to us to represent you, your son Jesus Christ, to tell your story, to win souls to you with the gospel message that saves the power of God unto salvation, as you've said, and the discipleship process. Thank you for giving us the privilege and the honor to be a part We want to pray that you'll use us. Bless our study tonight. Be with Bill. Help him recover quickly. We do pray for a good report, good enough that he won't need surgery. And we pray that you'll give him the comfort that he needs. Your presence, put your healing hand on him. Help him recover quickly without any complications. And Father, we pray that you'd be with Brother George as well and give him strength and comfort. We're praying for Brother Ron as well and Brother Gary. All of these, Lord, are just afflicted. And we pray that your hand be upon them. Use them to bring glory and honor to you, because we know that everything serves a purpose, even if Satan intends for evil to occur. We know that you intend for good. So we pray for your victory in our lives and in our ministries. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Revelation chapter 20 is what we're looking at. Satan, Gog, and judgment. This is the final judgment of all judgments. It's the judgment that brings all other judgments to an end. In fact, the battles that take place. The battle of Gog at the end of the millennial reign is the battle that will end all battles against good and evil. Revelation chapter 20 depicts the judgment of Satan, God, and his followers, and those who choose to be judged by their works. Satan will be imprisoned for a thousand years during that time, during which Christ will rule the earth from Jerusalem during that time. Resurrected saints will rule with Christ and the world will be repopulated with a brand new generation of humanity. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released and lead rebels of the millennium against Christ. but they're going to be destroyed. They'll be judged, they'll be condemned. In contrast, those who choose to follow their creator will enjoy the blessings he intended for them from the beginning. Revelation chapter 20 opens with an angel casting Satan into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. Revelation 20 verses 1 through 3 states, And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent which is the devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years should be fulfilled. And after that, he must be loosed a little season." John described seeing an angel descending from heaven, binding Satan with a great chain, and casting him into the bottomless pit. where he is shut and sealed. For a thousand years, Satan will not be able to deceive the nations. Afterwards, he'll be released and lead one last battle against Christ, the created against the creator, with the same predictable outcome of failure. The responsibility for choosing to reject Christ in favor of something else falls squarely on those who make their own choices. Satan will not be blamed or judged for the decisions people make to reject Christ. He'll be judged for his own personal decision to reject Christ and to engage in a campaign to deceive others into rebelling against Christ. Personal responsibility for your sins demands personal accountability and judgment for the choices you make. Blaming others will not be acceptable excuses for sinning. This is due in part to the work of the Holy Spirit in the world. In John 16, verse 8, it says, And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. God personalizes His message and makes everyone personally accountable to Him. I'm going to make sure this doesn't make noise. In Revelation chapter 20, verses four through six, John describes, and I saw thrones and they sat upon them and judgment was given unto them. And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God, which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection. On such the second death hath no power. But they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years. The first resurrection occurs when the last trumpet sounds. 1 Corinthians 15, verses 51 and 52 state, behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump. For the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed. Some will be alive and others already dead when the last trumpet sounds. But whether living or dead, all believers will be raised to receive glorified, incorruptible celestial bodies. This is the first resurrection. In addition, in addition to the events associated with the sounding of the last trumpet already mentioned in Revelation, chapters 16, 17, 18, and 19. The resurrected saints will immediately be clothed in fine white linen and follow Christ on white horses. John described the scene in Revelation 19.14 saying, and the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. The dead, including those raptured just prior to the sounding of the first trumpet, and those who survived the seven years of tribulation, will be resurrected with new bodies at the sound of the last trumpet. With all the saved being resurrected, only the innocent, meaning the children who have not reached the age of accountability, will remain immortal bodies. They'll not be condemned because they would be innocent. And they'll not receive glorified bodies because they're not yet saved. It's this population of children from which the new population on earth will arise during the millennial reign of Christ. Many of these children may come from the Jews who will be hidden and protected by God during the last three and a half years. The resurrection will take place immediately after the last trump sounds. But because there will be saints in need of resurrection during and after the millennial reign, it's obvious that the first resurrection refers to an experience for saved souls, not to a single day. The millennial years on earth will be under the rule of Christ and vastly different from the present time. Descriptions of this millennium can be found throughout the Old Testament. During this period, the world will be ruled by Christ. In contrast to the kingdom of Antichrist, the kingdom of Christ will be a theocracy. Psalm 72 verse 11 states, Yea, all kings shall fall down before him, all nations shall serve him. Hebrews chapter 1 clarifies the kingdom of Christ is a theocracy recording God the Father saying to the Son, But unto the Son, he saith, thy throne, O God, is forever and ever. A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. Once Christ sets up his kingdom on earth, it will be forever. Daniel chapter two, verse 44 explains, and in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed. It shall not be left to other people, but will break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. This kingdom of Christ will last for a thousand years and continue into eternity. The kingdom of Christ was promised to King David. The angel in Luke chapter 1 verses 31 through 33 proclaimed to Mary, And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. And he shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom there shall be no end. Additionally, Daniel 7, verse 14 says, And there was given him dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom shall not be destroyed. For a thousand years under the rule of Christ on earth, there will be peace and righteousness. Jesus will establish his throne on Mount Zion in the city of Jerusalem and will reign over all kingdoms of the earth. He will be the King of kings and the Lord of lords, God Almighty. In contrast to the kingdom of Satan, Christ's kingdom will be a kingdom characterized by righteousness, justice, and peace. Jeremiah 23, verse 5 prophesies about this millennial reign, stating, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous branch, and a king shall reign and prosper, executing judgment and justice in the earth. Similarly, Psalm 72 verse 7 declares, in his day shall the righteous flourish and there shall be an abundance of peace as long as the moon endures. In Christ's kingdom, righteousness will prevail and justice will reign. The populations will enjoy security, peace, and safety. They'll be protected from criminals, from harm and dangers. The peace of God will prevail over everything in the earth. Isaiah 11, verses 6-9 paints a vivid picture of this peace, saying, The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid. The calf and the young lion shall be together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall feed, their young one shall lie down together, and the lion shall eat straw like an ox. The sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the den of the viper, They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. There will be no violence during this time in the earth, and the threat of danger in God's creation will be eliminated. During the millennial reign of Christ, there will be no wars. Isaiah chapter two, verse four states, and he shall judge among the nations and rebuke many. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. This state of global peace will only be true during the millennial reign and, I should say, the millennial reign and into eternity. There will be no need for weapons or a state defense department or manufacturing plants for weapons. Isaiah chapter 65 verse 25 repeats the tranquil description where predator and prey relationships cease, saying, the wolf and the lamb shall feed together and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock. This imagery illustrates a world free from predation and violence, as God's kingdom will be a place where nothing harms or destroys another. Ezekiel chapter 38 verse 8 describes this time as the latter years when Israel will dwell safely in the land after Satan and evil are vanquished at Armageddon. God said, after many days shall thou shalt be visited. In the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste. But it's brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely, all of them. The safety experienced by Israel is described by the thoughts of Gog at the end of the millennial, or during the millennial reign, revealed in Ezekiel chapter 38, verse 11. It says, and thou shalt say, speaking of Gog and his thoughts, I will go up to the land of all unwalled villages. I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls and having neither bars nor gates. Israel has never experienced such peace. And they never will. until Christ conquers the kingdom of Satan on earth. This will occur at Armageddon. Until this time, there will be no peace in Jerusalem. Under the kingdom of Christ on earth, people will enjoy life without pain and suffering. As the creator, Christ will restore the earth to its original state as it was in the beginning. It will be like the Garden of Eden. There will no longer be deserts and natural disasters. Isaiah chapter 35 verses 1 and 2 state, The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them. The desert shall rejoice and blossom like the rose. It shall bloom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it. The excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord and the excellence of our God. Diseases and sorrows will be eliminated, and the earth will teem with life in peace and tranquility. Isaiah chapter 35, verses five through 10 state, then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. The lame man shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute shall sing. In the wilderness, water shall break out, and streams shall flow in the desert. the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land shall have springs of water. In the habitation of jackals, where they once lay, there shall be grass with reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there called the way of holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it. It shall be for those who walk in that way. Even fools shall not err on it. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast. They shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, coming to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. In the kingdom of Christ, health and happiness will be the norm. The way of Christ will be taught in schools and practiced in businesses, governments, and social organizations. Humanity and everything on earth will flourish and grow without hindrance and encumbrances. This will be a time for humanity to see what the world could have been like from the very beginning had they chosen to follow the way of Christ rather than the way of Satan, the way of God rather than the way of self. The millennial reign of Christ on earth serves as a powerful illustration of the ideal life that humanity could have experienced. And as God always intended and wanted for humanity, During this period, harmony and peace will prevail, showcasing a world where justice, love, and righteousness flourish in every aspect of life. The transformation of nature with deserts blooming and barren lands becoming lush will symbolize the profound blessings that come with following the ways of Christ. For a thousand years, humanity will experience a world filled with peace, joy, health, and fulfillment. All populations of humanity, animals, and plants will flourish. This is the will of God, as it has always been. During the millennial years, humanity will rapidly repopulate the earth because the children under the age of accountability, who survived the years of great tribulation, will mature, marry, and raise families. This will produce new generations that must choose to trust Christ or die in their sins, just as we all must. Despite Jesus ruling the earth and the nations being governed by resurrected servants of God, serving as kings and priests, many will reject Christ and join forces with Satan for the final battle of Gog against God. They will resent the rule of Jesus and be offended by the ways of justice and righteousness. With King Jesus on the throne, pestilence and premature death will be eliminated. While sin will still exist in the bodies and souls of individuals prior to their personal salvation and resurrection, death will be rare. Isaiah 65 verse 20 states, There shall be no more thence an infinite of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days. For the child shall die a hundred years old. but the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed." In this context, a hundred-year-old man will be considered an infant due to the significantly increased lifespans during Christ's millennial reign. With the elimination of diseases and plagues, people will live longer. And as they did prior to the, I should say, as they did prior to the flood. For example, Methuselah lived 969 years according to Genesis 527. Jared lived 962 years according to Genesis 520. Noah lived 950 years according to Genesis 929. Adam lived 930 years according to Genesis 5.5. Seth lived 912 years according to Genesis 5.8. Enosh lived 905 years according to Genesis 5.11. and Canaan lived 910 years, according to Genesis 5.14. By comparison, the 2023 figures show life expectancy in the world now to be about 73 years. There's no comparison. As with long lifespans experienced before the flood, During the millennial reign, the human population will experience a steady net increase for 1,000 years, with more births than deaths, if any at all. Put in perspective, after 1,000 years, hypothetically, with an initial population of 1,000 people and a growth rate of 1.52%, The estimated population would be approximately 8 billion people. How many people can the earth sustain? Under the rule of Jesus, Isaiah 35 verse 7 states that parched lands will be made habitable and flowing with water. This will allow for an even larger population capacity than we have today. The kingdom of Christ is often depicted with agrarian imagery, emphasizing a future characterized by peace, productivity, and community. In this envisioned kingdom, the absence of wars and crime allows individuals to focus their energies on wholesome and constructive activities. Rather than wielding weapons for destruction, people will possess tools designed for cultivation and building. This transformation marks a significant shift from a society rooted in conflict that we're accustomed to under the rule of Satan to one dedicated to growth and harmony. The prophetic books of Ezekiel and Micah hint at the agrarian nature of the future culture to come. For instance, in Ezekiel 39, 3, the Lord declares, and I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. Bows and arrows are used for hunting, but they will be used in rebellion in the battle with Gog. Bows and arrows will be used due to the lack of other weapons available to them. Following this, Ezekiel 39 verses 9 through 10 describes a time when the inhabitants of Israel will burn the weapons left behind from the battle with Gog, saying, And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the hand staves and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years, so that they shall take no wood out of the field, Neither cut down any out of the forest, for they shall burn the weapons with fire, and they shall spoil those that spoil them and rob those that rob them, saith the Lord God. The use of wooden weapons strongly suggests the lack of metallic weapons. Furthermore, the armies of Gog are so numerous that it requires seven years to burn all of their weapons. Wood from the forest will not be needed because the weapons of wood will be their substitute. Micah chapter four verse three adds insight into the agrarian theme of heaven saying, they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. This description highlights the repurposing of instruments of war into tools for agriculture. Likewise, Isaiah chapter 65 verse 21 says, and they shall build houses and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. Interestingly, despite the devastation suffered by nations from God's judgments and the realignment of nations by the Antichrist, Many of the nations known today will continue to exist. Understood in the prophetic context, Ezekiel chapter 38, verse 5 mentions Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya. Ezekiel 38, 13 names Sheba and Dedan. Daniel 9, 41 through 43 identifies Edom, Moab, Egypt, the Libyans, and the Ethiopians. When Christ establishes his kingdom following the events of Armageddon, there will be a need for sub-kingdoms to govern. These sub-kingdoms will be overseen by glorified saints who will reign as both priests and kings. Instead of forming entirely new nations from the ground up, the focus will be on reorganizing and honoring those nations that exhibited kindness to Israel, thereby affirming their place in the millennial kingdom. This kingdom will be inhabited by the saints of God, consisting of glorified saints, those who have been transformed and perfected in Christ, as well as moral saints who have lived upright. In addition, a new generation of unsaved souls will also inhabit the kingdom as well. Each group will have a distinct role within this divine order, contributing to the overall harmony and purpose of the kingdom. The reign of Christ will not only restore the nations, but will also establish a framework where righteousness, justice, and peace flourish under Christ's sovereign rule. In this glorious era, the nations that supported Israel will find their identities honored and their contributions acknowledged as part of the unfolding plan of God. It will be a time of unity among nations, all drawn together under the Lordship of Christ, reflecting his glory and the fulfillment of his promises to his people. As the earth repopulates, Many of the new generations will resent the rule of Christ and his laws. They will resist the Spirit of God, as most do today. They will not repent of their sins or of their desires to do things their own way. They don't need Satan to influence them, as they will make their own choice of whether or not to follow Jesus. From the new generations of unrepentant souls will come an army ready to follow Satan against Christ. This will be the army that follows Satan into the battle of Gog against Christ. Revelation 20, verses 7-10 state, And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle. the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city, and fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever. The millennial reign of Christ concludes with the release and destruction of Satan. This depicts the final battle of good over evil. Whereas the battle of Armageddon was the final battle that ended Satan's kingdom on earth, the battle of Gog ends his presence on earth and heaven. Upon his release, Satan will immediately gather those who do not wish to be ruled by Christ. Despite Christ's presence and governance for a thousand years, there will still be many, numbered like the sands of the sea, it says, who harbor resentment towards him and reject his lordship. When Satan presents them with the opportunity to rebel against Christ, they eagerly join his ranks. Since Satan will lead the armies of men against God in one day, as indicated by Revelation 18 verse 8, upon his release, the Antichrist will have the armies assembled and ready to follow Satan. The existence... Oh, that's not true. Since Satan will lead the armies of men against God in one day, as indicated by Revelation 18, verse 8, upon his release, an army of unbelievers will be assembled and ready to follow Satan. The existence of such a multitude ready to oppose Jesus indicates several key points. First, there is a significant level of frustration and unhappiness among these individuals, prompting them to participate in a coup against King Jesus. Second, there must be an established network already existing that allows for communication and organization among the rebels prior to the release of Satan. Third, During the millennial reign, there's an undercurrent of discontent and turmoil among those who oppose Christ. Rebellion will not be tolerated in the kingdom of righteousness and justice, so there must be an underground network of rebels. But though they hide themselves during the millennial reign, they're not hidden from God. Rather, they are serving His purpose. It's difficult to imagine the stubbornness of those who resist God's Spirit and government. However, as seen in Revelation 9, verses 20 and 16, 9 and 11, the unrepentant will continue to blaspheme God even during their judgment. That persistence of stubborn resistance will last forever. They will never yield. The names of the nations that attack Israel in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 share the names of Israel's enemies today. However, Revelation chapter 20 verse 8 indicates all nations will be involved in the battle. They're the lost souls coming from every corner of the globe. The armies of Satan will include the lost from every corner, representing, I should say, every corner of the world, representing any and all groups that resist and rebel against Christ. Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 foreshadow the last day wars of Armageddon and Gog at both the end of the tribulation and the end of the millennial reign respectively. The names Gog and Magog refer to all nations across the earth that are not saved. Revelation chapter 20 verse 8 says of Satan and his army, He shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. The battle with Gog will take place in Jerusalem, where God will decisively intervene, consuming the rebels with fire from heaven. Following this, the devil will be cast into the lake of fire, joining the beast and the false prophet, where they will be tormented eternally. Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 describe the battle of Gog, which occurs at the end of the millennial reign. Revelation chapter 20, seven and eight, places the battle of Gog after the thousand year imprisonment of Satan. And Ezekiel chapter 38, verse 11 describes the battle occurring at a time when Israel is a land of unwalled villages, at rest, dwelling safely, and without walls, bars, or gates. Israel is not currently at peace and never will be at peace or dwell safely without protection with walls and bars and gates until Christ returns to establish His kingdom. As long as Satan is the God of this world, Israel will never be at peace. The description of Israel in Ezekiel chapter 38 and 39 will only occur during the millennial reign of Christ. Interestingly, the enemies of God will attack while riding horses and using wooden weapons, reflecting the prolonged absence of war and the lack of need for modern armaments during the thousand years of peace. Revelation chapter 20 verse 8 indicates that the battle involves all nations from the four corners of the earth. the four corners of the earth. While Ezekiel 39 verse 2 and verse 6 mentioned that a sixth of the enemies will remain in their homelands, confident in Satan and in their comrades' military strength to overcome Christ and feeling unconcerned about the outcome. However, those who dwell carelessly in the isles will be judged. God will destroy his enemies, both surrounding Jerusalem and in their homelands. This will be the battle that ends all battles and global destruction of all resistance to God. In the aftermath of the battle, The first seven months will involve burying the massive number of dead in Israel. The huge number of casualties will create a stench of death in the air, with animals and beasts and birds feasting on the remains. Even after seven months, workers will continue to discover and bury additional bones. Revelation chapter 20 verses 11 through 15 says, And I saw a great white throne and him that 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, stand before God, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them. And they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. At the end of the millennium, a second resurrection occurs for the lost souls. Revelation chapter 20 verse 5 clarifies, but the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This group consists of those awaiting their final judgment and eternal condemnation. John chapter 5 verse 29 refers to the two resurrections, stating, And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. Similarly, Paul references these two resurrections in Acts 24, verse 15, expressing his hope for a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This resurrection indicates a bodily experience for those who have been raised as they will receive physical bodies. Until this time, the souls of the dead exist without a body. The first resurrection is for those who have accepted Christ. They will serve as priests and kings of God and of Christ and will never experience the second death. The second death is exclusively for those who participate in the second resurrection, which is reserved for the unrepentant. Sorry. I ate spaghetti and my glucose is skyrocketing out of sight and giving me the alarm. Okay, where did we stop? Let's see. Oh, unrepentant. Condemnation is only for those who do not believe in Jesus. John chapter 3 verse 18 says, He that believeth on him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. They don't believe that God's way is better than their own way. They prefer to depend on themselves rather than depend on God. Revelation chapter 20 culminates with the vision of the great white throne representing the final judgment day. On this day, all evil and lost souls are condemned for eternity, marking the end of sin. Sin will never raise its head in God's kingdom again. While evil still exists in creation, as the lake of fire and brimstone will continue to hold its occupants eternally, they will pose no threat to the rest of creation. Those in the lake can curse and rebel amongst themselves. but they will no longer disturb the peace and tranquility of heaven. They will be separated from Christ's kingdom of peace and righteousness. The lake of fire is self-contained, ensuring that its inhabitants are eternally separated from Christ and the rest of creation. In heaven, peace and joy will reign forever, undisturbed, while in the lake of fire, turmoil and misery will be the only experiences. The great white throne symbolizes righteousness and justice, and God will judge with mercy or fairness. The book of life is but one book. It contains only the names of souls who are saved by the mercy of Christ, because they trusted in Him and His work as being sufficient to save them. Those who reject Christ's way of mercy will be judged fairly according to their works. To do this, the books of works will be open to judge the condemned. Every work, every thought and every deed is recorded, not just the good, but the bad as well. And anyone wanting to see if their good outweighs their bad will discover that they have no good that is acceptable to God. The question everyone should ask, The question everyone should ask of themselves is whether your name is in the book of life. Will you surrender to God's will or insist on doing your own will?