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Jesus set the standard for all Christians to be "in the world but not of the world". The are many modern Christians who seem to have the gift of being able to come close to living up to the standard (Mother Theresa is one know throughout the world). In our own community, we have Ministers who work with "Street People", drug addicts, prisoners, etc. giving unconditional love to those they serve. Not many of us are able to live such lives. I think that the command "come out..." might apply to any of us who find the pressure to do something we know to be wrong to be so great that the only way to prevent our succumbing to that pressure may be to extricate ourselves from the situation. In some cases, this could mean quitting a job where the company/organization is corrupt or practising and encouraging unethical or immoral behaviour.

Praising the Lord through music often seems to make the presence of the Holy Spirit more palpable. Holy Holy Holy Rev. 4-8 All Glory, Laud and Honour Rev. 4:11, 5:12-13 Washed in the Blood of My Redeemer Rev. 5:9-10 The Lord's Prayer (sung) Rev. 7:12 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (Doxology) Rev. 11:17-18 How Great Thou Art Rev. 15:3-4 Handel's Hallelujah Chorus Rev. 19:1-3 Plus: Joyful Joyful! We Adore Thee, Ode to Joy and many more

Satan is overcome. Victory is achieved by our being welcomed by God's embrace. The "blood of the Lamb" is that spilled by Jesus when he died to remove our sins, so that we can be forgiven and accepted despite our flaws, weaknesses and transgressions. This forgiveness is not deserved, but given by the Grace of God.

The battle between good and evil has raged in Heaven and on Earth since Genesis and continues today. The comfort we may draw is that, in the end, Jesus will win.

Courageous, faithful

It is through the blood shed by Jesus that we can become forgiven and saved (i.e. spiritual victory today, or at any time), by the Grace of God.

I think that the woman represents Mary, the mother of Jesus. I think the simple comfort we should draw from this, as from the whole book of Revelation, is a simple message: "Jesus wins!"

They were faithful and steadfast, continuing to proclaim the Truth, as should we. They did not fear the evil that grips the world.

The realization that God and Jesus will win in the end, that evil will be banished forever is sweet. It is human nature to reject what we do not understand, and has been for all time. Even in scientific circles, a new discovery, theory, etc. is usually rejected and ridiculed when first announced. It often takes years for a new idea to be accepted.

The origin of the great multitude is all nations, languages and tribes. Their spirit causes them to worship and praise God. First of "Amazing Grace"----------------------------------------- Rev. 7:14 Amazing grace! How sweet the sound-------------------------And he said, That saved a wretch like me!----------------------------------"These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; I once was lost, but now am found;----------------------------they have washed their robes and made them white Was blind, but now I see.--------------------------------------- in the blood of the Lamb. The "wretch like me" is one of those who have come out of the" great tribulation" and whose sins have been forgiven by the Grace of God, thanks to the blood shed by Jesus on the cross.

We learn that God will not destroy the world and all its people without saving the righteous. The seal is meant to mark those who abhor the evil practices, and who are faithful to God and his commandments, and who repent of their failure to do so, and are still saved by God's grace because of Jesus' sacrifice on behalf of us all.

The "souls" are with Jesus, as signified by their proximity to the alter. They were killed because they refused to renounce their Christianity. They want Justice (though even they may not understand what that might be). The white robe probably signifies purity and faithfulness. "Wait a linger longer" means that the end is some time in the future.

God (Jesus) initiates the storm of destruction against the world, but in particular those who ignore the teachings of Jesus. God is just, although we may not be able to fathom His justice.

God the Father, Jesus the Son, (and the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit) are one and the same. There is only ONE God, though He has different representations. We usually pray to God, and ask for His intercession in the Name of Jesus. Nevertheless, when we pray to one, we pray to them all (or to God, the only God).

I interpret our reigning as representing God on earth, and serving others. We can act as priests by spreading the Gospel.