June 29, 2022
Teaching Blog
To introduce today's study through Revelation 3, it is good to step back and see how current events reveal the reality of Revelation's prophecy. This week I'd like to highlight one of President Biden's most recent Executive Orders.
Central Bank Digital Currency
This month the Biden administration instructed federal agencies to develop plans for implementing a government-backed digital currency. Read an article from Foxbusiness on the proposed digital currency.
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are a hot topic, and millions have invested in them. But the Biden administrations Executive Order is preparing for something radically different than any cryptocurrency or any block chain based digital asset. Cryptocurrency is, by design, hard to track. In a way they work like cash in your pocket-- the government doesn't know who you give it to.
But the white house is preparing for something radically different-- a Central Bank controlled Digital Currency, which could be programmable. In other words the President has opened the door for digital currency that can tracked and limited.
A programmable currency could be extremely helpful and dangerous at the same time:
For example, the government needs to control who receives money, and what the money is spent on-- i.e. not on drugs. A programmable currency would help.
But it is not hard to imagine a government also saying, only people in 'good standing' can use it. And that 'good standing' could be anything based on the political winds of the moment-- injections, votes, education or certification, etc.
Isn't this what Revelation said would be in place during the Great Tribulation?
He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark.
Revelation 13:16-17
During the 7 year tribulation, before Jesus returns, Revelation describes a world order where people will only be able to buy or sell if they have a 'mark' that grants them permission. Of course if the world used a physical trading system, or a cash system, it would be nearly impossible to track and control who buys and sells. But if the world used a government controlled digital currency....?
The future world described by Revelation is becoming and easier to understand. Because it's unveiling before us every day.
Let us look forward eagerly to Heaven and being with our Lord and our loved ones!
Conversation Guide
Read Revelation 3:14-22
In Jesus' letter to the church of Laodicea He reminds us lukewarm believers make Him sick, "I will vomit you out." I don't know of a harsher warning Jesus gives in scripture! So let us look to our own hearts and make sure there is no complacency to be found.
Revelation 3:17
Because you say 'I am rich,... and have need of nothing.
How can possessions-- having too much of them or too little-- distract us from what really matters?
Think of the physical blessings you might have now: money, comforts, health, etc. Which ones sometimes distract you from the Lord?
Discuss:
Sometimes we are rich in our own mind. We think, "I have so much knowledge and experience." And we get into arguments and disputes, rather than diving in and helping someone find Jesus.
One Degree at a Time:
A liquid is lukewarm when it loses its internal heat and perfectly matches its surroundings.
Discuss with others, or write down, what things build your fire for the Lord. How can you go back and start doing them again?
Grace,
Josh Akin
Founder and Pastor, GraceBuilt Church , Bible Teacher at Josh Akin | Bible Study a YouTube channel helping you live out the Bible.
PS: Forward this email to a friend, and encourage someone to take the Revelation for 2022 study series with you!
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