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Mark(s) of the Beast: It's More Than Just a Number
The World has been conditioned to think that the "Mark of the Beast" is simply the number 6-6-6. However, that is not exactly what the Bible teaches. This book will use the lens of the Scripture to look closer at the famous passage found in the book of Revelation relating to the Mark of the Beast, and lay the groundwork for the theory that there may be two or even three separate marks. This book will challenge the reader to search the Scriptures on this topic and find out why it's so important to this current generation. This book also looks at amazing and incredible technologies now in use which may or may not be utilized by the coming evil kingdom and its identifying mark. The book's author has been a Bible teacher for over 20 years. He holds a B.A. in Communication from Boise State University and an M.A. in Apologetics from Liberty University. In his 25 years of Christian ministry he has served as a Youth Pastor, Teaching Pastor, Missionary Pastor, Bible Teacher, and most recently as a Prison Chaplain and Managing Director of a Christian Non-Profit Ministry. This book is the first of 20 books to be published under the series title of "Countdown Collection". The goal of these books is to bring a practical study of biblical topics to Christians and non-Christians alike that will be easy to read and yet challenging. Each of the topics will relate to the prophetic end times and the events leading up to the return of Jesus Christ.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2019
354 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 30, 2021
It was okay
No major revelations here (no pun intended).The mark of the beast may be in more than one form. I can't agree with the author that some who take the mark still have hope. Overall the book was okay. Nothing great but not terrible.
No major revelations here (no pun intended).The mark of the beast may be in more than one form. I can't agree with the author that some who take the mark still have hope. Overall the book was okay. Nothing great but not terrible.
February 22, 2022
Interesting Read
- In short, Mr. Sonderman uses the futurist dispensational eschatology to explain his opinions of the mark of the beast. This particular eschatology is full of holes, the most significant one beginning with Revelation 1:1, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to shew into his servants the things which must shortly come to pass..."; and Revelation 1:3, "...the time is at hand.". The futuristic dispensational eschatology inserts a "gap theory" here to support their storyline of nothing happening for 2,000 years. Ask yourself the simple question, "What makes more sense?" - that the revelation had zero significance or relevance to the church for 2000 years? Or, that they describe the events that the saints would face from the first century until Messiah's return? (Shortly come to pass - and the time is at hand). A great website for more information on this issue is, (revelation timeline decoded.com).
- He started out well by claiming to use scripture to interpret scripture but he repeatedly inserts ideas and concepts that are not at all supported in the context or anywhere else in Scripture.
- Rev 2:19 - How can the phrase "after these things" be referring to so-called current things that will last for 2,000 years? This is clearly inserting a pretext into the context.
- Rev 4:1 - A more egregious insertion of pretext into the context is how he tries to apply the catchy phrase "after these things" in this verse. At least he used a phrase "there seems to be a clear transition..." - but his explanation of that transition is anything but clear. John was simply saying "Next I looked...". It is a transition, yes, but only from the first encounter which was a discussion about the seven churches to the next encounter when he was called up into heaven. No different than saying "And then...".
- Trying to equate John being called up into heaven to be given more of the Revelation of Jesus Christ with some sort of a "rapture" or "snatching away" or anything else one would want to insert here, is not at all supported by the text - not "the 20 versus before or the 20 verses after"; which is how he recommends people should look at a single verse.
- Mr. Sonderman emphasized that the focus was all about Jesus, the Messiah. He then made reference to the "promised 70th week" written about in the book of Daniel. What he fails to recognize is that the 70th week is about the Messiah Jesus, and not some end times antichrist figure. It is not a "promise", rather it was a prophecy which was fulfilled exactly within the time frame of the prophecy, right after the 69th week. This prophecy is likely the best prophecy in scripture to validate Jesus as the Messiah and Him having accomplished everything the prophecy said he would accomplish. To twist this scripture into a description of some Antichrist figure takes all the glory away from the Messiah. We can thank Francisco Ribera, a Jesuit priest, for initiating that twisted version of the scripture. (Research this fact thoroughly; it will give you reason to say, "hmmmm, why is THIS not taught in our churches?")
- There are many other explanations where Mr. Sonderman uses introductory phrases like "but I think when we look closer" or "I don't think it's a far leap" to present an explanation that does not result from a closer look and is actually a quantum leap out of the context of the scripture. He raises the point of 1948 and Israel becoming a nation. There is nothing in Scripture that supports this "third temple" era. (However, there is very much insertion of pretext into the context in order to build the storyline.) An estimated 95% of the Jews today in Israel are Ashkenazi Jews which are not at all blood related to Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. Ponder that data point, do some research, and then ask yourself if there is any real significance to 1948.
- "Why Does It Even Matter?" (Chapter 11). Well said! Study, look up, speak up, be confident that, "...He who began a good work in you will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ".
- "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees". "If it's true, it's not new, and if it's new, it's not true.". What a powerful principle! I would draw the author's attention, as well as any reader of his book, to the fact that the futurist dispensational eschatology was "new" in the early 19th century when it was fully evolved and perpetuated in the church. It was contrary to what had been understood and believed by all prior to that time (for 1700 + years!) This "doctrine" essentially turned the Revelation of Jesus Christ into the Obfuscation of Jesus Christ, stripping Him of all the glory of His first coming (the 70th week of Daniel) and demolishing the foundation of history proving scripture.
- We should be telling "His-story" with irrefutable evidence from history that so clearly legitimizes the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
- May the Holy Spirit guide you in all things as you continue your search for truth.
- In short, Mr. Sonderman uses the futurist dispensational eschatology to explain his opinions of the mark of the beast. This particular eschatology is full of holes, the most significant one beginning with Revelation 1:1, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to shew into his servants the things which must shortly come to pass..."; and Revelation 1:3, "...the time is at hand.". The futuristic dispensational eschatology inserts a "gap theory" here to support their storyline of nothing happening for 2,000 years. Ask yourself the simple question, "What makes more sense?" - that the revelation had zero significance or relevance to the church for 2000 years? Or, that they describe the events that the saints would face from the first century until Messiah's return? (Shortly come to pass - and the time is at hand). A great website for more information on this issue is, (revelation timeline decoded.com).
- He started out well by claiming to use scripture to interpret scripture but he repeatedly inserts ideas and concepts that are not at all supported in the context or anywhere else in Scripture.
- Rev 2:19 - How can the phrase "after these things" be referring to so-called current things that will last for 2,000 years? This is clearly inserting a pretext into the context.
- Rev 4:1 - A more egregious insertion of pretext into the context is how he tries to apply the catchy phrase "after these things" in this verse. At least he used a phrase "there seems to be a clear transition..." - but his explanation of that transition is anything but clear. John was simply saying "Next I looked...". It is a transition, yes, but only from the first encounter which was a discussion about the seven churches to the next encounter when he was called up into heaven. No different than saying "And then...".
- Trying to equate John being called up into heaven to be given more of the Revelation of Jesus Christ with some sort of a "rapture" or "snatching away" or anything else one would want to insert here, is not at all supported by the text - not "the 20 versus before or the 20 verses after"; which is how he recommends people should look at a single verse.
- Mr. Sonderman emphasized that the focus was all about Jesus, the Messiah. He then made reference to the "promised 70th week" written about in the book of Daniel. What he fails to recognize is that the 70th week is about the Messiah Jesus, and not some end times antichrist figure. It is not a "promise", rather it was a prophecy which was fulfilled exactly within the time frame of the prophecy, right after the 69th week. This prophecy is likely the best prophecy in scripture to validate Jesus as the Messiah and Him having accomplished everything the prophecy said he would accomplish. To twist this scripture into a description of some Antichrist figure takes all the glory away from the Messiah. We can thank Francisco Ribera, a Jesuit priest, for initiating that twisted version of the scripture. (Research this fact thoroughly; it will give you reason to say, "hmmmm, why is THIS not taught in our churches?")
- There are many other explanations where Mr. Sonderman uses introductory phrases like "but I think when we look closer" or "I don't think it's a far leap" to present an explanation that does not result from a closer look and is actually a quantum leap out of the context of the scripture. He raises the point of 1948 and Israel becoming a nation. There is nothing in Scripture that supports this "third temple" era. (However, there is very much insertion of pretext into the context in order to build the storyline.) An estimated 95% of the Jews today in Israel are Ashkenazi Jews which are not at all blood related to Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. Ponder that data point, do some research, and then ask yourself if there is any real significance to 1948.
- "Why Does It Even Matter?" (Chapter 11). Well said! Study, look up, speak up, be confident that, "...He who began a good work in you will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ".
- "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees". "If it's true, it's not new, and if it's new, it's not true.". What a powerful principle! I would draw the author's attention, as well as any reader of his book, to the fact that the futurist dispensational eschatology was "new" in the early 19th century when it was fully evolved and perpetuated in the church. It was contrary to what had been understood and believed by all prior to that time (for 1700 + years!) This "doctrine" essentially turned the Revelation of Jesus Christ into the Obfuscation of Jesus Christ, stripping Him of all the glory of His first coming (the 70th week of Daniel) and demolishing the foundation of history proving scripture.
- We should be telling "His-story" with irrefutable evidence from history that so clearly legitimizes the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
- May the Holy Spirit guide you in all things as you continue your search for truth.
August 4, 2021
Excellent Eschatological Study
While technology and signs of the times continue to advance this study is certainly one of the most inclusive of Today’s current advances to watch for and examine. I’m sure that b/c of break neck speed things are moving this old info. But it’s a good place to pause and look forward yet again. Rather than being frightened and/or nervous fasten your seatbelts and step up or if necessary begin your personal study of prophecy. Time will not wait for you. Now is where we are prophecy is we end up. Whose team are you on in the last minutes of the fourth quarter? This is a simple binary question. Jesus or Satan? One or the other - there are no neutral positions. Pick a team. Only one wins. The rest is up to you.
While technology and signs of the times continue to advance this study is certainly one of the most inclusive of Today’s current advances to watch for and examine. I’m sure that b/c of break neck speed things are moving this old info. But it’s a good place to pause and look forward yet again. Rather than being frightened and/or nervous fasten your seatbelts and step up or if necessary begin your personal study of prophecy. Time will not wait for you. Now is where we are prophecy is we end up. Whose team are you on in the last minutes of the fourth quarter? This is a simple binary question. Jesus or Satan? One or the other - there are no neutral positions. Pick a team. Only one wins. The rest is up to you.
November 25, 2020
Very insightful read
Amazing and insightful. While many are only theories the author definitely has great scripture to back that up and if you slow down and think about it his opinions make sense. I do not know what the mark of the beast will be. I pray I do not already have it. And I ask God show me the truth and only his way. This is a good read I’m surprised it was on kindle for free.
Amazing and insightful. While many are only theories the author definitely has great scripture to back that up and if you slow down and think about it his opinions make sense. I do not know what the mark of the beast will be. I pray I do not already have it. And I ask God show me the truth and only his way. This is a good read I’m surprised it was on kindle for free.
December 17, 2021
One of the most thought producing books I have read in a very long time
I liked this book because I felt like he could speak to anyone, believer or non believer, intellectual, or or non intellectual. His words had a very easy flow after the the first chapter or two, I couldn't put the book down. I would recommend this book to anyone that has happened to have noticed our world is upside down lately!
I liked this book because I felt like he could speak to anyone, believer or non believer, intellectual, or or non intellectual. His words had a very easy flow after the the first chapter or two, I couldn't put the book down. I would recommend this book to anyone that has happened to have noticed our world is upside down lately!
March 13, 2024
I liked most of the content (aside from the silliness where the author pretended to speak for the reader and then respond). However, there were so many errors - mostly with punctuation - that it was difficult for me to turn off my “editor” mode and focus on what the author wanted us to know. I concluded that this publisher is in desperate need of a proofreader.
March 26, 2021
Come all ye faithful
If you want to understand the road to heave, you really need to read this book! In very easy to understand explanations, the author spells it out. Highly recommend this book.
If you want to understand the road to heave, you really need to read this book! In very easy to understand explanations, the author spells it out. Highly recommend this book.
November 8, 2021
Extremely engaging read
Couldn't put it down. Not sure I agreed with everything but it has given me the desire to reread and research deeper for myself.
Thank you for your investment for us all.
God bless.
Couldn't put it down. Not sure I agreed with everything but it has given me the desire to reread and research deeper for myself.
Thank you for your investment for us all.
God bless.
March 21, 2022
GOD IS GOOD
Martin did a good job covering a small subject of the bible. He was very entertaining and encouraging trying to help people have a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. He kind of runs off some rabbit holes but they are good and entertaining ones. Thanks brother
Martin did a good job covering a small subject of the bible. He was very entertaining and encouraging trying to help people have a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. He kind of runs off some rabbit holes but they are good and entertaining ones. Thanks brother
November 15, 2022
Mark of the beast.
Mark of the beast answered so many questions for me. I really liked how scripture was used to validate all the research of the 666 theory. It open my eyes to many things in the bible. I am now more comfortable with reading of Revelations. I enjoyed the book.
Mark of the beast answered so many questions for me. I really liked how scripture was used to validate all the research of the 666 theory. It open my eyes to many things in the bible. I am now more comfortable with reading of Revelations. I enjoyed the book.
December 15, 2020
A lot to think about
This book is filled with A lot to think a about! Made me think about all the people in my life that I need to testify to! Plant the seed of Jesus.☺
This book is filled with A lot to think a about! Made me think about all the people in my life that I need to testify to! Plant the seed of Jesus.☺
December 25, 2020
Very interesting thoughts I've never heard before concerning the Mark or Marks of the Beast. Very possible, good read. Recommend.
June 12, 2021
Student
I learned a lot that I was not aware of. Martin really did some in-depth study on this subject. I will recommend this book to anyone.
I learned a lot that I was not aware of. Martin really did some in-depth study on this subject. I will recommend this book to anyone.
December 7, 2021
Awesome reading!
Truth we all need to read along with our Bible. Really good read. Thank you for writing it. We need to keep looking up...it won't be long. Amen!
Truth we all need to read along with our Bible. Really good read. Thank you for writing it. We need to keep looking up...it won't be long. Amen!
January 13, 2022
Review
I thought the book was good, but there seemed to be a lot of repetition. Even though, the author makes a lot of good points.
I thought the book was good, but there seemed to be a lot of repetition. Even though, the author makes a lot of good points.
May 26, 2021
I found this book interesting. He believes there are two maybe three different Mark's of the beast during the great tribulation. Also goes into what the marks possibly could be. It will get you to thinking and want to study the subject more thoroughly.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews