During the early 1990's a phenomena took the world by storm. That phenomena we know to be called the "internet." Although it had already been in existence in upper government and the military, during this period in world history it became something that affected every person and the daily lives of everyone on the planet. Just think of it, if we want to find out about something or someone, where do we go? The internet.

But the internet has not helped us as humans be able to discern the truth. Most of the falsehoods, rumors and lies we are affected by have their start somewhere on the internet. Almost every unconceivable moral filth exists on modern web pages. But years ago although most people were shouting the praises of this phenomena, voices were also being heard pointing to the moral failure this newfound technology could and would produce.

Although now the most powerful concept come to life on the planet, the internet stands in the middle of the road on truth and morality. The sad reality of all of this is that modern Christianity has the picture of truth without power. That is why this chapter of Revelation is so important and gives us encouragement to see that God intends for His truth to be proclaimed with power.

(Revelation 11:1-19)

Then I was given a measuring reed like a rod, with these words: “Go and measure God’s sanctuary and the altar, and count those who worship there. 2 But exclude the courtyard outside the sanctuary. Don’t measure it, because it is given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months. 3 I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, dressed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 If anyone wants to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and consumes their enemies; if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way. 6 These men have the power to close up the sky so that it does not rain during the days of their prophecy. They also have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every plague whenever they want. 7 When they finish their testimony, the beast f that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, conquer them, and kill them. 8 Their dead bodies will lie in the public square of the great city, which prophetically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9 And representatives from the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will view their bodies for three and a half days and not permit their bodies to be put into a tomb. 10 Those who live on the earth will gloat over them and celebrate and send gifts to one another because these two prophets brought judgment to those who live on the earth. 11 But after 3½ days, the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet. So great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” They went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies watched them. 13 At that moment a violent earthquake took place, a tenth of the city fell, and 7,000 people were killed in the earthquake. The survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe has passed. Take note: The third woe is coming quickly! 15 The seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying: The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever! 16 The 24 elders, who were seated before God on their thrones, fell facedown and worshiped God, 17 saying: We thank You, Lord God, the Almighty, who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. 18 The nations were angry, but Your wrath has come. The time has come for the dead to be judged and to give the reward to Your servants the prophets, to the saints, and to those who fear Your name, both small and great, and the time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth. 19 God’s sanctuary in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His sanctuary. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings of thunder, an earthquake, and severe hail.

I want to focus my sermon today on verses 3-6 and the two witnesses. No one knows the true identify of these two witnesses. The Bible doesn’t give us their names. One interpretation is that this may be symbolic of the overall witness of the Church during tribulation. Another thought is that they are actual prophets who have come to earth to proclaim God's message. Even some Jewish people living during (516 BC and 70 AD) believed that prophets would return at the end of the age. Names that unanimously come up in discussion are Moses and Elijah. It depends on your view of end times as to which way you lean here.

At any rate, this chapter is a wonderful encouragement for Christians and Churches of any generation. It is not just end time churches that must proclaim God's Word against sin, or even minister during times of great suffering. But churches today must be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

I want you to think about this. It was only a few computer genius's that created the internet that took over the whole world in about 10 years. There were only a handful of people who would have predicted this could happen and the impact of its power. When Jesus came and Christianity arrived, could anyone have ever predicted its power to sweep over the entire world? Could we be standing on the edge of a move of God to raise up people who proclaim God's Word like Moses and Elijah did?

Before Jesus returns in His Second Coming God will raise up people like this to proclaim His Word. But in a world that questions whether there is absolute truth, should we just sit back and wait till His Second Coming for this to happen? My friends, the Gospel is the Word of God! It will be enabled by His Holy Spirit. When we as His people proclaim it no one can stop it without permission from God.