-7
To whom was Jesus speaking in Matthew 24?
It’s important to read the Scriptures and understand them in proper context. Matthew 24 is a crucial chapter to get right, and it’s a particularly difficult passage that is often taken out of context. Matthew 24 is not written for the church, but for Israel. Remember Jesus was a Hebrew, the God-man who came first to His people, the Jews, as the long-awaited Deliverer. He already knew they would reject Him. This rejection opened the door for the Gentiles to be presented the opportunity to be grafted into the promises to Israel.
Be assured He has not deserted Israel. Judgment upon the world will simultaneously bring Israel to recognize their true Messiah.
His plan, given us as a type in the events of the worldwide flood, reveals the open door through the Messianic hope through Jesus. In antiquity, Noah listened to the Word of God and built a ship that would weather the storm. He represents those who are sealed in Christ and carried through the wrath upon evil. But we can never forget the strange disappearance of a godly man before judgment came: Enoch, taken away by God before the Flood, never to taste His wrath.
This template will be used again at the end. The Enoch generation of believers, called the Bride of Christ, will be taken to heaven. Those who turn to the Messiah Jesus Christ during the time of judgment called the Tribulation will be sealed in the “ark” of salvation and carried through the storm. Those who refuse to listen to God’s call will perish in the fire of destruction outlined in Revelation.
Christ’s urgent message to humanity:
Repent now and escape the wrath of God, or repent during the wrath to come and suffer through the storm. Multitudes will come to Christ, Jew and Gentile alike during that time, and will join the Bride of Christ in eternity. They will, however, have to suffer the consequences of waiting until the door is closed. It’s important to know God’s Word and put it in proper context.
Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.
– Matthew 24:15-20
As discussed earlier, these events cannot have already occurred, since Jesus distinctly speaks of their future fulfillment. No past historical event-not even the destruction of the Temple in AD 70-meets all the Scriptural requirements.
How can Revelation 12 help explain Matthew 24?
A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars;
– Revelation 12:1
Bible students offer differing views of who this woman might be. Is she the harlot? The New Testament believers? The Old and New Testament believers throughout history? A study of the Scriptures gives us the key to this passage. All the way back in Genesis, in a dream given to Joseph, we learn who this woman represents:
Now he had still another dream, and related it to his brothers, and said, “Lo, I have had still another dream; and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” He related it to his father and to his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have had? Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground?”
– Genesis 37:9-10
Joseph’s father, the patriarch Jacob, immediately knew the interpretation of the dream. He understood the sun and moon to represent him and his wife. The eleven stars represented Joseph’s brothers. God had already given Jacob a blessing and bestowed the new name Israel upon him (Genesis 32:28). Jacob’s twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel.
This woman in Revelation 12, therefore, symbolizes the nation of Israel.
And she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth.
– Revelation 12:2
A long-awaited deliverer…
At the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, God cursed both the ground and Satan. The ground afterward bore weeds along with the good crops man grew with his toil and sweat. Satan was forever sentenced to grovel before God and eat the dust of the earth. Mankind suffered both physical and spiritual death. He gave them a promise, however, in Genesis 3:14-15.
He promised them a Redeemer.
The long millennia between the promise and the Savior incurred much grief for the people of Israel. They longed for their Messiah; in pain, so to speak, to give birth.
Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems.
– Revelation 12:3
The red dragon symbolizes Satan, as is seen in other portions of the Revelation. He has seven heads bearing seven diadems, representing seven kingdoms under his power. The ten horns represent power in ten coming kingdoms.
Daniel received a vision during the first year of Belshazzar’s reign in Babylon. This vision showed him four great beasts coming up from the sea. Each was different.
- The lion with the wings of an eagle represented Babylon. A winged lion was the symbol of Babylon. The gates of the royal palaces of Babylon were decorated with winged lions. Daniel 7:4 describes the “plucking” of the lion’s wings, it being made to stand like a man, and that a human mind was given to it. These depictions describe Nebuchadnezzar’s pride causing him to lose his sanity. Symbolically, his wings were “plucked.” He crawled on all fours and ate grass in a pasture like an ox. When he remembered God, repented for his pride, and God restored him to the kingdom.
- The bear represented Medo-Persia. This beast is depicted as being “raised up on one side,” indicating the stronger kingdom of Persia. This creature was a voracious conqueror.
- The winged, four-headed leopard represented Greece. Alexander the Great of Greece quickly conquered territory from India to Africa. At his death, his four generals divided the kingdom four ways.
- The fourth beast represented the Roman Empire. This kingdom was especially cruel, devouring nations and crushing the rest. This beast had ten horns, or seats of power. From the ten horns arose another horn. This horn embodies a man, one full of boasts; the Anti-Christ, whose hour is yet to come.
After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the other beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. “While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts.
– Daniel 7:7-8
He will devour the earth.
Then I desired to know the exact meaning of the fourth beast, which Was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its claws of bronze, and which devoured, crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet, and the meaning of the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came up, and before which three of them fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth uttering great boasts and which was larger in appearance than its associates. “I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom. Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it.’
– Daniel 7:19-23
The ten horns symbolize ten kingdoms, after which another king arises, who will speak out against God and persecute the believers for three and one-half years of his seven-year reign. At the end of this period, he will be judged by God and removed from power. Then the everlasting kingdom of God will be established on earth. (Daniel 7:24-28)
The king spoken of here is the coming Anti-Christ. Revelation 13:2 reveals that the dragon (Satan) gives this king his power and authority.
Falling, falling
And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.
– Revelation 12:4
In Revelation 12:4 the dragon waits to devour the woman’s child, reminding us of Herod’s slaughter of the Jewish infants at his discovery of the birth of a Hebrew child destined to be king. (Matthew 2:13-18).
And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.
– Revelation 12:5
Amazingly, this one verse spans the thirty-three years of the Incarnation of the Word of God spoken of in the first chapter of John, the millennia between Christ’s first and second coming, and the Lord’s Ascension between the other two events.
The reference to one-third of the stars being swept away by the dragon is generally believed to be the number of angels who joined Satan in his rebellion and lost their first estate in heaven. These fallen angels now comprise the legions of demons under Satan’s command.
Though both the Old and New Testaments describe Satan’s ability to approach the throne of God with accusations toward believers, that day will end, probably at the mid- point of the Tribulation. When Satan is cast out of heaven to earth, his minions will join him. No longer will any unclean thing be able to approach God’s throne.
How you have fallen from heaven,
O star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth,
You who have weakened the nations!
– Isaiah 14:12
See also Ezekiel 28.
Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
– Revelation 12:6
Since a definite span of days is given, this can only refer to a time in the future, most probably Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24 concerning the coming Abomination of Desolation. This interpretation correlates with the time frame given in Daniel 7.
Here the scene changes in Revelation 12. Verses 7-12 describe “war in heaven” between the archangel Michael and his angels and the “dragon” Satan and his “angels.” Satan and his demon army are cast out of heaven forever.
And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world….
– Revelation 12:9
There’s no doubt who the dragon is, for here he is identified by four of his common Biblical names—dragon, serpent, devil, and Satan.
Jew and Gentile alike, we have been warned.
Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.
– Revelation 12:12
https://www.bloodfalls.net/
This weekly series follows the story line of the Christian thriller Blood Falls. Each episode occurs in chronological order, giving context, perspective, and Biblical foundation for the novel. Discover the true stories and incredible facts behind the book! See the entire series here: https://cmaddict.com/tag/behind-blood-falls/
Fall Like Lightning – Behind Blood Falls
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![The Gray Havens – “Anywhere” [Lyric Video]](https://cmaddict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-29-131407-150x150.png)
The Gray Havens – “Anywhere” [Lyric Video]
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![Micah Ariss – Thank You (Dark Version) [OFFICIAL AUDIO]](https://cmaddict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-29-072934-150x150.png)
Micah Ariss – Thank You (Dark Version) [OFFICIAL AUDIO]
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Grace Graber (feat. PEABOD) – No Regrets
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Marked for Judgment
The so-called “Mark of the Beast” has ignited the imagination of Bible scholars, pundits, common folk, and writers over the centuries. It’s the stuff of witches’ brews and green eyes in the dark. It reeks of Nero and Hitler, boots in the street, and glass breaking in the night. Apart from folklore and myths, the beast – and his mark – are real features of the events of the seven-year “day of wrath” upon the earth that we call the Tribulation.
Chapters 12 and 13 of the Revelation of Jesus Christ describe the casting out of Satan from heaven, the persecution of the Jewish people, and the rise of the beast, or Anti-Christ, who will briefly rule the nations. All those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will worship this man. He will have a second beast, the false prophet, described in Scripture as having the bearing of a lamb but the speech of a dragon. This false messiah will order the deaths of those who refuse to worship the beast.
And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.”
-Revelation 13:16-18
What does it mean to “calculate” the number of the beast?
In some of the languages of the ancient world, letters are associated with numerical values. The Greek practice of assigning a number to a letter is called gematria. The first letter of the Greek alphabet, Alpha, equals one. The second letter, Beta, equals two. And so on through the Greek alphabet.
Though there is some dispute among scholars, this mark, or designation, is usually calculated to be 666.
People try to plug in the numerical values to the names of their favorite villains to see who might be equal to that fateful number. A couple of things, however, are noteworthy.
- The Anti-Christ won’t be revealed until the Restrainer, understood to be the Holy Spirit, is removed (2 Thessalonians 2:7). Since Christians in the age of grace are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22), He won’t be leaving Earth without them. It’s a waste of time to try to guess who the beast is or if he is living now. We’re not going to know.
- The number 666 means more than just an identification number. The number of God is 7, the number of perfection or completeness. The Holy Trinity is associated with 777; the perfect expression of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Tribulation will be associated with the unholy trinity; the imperfect and twisted trio of beast, false prophet, and Satan: 666.
- Receiving the mark on either a hand or the forehead will identify a person as belonging to Satan, a deliberate act of worship and submission to his authority. Those who refuse the mark will pay with their lives.
- Some people will wear the name instead of the mark on their right hand or forehead.
- All commerce will be controlled by this system. It’s easy in today’s world to see that happening.
The Bowl Judgments: The Winepress of the Wrath of God
The last verses of Chapter 14 proclaim the harvest of the earth.
Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
– Revelation 14:9-12
From the Temple in heaven a loud voice announces the fearsome bowl judgments upon the earth. These judgments are described in Revelation 16:
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The first bowl judgment: Loathsome, Malignant Sores
So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.
– Revelation 16:2
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The second bowl judgment: Sea Turns to Blood
The second angel poured out his bowl onto the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea died.
– Revelation 16:3
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The third bowl judgment: Rivers and Springs Turn to Blood
Then the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters, and they became blood.
– Revelation 16:4
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The fourth bowl judgment: Men Are Scorched by the Sun
The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire.
– Revelation 16:8
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The fifth bowl judgment: Kingdom of Darkness and Pain Descends upon Mankind
Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain.
– Revelation 16:10-11
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The sixth bowl judgment: Euphrates Dries Up
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.
– Revelation 16:12
Between the sixth and seventh bowl judgments, the kings of the east join the nations arrayed on Tel Megiddo for the final battle, known as Har-Magedon, or Armageddon.
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The seventh bowl judgment: Great Earthquake Alters the World Topography
Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, “It is done.” And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and there was a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake was it, and so mighty.
– Revelation 16:17-18
Christ Himself will arrive to defeat His enemies in the plain of Tel Megiddo. Note that Scriptures also speak of war in the valley of Jehoshaphat at the end.
What will this “mark” be?
As technology evolves, so do theories as to what constitutes the mark. It may be a chip, a tattoo, or some technology not yet developed. All we know for sure is that receiving it seals a person’s doom in an eternal place of torment separated from the presence of God. It represents the final decision of a rebel heart against its Creator. Conversely, those who are sealed in Jesus during the Tribulation will never accept the mark. Most of them will be martyred and ushered into a place of rest to await the Second Coming of Christ. As God brings justice for those who love Him, a horrific end awaits the beast and those who worship him.
And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.
– Revelation 19:19-21
https://www.bloodfalls.net/
This weekly series follows the story line of the Christian thriller Blood Falls. Each episode occurs in chronological order, giving context, perspective, and Biblical foundation for the novel. Discover the true stories and incredible facts behind the book! See the entire series here: https://cmaddict.com/tag/behind-blood-falls/
666 – Behind Blood Falls
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Life weighs heavy on us and sometimes we need some songs to keep us in the fight. Don’t give up!
Listen on Spotify or below.
Worth The Fight
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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are.. Romans 8:18
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And some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge, and make them pure, until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time.
– Daniel 11:35
Another prince from the Roman Empire must arise at the end.
Daniel 9:24-27 refers to a set of seventy prophetic weeks, or “sevens” to accomplish the cleansing and eternal restoration of Israel. At the last “week,” or seven years, a prince will arise out of the old Roman Empire (the people of the prince who is to come). This prince will make a covenant for one week but break the covenant mid-week. The chapter ends with the declaration this prince will be destroyed. But neither Antiochus nor Titus met these conditions.
Daniel 11:1-34 relates a stunningly accurate prophecy regarding the rise of Antiochus Epiphanes and his political battles. Though written approximately 350 years before Antiochus, they describe him in amazing detail and establish Daniel’s credentials as a prophet.
Now we know exactly what an abomination of desolation looks like for the Jewish people.
Then in rest of the chapter and on to Daniel 12, there is a shift. This shift is signaled by the declaration that an appointed “end time” is still to come.
The Bible often employs a literary device called “prophetic foreshortening,” meaning sections of time are spanned within a short space in the word, sometimes from one verse or a single sentence to the next. A good example of this is the leap made by Isaiah:
For a child will be born to us; a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
– Isaiah 9:6
Between these verses lies a span of thousands of years. The son given to us is Jesus Christ. The coming government will be instituted at His Second Coming. One event has already transpired. The second has yet to be fulfilled. Yet the Scriptures speak the words as if in a single breath of time.
Daniel 11:36 through Daniel 12 describes a landscape filled with heavenly warfare and a man who speaks monstrous things against God. It forecasts a distress upon the nation of Israel like it has never seen. We read again of another abomination of desolation:
From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. How blessed he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1, 335 days!
– Daniel 12:11
The Rise of the Lawless One
The Bible clearly speaks of future time when a “man of lawlessness” sets himself up as God in the temple. His end is brought about by the second return of Christ in glory, which is a different event than the rapture.
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God…And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming.
– 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; 6-8
Rightly Dividing the Truth
As with all Bible doctrine, the study of the last days must be understood in context of the whole of Scripture and history.
Luke 19:43-44 speaks directly of the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple under Titus. Luke 21:20-24 begins with similar warning but is attached to a broader outline of events. Note the prediction of a Jewish diaspora until the “times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” This scattering of the Jewish nation began with Babylon in 586 BC. Even before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, about 5,000,000 Jews lived in areas other than their ancient homeland.
Note in Luke 19:45 Jesus continued to explain the next prophetic events after the end of the age of grace, culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ in great power and glory to redeem the Jewish people and believers who have endured through God’s wrath.
Mark 13:3-27 describe a similar scene to that of Matthew 24 and Luke 19-21. These plainly showed both coming immediate fulfillment and another at the time of the end.
Coming next week: 666 – Behind Blood Falls
This weekly series follows the story line of the Christian thriller Blood Falls. Each episode occurs in chronological order, giving context, perspective, and Biblical foundation for the novel. Discover the true stories and incredible facts behind the book! See the entire series here: https://cmaddict.com/tag/behind-blood-falls/
The Lawless One – Behind Blood Falls
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Samuel Jacob Lopez Jr. of Coquí shares the heart behind his new song “Today” on DREAM Records
Your new song “Today” just released. Can you tell me what the song means to you?
It’s all about navigating through the shadows of worry and doubt by embracing faith in God’s timing. At its heart, the song encourages us to let go and trust in something greater than ourselves (Jesus Christ) to guide us forward.
If you could tie bible verses to the message of the song, which ones would you pick and why?
James 1:2-4 (LSB):
“Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith brings about perseverance. And let perseverance have it’s perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
This passage really hits home on how sticking it out through tough times with faith and patience can help us grow spiritually and lean on the Lord’s guidance.
What do you hope your audience gains from the message of the song? What is the takeaway?
I really hope this song resonates with anyone looking for a new direction or simply just a reminder to stay grateful, even when times are tough. More than anything, I want it to bring a bit of light to anyone who might be in a dark place.
Lyrics
Today
I wanna talk about what could make you strong
Was hardly in the mood to eat
My stomach hates anxietyI had to figure out what I was doing wrong
All the things I couldn’t see
My mind was playing tricks on mewhen you want something in your life
don’t worry
when it’s time it’ll be just right
don’t hurry
you’re alive, everything’s just fine
don’t worry
when it’s time it’ll be just rightoh
I can’t wait to hear you sayToday was the best day that I have ever had
I’m alive and feeling glad
i’m ready to take it onYou’re probably thinking that you’ve had enough
The same old story always feeling stuck
And lately getting out of bed is tough
The fear is stopping you from getting upwhen you want something in your life
don’t worry
when it’s time it’ll be just right
don’t hurry
you’re alive, everything’s just fine
don’t worry
when it’s time it’ll be just rightoh
I can’t wait to hear you sayToday was the best day that I have ever had
I’m alive and feeling glad
i’m ready to take it onDon’t rely on what you know
Just open your heart up to the lord
Don’t let the world try to get u to stay
feeling down in the dumps, like there’s nothing to gainJust recognize who’s in control
You don’t need to fight this on your own
Let the holy spirit light up your way
and pull you out of the darkness away from the painToday was the best day that I have ever had
I’m alive and feeling glad
i’m ready to take it on
Behind the Song Devotional – “Today” by Samuel Jacob Lopez Jr. of Coquí
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Nashville, TN — April 18, 2024. Kate Stanford, an emerging powerhouse in Christian music, is thrilled to announce the release of her latest single, “Stand on Your Promises.” Produced by Sam Hart, known for his exceptional work with artists such as Big Daddy Weave, Meredith Andrews, Unspoken, and Sanctus Real, “Stand on Your Promises” is available tomorrow, April 19, on all major streaming platforms.
“Stand on Your Promises is an anthem of hope,” explains Stanford. “What originally inspired this song was my struggle with both physical and emotional pain. I have dealt with chronic migraines for the past year and could not get out of bed. This led me to be depressed and hopeless. But even in my darkest times, Jesus met me every step of the way. He answered my prayers and brought me out of the darkness. He gave me joy and hope and provided me with community here in Nashville. I want listeners to know that whatever they may be going through, it will get better. Stand on His promises and He will make a way for you.”
Following Stanford’s 2023 release, “Your Heart,” which was produced by two-time GRAMMY nominee Cindy Morgan, comes the latest single. Kate’s unmistakable vocals and Sam Hart’s unparalleled production expertise make “Stand on Your Promises” a must-listen for fans of uplifting and inspiring music.
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Stanford’s musical journey began at a young age, singing as both a classically trained singer and a contemporary artist. Since 2019, she has released a series of acclaimed singles that have quickly found an audience on radio, streaming platforms, and social media.
Follow Kate Stanford on her socials for uplifting content, and to stay updated on her latest releases and performances:
Website: www.katestanfordmusic.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katestanfordmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katestanfordmusic/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katestanfordmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC77qypb0RDT3d7iXUVJWMMw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BVwjeV33enWxFuRSwMNpk?si=_7ATuUzdQuexpENWD4Imkw
Kate Stanford, a Rising Force in Christian Music, Unveils New Single “Stand on Your Promises”
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When you realize the coolest song you’ve ever heard is only one minute long.
#funny #dog #music #bummer
Only one minute long
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Sarah Reeves – Get Back Your Fight (Cinematic) Official Music Video
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In the Silence – Crystoria : Official Audio Video
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Antiochus, Titus, and the Anti-Christ
And he will confirm a covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come the one who makes desolate, until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, gushes forth on the one who makes desolate.
– Daniel 9:27
Some folks teach that the Abomination of Desolation mentioned in Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11, Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, Luke 21:20 and Revelation 13:5-6 has already been completely fulfilled in one or both of two past events. This forces the Bible student to place the prophecies in a vacuum not corresponding to the context of the Scriptures.
One is that of Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
Epiphanes the Mad
Antiochus IV (born c. 215 BC—died 164) was a Seleucid king who reigned from 175 to 164 BC. He took the title Epiphanes, which means “God manifest” in Greek, but he was also known as “Epimanes,” or “The Mad.”
He was determined to Hellenize his kingdom, building a temple to Zeus in Athens and converting cities to Greek culture. In 167 BC, he stormed into Jerusalem and enforced his Hellenization policies upon its people. Jewish rites and worship were forbidden. On December 15, 167 BC, an altar to Zeus Olympios was set up in the temple and sacrifices offered there.
Titus of Rome
Titus Vespasianus Augustus (born Dec. 30, 39 AD—died Sept. 13, 81 AD) commanded a Roman legion under his father, Emperor Vespasian. In 70 AD, his father put him in charge of conquering insurgent Jerusalem.
The general set a siege against the city on April of 70 AD, coinciding with Passover. He allowed pilgrims into Jerusalem but didn’t let them leave in a bid to starve the city into submission. In August, the Romans entered the city, massacring men, women, and children without pity.
Jewish historian Flavius Josephus gave us a chilling first-person account of the fall of Jerusalem, describing the destruction of the Second Temple by the Roman army in vivid detail. According to his account, the destruction of the temple was a bloody one as the Jews resisted and the Romans became enraged. He described the Temple Mount as appearing to be “boiling over from its base,” with blood seemingly more abundant than even the flames.
The soldiers looted the sanctuary, taking relics back with them to parade at Rome.
Josephus reported also that the soldiers brought their Roman standards into the temple court opposite the eastern gate and offered sacrifices to these symbols of Roman authority. These standards bore various symbols and identified each legion. The most popular of the infantry symbols was the Aquila, or eagle.
Thus, the entire city was subjugated to the Romans. Most of its inhabitants were either killed or taken into captivity.
Titus became emperor at his father’s death in June 23, 79 AD, and he ruled until his untimely death in 81 AD at the age of only forty-one.
Both these men defiled the temple in Jerusalem.
These past desecrations did not fulfill the prophecy of Daniel. I submit that they foreshadowed the coming, horrific desecration at the end of the age. Remember, Jesus described the abomination of desolation in the context of a coming event. That rules out Antiochus Epiphanes IV as having completely fulfilled the prophecy. Titus did not fulfill Daniel’s enigmatic mention of the 1290 days.
The People of the Prince to Come
Then after the sixty-two weeks, the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.
– Daniel 9:26
Daniel clearly prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, which was accomplished by Roman soldiers in AD 70. Since the “people” who destroyed the city (Jerusalem) and the sanctuary (the Temple in its entirety) represented the Roman Empire, the “prince who is come” must arise from the old Roman Empire.
Trump is not the Anti-Christ. Neither is Biden.
Resist the urge to try to figure out the identity of the Beast of Revelation. The Bible specifically warns that the “man of lawlessness” will not be revealed until the “restrainer,” or Holy Spirit, is taken away. Since believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, and He has promised that He will never leave us, when He leaves, He will take us with Him.
Until then, the identity of Anti-Christ is of no concern to us. Instead of watching for the Beast, we’re called to watch for Jesus.
Coming next week: The Lawless One – Behind Blood Falls
This weekly series follows the story line of the Christian thriller Blood Falls. Each episode occurs in chronological order, giving context, perspective, and Biblical foundation for the novel. Discover the true stories and incredible facts behind the book! See the entire series here: https://cmaddict.com/tag/behind-blood-falls/
Abomination – Behind Blood Falls
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‘AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’
Mark 12:30
The First Commandment
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Sometimes you just have to laugh, right? AI can sometimes be ridiculous and absolutely hilarious.
I ASKED A.I. this…
IT GENERATED THIS RESULT…
In the midst of clash and clatter,
Stood Mawcore, ready for the matter.
With guitars as their shining swords,
And drums that roared like mighty lords.“Charge!” cried Jeff with a strum so fierce,
The enemies paused, their armor pierced.
Jeremy’s bass, deep and profound,
Made the ground shake, the foes astound.Ryan on drums, with beats so bold,
Called forth thunder from days of old.
Joshua’s voice, a rallying cry,
Lifted spirits, made courage fly.Chris with his keys, did not repel,
But played a tune that rang the victory bell.
Together they played, a symphony of fight,
Turning the battle into a musical delight.So remember Mawcore, when in a fray,
They’ll sing and play the foes away.
For in their tunes, there’s power to find,
A band of brothers, one of a kind.This story was written in just a few seconds by artificial intelligence. Even the images were created by AI. Obviously this is just for fun, Mawcore is awesome. Check them out HERE. If you have any ideas about what to ask next let me know in the comments!
All Answers by Microsoft CoPilot – Images generated by Adobe Express Generative AI
I ASKED A.I. “write a funny poem about the band Mawcore singing during a battle”
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Aaron Cole – PROOF (Official Lyric Video)
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Newsboys – Heaven On Earth (Official Performance Video)
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