Revelation 16:1 says, “Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, ‘Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.'” Judgment will take place in an orderly fashion, just like it did with Egypt and the plagues.

When the seven angels poured out the judgments in Revelation 14:14-20, they affected people. But Revelation 16, the seven bowls, are similar to the judgment of God upon Egypt, upon the land rather than the people.

The bowls will be poured out very quickly. This judgment will take place very quickly, one bowl after the other. There are no more believers on the earth at this time, so God will pour out His judgment very quickly, with no mercy.

Revelation 16:1-17 emphasize that the judgment is coming from the temple, from God, as do Revelation 11:19 and 15:5. Revelation 8:3-5 shows us that our prayer answers also come from the throne room of God.

The first church looked like they were very weak, but they had a prayer life. Prayer changes everything. Prayer changed everything for the first church 2,000 years ago. They didn’t have human power or authority. The only thing they had was prayer, but through prayer God protected people’s lives, delivered people, and brought many miracles. At this time, as well, we have the privilege of prayer. We can ask anything in God’s name.

The first church came together and prayed (Acts 1:12-14). They had little money and great need, but they were on fire. Many great things came about through prayer. These days, the church has money and programs and activities, but sin abounds in the church. Why? Because there is a lack of prayer. Without prayer, we will not go anywhere. Because we have Jesus and a prayer life, we can boldly proclaim the promises of God and His plans in our lives. We can change this world through our prayers. What gives us boldness and strength? Prayer.

Without prayer, sin takes over. Those churches that do not have prayer, sin is taking over and killing the congregations. It is time for the church to start praying and fasting. It is time for the church to rise up.

We emphasize prayer because Jesus emphasized prayer. Jesus always prayed. Sometimes He prayed with others, sometimes by Himself. He would pray through the night. Before He did anything, He prayed. In His trial, He prayed.

You struggle with sin because you are not really praying. Maybe your lips are moving in prayer, but your heart needs to be in prayer as well. You must pray deeply, with your mind and heart, not just you lips. If you want to have a victorious life, pray. In Genesis 32:24-32, when Jacob wrestled with the angel, he prayed persistently. We need to pray like this.

God bless you!
Pastor Sun Hui East