#TXLEGE: If you still need proof this Chick-fil-a bill was a joke

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience."
Ephesians 5:6

LOL, from the Human Rights Campaign:

With the leadership of the LGBTQ Caucus, the Texas legislative session concluded with only one anti-LGBTQ bill, SB 1978, being passed into law. SB 1978 was originally filed as a broad, sweeping anti-LGBTQ bill. However, after concerns raised by the LGBTQ Caucus, advocates and other organizations, significant changes were made to the bill. HRC opposed SB 1978, but was pleased that it passed in a form which causes no significant legal harm to the LGBTQ community.

[Note: Emphasis added.]

"No significant legal harm the the LGBTQ community" is lawyer-speak for "does nothing."

This is the substantive equivalent of the SCOTUS Colorado cake-baker case: The legislature addressed the specific actions of the San Antonio city council, but did nothing to address any other sort of abuse that falls outside of that narrow set of circumstances.

Good luck trying to live out your Faith in all the other areas of life.

But at least they were able to convince Fox News they accomplished something (and that's all that really matters).

Bottom Line: Nothing of substance was accomplished, and anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is either a liar or a chump....

Imagine Friday Afternoon

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Matthew 27:46

Every year, on Good Friday, one question that stands out: What would it have been like, to be one of the disciples, during the hours after the crucifixion, but before the crucifixion.

You've just seen the Messiah of the world falsely accused.  You've seen His fraudulent conviction.  You've seen Him suffer in the most gruesome way possible.  You saw Him die.

The bastards got away with it.

Imagine the gloating.  Imagine hearing the gloating.  Imaging the mix of devastation and rage the disciples must have felt.

We've lost elections.  We've lost in sports.  WE HATE LOSING.  We hate it so, so, sooooooooooooo much.  Losing sucks.  It sucks so much.  But imagine that loss....

Of course, the truth is that disciples didn't know their Old Testament well enough.  If the disciples had known their Old Testament, nothing that happened on Good Friday would have surprised them.  That's the real lesson.

But there's no reason to believe the figured out that lesson on Friday afternoon....

#TXSEN: Random Thoughts on Cruz and Bobby Francis' first "debate"

"Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes;
But by a man of understanding and knowledge
Right will be prolonged."
Proverbs 28:2

We don't feel like organizing them into a long-form write up, but some thoughts:

• This debate was very similar to the immigration debate between Dan Patrick and Julian Castro in 2014.  Like Castro, Bobby Francis came out strong.  He was high energy (more on that below).  Like Patrick, Cruz took some time to get going.  But, also like Patrick, by the fifteen minute mark, Cruz was firmly in control and he never relinquished it.

• Also like Castro: By the end of the debate, Bobby Francis was reduced to spouting the same three talking points.

• Speaking of Bobby Francis: Was he on amphetamines?!?  Whatever the reason, his initial burst of energy turned into a bizarre type of hyperactivity.  What was up with his hands?!?

• Immigration: Cruz supports securing the border and coming up with a more rational system of legal.  Bobby Francis' for straight-up amnesty.  You do realize this is Texas...right?!?

• The only thing stupider than discussing the NFL protests in the first place was Bobby Francis comparing them to Selma.

• Health Care: It's not a secret that we wish Cruz would discuss this topic more.  Cruz listed good principles, though we still wish he would put together his own comprehensive plan.  Bobby Francis, by contrast, supports socialized medicine.  This isn't close.

• Bobby Francis drinking game: Drink every time he says...
• "I visited every county in Texas."
• "I want to work with Trump when I can, and oppose him when I must."
• "Republicans, Democrats, Independents coming together...."

• #2A: Cruz badly exposed Bobby Francis ignorance about firearms.  Bobby Francis called AR-15's "weapons of war."  It only takes 10 seconds on Wikipedia.
  
  That being said, when Bobby Francis says "I support the second amendment," he's lying.  PERIOD.  END OF STORY.

• Criminal Justice: This was the most interesting section of the debate.  It's not a secret that this author's views on criminal justice don't line up neatly with any faction.  That being said, Cruz was absolutely correct when he pointed out that hateful, over the top, anti-police rhetoric leads to things like the Dallas shooting.  Bobby Francis' obsession with turing everything into a racial issue was sad.

•  That being said, there was one person who liked Bobby Francis' constant obsession with race:

Best thing from @BetoORourke tonight that you dont see from enough politicians: his consistent condemnation of anti-black racism in this country.

— Gregorio Casar (@GregCasar) September 22, 2018

• Bobby Francis denigrates prayer.  Wow.  Just wow.

• Economy: 'Bout dadgum time they got to this.  Cruz strong in discussing how we need to continue path of deregulation [Note: More of this please!!!] and tax relief/simplification.  Bobby Francis' overzealously delivers stale talking points about "tax cuts for the rich" even though...you know...the rich like high taxes.

• An hour long debate on "domestic issues" and...NOT.  A.  SINGLE.  DAMN.  QUESTION...about Federal SPENDING!!!

Bottom Line:  What you'd expect.  Contrast speaks for itself.  This is Texas.

Revelation 22:12-21 -- COME, Lord Jesus!!!

Jesus Testifies to the Churches
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

A Warning
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

I Am Coming Quickly
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Revelation 22:12-21

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  November 29. 2015:

Come, Lord Jesus - Dr. Danny Forshee - November 29, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

1. Identity (vv. 13-16)
   A. The Alpha and Omega, First and Last (vv. 12-13, 16)
        - Philippians 1:6 -- Be Patient and Confident.
        - Isaiah 44:6 -- Besides HIM there is no God.
        - Isaiah 48:12
   
   B. The Believers (v. 14)
        - "Those who have washed their robes."     - Isaiah 64:6 -- All of our 'righteousness' is the equivalent of a used tampon.
   
   C. The Unbelievers (v. 15)
         - Dogs and scavenging mongrels.
   
2. Invitation (v. 15)
   
3. Indictment (vv. 18-19)
        - Adding to or taking away from God's word
   .
4. Imminence (v. 20)
        - 2 Peter 3:3-4

Highlights:

• If we never preach the hard texts, we won't appreciate the good texts.

• When the Bible talks about "Dogs" it's NOT a compliment
• Connotation of sexual immorality.
• Person with no sense of Ethics.

• "The day of mercy is NOW."

• God knows everything and offers salvation to everybody...you've just gotta humble yourself before God.
• Just tell everyone about Jesus.

• The Book of Revelation CLOSES the cannon.
• The Apostles and their close associates (ie. Luke and Mark) are dead.
• "Joseph Smith, you're not an apostle."

• "If you add or take away from scripture, your name was never in the Book of Life to begin with."

• All days between Jesus' first and second coming are the last days.

• Hallelujah, what a savior!

• The reason those who end up in hell end up in hell is because they're still clothed in their own garments instead of Jesus' garments.

• God wants us to live as if at any moment, He will come.

• May the Grace of Jesus be with you!

• This may be the last chance you ever get.

Revelation 22:1-11 -- Privileges and Responsibilities

The River of Life
And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

The Time Is Near
Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”
Revelation 22:1-11

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  November 22, 2015:

Privileges And Responsibilities - Dr. Danny Forshee-November 22, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

1. The Privileges and Blessings of Heaven (vv. 1-5)
   - Trees produce fruit EVERY month.
   - The Garden of Eden "Restored on Steroids."
   - No curse.
   - We see God's face!!!
   - Responsibility and Achievement.
   - You get to serve God FOREVER!!!
         - Before the curse, God gave Adam and Eve work.
2. The Responsibilities and Work on Earth (vv. 6-11)
   - Keep the words of the prophecy.
   - To do until Jesus comes:
          - Obedience
          - Worship God
          - Don't seal the words.

Revelation 20:11-15 -- The Great White Throne JUDGEMENT of GOD!!! :)

The Great White Throne Judgment
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:11-15

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  October 18, 2015:

The Great White Throne Judgment of God - Dr. Danny Forshee - October 18, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

1. The Awesome Scene (v. 11)
   - John 5:26-27
   - Acts 10:42
   - Acts 17:31
   - If you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you ain't gonna be there; if you don't know Christ, you WILL appear there.
   - You CAN'T Hide from God!!!
   
2. The Accurate Sentence (vv. 12-13)
   - Romans 14:12
   - Ecclesiastes 12:14
   - Matthew 12:36-37
   - Matthew 7:21-23
   
3. The AWFUL Second Death (vv. 14-15)
   - Matthew 10:28
   - Matthew 25:41

Highlights:

• I'm preaching on Hell today!!!
• Author's Note: When you ain't gonna be there, this is exciting!!!  And you DON'T have to be there.  But it/s YOUR choice.

• Face to face with our own sinfulness.

• 55% of Americans believe you get into heaven via works.

• "The Doctrine of eternal punishment is probably the most despised doctrine in the entire Bible."
• Like the law of gravity, you defy it to your own detriment.
• "I would rather frighten you into Heaven than lull you into Hell."
• "Some of you would rather look at naked women than go to Heaven."

• For every word Jesus spoke about Heaven, He spoke 3 about Hell.

• It is not unfair because HE told us,

• The Lamb's Book of Life: "This is a time you want to see your name...for this is for keeps."
• "Jesus is either lying or He's telling the truth."

The Babe in Bethlehem

"And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them."
Luke 2:16-20

As a matter of perspective, keep in mind that 700 years before our time would be the year 1316; from ICR this morning:

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)

This is a very remarkable prophecy, explicitly predicting that the future King of Israel would be born in the little village of Bethlehem some 700 years before He finally came. Then, to assure its fulfillment, the great Emperor Augustus had to decree a comprehensive census, compelling Joseph to take Mary with him to Bethlehem for her child to be born.

That the prophecy involves an actual birth is clear, not only from the phrase “come forth,” but also from the succeeding verse that warns God will “give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth” (v. 3). The preceding verse had also predicted that “they shall smite [this coming ruler] the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek” (v. 1), speaking of His initial rejection and execution.

But the prophecy not only foresees His birth in Bethlehem, His repudiation by His own people, and His eventual installation as King over all Israel (not merely Judah), but also that this same remarkable person was none other than God Himself! His “goings forth” had been “from everlasting.” That is, He is eternally proceeding forth from His Father. He did not become God’s Son when He was born in Bethlehem; He has been coming forth eternally.

There is still another truth implied in the Hebrew word for “goings forth.” It is also used for such things as the flowing of water from a fountain or the radiations from the sun. Thus, the never-ending flowing forth of power from God through the Son is nothing less than the sustaining energy for the whole creation, as He is “upholding all things by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3). And this was the Babe in Bethlehem! HMM

Debriefing #ATXCouncil's "Satanic Invocation"....

Wicked Rulers and Prophets
And I said:

“Hear now, O heads of Jacob,

And you rulers of the house of Israel:

Is it not for you to know justice?

You who hate good and love evil;

Who strip the skin from My people,

And the flesh from their bones;

Who also eat the flesh of My people,

Flay their skin from them,

Break their bones,

And chop them in pieces

Like meat for the pot,

Like flesh in the caldron.”

Then they will cry to the Lord,

But He will not hear them;

He will even hide His face from them at that time,

Because they have been evil in their deeds.

Micah 3:1-4

We'll start this post with a confession: This story is actually a month old, but we have refrained from commenting in this space because there were certain sentiments we wanted first to express privately.

In late November, a representative of the satanic 'temple' signed up to perform the invocation at a meeting of the Austin City Council.  In fairness to council, the rules as they existed at the time allows basically anyone to sign up.  Thankfully, by the Grace of God, logistics intervened and the 'invocation' has been indefinitely postponed.

We addressed Council on this topic two weeks ago:

:

Again, to be fair, this has yet to happen.

Following this incident, Don Zimmerman proposed a new ordinance that would require whomever says the invocation to be invited by a specific council member.  We fully support Zimmerman's proposal, which would establish clear lines of both spiritual and political accountability.  Unfortunately, Zimmerman is leaving the dais in two weeks.

Ellen Troxclair also weighed in:



Also good, but Troxclair is going to be outvoted 10-1 next year.

But, again, this hasn't happened yet...which opens another possibility: Perhaps the process of indefinite bureaucratic delay can finally be used for something good.

Bottom Line: The Council majority has had their warning. We can't stop anything. It will be interesting to see what they do...

Revelation 19:1-10 -- The BEST is YET TO COME!!!

Heaven Exults over Babylon
After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” Again they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!” Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”

And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Revelation 19:1-10

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  August 16,2015:

The Best Is Yet To Come - Dr. Danny Forshee - August 16, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

- 2 Corinthians 2:17

1. Four Songs of Praise (vv. 1-8)
   - 2 Thesselonians 1:6-8
   - After the fall of Babylon
   - True, righteous judgement -- That in opposition to God.
   - 24 elders = Redeemed Humanity
   - Lord God Omnipotent
   
2. A fabulous Supper (v. 9)
   - Contrast with the Harlot
   
3. The Final Scence (v. 10)
   - Angel - I am your fellow servant.

Highlights:

• Only appearance of the word Hallejuah in the entire New Testament.

• You don't need to avenge, God will.

• Command to praise God.
• We are HIS servants.

• We should preach holiness and sanctification.

• 17:1 -- 19:10 are a giant parenthesis.

Revelation 18:9-24 -- The Fall of Commercial Babylon

The World Mourns Babylon’s Fall
“The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’

“And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’

“They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.’

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!”

Finality of Babylon’s Fall
 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.”
Revelation 18:9-24

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  August 9, 2015:

Commercial Babylon, Part 2 - Dr. Danny Forshee - August 9, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

1. Remorse (vv. 9-19)
   A. The Leaders (they had committed fornication).
   B. The Merchants.
   C. The Mariners.
   
2. Rejoice (v. 20)- Isaiah 5:20
   - God has avenged His people.
   
3. Retribution (vv. 21-24)
   - John 3:19

Highlights:

• The God who created everything will consecrate everything, and He is in control.

• Greed, opulence, and wealth all come to naught.

• Babylon's gonna make Donald Trump look 'miniscule.'

• There's nothing wrong with having wealth, the problem is worshiping it.

• Sin cannot win and Faith cannot fail...if you love Babylon, you are following a lost cause.

• Lots of Sex Trafficking right here in Austin.

• People loves to get all worked up over the internet outrage du jour, but our society doesn't seem to care about children being torn up in their Mama's womb.

• Since we know that this is truth, what are we going to do about it?!?

• Belivers need both confidence AND compassion.

• God vindicates the blood of His people.

• "The Devil was working on me, until...."

Revelation 18:1-8 -- COMMERCIAL Babylon (Part 1)

The Fall of Babylon the Great
After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.”

And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.
Revelation 18:1-8

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  August 2, 2015:

Commercial Babylon, Part 1 - Dr. Danny Forshee - August 2, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.


Outline:

1. Angelic Appearance and Announcement (v. 1)
   
2. Babylon's Demise and Description (vv. 2-3)
   - Dwelling place for demonic spirits.
   - All the rotten eggs in one basket
   
3. God's Invitation and Warning (v. 4)
   - Get out of there
   
4. God's FIERCE Judgement of Babylon (vv. 5-8)
   - Jeremiah 50:39
   - God has remembered her iniquity.
   - Eventually, you will get caught.

Highlights:

• Some of the most difficult prophetic literature in all of scripture.

• God ALWAYS resists the proud and arrogant.

• Commercial/Political entity in collaboration with the antichrist.

• God's grace and love are made all the more powerful by His truth and justice.

• People said "God Himself" could not sink the Titanic.

• God WILL Judge and God WILL Win....do you know Him?!?

Revelation 17:6-18 -- The DESTRUCTION of Religious Babylon

"I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.

The Meaning of the Woman and the Beast
But the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

“Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.

“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”

Then he said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.”"
Revelation 17:6-18

Pastor Danny Forshee. Great Hills Baptist Church. July 26, 2015:

The Destruction of Religious Babylon - Dr. Danny Forshee - July 26, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

1. The Woman (vv. 7, 15-16, 18)
   A. Her Identity -- Apostate Religion
   B. Her Demise -- Expose her moral corruption.
          -- Beast will turn against her.
   
2. The Beast (vv, 8-14, 17)
   A. The Seven Heads
         -- Some people believe this is the Catholic Church, but it's unlikely.
   B. The Ten Horns
         -- They will kill the woman and will prepare to kill the Lamb
   
3. The Saints of God (vv. 14, 17)
   A. Victory in Jesus
         -- Matthew 20:16
         -- Matthew 22:14
   B. The Authority of God.

Highlights:

• "This is one of the hardest passages of scripture I will ever preach in my entire life."

• That which is unveiled at the apocalypse is preeminently the glorified and enthroned Christ!!!

• The Lamb will overcome them.

• Woman is connected to a city -- Rebuilt Babylon.
• Iraq?!?

• "Praise God and one day all the 'ism's' will be 'WASM'S'."

• God already knows.

• It's not a works religion, but praise God if you're saved you're going to work and you're going to enjoy it!!!

Revelation 17:1-6 -- Religious Babylon

The Scarlet Woman and the Scarlet Beast
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”

So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written:

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT,

THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS

AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS

OF THE EARTH.

I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.
Revelation 17:1-6

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  July 19, 2015:

Religious Babylon - Dr. Danny Forshee - July 19, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

- John 16:33

1. The Woman (vv. 1-6)
   - Jeremiah 51:7
   - Discusses Judgement First
   - Reckless and immoral behavior
   - Amalgamated one world 'religion'
   
2. The Beast (v. 3)
   - Behind the persecution.
   
3. The Saints (v. 6)
   - Us

Highlights:

• She's called the Greek word for 'whore' seven separate times.

• John is more overwhelmed here than at any previous point in the apocalypse.

• Judgement of her sexual immorality will be GREAT.
• 'Fornication' as a spiritual metaphor

• The antichrist will be 'in bed' with this religion.

• Tolerance is king, conviction is a vice.

• Whenever religious authorities get in bed with political authorities, that's not good.
• Author's Note: That means things like state directed churches (like in Russia) or islamic caliphates, NOT Christians running for office.

Revelation 16:10-21 -- The BOWL Judgements (Part 2)

[Author's Note: This was the sermon that covers the Supreme Court's 'marriage' ruling in Obergefell.]

Fifth Bowl: Darkness and Pain
Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. 11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.

Sixth Bowl: Euphrates Dried Up
Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.

Seventh Bowl: The Earth Utterly Shaken
Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
Revelation 16:10-21

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  July 5, 2015:

The Bowl Judgments, Part 2 - Dr. Danny Forshee - July 5, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Highlights:

• Grace AND Truth.

• In order to get to the point of Revelation, we have to start taking steps away from God; that's what the Obergefell ruling was.

• The antichrist will dupe the entire world.

• The author of these judgments is God Himself.

• There is a devil, and he is real, and he fills people with anger and hate.

• When Jesus comes, I do not want to be in a compromising position.

• Be more concerned with spreading the Gospel than the timing of God's judgement.

Revelation 16:1-9 -- The BOWL Judgments (Part 1)

"Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.”

First Bowl: Loathsome Sores
So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.

Second Bowl: The Sea Turns to Blood
Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.

Third Bowl: The Waters Turn to Blood
Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying:

“You are righteous, O Lord,
The One who is and who was and who is to be,
Because You have judged these things.
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,
And You have given them blood to drink.
For[d] it is their just due.”
And I heard another from the altar saying, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.”

Fourth Bowl: Men Are Scorched
Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.
Revelation 16:1-9

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  June 14, 2915:

The Bowl Judgments, Part 1 - Dr. Danny Forshee - June 14, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

1. The First Plague: Painful Sores (v. 2)
   - For everyone who takes the mark of the beast.
   - Sixth Plague in Exodus.
   
2.  The Second Plague: Seas iuto Blood (v. 3)- Genesis 1:21
   - The Second of each round of judgement deals with blood.
   - Hard, crusted, coagulated matter.
   - Chemically speaking, sea water is very similar to blood.
   - Produces economic collapse when you can't transport goods.
   
3. The Third Plague: Waters to Blood (vv. 4-7)
   
4. The Fourth Plague: Scortching Heat (vv. 8-9)
   - Isaiah 24:4-6
   - Water cycles will change dramatically.
   - Massive Global coastal Tsunamis

Highlights:

• Anything that has a modicum of greatness comes at a great price.

• Sin is ALWAYS judged.
• Choice is whether Jesus takes it or you do.
• "I would rather have Jesus take on my sin than bear it myself."

• God's first desire is always Mercy.

• "The more we reject Him, the more defiant and recalcitrant we become."

• Because God the Father said no to God the Son, He says an eternal YES to His children.

• God's default position is always to bless, but when we reject those blessings we suffer."

• God will always do that which is just.

• If you think sexual sin is bad today, it's nothing compared to what it's going to be in those days.

Revelation 15 -- Prelude to the Seven Bowls....

Prelude to the Bowl Judgments:
"Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.

And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying:

“Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints![
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You,
For Your judgments have been manifested.”

After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed."
Revelation 15

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  May 24, 2015:

Prelude To The Seven Bowls - Dr. Danny Forshee - May 24, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

1. The PRAISE of God (vv. 1-4)
   - Absolute, Sheer ASTONISHMENT
   - The GREAT Reversal
   - Exclamation
   - Declaration - You are just and true.
   - Question - Who shall not fear you?!?
   
2. The Preparation for Judgement (vv. 5-8)
   - 2 Chronicles 5:14
   - Hebrews 10:31
   - Temple, Tabernacle, Testimony
   - Holiest of Holies are open.
   - Jesus Christ is the TRUE High Priest.

Highlights:

• Tranquility in Heaven amidst chaos on Earth.
• God NEVER gets rattled.
• He is the ALMIGHTY GOD who is in control!!!

• God will right the wrongs done to his people: In Russia, today, there is a Church standing on the ground where Stalin used to hold executions.

• Moses is only noted as the servant of God.

• "VJ" day: Victory in Jesus day.

• Everyone, whether in Heaven above or hell below, will have to bow their knee and confess the sovereignty of Jesus Christ; the action is pre-determined, your only choice is where you will be.

• This text presupposes a detailed understanding of the Old Testament.

• Know Jesus as your friend before, one day, you know Him as your judge.

Revelation 14:14-20 -- The Time HAS Come

Reaping the Earth’s Harvest
Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”  So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

Reaping the Grapes of Wrath
Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.” So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.  And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs.
Revelation 14:14-20

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  May 17, 2015:

The Time Has Come - Dr. Danny Forshee - May 17, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

1. The Grain Harvest (vv. 14-16)
   -  Daniel 7:13-14
   - Joel 3:13
   - John 10:17-18
   - Philippians 2:7-8
   
2. The Grape Harvest (vv. 17-20)

Highlights:

• I am just so excited about the Lord's return.

• When Jesus comes, it is going to be a day of reckoning.

• You see the wrath of God poured out on sinful man.

• We are past needing Judgement but God continues extending GRACE.

• Whenever you come across a text like this you have two choices: Believe it or don't believe it.

• The Jesus of the Gospels is the same Jesus as the Jesus of the apocalypse.

• I know you don't want to hear it but, in Jesus' name, listen to me...either you repent or you go to hell and you will have no one to blame except yourself.

• 70 to 80% of men in the Church watch pornography.

• Either your sins will be paid by Jesus on the cross or by yourself in hell.
• "I don't want to go to hell, I want to go to Jesus."

• The person behind all of this is God.

• "It's not that He's not speaking, it's that we're not listening...and we have only ourselves to blame."

• "Just come, Lord Jesus, come."
• "I hope that you know Him."

• "God, please forgive us."

• "God, come what may...help us endure afflictions."

• "Some of our people, Lord, need to get right with you."

Revelation 14:6-13 -- One LAST Call to Salvation!!!

The Proclamations of Three Angels
"Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall 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; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Revelation 14:6-13

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  May 3, 2015:

One Last Call to Salvation - Dr. Danny Forshee - May 3, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

1. The Angels and their message (vv. 6-8)
   - Matthew 24:14
   - Believe, repent, and turn to the Lord; THIS is YOUR Last Chance!!!
   
2. The unbelievers and their punishment (vv. 9-11)
   - 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
   - EVERLASTING Destruction....
   
3. The believers and their REWARD (vv. 12-13)
   A. They Persevere
   B. They Obey
   C. They Believe
   
   - 2 Corinthians 5:8
   
   - Hebrews 6:10

Highlights:

• The gospel is gonna continue to be unpopular until Jesus comes.

• Just because we disagree does not mean we are discriminating.

• Yes it's a message about judgement and it's a message about hell, but it's also a message about blessing and about how God honors His people eternally!!!

• Your way is NOT as valied as God's way, and Jesus is the ONLY way to God.

• Everyone's gonna hear it, most are gonna reject it.

• "I believe Babylon is going to be a city and a force."
• Politics, religion, and business all intermingling in a corrupt morass.
• Author's Note: Basically, all of the worst aspects of the Capitol in Austin or Washington D.C. on steroids.

• If you reject God's final authority, then you will suffer.

Revelation 14:1-5 -- Faithful Followers of the LAMB

"Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God."
Revelation 14:1-5

Pastor Danny Forshee. Great Hills Baptist Church. April 19, 2015:

Faithful Followers of the Lamb - Dr. Danny Forshee - April 19, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

1. Their Number (v. 1)
   2 Corinthians 2:15-16
   
2. Their Song (v. 2-3)
   
3. Their Allegiance (vv. 4-5)
   A. Sexually Pure
         1 Corinthians 6:18-20
   B. Surrendered Wills
         John 10:27
   C. Set.....
         1 Peter 1:18-19
   D. Silent (No Deceit)
         Proverbs 17:28
         - Know when to shut up.
   E. Stellar Testimony

Highlights:

• 144,000 Jewish evangelists.

• "All we have to do is trust Him and believe in His word."

• First-fruits of God!!!

• Not the gossip, but the gospel.

• "Your effectiveness for Christ is linked to your sexual purity."

Revelation 13:11-18 -- The BEAST from the Earth

The Beast from the Earth
Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or 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 it is the number of a man: His number is 666.
Revelation 13:11-18

Pastor Danny Forshee.  Great Hills Baptist Church.  March 29, 2015:

The Beast from the Earth - Dr. Danny Forshee - March 29, 2015 from Great Hills Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Outline:

1. 
   1 John 2:18, 22
   
   
2. His Persuasion (v. 14)
   Matthew 24:24-25
   2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
   2 Corinthians 5:11
   
3. His Power (vv. 15-18)
   Revelation 20:10

Highlights:

• Counterfeit is big business; whenever God has the real, satan has the counterfeit.

• The fake makes the real shine better.

• Chs. 12-14 tell the story from satan's perspective.

• The false prophet is the unholy 'equivalent' of the Holy Spirit.

• The false prophet covers the spiritual realm.

• The purpose of the 'resurrection' of the antichrist is deception.

• The Roman emperors demanded worship.