A New Song

692. "A New Song"
Revelation 14-Part 16
And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. Revelation 14:3 NAS

LET IT GLOW

Several years ago, we attended a Bible conference in Florida with many others. The mega church had a gigantic choir singing heavenly songs praising our Lord. They sang some old hymns and some new songs. What an experience for this country gal! I was so blessed during that time. John heard a wonderful choir, too. Shall we listen to his description?

In chapter 14, we immediately meet the Lamb of God standing in Jerusalem with the 144,000 Jewish witnesses who had been killed.
What is this group doing? They are singing a new song before the throne and the four living creatures and elders. Now this is one gigantic choir.
Is everyone joining in the singing? No, no one could learn the song except the 144,000 martyrs who had been purchased from the earth.
What else do we know about these faithful saints?

• They are sexually chaste.
• They follow the Lamb without hesitation.
• they have no lies on their lips.
• They are blameless.

In their relationship with others, they are pure; in their relationship with God, they are obedient. They are living proof of the gospel being authentic.
If we are known for moral failures, nobody will listen when we claim to be followers of the one true God. (Swindoll)

Is my lifestyle an unspoken testimony of God's grace?
Do I keep my relationships above reproach?
Am I picking and choosing what to obey in God's Word?
Is my speech absolute truth or half-truths?
Are there any secret sins in my life?

God's most effective witnesses are those who are not only saved and sealed, but also walking in the light-set apart for God and willingly available to be sent as lights into a dark and corrupt world. (Swindoll)

LET IT GROW

John saw Jesus as the sickle-wielding Judge of the earth who treads the wine press of God's wrath. Swindoll gives us two principles from this:

1. God's grace gives us the freedom to choose righteousness. Christ's death has set us free from slavery to sin (Rom. 6:5-7). The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to choose righteousness instead of wickedness (Phil. 2:12-13). We are to use this freedom in the service of God, not our self.
2. God's justice holds every person accountable. We who are "in Christ Jesus" are free from the condemnation (Rom 14:10) and wrath of God (1Thess. 5:9). Romans 14:10 tells us that "we will all stand before the judgment seat of God."

A day of divine examination is coming. Are we ready?

Revelation 2:23 says, I am he who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.

Are we using our freedom in Christ to live a life free from sin's domination?

LET IT GO

Review the questions above so I am ready for the divine examination.

Let go of sin and surrender to Christ.