Week 17

READ 13:16-18

Video - Case Study: What about the mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:16-18)?

Introduction
Legends, Lore, and Abuses
What do we do about the mark of the beast?
What is the mark of the beast? (666)
It bring about (FEAR)
Internet and microchips
It can be used to (ABUSE)
Many people have made it into to names
Hitler, Martin Luther, Pope, Ronald Wilson Reagan
Conclusion: There are many interpretations of the Mark of the Beasts as there are people.
Goal is to (SIMPLIFY)
Key Questions
Was the meaning of the number clear for the people of his time or just confusing to the original readers?
Are we missing the forest by focusing on this one tree?
The context of the Mark of the Beast
Revelation 13:18
Listen: Anytime you build a theory or a theology off of (ONE) verse, that is usually a (RED) flag right away.
Approach
The number of (ITS) name (Rev 13:17)
This (the Number) = its name (Rev 15:2)
(GEMATRIA)
Names = Numbers
Alpha = 1, Beta = 2, and so on
Other cultures (ROME) = Pompeii - AD 79
graffiti that says “I love whose name is 545”
Jewish Rabbis = Gen 14:14
318 is Eliezer.
Jews = Sibylline Oracles
888 is Jesus
What is the solution
The answer is simple: “(BEAST)”
If the Greek word for beast is transliterated into Hebrew and the letters are added up it equals 666
Interpretation
Why on the forehead and hands? (Deut 6:4-9 (The Great Shema), Matt 23:5)
Who do you (BELONG) too?
Other References in Revelation
Rev. 14:1 - Seals on their foreheads
4 Verses before and 4 verses after
GOD and the LAMB = (777)
Conclusion
Worship is (EVERYTHING) you are!
Fear (SELLS).
You do not accidentally fall (INTO) salvation just like you do not accidentally fall (OUT) of salvation.
Who you worship defines who you are, and it should be clear as if you had it stamped on your forehead and on your hands.

Week 18 Discussion Question

Video Discussion
What did you learn from the video?
Do you agree with what he says about the Mark of the Beast?
What does the 144,000 represent? Is that you and I?
How important is it to you to understand the weight of the number and not just the numerical value of the number? Explain your answer?
What are some of the other numbers that are weighted in Revelation? (10,4,12,7,666,777, others) Do we have numbers that are weighted for us, what are some of them?

Group Discussion - Chapter 17
What are some examples of champions or winners?
If your life was being threatened and you could hire anyone in the world to be your personal bodyguard, whom would you pick?
What do you think of all the recent talk of a “new world order”?
Explore It
What did one of the seven angels show John? (17:1)
How did the angel describe the evil of the “great prostitute”? (17:2)
What did John see when the angel carried him away? (17:3)
How did John describe the woman he saw? (17:4-5)
What could John tell about the woman he saw? (17:6)
What amazed John? (17:6)
How did the angel react to John’s astonishment? (17:7)
What did the angel explain to John? (17:7)
What do people need in light of the events that are coming? (17:9)
Why will people all over the world be astonished at the beast? (17:8)
How did the angel explain the ten horns that covered the beast? (17:12)
How did the angel explain the seven heads of the beast? (17:9-11)
What was the significance of the waters that John saw the woman sitting on? (17:15)
What is the relationship between the beast, the ten kings, and the prostitute? (17:16-18)
What action will the ten kings take and what will be the result? (17:13-14)
Group Discussion
How significant do you think it is that ancient Babylon is being rebuilt in modern-day Iraq?
Why do you think idolatry (worship of false gods) is described as adultery in the Bible?
In what way is the beast’s “resurrection” a weak imitation of Christ’s resurrection?
What in your opinion is the best way to understand the symbolism in this passage—the prostitute, the seven heads or hills, and the ten kings?
How would you describe the difference between knowledge and wisdom?
Why is it so important for us to seek wisdom from God?
What can we do to become wise?
What is the significance of the way in which the prostitute is dressed?
What does it mean that the beast and the ten horns will eventually turn against the prostitute?
How do you think you should respond differently to worldly events and situations after having
What systems (“babylons”) in the world today are hostile to God?
How should our behavior or life-style reflect the truth that Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings.
What difference does it make that Jesus is the Lord of lords and King of kings?
Apply It
What can you use to remind yourself each day this week of God’s rule and superiority over all evil in the world?
What can you do to learn from the wisdom of more mature Christians?
What amazing sight did John see? (18:1)
How did John describe the angel he saw coming down from heaven? (18:1) 421. What pronouncement did the angel bring? (18:2)
Why did the angel say that Babylon was being judged? (18:3)
What did a voice from heaven urge? (18:4)
What specific message of judgment did the angel bring concerning Babylon’s sins? (18:5, 8)
How will the fall of Babylon affect rulers and merchants all over the earth? (18:9, 11, 15)
What will happen to Babylon’s wealth? (18:10-19) 427. Why will the merchants be upset? (18:11-13, 15)
Why will the sea captains and sailors be upset over the destruction of Babylon? (18:17-19)
Why will Babylon be judged? (18:20)
What instructions did the angel give for heaven and its inhabitants? (18:20) 431. Near the end of the vision of Babylon’s fall, what did a mighty angel do? (18:21) 432. What did the mighty angel’s action illustrate? (18:21)
How will Babylon be judged? (18:22-23)
What symbol of violence was found in Babylon? (18:24)
What do you think Babylon symbolizes or represents?
What is one step you can take today to put things and money in proper perspective?