The Apocalyptic Derby

Title: The Apocalyptic Derby!

Text: Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

Matthew 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Matthew 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Intro: Yesterday, we saw a parade of jockey's and beautiful horses. The horses were extremely well breed and demonstrated speed and power. The race was hyped for nearly a year, but over with in a couple of minutes. This is just like prophecy. The Bible has spoke of the end time for centuries and people have ignored the truth. However, the prophecies of the Bible will come to pass with a derby of different sorts. An apocalyptic derby. And it's message is simple . . .

PROP: JESUS IS COMING SOON, ARE YOU READY?

READ REVELATION 4:1-6:8

REV. 4:1-3 (SCENE 1) THRONE OF GOD

REV. 4:4

(SCENE 2) REDEEMED CHURCH, They are dressed in white garments, promised to every believer in Rev. 2:10;3:4.

In the O.T. vision of God's throne, where the serephims and cherubims are mentioned, there are no elders present. These elders have their names on the gates/foundation of New Jerusalem.

REV. 4:5-6A (SCENE 3) SPIRIT OF JUDGEMENT AND BURNING.

Isaiah 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

REV. 4:6B-8 (SCENE 4) 4 LIVING INTELLIGENT CREATURES REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL CREATION: LION - WILD ANIMALS, THE CALF - DOMESTICATED ANIMALS, EAGLE- BIRDS, MAN - IMAGE OF GOD.

2 TYPES OF ANGELS AROUND THE THRONE:

1) Seraphim - So full of the reflective glory of God that they seem to be on fire. They cry, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Host: The whole earth is full of His glory."

2) Cherubim - keepers of the garden.

They cry, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."

3 HOLY'S FOR THE TRINITY OR GODHEAD

2 TYPES OF ANGELS AROUND THE THRONE REPRESENTING HOLINESS: SEPARATION FROM EVIL AND DEDICATION TO GOD.

REV. 4:9-11 (SCENE 5) OVERFLOW OF WORSHIP FROM THE BEAST.

REV. 5 (SCENE 6) THE LAMB WHO IS WORTHY TO OPEN THE SEALS

REV 6 (SCENE 7) THE APOCTYLIPTIC DERBY

Rev 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

Rev 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

I. THE FIRST HORSE OF THE APOCALYPTIC DERBY

A. THIS HORSE REPRESENTS THE RISE OF THE ANTICHRIST.

1. He will be an ambitious ruler who will embody the likes of Nebuchunezzar, Antiochus Epiphanes (from Syria), and Hitler. His goal is total world domination and personal worship according to Rev. 13.

2. He will be a brilliant Economist and a Military genius. (Dan. 8:25)

Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

3. He will rise to power over a 10 kingdom confederacy and attain world wide domination after defeating three kings or world leaders. This could be through military or political defeat. (Dan. 7:24; Rev. 13)

4. He will promise peace. (move to number 2) In fact, world peace will actually be his platform for war.(Dan.8:25; 1Th. 5:3)

1 Thes 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

5. The world climate is staged for a one world government for many reasons:

1) Fear of nuclear war

2) Economic uncertainty

3) Rising influence of U.N.

Kim Respank, former president of the United Nations said, "Send us a man who will bring the world together and join us together in peace, and we will serve him, be he God or devil!"