“And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].“ Revelation 12:11 (AMP)

“And they have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony. And they were not afraid to die.“ Revelation 12:11 (NLT)

Among the many references in the depiction given to the Body of Christ (the Church) by Apostle John in Revelation 4 about worship in Heaven before the throne of GOD, is the description of the twenty-four elders seated on twenty-four thrones surrounding it. These represent the twelve offspring of Jacob/Israel – partakers of the Old Testament/Covenant between God & Man, and the twelve apostles – partakers of the New Testament/Covenant between God & man (of which we are grafted branch on the Vine who is JESUS). The apostles moved the WORD forward because the Living Word or power of God worked through them. As revealed by the teachings of the Holy Spirit, “they” in Revelation 12:11 is referring primarily to the apostles and early Believers who regardless of severe persecution moved the Good News or Gospel of redemption, re-creation, reconciliation, and restoration by the blood of Jesus forward.

Therefore, by the finished work of Christ Jesus I may Philippians 4:4-8 this day. In the great United States of America we may have the WORD of God in our possession, read the WORD, speak the WORD, and pronounce that Jesus is Lord sans persecution. Yes, those rendered sons and daughters of the Sovereign Lord God Almighty by the blood of Jesus (i.e., Believers, disciples/followers of Christ or Christians, saints/set apart ones) are viewed as a strange bunch that walk by faith not by sight. Nevertheless, we are free to dance and lift our hands in praise and worship of God the Father with full confidence in our right standing by His great mercy which facilitated the finished work of Christ Jesus. We overcome by the blood of the precious Lamb of God, and the utterance of our testimony; and we are commanded to do even greater works by the power of God within. Therefore, I give praise and glory to God the Father, in Jesus’ name, for the testimony of the witnesses who risked death to spread the Good News/Gospel of Jesus the Anointed One and His Anointing. Hallelujah!