09.27 Revelation 13:11-15 THE BEAST FROM THE EARTH

Revelation 13:11-15 THE BEAST FROM THE EARTH

Intro: Ill. The Satanic Trinity. Many things that Satan does, are a direct attempt by the devil to copy God. Last week, we looked at the Anti-Christ, this week, we are confronted with the Anti-Holy Spirit. The last one was the governmental, economic, military leader; this one is the leader of false religion. There will be a one world religion! It’s coming and is even now on it’s way. The world is getting ready for the advent of a new global community that will embrace all religions, (Ill. The Pope ,Ill. A leader in the Ecumenical movement - A person with worldwide connections has even been in this church!) Let’s spend some time tonight looking at this beast from the earth. The evil man known as the False Prophet.

I. Revelation 13:11 THE APPEARANCE OF THE BEAST A. Out Of The Earth - Lit. from the land. Probably from Israel, possibly a Jew.

B. Two Horns - Power and authority. (Ill. No crowns)

C. Like A Lamb - Gentleness and association with Christ. This is the Anti-Lamb! He claims authority os the chosen of God. (Ill. people will flock to hear anyone who claims to speak for God!)

D. Speaks As A Dragon - With deceptiveness - Ill. 1 Timothy 4:1) He is intent on devouring people’s lives and souls - 1 Peter 5:7. Ill. Satan and every demon are liars! - John 8:44 II. Revelation 13:12 THE AUTHORITY OF THE BEAST A. He is empowered by the devil and acts with the authority of the Anit-Christ.

B. He causes the world to worship the Antichrist and the Devil - (Ill. Ecumenical Movement and one world church!) Ill. 2 Thessalonians 2:4. Ill. The repulsiveness of devil worship! One day, the entire world will do it and think they are worshipping God come down to man!

III. Revelation 13:13-15 THE ACTIVITIES OF THE BEAST

A. Miracles - Revelation 13:13 - Fire from Heaven - (Ill. Elijah - 1 Kings 18:1-46; Malachi 4:5-6; A duplicate of Elijah’s miracle!) Not all miracles are of God - Ill. So called Charismatic movement! Not all men of God do miracles! (Ill. John Baptist - Matthew 11:11; John 10:41!) B. Miracles - Revelation 13:14 - Uses the miracles to convince people to go away into idolatry!

C. Miracles - Revelation 13:15 - The image they make moves, speaks and demands worship. All who refuse to worship the image are destroyed. (Ill. Robotics? Reality?)

Conc: As we conclude these thoughts on this second beast, let me ask you some questions. 1.) How open are you to new forms of worship? 2.) Do you belive that all religions can operate under the same umbrella? 3.) How important is pure doctrine to you personally? 4.) Do you think it is acceptible to worship with people of a different faith? In these last days, we will begin to see more and more of these things coming to pass. We will begin to see an erosion of the truth and a disappearance of the dictinctives that mark us from others. You will worship someone! Either God or the Devil! Yes, you will bow before one or the other!