Weekly Newsletter – November 2, 2020
FROM THE HEART OF DR. REXELLA VAN IMPE
What’s In a Look?
The instant I saw her I knew she was special.
She was only about 5 years old, and her smile simply captivated my heart. Something about her moved me and compelled my attention.
It was the closing night of our crusade in Roanoke, Virginia, and after the service Dr. Van Impe and I were sitting on the edge of the platform, shaking hands and visiting with people.
A young couple came over to me and smiled up at me so sweetly. There was such a wonderful expression of the Lord on their faces. I leaned over and shook their hands and greeted them, but they didn’t say a word.
That’s when I saw her — their beautiful little daughter with a cherub face and an angelic smile that wrapped itself around my heart. I motioned to her with my finger and she came up on the platform and stood in front of me.
As I looked into her eyes, suddenly I realized that she couldn’t talk — both she and her parents were without speech. So with the little bit of sign language I know, I asked, “Do you love Jesus?”
And she signed back — not only with her hands, but with her eyes and her heart — “YES… OH, YES!”
I was so moved… so overcome with emotion that I also was mute for a long moment. There was something in her look that spoke volumes. Somehow I realized that this child knew the Lord in a way that few people ever will. She had an inner relationship with Christ so real and powerful that His radiance glowed in her face and His joy flowed out of her tender young life to touch everyone around her.
I looked down into the faces of the child’s mother and father and saw their love and pride. And I also saw that they had that special look. One glance… and people could tell they had been with Jesus.
Because I couldn’t understand the meaning of all their signs, I was unable to converse very much with them. But I had no doubt that they were able to speak to Christ, perhaps in a much deeper and more meaningful way than most of us do.
And they had taught their daughter well, and had led her to know Jesus. Somehow I was absolutely convinced that she had been on Christ’s lap often, even as little ones were centuries ago.
Do you have “the look”?
What do people see when they look at us? Can they tell at a glance that we’ve been in the presence of the Lord?
I love the beautiful Old Testament account of how Moses went up to the mountain to meet with God and to receive the Ten Commandments. When he came back down into the camp of the Israelites, his countenance shone — the light that emanated from his being told all the people at a glance that he had been with Jehovah God.
Some time ago, a local television program featured a man who was talking about how to have the look that was right for you. He was stressing the importance of choosing just the right makeup, hairstyle, clothing colors, etc.
I believe that this is important. But as I watched that program, I was struck with the thought that even if we make the outer person look his or her best, without the abiding presence of the Lord within, we can never achieve the look that sets us apart from the world.
What does it matter if people can look at me and say, “My, doesn’t she have an up-to-date look — her make-up, her hair, her clothes, her grooming are just impeccable!” If they do not see beyond the outer shell, how real is my Christian testimony?
For all believers, one of our greatest joys should be having people see Jesus in us — sensing that there is something different about us without our saying a word.
The look of love
Not long ago, I had a beautiful, blessed experience. I was trying on a dress in a shop when the girl who was assisting me began to talk, and in minutes she was pouring out her heart to me. She told me her problems and asked for advice and help. After I counseled with her concerning her personal need, I proceeded to explain God’s plan of salvation and her greatest need of all — to accept Christ. So we were praying, and she opened her heart to the Lord. Later, when I asked why she came to me for help, she said, “There was just something about you — a certain look that touched me.”
What’s in a look?
God help us to be so filled with His presence and so overflowing with His love that we have our Lord’s look — the look of love.
A CLASSIC MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM DR. JACK VAN IMPE
Revelation 18: 1- 24
In the next twenty-four verses, we shall witness the destruction of political Babylon. This Babylon is different from the one just discussed. Chapter 17 concerned religious Babylon, whereas chapter 18 pictures political, or commercial, Babylon. Religious Babylon was called “mystery Babylon,” but commercial Babylon is referred to as “Babylon the great.” Religious Babylon was presented as a woman or a mother, while commercial Babylon is portrayed as a city-a great city, a mighty city, and eventually a burning city. Religious Babylon was situated on seven hills, whereas political Babylon is visible from the sea (see verses 17, 18, and 21). Religious Babylon was destroyed by the kings of the earth (17:16), but political Babylon will be destroyed by horrendous judgments from the hand of God. When religious Babylon was destroyed, the kings rejoiced. When political Babylon is demolished, however, the kings and merchants of the earth lament [and weep] for her (18:9, 15). Let’s study political Babylon.
Verse 1: And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
John says, after these things. After what things? After the fulfillment of religious Babylon’s destruction. John’s statement is further proof that the two Babylons are entirely different and distinctive of one another. Only after the events of chapter 17 does John see God’s judgment upon political Babylon in the verses that follow.
The angel bringing the warning of impending judgment is powerful and glorious. His appearance lightens the entire globe. Quite possibly, this is a christophany or appearance of Christ, as He is the light of the world (John 8:12).
Verse 2: And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
God’s judgment of commercial Babylon has begun. The angel’s cry is, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen. Why? She has become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every [evil] spirit imaginable. She is a cage containing every vicious, filthy, and hateful bird in existence.
A walk through New York City, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Hollywood, or San Francisco would be helpful at this point. America’s major cities-and minor ones as well-are loaded with lust-ridden sinners seeking sex thrills through prostitutes, R- and X-rated movies, and pornographic bookstores. Our beloved America could possibly fit the description of political Babylon as a cage [containing] every unclean and hateful bird controlled by foul spirits and demons who inhabit the land and its people. God help us to have an old-fashioned, Holy Spirit-empowered revival in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Otherwise, God’s judgment may soon fall.
Verse 3: For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Just like religious Babylon, this political system has turned to idolatry and fornication. As we saw in chapter 17, these terms refer to the worship of strange gods and a love of this world’s material goods. Seeking prestige and power, commercial or political Babylon has promoted and joined ungodly world alliances. The text states that the nations of earth have partaken of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed [spiritual] fornication with her for gain. Hence, the merchants of the earth have become exceedingly wealthy by “wheeling and dealing” with this nation who is superabundantly loaded with delicacies.
Verse 4: And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Verse 5: For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
The believers of the Tribulation hour-those who trusted in the shed blood of the Lamb and refused the mark of the beast-are told to come out of her [and partake not] of her [evil deeds]. They are to live holy lives in the midst of a cage [full of] unclean and hateful bird[s] whose sins have reached unto heaven and caused an abominable stench in the nostrils of the Almighty. They are to be careful of materialism and to refrain from illegal gain through the love of the delicacies of this world.
Verse 6: Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
Verse 7: How much she hath glorified herself and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
Here we see God’s law of sowing and reaping coming into effect: They that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same (Job 4:8). Humanity cannot get away with sin forever. God hates sin. It is inconsistent with His holiness. Except for God’s mercy, most of us would have been dead and in hell long ago. His grace, however, passes all human understanding. The Lord is…longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Still God cannot tolerate sin forever, and the reaping of political Babylon’s iniquity must finally take place.
What a terrible experience as Babylon receives a double portion of judgment. Literally, the verse should say, “The double is to be doubled?’ This was the punishment under the law of Moses (see Exodus 22:4, 7). Now God says, “Double the judgment upon Babylon according to her works. Reward her even as she rewarded you.” Babylon has glorified herself and lived deliciously. Her wealthy became wealthier and her poor became poorer. As a nation, she did not care about the poor, for she said, “I am a queen. I shall see no sorrow. I do not want to look at the needs of the impoverished.”
There is a possibility that James 5:1-6 predicts the judgment administered in Revelation 18:1, 7: Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped [the poor] are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
The end of the age will not see communism enthroned. Instead, capitalism will be the ruling power as ten Western nations bleed the world’s inhabitants of their possessions. Now, don’t misunderstand. I hate the atheistic, godless monstrosity called “communism.” It will be destroyed, as will Russia, in the Middle East (see Ezekiel 39:1, 2). However, “double trouble” is also coming for those exploiters of the masses-the rich who starve the poor-according to the verses just investigated. Their judgment takes place as Babylon is burned.
Verse 8: Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
Verse 9: And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her when they shall see the smoke of her burning,
Verse 10: Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
When the news of Babylon’s destruction is received, earth’s kings, monarchs, potentates, and presidents immediately begin to weep. Their source of wealth has been disintegrated. They are joined by members of the Chamber of Commerce.
Verse 11: And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more.
Let’s view the commodities. Not a single item is really necessary. In fact, the entire display may be classified as “luxurious worldly baubles used to impress high society.” Imagine, even the mark of the beast won’t hinder wealth in the Western world! Just look at the expensive dainties listed in the following portion of Scripture.
Verse 12: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls [for investment portfolios], and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet [for fashionable dress], and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble [for high-class furniture],
Verse 13: And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense [for sensuousness. Also, a stockpile of] wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses [for the satisfying of the flesh], and chariots [for the getaway], and slaves [for labour to increase wealth], and [finally the] souls of men [for lust and other demeaning practices].
But judgment must come. The treasures of the Tribulation enterprises do not last. Neither will they last for you, if this is all you want out of life. Why?
Verse 14: And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
They will be destroyed in one hour (verses 10 and 17).
Verse 15: The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her; shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
Verse 16: And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
Verse 17: For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster; and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off
Verse 18: And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
Verse 19: And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
No comment is needed at this point, for the preceding texts are self-explanatory. As the world weeps over the destruction of political Babylon, all heaven breaks forth in praise.
Verse 20: Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
To this point there has only been one other command to rejoice recorded in the Book of Revelation. All has been solemn and sad. At the overthrow of Babylon, however, the cherubim, seraphim, and other angelic orders are told to praise the Lord. The holy apostles and prophets-representatives of all Old and New Testament saints-are instructed to join them. Why? The chief enemy of the people has been destroyed.
The world persecuted the prophets, apostles, and saints of God during every age. Oftentimes great suffering was inflicted upon them: [Some] were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth (Hebrews 11:35-38). Now such oppression is finished forever! Babylon… is fallen, is fallen. Praise the Lord! The world can no longer touch God’s people for God hath avenged you on her-or from the Greek, which is stronger: “God hath judged your judgment on her.”
Verse 21: And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
Some Bible scholars identify this stone as Christ. Acts 4:11 states: [Christ] is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
The stone strikes at the end time when ten toes or ten Western nations are aligned. Daniel 2:34 states: Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet [composed of ten toes] that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
This explanation is repeated in Daniel 2:44 and 45: And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
The Lord Jesus Christ may well be the stone that pulverizes Babylon. So thorough is the stone’s destruction that Babylon is finished forever.
Verse 22: And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
Entertainment ceases in this “laugh-a-minute” commercial empire. All music and hilarity is forever silenced. The craftsmen-including tool and die makers, auto mechanics, and machinists are put out of business as all production is halted in Babylon, once the international center of commerce.
Verse 23: And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
Lights are extinguished, possibly through energy deficiencies. Marriages cease, and heartbreak inundates the land. No longer is there time for mirth, joy, love, and romance.
Verse 24: And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
The closing verses of this chapter reveal three reasons for God’s judgment of Babylon: (1) her love of wealth and riches-[her] merchants were the great men of earth; (2) her abusive usage of drugs for by [her] sorceries were all nations deceived. (The word sorceries in this text again comes from the Greek word pharmakeia, translated pharmacy in English. The term connotes “getting high on” or “getting kicks out of’ drugs.); and (3) her hatred, abuse, and persecution of the people of God-for in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
Who is Babylon? Certain scholars think that the term refers to the ancient city of Babylon on the banks of the Euphrates River in present-day Iraq. Interestingly, the city is currently being rebuilt. Others, including such prophecy scholars as Dr. S. Franklin Logsden, believe Babylon to be the United States of America-a leader of the Western world aligned with the Antichrist’s ten-toed kingdom.
Some great scholars believe that America and Babylon the great are one and the same because of the information presented in the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah, plus the words of John the seer in Revelation, chapter 18.
Consider the following momentarily. Isaiah 18:1, 2 depicts a latter-day nation that amazingly resembles modern America. This nation (1) has the insignia of wings-similar to our national emblem, the bald eagle; (2) is a land that is beyond the sea from Israel; (3) is scattered and peeled-meaning it is widely spread out or has great land areas; (4) is meted out-or staked out-by acres and miles; and (5) is a land whose rivers are spoiled-or polluted.
Likewise, in chapters 50 and 51 of the book bearing his name, Jeremiah presents conclusive evidence that a latter-day Babylon-far different from and superior to ancient Babylon-will spring into existence. As one studies Jeremiah’s remarks, he is amazed to see that modern America seems to be the fulfillment of these predictions because: (1) she is a nation of mingled people (Jeremiah 50:37); (2) she is a nation whose mother shall be sorely confounded and who coexists with the “mother” at the hour of her decline (50:12); (3) she dwellest upon many waters (51:13); (4) her wealth plagues the nations of the earth to the point of insane jealousy (51:7); (5) her space exploits are so utterly fantastic that she tries to mount up to heaven (51:53); and (6) she exists when Israel is back in her land.
CHANGED LIVES-one at a time
This article (How Do You Handle Guilt) was so timely for me. I am 83 years old and I am still bombarded with guilt feelings. Even today before I checked my email I was saying these very words. I have failed in many areas ,Lord but I did the best I could at the time. Then Rexella you confirmed it.
I went to Austria to join my husband who was in the service in 1953. When I arrived in Bremahaven Germany, I was met by a soldier to tell me my husband was in the hospital. He was in the hospital for a month. I am 83, now. My husband is 88. He is facing surgery…the 23rd of November.
Please pray for us, and our family..
The Covid virus has made it more difficult even for a spouse to have visitation rights.
Barbara
HIGHLIGHTED MINISTRY OFFERS
The Jack Van Impe Prophecy Bible
- With bonus The Complete Guide to Every Prophecy Verse in the Bible A listing of all the prophetic verses in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation
- Now includes Daniel Final End Times Mysteries Unsealed A full commentary on the book of Daniel by Dr. Jack Van Impe
- All the prophecy verses in the Bible shaded and identified.
- The majestic King James Version translation text with words of Christ in red.
- A ribbon bookmarker.
- A special presentation page – perfect for gift-giving
- An inspiring introductory message from Dr. Jack Van Impe.
- A Scripture memorization plan – designed by Dr. Van Impe to enable you to learn the Word of God more effectively than ever before.
- Dr. Van Impe’s own A to Z Prophecy Index – giving you easy, instant access to the Bible’s answers on the questions that concern you most.
- Dr. Van Impe’s fascinating verse-by-verse commentary on the book of Revelation.
Eternity: Who? Where? When? Why?
Do you know where you will be eternally?
It’s the most important question you will ever answer!
Bible prophecy experts Drs. Jack and Rexella Van Impe use their vast knowledge of the Scriptures to show you:
- Eternity is real – and every human will spend it in either heaven or hell.
- Jesus Himself talked about hell – this video shows you what He said and what it means for you, your family, and all humanity.
- Preachers who don’t talk about hell are dishonoring God – because Jesus Himself was the first hell-fire preacher.
- The concept of the Trinity is integral to your belief in God – and only faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit can save.
- The Rapture is foretold in the Scriptures – and you can see which prophetic signs have already taken place and prove the return of the Lord is at hand.
- And much more!
This teaching is perfect for any believer and great to share with non-Christians who want the truth about eternity, heaven, hell, and the return of Christ!