Notes on Lecture: Biblical Prophecy, History, and Reality

Opening Remarks

• Gave thanks and praises to the Most High.
• Audience included people from various countries.
• Mentioned a change in lecture topic due to recent events.

Key Scripture: Revelation 2:1-5

• Explanation of the angel of the Church of Ephesus: refers to church leaders.
• Discussed the spirit in Ephesus and its relevance today.

History, Reality, and Prophecy

• History: Events that happened in the past.
• Reality: Current events and situations.
• Prophecy: Predictions and events yet to come.
• The Bible covers all three: history, reality, and prophecy.

Revelation 2 and Leadership

• Leadership roles of bishops and deacons in the church.
• The problem in Ephesus was similar to that in Corinth: false apostles.
• Key verses: Revelation 2:1-5 and 2 Corinthians 11:12-13.
• Importance of order and self-examination in leadership.

Warning to the Church of Ephesus

• Emphasis on returning to one’s first love in faith (Revelation 2:4-5).
• Self-examination: critical for spiritual growth and maintaining faith.
• Key verse: 2 Corinthians 13:5.
• Self-examination involves understanding one's shortcomings and goals.

Examination of Believers

• Symptoms of spiritual decline (Mark 4:15-19).
• Being hot (fervent) versus lukewarm in faith (Revelation 3:14-16).
• Causes of spiritual fall (cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches).
• Maintaining zeal and first works as essential.
• Key verse: Matthew 24:10.

Practical Advice and Warnings

• Examination of oneself is necessary to identify spiritual problems.
• Importance of maintaining good work and supporting the mission (Titus 3:8, Sirach 33:17, Philippians 2:3-5).
• Highlighting a rapper's testimonial on industry corruption as a caution against worldly temptations.
• Biblical instruction to balance work and spiritual devotion (Sirach 38:24-25, Titus 3:8).

Haggai and Building God's House

• Building God’s house over focusing on personal gains (Haggai 1:4-10).
• Encouragement for believers to be diligent in God's work.

Financial Stewardship and Spiritual Focus

• Key necessities: water, food, clothing, shelter (Sirach 29:21-22).
• Avoiding dependence on others (Sirach 36:26, Sirach 40:28-30).
• Importance of working and contributing to the community (Ephesians 4:28).
• Avoiding Beggar’s life and sustaining oneself (Sirach 7:15, Sirach 29).

The Role of Faith in Sustenance

• Avoiding over-reliance on work to the detriment of spiritual growth.
• Balancing work with faith and learning (Sirach 38:24-25, 1 Corinthians 1:10, Romans 15:6).

Biblical Prophecy: Revelation 13

• Extensive analysis of the beast with seven heads and ten horns, representing major empires and European Union.
• Importance of understanding biblical symbols and their implications.
• Revived Roman Empire in the form of European powers and America.
• Blasphemies against God by the white nations (Sistine Chapel, false images).

Consequences of Historical Actions

• Retribution for slavery and killings (Revelation 13:10).
• Biblical justice: nations that led in captivity will go into captivity.

Revelation 13's Interpretation

• Revelation 17: NATO and European Union’s eventual betrayal of America.
• Biblical narrative of nations turning against America.
• Example of Rome’s fall and the rise of Britain and America.

Final Exhortations

• Encouragement for unity and solidarity in faith (Philippians 2:2, Ephesians 4:3).

• Prophetic conclusion: ultimate victory of the Lamb over nations (Revelation 17:14).

• Assurance of divine justice and eventual retribution.

• Concluding prayer and affirmation of faith.