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Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

This Bible Study was originally written by Roger Christopherson,
published at http://www.theseason.org/

Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.

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God does not deal in fiction, however, He does speak in parables. This is done by Him to hide the truth from the eyes and ears of those people He does not want to see, and hear His message with understanding. This is pointed out in Matthew 13:11-14.

Speaking of Matthew 13:11-14. Would you like to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven? Did you know that Jesus Christ gave the brotherhood, His family, the key of David (Rev. 3:7) to open and unlock the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, even those "mysteries" which are contained in the eight parables spoken in this 13th chapter of Matthew. You were already told how to become part of that family, that brotherhood, in Matthew 12:50: "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." That does not mean that God does not love those who do not seek Him to do His will. On the contrary, it is precisely because He does love them that He speaks to them in parables, lest they should see and hear and become accountable to the point they could commit the unpardonable sin, the penalty of which is to follow the son of perdition into the lake of fire.

And therefore; Miss the opportunity to be awarded eternal life at the end of our Lord's Millennial Kingdom!

It reveals the coming into existence of a one world system, and at the completion of its growth, that world wide system is ruled by Satan as the false-christ.

In fact, most of the proclaiming Christian world will actually think that Satan is Jesus Christ.

God uses this symbolism so that those who really don't care to study Scripture, not knowing how to tell the difference between what is holy and what is profane; will thereby, not be able to commit the unforgivable sin.

This chapter speaks of two beasts, but when we separate the two beasts, we see one is a political beast, while the second and last beast is a religious beast.

The political beast is a whole political system, and is being formed today and active and ruling under the name of "One-worldism", i.e. "Mystery Babylon".

See Live Link to- "Mystery Babylon"
It operates under the banner of the "United Nations", and it's governing agencies are made up of nearly the entire world, in theory, working together for world "peace".

American Wisdom Series Editor's Note:Through this Kenite controlled organization peace talks are carried on in China, North Korea, Ireland, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Haiti, and on and on. There is peace, peace, talked about everywhere, and it is all brought about to draw all nations of the world into, and under the United Nations control, and that of it's agencies. BUT, IT IS ONLY TALKED ABOUT AND NEVER TO BE ACCOMPLISHED! WHY, BECAUSE LIKE EVERY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY! Both foreign and domestic! FOUNDED TO ACCOMPLISH A CERTAIN TASK! THEY ARE RUN BY PEOPLE, WHO IF THEY WERE TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR MISSION; WOULD BE OUT OF WORK; NO LONGER NEEDED! UN-EMPLOYED!

Revelation 13:1 "And I [John] stood upon the sand of the sea, and [I] saw a beast rise out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy."

This is John's vision, and the sea that John is standing on and the beast is rising out of represents the masses of peoples of the world.

This "sea", or masses of people are looking to this "beast" [political beast] as their peace system.

The "seven heads" are seven dominions of the people, or seven continents of this world body; as even the activities and divisions at the North and South Poles are governed through the United Nations Charter. It covers the entire world land masses.

These "ten horns" are ten agencies, or units of power flowing from this beast, or political system.
These horns are the Military force, the world health organization, UNICEF for children, the world bank, the world court, and so on.

This is very similar to the system of government given in Genesis 11, under Nimrod.

The "Kenites" pulling strings within the United Nations are trying to bypass God, and create their own salvation.

The "Ten crowns" are ten men, or heads of large governments, such as the President of the United States, and the heads of other major world powers such as England, and men of Russia, China, Japan, and so on.

Each of these men, at least on the surface, appear to be giving their authority over to the United Nations willfully.

This is what some of the recent wars in the middle east have been about, the yielding of sovereignty to the United Nations, which some middle east countries refuse to do.

This system, and governmental order is the same as Satan used in the first earth age, as we saw and read in Revelation 12:3 however there are some major differences.
Notice that in Revelation 12:3 from the first earth age that the seven heads [individuals] wore the seven crowns. where by in this earth age, under the political beast of the United Nations it is not individual rulers that have the crowns but the horns of power, the agencies.
They exercise their authority by what the agenda of their agencies are.

Revelation 13:2 "And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority."

This political beast has the "feet of a bear", and we know that has to be Russia [Esau]. The mouth of the beast is the "mouth of a lion", which will tare it's prey with his lies and deceitfulness. "And the Dragon gave him his power," and we know the Dragon from Revelation 12:9 is Satan. The driving force within "one worldism" is Satan, with the Kenites, Satan's kids, doing the work. As our young men fight for the United Nation's Forces, we know now what the fight is all about.

We also know the Dragon is the spiritual force behind every agency of the United Nation, and this is allowing us a better understanding why they do what they do. This is why we see them picking, and selecting what they hold dear, while allowing millions of other people to be slaughtered. The Kenites with their Satanic controled agenda sets the course.

Remember also that this one world system is compared to the Babylonian kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar's day. And just as that kingdom was a type set up by God to discipline the house of Judah, so it is through this Kenite set up kingdom, of these end times, that God is to test and discipline the people of our time.

Revelation 13:3 "And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

One of the ten countries, or agencies, in the leadership of the beast "were wounded unto death". How does a office, or government of a country die? Of course in that it's political system falls apart.

Again this is still only speculation but, It doesn't take too much thinking to see what nation of immense strength might fall, and then was propped up by the world wide system of this political beast. Billions of U.S. and British tax dollars go to Russia, as a gift from the world bank [the world system], and not the American people. Other nations also gave in the name of this Satanic system.

Again, and again this is still only speculation but, I believe this is when Satan rides into town as the spurious messiah and using his influence over the Kenites and the first beast gets them to save Russia, one of the heads of that first beast.

Revelation 13:4 "And they worshipped the dragon which [because he] gave power [his authority] unto the the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

John Rhine, The American Wisdom Series Editor's Note: You can claim I'm all wet but you must admit it is a possible explanation.

The professing Christian world will worship Satan [the Antichrist] and his "one world system", because they will think that he is Christ. It is obvious when you watch the news, to see God fearing doctors and nurses, as well as many other humanitarians, and even children all giving of themselves to others around the world, all in the name of this political beast. It is the stamp of the U.N. that gets the praise, not the individual or a nation, before the public.

The leaders of the United Nations, and it's agencies have "the teeth of the lions." This verse is alive today, and the whole world is looking to this beast [U.N.] for its food, protection, guidance, medical aid, and so on; and even to the newly set of international trade and commerce treaty laws.

The political beast now has another head, and it is now the head of an religious beast. When the authority behind this political beast arrives on earth, at that time the people of the world will call him "saviour". That authority [in verse two] is Satan, the dragon, and he is cast onto the earth by Michael.

The "head wound" is not to an individual then, but to a "political system". When one of the major players drops out of that system, it will be in serious trouble of ending. We see also that if the system is world wide, no one could make war with it, for they're all part of it.

Revelation 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power [authority] was given unto him to continue forty and two months."

When Satan has arrived to rule over this beast, or one world system, out of his mouth will come all sorts of lies and blasphemies. He has power only because he was given that power and authority from God, as we saw in Revelation 9:1. Now note how long it is for: "forty two months". Remember, all times given in days are given to the children of God of the light, while all times given in months or moons pertain to Satan and his system of darkness. Revelation 9:5, 10 lets us know that this time has been shortened to five months for the elects sake.

Daniel 8:22-24 tells us that Satan comes in peacefully, and prosperous, and those within his system will have the same prosperity. Who can fight that promise? How much is your soul worth? Satan is not here now, however, when he arrives, in person, as the Antichrist, the spurious messiah, he will offer you what ever you think your soul is worth.

Revelation 13:6 "And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."

Satan [the Antichrist] is mad and in rage against God, and all who are God's children, as well as the authorities in heaven, and this is because he just got kicked out of heaven. There is only one group of people that will not accept Satan, and that is God's elect. They know what is to come upon the earth, while all others will worship Satan, and be part of his system.

Revelation 13:7 "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nation."

The only war that exists now will be a spiritual war, a war of words, ideas, concepts, and doctrine. This is why we must have our full armor of God on, as recorded in Ephesians 6:10-20. It spells out the type of warfare and the armor necessary. Satan has power over all other peoples of the earth, because he rules over his one world system. The "elect of God" will be delivered up to Satan's revival for the purpose of conversion.

Revelation 13:8 "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."

The whole world will worship the Antichrist [Satan] as Christ, except those "whose names were chosen from before the foundations of this world." They are the "elect" of God. Also in the group to stand against Satan are the 144,000 of chapter seven. The twelve thousand individuals sealed from each tribe of Israel. These are the only ones God will allow to understand the prophecies of the end times.

The elect's names were written in the "book of life" for the stand they took in the first earth age, that time when Satan fell and took one third of us angelic souls with him.

If you have the seal of God, or the knowledge and understanding of end time prophecy in your mind, you can stand against Satan [the false-christ].

Revelation 13:10 "He that leadeth into [if any man is for] captivity [he] shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."

This is the start of the religious beast system, and is the part that will bring most Christians down. If this doesn't do or mean much to you, it's because it's a Hebrew idiom, translated into Greek, and then into English. It loses a lot along the way. It means that those that are destined to go into captivity, shall be taken captive. Satan will take them, and deceive them, and God will allow it. However, they can, and more then likely will be saved during the teaching of the Millennium age.

Those that are destined to be killed, will be killed. We know the two witnesses are two destined to be killed. God's election are also held captive by almighty God, and they will witness when called to do so. The witnessing will be done by God's holy Spirit flowing through them.

Revelation 13:11 "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon."

This beast coming up out of the earth looks like a Lamb [Jesus Christ], yet he speaks like a dragon; because he is the dragon [Satan]. He claims to be Jesus, and most Christians will believe him. He has plenty of sweet talk, blessings, wealth and what ever valued price you put on your soul, to sell your soul. Have you thought of what price you would put for your soul?

Revelation 13:12 "And he exerciseth all the power [authority] of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed."

Satan [the false-christ] uses all the power and authority he has, because it is given to him by God. God allowed the "one worldism" to take place, because it is in God's plan. He gave us that plan, and that is what we are studying now. It is Satan that will cause the wounded political beast, "one world system" to come back together after it falls apart. Then that system, and all the people on the face of the earth will worship Satan. All, except the elect of God, and those sealed in their minds.

Revelation 13:13 "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men."

Satan will snap his fingers and lightning will come down from heaven. Satan will bring miracles, and supernatural wonders with him, and these wonders are given by God to perform the test the people of the world.

Revelation 13:14 "And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles [signs] which he had power [it was given him] to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live."

This is the whole object for the great tribulation. "DECEPTION"! Satan is going to make an image of this "one world system" [religious beast] and breath life into the system. Their will be something symbolic created within the system that will cause the whole world to bow. This reminds me of the "image" created in Babylon's "one world government" under king Nebuchadnezzar, in Daniel 3. At that time there were only three that would not bow to the image.

Revelation 13:15 "And he had power [it was given unto him] to give life [breath] unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."

Satan while sitting in his temple in Jerusalem is given the power to assign his authority to the new religious beast, the "one world system. He has been given the control of all the people on the earth, and he will require them to worship him as god. Satan [the spurious messiah] will require their respect, and he will give protection to them and his system. So both the system, and the Antichrist will demand the respect and worship of all people.

This is in reference to the two witnesses that will be killed, for the trouble they caused to Satan, the people of the earth, and Satan's religious system.

The moment the political beast is healed, it becomes a religious order, and sets up his moral codes and controls. It will be a copy of Christ's kingdom that will follow, however, it is a complete deception, and cheap imitation.

Revelation 13:16 "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:"

This is the "Mark of the beast" which is confusing to many today. This mark is in your hand, and in your forehead. Can a electronic chip be put in your hand, and forehead, change your beliefs? I don't think so.

"In your hand" is an idiom that means to do Satan's work. You do the work of Satan [the Antichrist] when you bring others to him, or help in his system. This mark in the hand is speaking in a spiritual sense. "In the forehead" is referring to your mind [brain]. Being deceived by Satan in your mind is when you think he is the true Christ, and in ignorance you worship him. No computer chip will condemn you, for it is your faith that you will be judged by.

Revelation 13:17 "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

If you take the "mark of the beast" it is a matter of whether you have studied God's word, or not. The mark is a matter of knowing that two Christ's are coming, and the fake christ is coming first. If you do not know the difference or that there are two, you will worship Satan thinking he is the true Christ, and you will be deceived. You will be in this world when the Antichrist controls it. We must all eat to stay alive, However, we will not get our bread through worshipping the Antichrist, or relying on his system. Satan's rule is five months, and God has warned us in Malachi, that we had better have a store house for this time.

Learn what you must have to fill your needs, and stock up on it. Learn how to barter, and God will protect you. Satan will try to win you over, however, Do not participate in his system.

John Rhine, The American Wisdom Series Editor again: Speaking of Buying and selling; Is the author above on the right track? Are we talking about food to feed our flesh and blood bodies or food to feed our spirit /soul?

Let's go to the book of Luke for some insight! So here's a good question, "Just how does one make a "spiritual deposit" in heaven?"

Dr.Luke's account gives us great insight into the answer, i.e. how to "lay up treasures" in heaven. It is actually very simple if you have eyes to see. Christ says to "Sell that you have, and give alms".

Remember we are talking about God's Elect during Satan's five months on earth as the false-christ. Well first of all, what is it that God's elect have to sell?

Just the most precious thing in all the universe... the Word of God, His precious truth which gives life, eternal life. How you do your "selling" depends on the talents you have which have been given unto you (Matthew 25:29 "For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.").

Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

The word "bags" is #G905 and means a pouch (for money) and to "wax not old" means it will never wear out. You see, when you make a spiritual deposit in heaven there is no one who can take it from you. It is yours for all eternity. Then too, the "wise" also know that the time is soon coming, the hour of darkness, when Satan, the spurious messiah, is here defacto and no one will be able to spiritually "buy or sell" unless he or she is part of and has the authority of (the name of) the beast! That leaves God's elect out, doesn't it? Rev. 13:17 "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

The bottom line to all of this is, "Where and with whom does your heart lie?" It what and in whom do you put your trust and security? Do you desire more to make deposits in the First Bank and Trust Co. or is your number one priority to love and serve your Father by declaring His righteousness, thereby making deposits in the First Bank of Heaven?

Let's go to the book of Matthew for some more insight!

Matthew 19:20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
Well, true to His Word, Christ is now going to tell the young rich man what to do about what he "lacks", which is "perfection" which means maturity in the Word of God. Take note of the word "IF" used again in this verse for it is a matter of choice... your choice!

Matthew 19:21
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Unfortunately, this statement went right over the head of the rich man, as it does with most Christians who are blinded by the traditions of men. At this point, even the disciples did not think this out on the spiritual level Christ was explaining, which is simply the same thing He stated before which was IF the man truly wanted to be "perfect", complete and mature, then he needed to keep the commandments, which is to do God's will. All Christ is doing now is expounding upon the will of God, which is to do the work His servants were sent here to do... which is what?

Remember Mat. 13? Go "sell all you have" and purchase the field full of spiritual riches and that pearl of great price. Matthew 13:44 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." Then, once he or she "is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven" that servant becomes as an householder and is to take of that precious treasure and bring it forth to their household! Matthew 13:52 "Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old."

Again, what does a true servant of God do? Does a servant of God spend most of his or her time going to church and helping out with all sorts of good charities like raising money and canned goods to feed the poor? Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with helping people who are down and out, as long as those who are down and out are intent on raising themselves back up to the level of self-sufficiency. And it goes without saying that the handicapped and those who are unable to provide for themselves are another matter.

However, just giving money to the poor does not help the poor beyond the moment. The old adage "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, but teach a man how to fish and you feed for a lifetime" is true indeed. Do-gooder liberals like to feel good (and righteous) by giving of their possessions, or better yet giving of your possessions (like your tax dollars or charitable donations) to those who are willing to play the roles of victims and accept freebies and handouts. Many there are who are infected with the social disease "Itsnotmyfaultism". True Christians accept responsibility and pay their own way.

Now let's go back and reread what Christ said to the rich man.

Matthew 19:21
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

What is it that the man was to "give to the poor"? It was not All his material goods that he possessed?Again, will giving material goods to the poor "lay up treasure in heaven" for you? No, it will not!

The poor are to have the precious pearls of wisdom and truth given to them by those who possess the keys to the kingdom. Because you see, Christ is not talking about the materially poor but rather the spiritually poor, the poor in spirit! Hello!What is it that makes one rich and gives one life? It is the Living Word of God, the gospel of truth!

Matthew 11:5
The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

What has the subject been all along here? Salvation to the poor, to the blind, to the lame, to those LOST children of the house of Israel who wander blindly to and fro in the wilderness. Christ came to save the lost!

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Jesus Christ paid the price on the cross to make all of this possible. Let us continue the good news and the giving to the poor the precious pearls of His truth that they may come to know Him and be set free. The "meek" to whom the "good tidings", i.e. the gospel, are preached are the "poor" in spirit, not the materially poor.
Remember we read of those materially rich people of Laodicea who "art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked:"

John Rhine, The American Wisdom Series Editor again: So I ask again, is it food for our stomach that we won't be able to buy or sell? Or is it Christ's DAILY BREAD, the food for our brain? "The BREAD OF LIFE" that will no longer be able to buy or sell. BETTER GET YOURS NOW! It's right there on your coffee table. The King James original 1611 version of the Bible has not been altered too badly by the Kenites. But, of newer versions beware! Even beware of revised versions of the King James Bible. Live Link to-The famine is coming
Now back to Revelation 13.

Revelation 13:18 "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six."

Wisdom comes from knowledge, and all wisdom is from God, from wisdom comes understanding. We were told to "count the number of the beast". This was written in Greek, and the Greek word means more then counting numbers. You simple? can't understand this meaning if you don't understand this Greek word. The word is #5585 in Strong's Greek dictionary, and it means to "calculate by counting the stones that are warn smooth over a long period of time."

What stones? We were told in chapter two, we would receive a new stone with a new name written on it. This word "count" originated from that word "stone" of chapter two of the book of Genesis. These are the only places in the Bible this word for count, or stone is used. So we must enumerate, or calculate these stones worn smooth over a long period of time. "Their rock is not our Rock, and his stones are not our Stones," is what the overcomers will sing, as the "Song of Moses tells us in Deuteronomy 32. God is our Rock, and Satan is the false rock, but which stones are we to count?

The stones are the number of man, that man is Satan, and if you know Satan you will know his children. Those stones are his children [offspring]. The "mark of the beast" number [6-6-6] then is to count, or know Satan's children over a long period of time. They are the "Kenites", the offspring of Cain, who was the child of Satan, through Eve, who was "beguiled in the Garden of Eden".

Jesus said in Revelation 2 and 3 that the Churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia were the only acceptable 21st. century churches to Him, because they know who the Kenites are. The Kenites are "those who say they were Jews, and lie; because they are of the synagogue of Satan". The seven churches refered to in chapters two and three represent the seven types of churches existing in these last days. Five are not acceptable to God, while the two are.

American Wisdom Series Editor's Note: We are going to stop here in this "Revelation of Jesus Christ" study to review some commentary from chapter 13 in an earlier study we published on the "Revelation of Jesus Christ." I don't believe you will find much difference in the general opinion of these 2 authors, but to read another person's perspective of events that did and will take place may prove helpful in our understanding of Jesus' revelation. Also, our introduction #9300 was taken from this earlier study so keep your eyes open for study tips and rules to help simplify your grasp of Jesus' end time revelation

Chapter 13 of the Book of Revelation is to many folks one of the scariest and most misunderstood chapters in all the Bible. Why? Well, the main reason is that people (including preachers and ministers) who are unfamiliar with the Word of God and the plan of God try to interpret what it says. Since they are completely unfamiliar with the symbology used to create a PICTURE to make things clearer and illustrate what's happening, they must make up stories out of their own imaginations to try and explain that which completely baffles them. And that's really scary, for that which one who claims to be a teacher or preacher says to God's children, affects their very lives and even their souls. It is a serious matter.

But for those who do have eyes to see and ears to hear, who are familiar with God's Word, and even for those who have followed along with us in this Book of the Revealing from the beginning, this chapter is easy, as you will see, because we have seen and read of it all before.

As an overview, we will encounter two "beasts" in this chapter, the descriptions of which will give us a PICTURE of the Political and Religious systems, two of the Four Hidden Dynasties, in their full flourishing, that Satan uses to deceive the whole world. It's really just that simple! Enjoy it.

Here's the first beast:

Rev. 13:1
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
[2] And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Before we even begin to try understand the symbolism used and what these verses mean, let's make sure we SEE the PICTURE. (Note: You can often acquire artist's conceptions of this beast at various phone booths around the country.)

So what do we see? There's a great beast, a ghastly monster if you will, who rises up out of the sea. And he has seven heads! Wow, seven heads! I don't know of any real animal or beast who has seven heads, do you? And he has ten horns with crowns on them! What a weird looking creature, but very intimidating! And look! He also looks like a leopard with bear's feet and lion's mouth. He's an awesome, terrible looking thing. In fact he makes Godzilla look like a beauty contestant.

Got the PICTURE? Then you have just seen the awesomeness of what the structure of the New World Order will look like after Satan, the dragon, is cast out of heaven and takes over. Remember Rev. 12:9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."

Now let's look at the symbolism used in the PICTURE.

1.) Who is the dragon? We just read Rev. 12:9 so there can be no doubts or guess work as to the identity of the dragon. The Dragon is Satan.

Remember also that we saw this same description of this same power structure of the dragon in the first earth age in Rev. 12:3, except that he will have 3 more "crowns" with him this time when he gets here.

2.) And what is the sea? The sea is the people of the earth from which the political system arises.

Rev. 17:15
And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

3.) And what or who are the ten horns? We've seen them before and we'll see them again. They are ten kings under the authority of Satan!

Daniel 7:24
And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: ...
Rev. 17:12
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

These ten kings will be present during the reign of the false-christ, Satan, during that great hour of temptation. Are the ten kings ten leaders of countries today? Probably not. In so far as they were present in the first earth age, they will most likely accompany Satan as part of that entourage of angels who are cast out with him. They will reign over, i.e. divide up, the whole world, all seven continents.

4.) And what of these names of blasphemy? Don't forget, just as Satan will be appearing as the Messiah, though he be the false one, his angels will be with him and appearing as, and called by the name, "Ministers of Christ". Can you be more blasphemous than that?

5.) And what about the leopard, bear, and lion? We could spend several days studying the attributes of these three "beasts" and their usage in the Bible. You should read all of Daniel chapter 7 where you will find the leopard, the bear, and the lion all identified as separate beasts before the final beast with ten horns rises up and takes over.

Here in Revelation, though, we see that final beast, and he possesses the most outstanding attributes of each of these carnivorous, flesh eating, animals. The leopard is cunning and swift whose spots cannot be changed (Jer. 13:23). This should also bring to mind the fact that "their spot is not the spot of His children" of Deut. 32, the Song of Moses, which we will soon see the overcomers singing in Rev. 15. And the bear? His powerful feet are able to crush and break in pieces as the one world system can do. And mouth of a lion? The mouth contains the lion's teeth which rip and shred and tear and devour. Remember we read of Satan's "locust army" who also had the teeth of lions?

Rev. 9:8
And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.

But there's no need to fear these attributes of Satan's political system. Though it might appear to us as a giant beast we're not afraid of Goliaths or multi-headed beasts, or scorpions, or locusts, etc. We have power over them (Luke 10:19) . How about that David?

1 Samuel 17:36
Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

Did the lion's mouths hurt Daniel when he was cast before them in the den? Not!

Even Paul was delivered out of the mouth of the lion by the Lord who stood with him!

2 Tim. 4:17
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

So much for lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

Rev. 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

Hmmmm. Would seem that the New World Order has a problem keeping its heads on straight. One of them takes a lethal blow to the skull. But not to worry, his deadly wound is all patched up. There, there. Any guesses as to who heals it?

Note: I thought I told you not to guess about God's Word. If you want to look ahead to verse 12 you will see that Satan himself, the supernatural archangel coming as Jesus Christ, heals the deadly wound. No problem for Slick Satan.

"And all the world WONDERED after the beast". Yes, it will be truly amazing, just marvelous for world peace!

Now, for those who like to speculate as to what the deadly wound will be to the New World Order, here's a type set forth in history by the predecessor to the United Nations, The League of Nations, formed during President Wilson's term (he also gave us the Federal Reserve System).

The following quotation is from the World Book Encyclopedia.

"The League of Nations was an international association of countries which was created at the end of World War I. It grew out of the desire of the people throughout the world to prevent war forever.
The most important work of the League of Nations was the peaceful settlement of international quarrels. The Council of the League of Nations was set up for this purpose.

Unfortunately, the efforts of the Council were not always successful. For example, during 1935 and 1936 the Council failed to settle the dispute between Italy and Ethiopia. At that time Italy was trying to build up a great empire at the expense of the Ethiopians.

The failure of the Council to solve the Italian-Ethiopian dispute did much to weaken and finally destroy the influence of the League of Nations. No one really had the power to force nations to remain at peace." World Book Encyclopedia, 1953, vol. 10, pg. 4342.

The League of Nations received a deadly wound and it died, for it could not settle an international dispute. It was replaced in 1946 with the United Nations, another attempt at a powerful enough world organization that could try to force nations to remain at peace. Can it?

How is it going in Iraq and Afghanistan these days?

Rev. 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Now there's a surprise! They worshipped the dragon! Everyone should be totally "up to speed" by now on who this dragon dude is. How is that the world worships the dragon? They believe he is Jesus Christ! So of course they will worship him!

And he, the dragon, heals the deadly wound and does bring about world peace and a One World Political System. And who is able to make war with him?

My goodness, they say that now! I've heard the statement several times on talk shows: "Who is able to go against the wishes of the international community?" President Clinton even said it in his State of the Union address regarding Saddam Hussein. How much more true it will be when Satan comes!

Turn on your radios and television sets and listen to what is being said. Then go read 1 Thessalonians chapter 5. No one, not even the apostle Paul, should have to tell you what season we're in!

1 Thes. 5:1-3
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

Should not have to tell you this!

[2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

That means while one is sleeping. We're not!

[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.

Got your radio on? The locusts are coming soon! And the dragon with them! Right after the NWO takes a hit! It's the next benchmark in Bible prophecy! You are there!

[4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

[5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
[6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Watch and be sober! They're crying Peace and Safety! The cold war is over and people no longer fear.

Isn't studying God's Word in these last days exciting? I mean here we are, present when these prophecies are coming to pass! Just think! The prophets like Ezekiel and Daniel and all the disciples of Christ wanted to know what it would be like in our day, in the final generation, the generation of the fig tree which was planted in 1948, the first born of whom are now senior citizens and received AARP cards in their right hands (No, it's not the mark of the beast! It's just a sign of aging and the advent of discounts.)!

Do you realize how blessed we are that our Father saved you and me to be born now, at the end of the 6th day, the 6,000 years since God formed Adam and Eve, to witness the birth of a new age? Do you realize how exciting things will be shortly? Why? We get to face the Dragon and his locust army! (I said exciting, not easy!)

But having come this far, wouldn't you agree that the Book of Revelation is actually very easy to comprehend? Once we take the time to understand the symbolism that the Holy Spirit uses to paint vivid pictures for us, the meaning becomes self evident. Often it just requires the application of common sense more so than "doctoral like" scholarship.

Earlier we learned that the old serpent, the dragon, is actually Satan himself. And we discovered in Rev. 12:7-9 that soon Michael will cast him and his army of angels out of heaven and to this earth. "Woe to the inhabiters of the earth", remember? There will be spiritual warfare such as never was nor ever shall be again!

So, let's continue our study of the revelation of the "Acts of the Dragon" in Rev. 13:5.

Rev. 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

And what a BIG MOUTH he has!

This verse means that Satan was permitted or allowed to speak and have power for 42 months. Dr. Moffat translates it:

Rev. 13:5 He was allowed to utter loud and blasphemous vaunts, and allowed to exert authority for two and forty months; (Moffat)

Satan can do NOTHING except our Father allows it, though he thinks he can. This Big Mouth Dragon also suffers from a severe case of self delusion!

We also noted in chapter 12 that all prophecy pertaining to Satan and his own is given in "lunar" terminology since they are of the "night". But God's children walk not in darkness, but are children of the "day", i.e. light, and so prophecy pertaining to them is given in "solar" terminology. Here Satan, the chief "lunar-tic", is allowed 42 months (moons) to do his thing. Of course we know that Jesus overrode this time period and shortened it, else no flesh would be saved. Mark 13:20 "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days." We learned in Rev. 9 that the shortened period is 5 months, the time of the swarming locusts.

Back to old dragon breath:

Rev. 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

Many people when they read these last two verses imagine that the dragon, Satan is going to say evil things against God. But he's not going to be speaking "bad things" about God. He's going to be speaking AS GOD, i.e. everything that comes out of his mouth is blasphemous because he is claiming that HE IS GOD. That's the blaspheme! Remember what Paul told us would happen BEFORE our gathering back to Christ?

2 Thes. 2:3
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

The "falling away" is the great apostasy which we will read of in a few verses in Rev. 13:8 whereby the whole world worships the dragon, the son of perdition, the son who will perish, i.e. Satan, because of the next verse in 2 Thessalonians.

2 Thes. 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

There is your blaspheme of Rev. 13:6! Blaspheme of God's "name and His tabernacle and all that is in heaven". Satan sits in the temple of God claiming to be the Messiah and all those Christians who didn't have enough oil in their lamps, i.e. were Biblically illiterate and were not sealed with the knowledge of His Word, are bowing to the dragon, worshipping Satan, believing he is Jesus! The dragon is really good at deception. Just wait a few verses and we'll see him perform "miracles" to dazzle the troops!

Of course there are those rascally 'bruisers', those Christians who are sealed with God's Word who walk around fearlessly with the gospel armour on and in place, stepping on Satan's little locust buddies and flashing the Big Two-edged Sword. The Dragon doesn't like them! (Big deal, they don't like him either!)

Rev. 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Do you recall from the last few verses of chapter 12 that Satan comes after the woman's remnant, God's elect? He declares WAR on them! He's angry with them and he hates them! Rev. 12:17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."

How does Satan overcome the saints? Real simple. He causes them to be delivered up to councils and placed on trial before the world. Christ foretold us this. He has foretold us all things!

Mark 13:9
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

But remember, not one hair on their heads can be harmed (Luke 21:18). Beaten means the same thing as "he overcame them" or let's say they shall be "brow beaten". Satan is not going to publicly physically beat people on worldwide TV. He's too smart for that. After all, he's the number one "liberal leftist" in the world and they believe in rehabilitation (conversion) not corporal punishment. And don't forget he's claiming he is Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, the ruler of the whole world with power over all kindreds and tongues and nations. And all the world believes this imposter!

Rev. 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

There it is, the Great Apostasy! If you don't know ahead of time that there are two Christs, if you don't understand 2 Thes. 2 and the 7 Seals real, real good, then you will worship Satan as Jesus. You see, from Ezekiel 28 we know how beautiful and marvelous and wonderful and charismatic this guy really is! And from Daniel we know he enters in peacefully and prosperously with a booming economy, meaning big bucks for everyone ("It's the economy, stupid!")! And from the previous chapter in Revelation, chapter 12, we know that he drew a third of God's children away from God in the first earth age! Folks, he's really, really good at swooning people! They just love him to death (both figuratively and literally)!

And do you want to know something that's a mystery to most, yet it is real simple? Remember in chapter 12 we saw the woman, clothed with the sun, with her 12 stars standing there facing the dragon and his own? She was standing there "ready to go" in the first earth age, before the foundation of this earth age! It is those who stood against the dragon in that first earth age, before the foundation of the world, who have their names written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Is yours?

[9] If any man have an ear, let him hear.

Remember these words from chapters two and three? While they may have a special significance to God's elect, here's the shortened version:

We learned concerning the dragon, Satan, that "all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8)."

Then we were told in the very next verse that "If any man have an ear, let him hear (Rev. 13:9)".

So the obvious question must be asked? Do you have ears to hear?

This is an important question because the very nature of the question itself lets us know by implication that there are those who don't have them, right?

Therefore, there are two types of people who will read the rest of this 13th chapter of Revelation. Those who have "ears to hear" and those who do not. Those who do not cannot "see" or "hear" past the flesh level and cannot understand that the tribulation is a battle for their soul, not their flesh.

When they read "kill with the sword" they think about their flesh, despite the fact that we are told in Rev. 1:16 that the "sword" is the Word of God.

When they read of "famine" they think about their bellies, despite the fact that Amos 8:11 tells us that the famine of the end times is for the hearing of the Word of God.

In fact they love to hear preachers tell them how they are going to "fly away" in the clouds to save what? Their souls? NO! They say you must be saved to be "raptured". What then? To save their flesh! Does the Rapture Theory have anything to do with other than saving their little old flesh hides? Think about it. Did Paul tell us in Eph. 6 to put on the gospel armour to fly away or to take a stand? Even our Christian soldiers when they go off to war ask God to protect them on the front lines. They don't ask Him to fly them away so they can watch the battle from a remote place of safety. Arrrggg!

Is the Bible a book about saving your flesh or your soul? Should we be worried beyond that which is the instinct of natural preservation about our bodies, which are going to wither and die ANYWAY!

Here's what Jesus Christ has to say concerning the matter:

Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

I rest my case.

This next verse in Revelation continues with the "destiny" which we just read in verse 8, just prior to the "If you can understand".

Rev. 13:10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

This verse contains a Hebraism, again showing destiny (read Jer. 15:2), which the KJV doesn't bring forth all that well. Here's how Dr. Moffat translates it:

Rev. 13:10 Whoever is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes: whoever kills with the sword, by the sword must he be killed. This is what shows the patience and the faith of the saints. ( Moffat)

Remember again verse 8. You are going to be "captive" to either the dragon or the real Jesus Christ. IF you understand the destiny then you are "marked" for one or the other, aren't you? In other words, you either have the Seal of God in your forehead whereby your name is written in the book, or you have the Seal of Satan in your forehead, whereby you'll worship the dragon. So who holds your soul captive? If your name is written in the Lamb's book then you have the patience and the faith to endure unto the end.

Now, remember when we began chapter 13 we said there are two "beasts" described in this chapter? Well here is the second beast (different from the "first" as shown in verse 12), who is the religious beast. This PICTURE is nothing more than another profile of the dragon coming out of the pit, i.e. Satan.

Rev. 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

What are the two horns (powers) of the Lamb? Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is the (1.) King of kings and (2.) Lord of lords. He wields both the Rod and the Scepter. He's both World Ruler and High Priest. Satan's imitations of Jesus are described to use as blasphemous, venous beasts. So this verse is another PICTURE showing us that Satan comes disguised as the Lamb of God, speaking blasphemes as the dragon, because he is the dragon.

[12] And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

He utilizes to the fullest extent the "first beast", which is the one world political system, which he healed, put back together, and made into the "new and improved" New World Order, which he heads. And he will have the world like obedient dogs "licking out of his hand". Check out the word "worship" in Strong's.

proskuneo, pros-koo-neh'-o, Greek 4352; from Greek 4314 (pros) and a probably derivative of Greek 2965 (kuon) (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literal or figurative) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore) :- worship.

Rev. 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

The Greek word "fire" is pur Greek 4442; a primary word; "fire" (literal or figurative, specially lightning).

This guy is really good! That's why Jesus shortened these days. Satan can snap his "pinkies" and lightning falls from the sky. Get ready! He will be spectacular!

[14] And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

How does he deceive the people, them that dwell on the earth? By means of those miracles, one of which we just read of in verse 13. Snap, snap. And the people will "snap to it".

And he gives new life to the NWO.

[15] And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Satan's one world political system will be Bigger than Life itself and what it says goes! And if you don't participate you're dead meat, marked for the kill brother! The dragon is coming after you snorting "fiery darts". Are you going to "fly away" or stand and chop his head off?

[16] And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

They will ALL be his "right hand men and women", yes, obedient little sheep! They are his "captives" remember? They will just love him! They will do his bidding which is what "to receive a mark in their right hand" means. It is a figure of speech just like I used "right hand man". It has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RIGHT HAND, it's ALL ABOUT SERVICE.

What did we read in verse 8? All those whose names are not written in the book will "worship the dragon, the religious beast". They will SERVE him as Lord!

Note: There is so much ignorance regarding God's Word for the lack of understanding figures of speech. I said before that if in the Book of Acts we found a verse that read "The apostle Paul got into hot water", there would be churches that would require members in good standing to get into a pool or tub of hot water. The scholars would discuss how much water they should get into and just exactly what degree of temperature crests the threshold from "warm" to "hot". They would cite Strong's concordance which would say that "water" means the wet stuff H2O as coming from a lake, river or the sea. But the figure of speech "he got into hot water" means he "got into trouble" and it has NOTHING TO DO WITH WATER! Do you have wisdom or not?

There are only two choices:

(1.) You either have the Seal of God in your forehead, in which case Satan can't touch you.

(2.) Or, you have the Seal of Satan in your forehead, in which case you'll do his bidding and worship him.

Oh, did I mention you are destined for one or the other?

Here's something else to consider. If you don't know something then you don't know that you don't know it! That's a definition of deception. In other words, if you are deceived then you are unaware that you are deceived. You believe a lie and stories to be truth. So, if you're running around looking for Satan's mark to be a tattoo or stamp or some microchip or a UPC code, then guess what? He's already got you captive. You already have the mark of the beast in your forehead and you don't know it! Wisdom has completely escaped you! ("That ought to make me some new friends", he said facetiously as he went to the next verse.)

Rev. 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

What is the mark? It's his "seal" in your forehead, i.e. you are one of his, you carry his stigma. What is "the name of the beast"? It's blaspheme, remember? His name will be Jesus, but he is the son of perdition. What is the number of his name? 666 not 888. He's Satan not Jesus. Do you "have his number"?

In other words, if you are not a member of "the party", the NWO and his Congregation, you'll have much difficulty in commerce. How did those who were not members of the Nazi party make out in Hitler's Germany?

So, you'll either be saying "Heil Sweet Jesus" to the "fire breathing dragon" or else you'll be delivered up. (I just know some of you 'bruisers' are going to say "Kiss my Sword!" See you on the witness stand.)

[18] Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

This is so simple if you have eyes to see and ears to hear. You must first understand the verb "count" and then the understanding will appear wherein the wisdom lies.

What does "count" mean? Here's Dr. Strong's Concordance:

psephizo, psay-fid'-zo, Greek 5585; from Greek 5586 (psephos); to use pebbles in enumeration, i.e. (genitive) to compute :- count

It comes from the root word:

psephos, psay'-fos, Greek 5586; from the same as Greek 5584 (pselaphao); a pebble (as worn smooth by handling), i.e. (by implication of use as a counter or ballot) a verdict (of acquittal) or ticket (of admission); a vote :- stone, voice.

It simply means to "enumerate using pebbles that have been worn smooth over a long period of time". This number of the beast, Satan's number, has been present for a long time, even from the beginning when the first mark was placed on the first one with rocks in his head, Cain. And you can trace his descendents, who are the tares of Mat. 13, the vipers Christ addressed in John 8, i.e. the kenites, throughout the Bible and throughout history from the garden of Eden to present day. How wise are you?

The men who have stood out in defiance of God (Goliath and Nebuchadnezzar) are emphatically marked by this number. (I wonder if that means they had "666" stamped on their foreheads?") Have you read? And it all fits with the Biblical numerics of 666. 600 = Warfare, 60 = Idol worship, and 6 = man, evils of Satan. Reference "Biblical Mathematics", Ed. F. Vallowe.

And have you looked up 666 in Strong's?

chi xi stigma, khee xee stig'-ma, Greek 5516; the twenty-second, fourteenth and an obsolete letter (Greek 4742 (stigma) as a cross) of the Greek alphabet (intermediate between the fifth and sixth), used as numbers; denoting respectively six hundred, sixty and six; six hundred sixty-six as a numeral :- six hundred threescore and six.

What is a stigma? It is as Strong's defines it "(figurative) scar of service" which is precisely as Webster has it "a mark of shame or discredit". So, do you carry his "stigma"? Are you stigmatized with the traditions of men? Do have the mark of the beast "in" your forehead where the brain resides? Are you deceived? Hello, hello!

One last comment. Are you familiar with the Song of Moses which we've already mentioned several times is sung by the overcomers in Rev. 15, which we will soon study. If you read Ezek. 28 you'll discover that Satan is called the king of Tyrus, which in Hebrew means "rock". How many different ways must we be told, how many vivid PICTURES must we be shown until we understand that there are two lambs, two Jesus Christs, yes there are two rocks.

Live Link to- Ezekiel 28

Deut. 32:31
For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

So the question is: If you are not familiar with the Song of Moses, then how are you going to know it to sing it? Huh? You won't, because you wouldn't know one pebble from another. So you'll be counted out! Christ will say as it is written "Get away from me, I never knew you."