Revelation - Lesson 6
Revelation 8:6-9:21 Six Trumpets
Briefly describe what happens at each stage of 8:6-9:19
Silence in Heaven for about half an hour. Seven angels are given seven trumpets, 1st Trumpet: Hail and fire mixed with blood. One third of the land and plants are scorched. 2nd Trumpet: A flaming mountain is cast into the sea. One third of the sea turns to blood, one third of the sea creatures are killed, one third of the ships are destroyed. 3rd Trumpet: A huge burning star crashes down. One third of the rivers and springs are polluted. Many people die from drinking this bad water. "Wormwood" is the star's name. 4th Trumpet: One third of the sun, moon and stars were hit hard enough to be plunged into darkness. The day lost a third of it's light, as did the night. An eagle flying through the midst of heaven cries out woe to the Earth. 5th Trumpet: A star falls from sky to earth. It is given the key and opens the abyss. Smoke pours out. Out of smoke comes locusts as powerful as scorpions in their stings. They are commanded not to harm plants or any living things except those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. Tortures them for five months. They wish for death but will not find it. Description of locusts: In appearance the locusts were like horses equipped for battle. On their heads they wore something like gold crowns; their faces were like men's faces but they had hair like women's hair. Their teeth were like the teeth of lions. Their chests like iron breastplates. Their wings make a sound like the roar of many chariots and horses charging into battle. They had tails with stingers like scorpions; in their tails was enough venom to harm men for five months. Acting as their king was the angel in charge of the abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek Apollyon. 6th Trumpet: The first woe is passed, but two more to come. A great voice says, "Release the four angels who are tied up on the banks of the great river Euphrates: " The Angels are released. It is precisely the hour, day, month, year for which they had been prepared to kill a third of mankind. Their cavalry troops numbered two hundred million. Description of horses and riders: The breastplates they wore were fiery red, deep blue and pale yellow. The horses' heads were like heads of lions and out of their mouths came fire and sulfur and smoke. One third of mankind is killed. Those who survive do not repent.
2. The first 4 seals were limited judgment, only 1/2 humanity died. (6:6-8) How do the first four trumpets compare? The first four seals and the first four trumpets are alike in nature because in the first cycle, one-fourth of the earth's inhabitants were struck (6:8); in this cycle the scale goes up to one-third.
3. Compare what the martyrs said about the inhabitants of the earth after the fifth seal was opened (6:10) to what the eagle says about the inhabitants before the 5th trumpet (8:13) What do you observe?
When the fifth seal is opened, John sees "the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained" These souls under the altar are pictured as crying out, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" (6:10).
"Woe, woe, woe, to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!"The eagle makes clear that the intended victims of the trumpet judgments are the earth-dwellers. These individuals are consistently portrayed throughout the Revelation as enemies of God and the objects of God’s wrath.
(Woe – a sign of trouble)
4. Consider how God responds to the prayers of the saints 8:3-5
John goes on to tell us that the prayers of all the saints are “on the golden altar which was before the throne.” What a powerful picture! God esteems and enjoys our prayers so much that He keeps them before Him. In 8:4, John describes further God’s great pleasure with our prayers: “And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.” The smoke of the incense went up before God symbolizing His receiving the prayers of His people. We see here that not only are our prayers supremely important to God, but they actually are closely connected to setting in motion the final judgments of God. So we can be certain that when we pray in faith and according to God’s will, we will receive an answer; maybe not on the same day on which they are offered, but at least in that day which John saw, if not before.
5 a. How do the inhabitants of the earth respond to the plagues? (9:20-21) those who survived the plagues still refused to repent and didn’t stop worshipping demons, or idols of gold, silver, brass, stone and wood. They refused to repent of their murders, sorceries, immorality and thefts.
b. What does this tell you about human character? People love the world and the things in it, they get caught up with having so much money that they will do anything for it. They want to be rich and famous no matter what the cost.
c. Have you seen this attitude today? Yes, we don’t have to look very far. We just have to look at the daily news on TV or the newspapers. We just have to look at how far away our country has strayed from God. Matthew Henry commentary said this and I really found so much truth to it: “The anti-christian generation repented not under these dreadful judgments. From this sixth trumpet learn that God can make one enemy of the church a scourge and a plague to another. The idolatry in the remains of the eastern church and elsewhere, and the sins of professed Christians, render this prophecy and its fulfilment more wonderful. And the attentive reader of Scripture and history, may find his faith and hope strengthened by events, which in other respects fill his heart with anguish and his eyes with tears, while he sees that men who escape these plagues, repent not of their evil works, but go on with idolatries, wickedness, and cruelty, till wrath comes upon them to the utmost.”
6. Only 1/3rd of the earth, trees, sea creatures, water, etc are affected by the first four trumpets. Why do you think God sends such horrifying plagues yet limits them (9:20-21 The result and goal of all seven trumpet judgment of sinners is not only to demonstrate God’s incomparability and the just judgment of sinners, but above all to highlight God’s glory. These plagues are just punishments of the persecutors of God’s people because they have a hardened attitude and have already refused to repent just like Pharaoh who refused to repent and became more and more hardened in response to the plagues.
7. Do you think God is cruel to send such awful afflictions on the inhabitants of the earth? Why or why not? No not at all because the Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” and in John 3:17 it says, “For God sent not His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Timothy 2:3-4 “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.”
8. What difference does it make to you that the locust are freed with God's permission (9:1) and that God chooses what they are and aren’t allowed to do (9:3-5) I like the way our lesson book wrapped it up by saying that we can praise God because He is in control even when Satan is loosed to do his worst and we can praise our God for having reasons for and limits on even the ultimate judgments that ravage the earth. We can thank Him for protecting His servants from the most horrible afflictions and for limiting the plagues so that all mankind has the chance to repent. We can thank Him for hearing and answering the prayers of the saints for justice.
9. How are the visions of the first 6 trumpets relevant to us in our time? What lessons do they have for us? (About God, the Kingdom, suffering, patient endurance, ultimate reality)? The trumpets are both warnings and promises we should act upon by sharing the Lord Jesus Christ with the lost. We need to take a good look at ourselves and how we behave as Christians.
Your response??? I’m thankful and I praise God that He is sovereign and in control of everything. We don’t have to worry about anything because we belong to Him and He calls us His own. He takes care of us, protects us and meets all our needs and we know we will one day be with Him in Heaven worshipping Him forever!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Revelation – Lesson 5
March 24, 2010
1. What happens when the lamb opens each of the first six seals?
Seal 1 – (False Prophets) When the 1st seal is opened John sees a white horse, an imitation of Jesus at His second coming described later in Revelation 19:11-16. Here are pictured false christs - false preachers deceiving and causing multitudes to accept them as the ministers of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:13-15), preaching counterfeit Christs (2 Corinthians 11:4) represented to be the true Christ who died for us on the Cross.
Seal 2 – The second seal is opened and a red horse appears, killing men, taking peace from the earth - symbolizing WAR.
Seal 3 – The third seal is a black horse, picturing FAMINE.
Seal 4 –The fourth seal is a pale horse meaning PESTILENCE.
Seal 5 The fifth seal depicts one phase of the great Tribulation - the martyrdom of saints.
Seal 6 – The sixth seal shows the Heavenly signs - sun and moon becoming dark, and the stars falling. Terrible event here described as yet to come.
2. Rev. 6:2-8. What do each of the four horsemen represent
white – First Horseman - White Horse - Conquest / First Seal - False Peace/False Religion
red – Second Horseman - Red Horse - War / Second Seal - War
black – Third Horseman - Black Horse - Famine / Third Seal - Famine
pale – Fourth Horseman - Pale Horse - Death / Fourth Seal - Disease
3. What do the judgements of the 4 have in common? DIRECTLY CORRESPONDS to the order of the release of the Four Horsemen during the opening of the first Four Seals! What is described by the seals is similar to the signs of the end of the age as described by Jesus in Matthew 24. There will be wars, famines and earthquakes (Mat 24:6-8), persecution (24:9-14), the heavenly bodies are shaken (Mat 24:29) and 'at that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn' (Mat 24:30).
4. What does Jesus say in Matthew 24:4-8 Jesus gave 4 signs that correspond with the first Four Seals of Revelation 6: "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" Matthew 24:4-8
5. 5th seal is an interlude, What is the answer to the Martyrs question in 6:10 Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters and their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred had joined them. (Rev. 6:11 NLT)
6. Rev. 6:9-11 enduring persecution how is this relevant to you? As a born-again Christian we have the Hope of Glory living in our hearts. We can say like Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” And also in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Praise God!
7. How will people react to the 6th judgement? 6:15-17 Then everyone the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”.
8. How is this a warning or encouragement to you? It is a blessing because I know my Jesus is coming for me and I will be with Him for eternity! I need to witness to this lost world and share Jesus with them.
9. What happens in Rev. 7: 1-8? What happens in Rev. 7:9-17? Four angels hold in check the four winds so no wind blows. They are told not to release winds until seal is imprinted on foreheads of the servants of God. 144,000 to be marked, 12 thousand from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. He is suddenly surrounded by a huge crowd which no one could count from every nation, race and tongue. He is told these are the ones who have survived the period of great trial.
10. Why is it important to know that God's servants will be sealed before God sends His afflictions? Rev. 7:3 says Wait! Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.” In the midst of pouring out judgments, God remembers mercy for His own. God does not forget His promises. The four angels are seen restraining judgment until the sealing of His people is complete. This sealing is God claiming his people that have been faithful and placing His seal of protection upon them.
11. What personal relevance and encouragement do you find
in 7:16-17 This scripture says it all: Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. “That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Even to the end our Mighty God extends His Great Mercy to those left behind although they may have to suffer and die during the tribulation. It hurts my heart to know that so many people I love still reject Jesus.
12. The 7th seal, What happens when the Lamb opens the 7th seal? Rev 8:1-5 There is first silence in heaven for half an hour. Seven angels are given seven trumpets. Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out. Then the angel filled the incense burner with fire from the altar and threw it down upon the earth; and thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and there was a terrible
earthquake.!
13. How do you interpret the heavenly response to the saints prayers? Rev. 8:5 And there were thunderings, and lightings, and voices, and an earthquake - These, especially when attended with fire, are emblems of God's judgments, This fire cast from the altar upon the earth indicates that the judgments of God are about to fall upon it. God has heard the cries and prayers of the saints! Praise His Holy Name! He is our deliverer!
14. What can we learn about from the following of the Father, Christ, the Kingdom of God, suffering and endurance Rev. 6:1-8:5? Jesus came the first time as the Lamb of God, to give His life a ransom for many. His forgiveness and mercy have been available to all that would open the door of their heart and receive it by faith. Now, however, He returns as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He comes with wrath and fury against those that refused His forgiveness and mercy. I think John 3:16-17 sums it up for us all: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten so that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. …But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matt 24:13
5. Rev 6:1-8:5 What insight would you like to take to heart this week? The hope that we have in Jesus Christ our Lord and the tender mercies of our God even to the very end! “For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Thank you Lord!
16. How would like this truth to affect your life? I want to be humble before my Lord and to serve Him and bring Him glory in all I do and say. I want to be a light in the darkness so that all will draw near to Him!
17. What action can you take to allow this to happen, by God's grace? Worship the Lord in spirit and in truth and “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 This is the prayer of my heart.
March 24, 2010
1. What happens when the lamb opens each of the first six seals?
Seal 1 – (False Prophets) When the 1st seal is opened John sees a white horse, an imitation of Jesus at His second coming described later in Revelation 19:11-16. Here are pictured false christs - false preachers deceiving and causing multitudes to accept them as the ministers of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:13-15), preaching counterfeit Christs (2 Corinthians 11:4) represented to be the true Christ who died for us on the Cross.
Seal 2 – The second seal is opened and a red horse appears, killing men, taking peace from the earth - symbolizing WAR.
Seal 3 – The third seal is a black horse, picturing FAMINE.
Seal 4 –The fourth seal is a pale horse meaning PESTILENCE.
Seal 5 The fifth seal depicts one phase of the great Tribulation - the martyrdom of saints.
Seal 6 – The sixth seal shows the Heavenly signs - sun and moon becoming dark, and the stars falling. Terrible event here described as yet to come.
2. Rev. 6:2-8. What do each of the four horsemen represent
white – First Horseman - White Horse - Conquest / First Seal - False Peace/False Religion
red – Second Horseman - Red Horse - War / Second Seal - War
black – Third Horseman - Black Horse - Famine / Third Seal - Famine
pale – Fourth Horseman - Pale Horse - Death / Fourth Seal - Disease
3. What do the judgements of the 4 have in common? DIRECTLY CORRESPONDS to the order of the release of the Four Horsemen during the opening of the first Four Seals! What is described by the seals is similar to the signs of the end of the age as described by Jesus in Matthew 24. There will be wars, famines and earthquakes (Mat 24:6-8), persecution (24:9-14), the heavenly bodies are shaken (Mat 24:29) and 'at that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn' (Mat 24:30).
4. What does Jesus say in Matthew 24:4-8 Jesus gave 4 signs that correspond with the first Four Seals of Revelation 6: "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" Matthew 24:4-8
5. 5th seal is an interlude, What is the answer to the Martyrs question in 6:10 Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters and their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred had joined them. (Rev. 6:11 NLT)
6. Rev. 6:9-11 enduring persecution how is this relevant to you? As a born-again Christian we have the Hope of Glory living in our hearts. We can say like Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” And also in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Praise God!
7. How will people react to the 6th judgement? 6:15-17 Then everyone the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”.
8. How is this a warning or encouragement to you? It is a blessing because I know my Jesus is coming for me and I will be with Him for eternity! I need to witness to this lost world and share Jesus with them.
9. What happens in Rev. 7: 1-8? What happens in Rev. 7:9-17? Four angels hold in check the four winds so no wind blows. They are told not to release winds until seal is imprinted on foreheads of the servants of God. 144,000 to be marked, 12 thousand from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. He is suddenly surrounded by a huge crowd which no one could count from every nation, race and tongue. He is told these are the ones who have survived the period of great trial.
10. Why is it important to know that God's servants will be sealed before God sends His afflictions? Rev. 7:3 says Wait! Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.” In the midst of pouring out judgments, God remembers mercy for His own. God does not forget His promises. The four angels are seen restraining judgment until the sealing of His people is complete. This sealing is God claiming his people that have been faithful and placing His seal of protection upon them.
11. What personal relevance and encouragement do you find
in 7:16-17 This scripture says it all: Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. “That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Even to the end our Mighty God extends His Great Mercy to those left behind although they may have to suffer and die during the tribulation. It hurts my heart to know that so many people I love still reject Jesus.
12. The 7th seal, What happens when the Lamb opens the 7th seal? Rev 8:1-5 There is first silence in heaven for half an hour. Seven angels are given seven trumpets. Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out. Then the angel filled the incense burner with fire from the altar and threw it down upon the earth; and thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and there was a terrible
earthquake.!
13. How do you interpret the heavenly response to the saints prayers? Rev. 8:5 And there were thunderings, and lightings, and voices, and an earthquake - These, especially when attended with fire, are emblems of God's judgments, This fire cast from the altar upon the earth indicates that the judgments of God are about to fall upon it. God has heard the cries and prayers of the saints! Praise His Holy Name! He is our deliverer!
14. What can we learn about from the following of the Father, Christ, the Kingdom of God, suffering and endurance Rev. 6:1-8:5? Jesus came the first time as the Lamb of God, to give His life a ransom for many. His forgiveness and mercy have been available to all that would open the door of their heart and receive it by faith. Now, however, He returns as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He comes with wrath and fury against those that refused His forgiveness and mercy. I think John 3:16-17 sums it up for us all: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten so that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. …But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matt 24:13
5. Rev 6:1-8:5 What insight would you like to take to heart this week? The hope that we have in Jesus Christ our Lord and the tender mercies of our God even to the very end! “For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Thank you Lord!
16. How would like this truth to affect your life? I want to be humble before my Lord and to serve Him and bring Him glory in all I do and say. I want to be a light in the darkness so that all will draw near to Him!
17. What action can you take to allow this to happen, by God's grace? Worship the Lord in spirit and in truth and “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 This is the prayer of my heart.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Revelation – Lesson 4
March 11, 2010
I thought I’d do this lesson differently and answer all the questions in a report/essay style. I got so much out of this lesson and writing it out this way gave me a better understanding. In chapters 4 and 5 the main theme is worship. These chapters really emphasize and make it clear that believers are called to a life of worship. I am to rejoice in Him always, through every circumstance in my life and through every trial that I am confronted with. True worship is acknowledging God’s true worth. It is praising Him for all that He is!
In Chapter 4 John is called up into heaven to see the things that are going to take place in the future. He is given his first glimpse of heaven! John sees what he describes as the One, our God, seated on the throne and all that surrounds the One, in all His majesty, splendor and glory like precious stones! Wow, can you just imagine this! Being a woman who likes and appreciates fine jewels helped me to visualize just how glorious heaven must be! I loved how Revelation 4 pointed out the rainbow around the throne. I can’t imagine anything more beautiful than a rainbow in the sky, so it took me back to Noah and the rainbow covenant and how God still keeps still keeps His promises each day in my life! John sees twenty four thrones and 24 elders dressed in white wearing gold crowns on their heads all in a complete circle facing God. He also sees four living creatures described as a lion, a calf, one with a face of a man and an eagle. They all have wings and eyes all over them. They worship God day and night and they never ever get tired. They praise the one who is worthy to receive glory, honor and power forever! This really spoke to me and reminded me of those very special and intimate moments I’ve had with the Lord. You know, those moments where nothing else matters and you cry out to Him and you worship Him from the depths of your heart for His amazing grace in your life and you feel the warmth of His embrace and He takes every fear and worry away and then His love and peace cover you completely. There is nothing in this world that compares to it or satisfies and you want to be in that moment forever! I call them “my special God moments”. One day it will no longer be just a moment that is here and there but an eternal life worshipping God in His magnificent presence for who He is and all the great things He’s done!
In Chapter 5 the focus is on a roll of paper sealed with seven seals (scroll) and the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the living Son of God! This chapter begins with John hearing an angel ask if there is anyone worthy to open the scroll or even look at it. John begins to weep with so much sadness when he realizes that there is no one on earth or heaven who is worthy. Then he’s told by one of the 24 elders to stop weeping and to look, because the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered and proved Himself worthy! John sees the Lamb of God who was slain but now alive with seven horns and seven eyes standing before the 24 elders in front of the throne and the 4 living creatures. The horn is a symbol of absolute power and the seven eyes are the seven spirits of God sent to the earth. This means that God is absolutely sovereign and able to see each of us at the same time! John then sees Jesus with an outstretched arm take the book (scroll) from the right hand of God who is sitting on the throne. (God’s right hand symbolizes power! Our God is mighty and powerful!) Once Jesus the precious Lamb of God takes the book, the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders holding harps and bowls of incense fall down before Him and they begin to worship Him, singing a new song, giving Him all honor and praise because He alone was worthy to take the book (scroll). Jesus our Lord and Savior, was slain and rose from the dead to redeem us! God purchased us, because he loved us so much, He gave His only son to save us and give us everlasting life! Jesus paid the price for every single person on this earth! It is so incredible to think that we are a kingdom and priests of God! It is even more than amazing to think that God collects our prayers in a golden bowl and they are held in heaven! He hears us when we cry and sees every tear that falls from our eyes! I don’t know about everyone else but when I read this it made me want to cry out like David did in Psalm 8:4; “Who is man that you are mindful of him and who is the son of man that you visit him”. Praise God! Reading this chapter also made me remember and think about when John the Baptist saw Jesus and cried out, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) His heart was filled with humility, joy and excitement when He saw Jesus. It’s so awesome how the Lord opens our eyes to so many things when we stop and see Him for who He really is and we worship Him in spirit and truth and we study His Word! John the Baptist knew that the Messiah was the Lamb of God who had come to deliver and redeem us and David understood God’s absolute power and sovereignty. I want the Lord to continue to change my heart and to make me more like Him! I want to love and serve Jesus more intimately and passionately. I don’t want to take worship lightly and be blinded any longer by the things of the earth that are so temporal.
“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever”. (Revelation 5:13)
March 11, 2010
I thought I’d do this lesson differently and answer all the questions in a report/essay style. I got so much out of this lesson and writing it out this way gave me a better understanding. In chapters 4 and 5 the main theme is worship. These chapters really emphasize and make it clear that believers are called to a life of worship. I am to rejoice in Him always, through every circumstance in my life and through every trial that I am confronted with. True worship is acknowledging God’s true worth. It is praising Him for all that He is!
In Chapter 4 John is called up into heaven to see the things that are going to take place in the future. He is given his first glimpse of heaven! John sees what he describes as the One, our God, seated on the throne and all that surrounds the One, in all His majesty, splendor and glory like precious stones! Wow, can you just imagine this! Being a woman who likes and appreciates fine jewels helped me to visualize just how glorious heaven must be! I loved how Revelation 4 pointed out the rainbow around the throne. I can’t imagine anything more beautiful than a rainbow in the sky, so it took me back to Noah and the rainbow covenant and how God still keeps still keeps His promises each day in my life! John sees twenty four thrones and 24 elders dressed in white wearing gold crowns on their heads all in a complete circle facing God. He also sees four living creatures described as a lion, a calf, one with a face of a man and an eagle. They all have wings and eyes all over them. They worship God day and night and they never ever get tired. They praise the one who is worthy to receive glory, honor and power forever! This really spoke to me and reminded me of those very special and intimate moments I’ve had with the Lord. You know, those moments where nothing else matters and you cry out to Him and you worship Him from the depths of your heart for His amazing grace in your life and you feel the warmth of His embrace and He takes every fear and worry away and then His love and peace cover you completely. There is nothing in this world that compares to it or satisfies and you want to be in that moment forever! I call them “my special God moments”. One day it will no longer be just a moment that is here and there but an eternal life worshipping God in His magnificent presence for who He is and all the great things He’s done!
In Chapter 5 the focus is on a roll of paper sealed with seven seals (scroll) and the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the living Son of God! This chapter begins with John hearing an angel ask if there is anyone worthy to open the scroll or even look at it. John begins to weep with so much sadness when he realizes that there is no one on earth or heaven who is worthy. Then he’s told by one of the 24 elders to stop weeping and to look, because the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered and proved Himself worthy! John sees the Lamb of God who was slain but now alive with seven horns and seven eyes standing before the 24 elders in front of the throne and the 4 living creatures. The horn is a symbol of absolute power and the seven eyes are the seven spirits of God sent to the earth. This means that God is absolutely sovereign and able to see each of us at the same time! John then sees Jesus with an outstretched arm take the book (scroll) from the right hand of God who is sitting on the throne. (God’s right hand symbolizes power! Our God is mighty and powerful!) Once Jesus the precious Lamb of God takes the book, the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders holding harps and bowls of incense fall down before Him and they begin to worship Him, singing a new song, giving Him all honor and praise because He alone was worthy to take the book (scroll). Jesus our Lord and Savior, was slain and rose from the dead to redeem us! God purchased us, because he loved us so much, He gave His only son to save us and give us everlasting life! Jesus paid the price for every single person on this earth! It is so incredible to think that we are a kingdom and priests of God! It is even more than amazing to think that God collects our prayers in a golden bowl and they are held in heaven! He hears us when we cry and sees every tear that falls from our eyes! I don’t know about everyone else but when I read this it made me want to cry out like David did in Psalm 8:4; “Who is man that you are mindful of him and who is the son of man that you visit him”. Praise God! Reading this chapter also made me remember and think about when John the Baptist saw Jesus and cried out, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) His heart was filled with humility, joy and excitement when He saw Jesus. It’s so awesome how the Lord opens our eyes to so many things when we stop and see Him for who He really is and we worship Him in spirit and truth and we study His Word! John the Baptist knew that the Messiah was the Lamb of God who had come to deliver and redeem us and David understood God’s absolute power and sovereignty. I want the Lord to continue to change my heart and to make me more like Him! I want to love and serve Jesus more intimately and passionately. I don’t want to take worship lightly and be blinded any longer by the things of the earth that are so temporal.
“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever”. (Revelation 5:13)
Friday, February 26, 2010
Revelation – Lesson 3
February 24, 2010
1. The Rebuke Jesus has for the Ephesian church is “You have forsaken your first love”. What do you think this means?
The church had lost the passion and enthusiasm they once had when they were first called by God. They had lost the love and fire that had been burning in their heart for all that Jesus had done for them on the cross.
2. Why is this so serious that it merits the threat of removal of the lampstand?
They could lose the blessings and the light of the Holy Spirit. God could use another church to spread His message of hope and deliverance.
4. Jesus begins each letter with a title of Himself that is relevant to the theme of the letter. Why might 2:8 have been an especially relevant reminder for the Smyrnan Christians?
I think it was to remind them again of His sovereignty. As a persecuted church facing death, He wanted them to know that He would raise them up again just like He was raised.
7. Why do you think the whole Pergamene church needs to repent even though only some of its members follow the corrupt teachings?
They were being unfaithful to God. They had compromised by allowing idolatry and paganism in the church. They were conforming to the ways of the world and Jesus was warning them that He was coming quickly to judge the world and if they refused to repent they would die by the sword of His mouth.
9. What can we learn about Christ’s method of dealing with His people from 2:21-28?
God is patient and loving! He gives His children time to repent and to turn from their wicked ways. He warns them that if they willfully refuse to repent He will bring punishment, great tribulation and death upon them. He exhorts those who are faithful to hold on, to overcome until He returns and not to compromise. To keep His way until the end and He will reward them authority over the nations and He will give them the Morning Star! What an amazing promise. When I was a little girl we sang a song called “Everybody Ought to Know” at a little Methodist church I attended. The lyrics went like this: “Everybody ought to know, everybody ought to know, who Jesus is, who Jesus is! He’s the lily of the valley, He’s the bright and Morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousands, everybody ought to know”. I really could not comprehend this as a child but I certainly do now! Thank you Jesus for being our bright and Morning Star!
10. How do Christ’s words to the church at Sardis reflect the character of the city as a whole, as described above?
It was a city that was prosperous and beautiful in the past but the earthquakes brought a lot of damage. Although the city still had wealth, It was now somewhat decayed. The church was also in this state. They were a dead church who did things out of obligation and habit rather from their heart.
12. The church at Sardis was untroubled by persecution from pagans. How was the lack of persecution related to Sardis’ problem?
They became comfortable with their life style and had so much that they started to forget about their faith in Christ and were no longer walking in the spirit. James 2:26 says: As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (NIV)
13. What encouragements does Jesus offer in 3:7-13 to those suffering persecution?
The Lord is so gracious and kind! For those who hold fast He promises physical protection, an open door that no one can shut, He promises that overcomers will sit on thrones and be given authority to judge, He says He will make them a pillar in His temple and we will one day reign with Him and He will write His name on us!
17. What can we learn about the Lord’s character from what He says to the Laodicean church?
The Lord means what He says! The Laodicean church thought they were perfectly okay, living the high life. They were rich and successful but had forgotten all about God. The Lord saw them for who they really were, poor, miserable and blind. They were indifferent. He knew they were neither cold nor hot, they were lukewarm, wretched, blind and naked. He makes it clear that they would be punished for this.
18. Jesus calls Himself “your brother and companion, in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus.”
What does Jesus say to the seven churches about suffering? What did the churches have to suffer, and why? How did Jesus want them to respond and why?
Each church is given a description of their condition with a warning and a call to the overcomers to persevere. They are also warned about the rewards and punishments to be experienced when the Lord comes (the second coming). The Lord wants His children to repent and turn from their wicked ways. At the end of every letter Jesus gave a promise “for those who overcome”.
What do you learn about the kingdom from the seven letters? What does Jesus say about patient endurance?
I’ve learned of the great love that Christ has for His churches and for His servants. Even despite their failures and shortcomings, you see the outstretched arms of a loving Savior. Rather than leaving each church alone in their mess, Jesus intervenes to warn them of impending danger and will reward the overcomer with authority over nations, there name will be written in the book of life, they will sit on His throne, eat of the hidden manna, inherit the earth, be a pillar in His temple, be given the tree of life, be clothed in white garments, not be hurt by the second death and be given the Morning Star!
19. What if Jesus came to you personally with a message like the seven?
I feel like He has through this bible study!
I know where you live…
I am the God who sees. Why have you allowed the enemy to deceive you with lies that keep you bound with shame and insecurities of unworthiness and inadequacies. You have been washed by the blood of the lamb; there is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus! You have been set free.
I know your deeds… You have tried to be perfect by doing good things for everyone around you. You tend to be a people pleaser. You try to fix every situation and you even try to fix the people around you. You often times keep silent rather than voicing the truth because you don’t want to make someone angry and upset with you. You want everyone to love you, so you continue living the life of an enabler. You worry endlessly and try to figure out a plan to make things better. Your intentions are good but they only make you sick with worry and bring on sadness and hopelessness. You are not the one in control of all these things. I am, says the Lord! You toil and labor in vain, come to me and I will give you rest, I will lead you beside still waters. I placed each star in the sky, the sun and the moon. I know the number of hairs on your head. I am your provider, the lover of your soul! “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches!”
20. What action would you like to take in light of what you have just said about yourself?
First of all, I want the Lord to forgive me once again for always being such a dumb sheep! I want the word of God to penetrate deeply in my heart and for the Holy Spirit to bring it to my attention every single moment of the day. I want to cling to my first love and to truly understand what my love for Jesus Christ entails each and every day. I want to be a walking testimony of the love and power of God in my life and put into action all that the Lord has taught me. I want the Lord to be in complete control. I want to thirst after righteousness and walk humbly before my God.
“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” Phillippians 1:20
February 24, 2010
1. The Rebuke Jesus has for the Ephesian church is “You have forsaken your first love”. What do you think this means?
The church had lost the passion and enthusiasm they once had when they were first called by God. They had lost the love and fire that had been burning in their heart for all that Jesus had done for them on the cross.
2. Why is this so serious that it merits the threat of removal of the lampstand?
They could lose the blessings and the light of the Holy Spirit. God could use another church to spread His message of hope and deliverance.
4. Jesus begins each letter with a title of Himself that is relevant to the theme of the letter. Why might 2:8 have been an especially relevant reminder for the Smyrnan Christians?
I think it was to remind them again of His sovereignty. As a persecuted church facing death, He wanted them to know that He would raise them up again just like He was raised.
7. Why do you think the whole Pergamene church needs to repent even though only some of its members follow the corrupt teachings?
They were being unfaithful to God. They had compromised by allowing idolatry and paganism in the church. They were conforming to the ways of the world and Jesus was warning them that He was coming quickly to judge the world and if they refused to repent they would die by the sword of His mouth.
9. What can we learn about Christ’s method of dealing with His people from 2:21-28?
God is patient and loving! He gives His children time to repent and to turn from their wicked ways. He warns them that if they willfully refuse to repent He will bring punishment, great tribulation and death upon them. He exhorts those who are faithful to hold on, to overcome until He returns and not to compromise. To keep His way until the end and He will reward them authority over the nations and He will give them the Morning Star! What an amazing promise. When I was a little girl we sang a song called “Everybody Ought to Know” at a little Methodist church I attended. The lyrics went like this: “Everybody ought to know, everybody ought to know, who Jesus is, who Jesus is! He’s the lily of the valley, He’s the bright and Morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousands, everybody ought to know”. I really could not comprehend this as a child but I certainly do now! Thank you Jesus for being our bright and Morning Star!
10. How do Christ’s words to the church at Sardis reflect the character of the city as a whole, as described above?
It was a city that was prosperous and beautiful in the past but the earthquakes brought a lot of damage. Although the city still had wealth, It was now somewhat decayed. The church was also in this state. They were a dead church who did things out of obligation and habit rather from their heart.
12. The church at Sardis was untroubled by persecution from pagans. How was the lack of persecution related to Sardis’ problem?
They became comfortable with their life style and had so much that they started to forget about their faith in Christ and were no longer walking in the spirit. James 2:26 says: As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (NIV)
13. What encouragements does Jesus offer in 3:7-13 to those suffering persecution?
The Lord is so gracious and kind! For those who hold fast He promises physical protection, an open door that no one can shut, He promises that overcomers will sit on thrones and be given authority to judge, He says He will make them a pillar in His temple and we will one day reign with Him and He will write His name on us!
17. What can we learn about the Lord’s character from what He says to the Laodicean church?
The Lord means what He says! The Laodicean church thought they were perfectly okay, living the high life. They were rich and successful but had forgotten all about God. The Lord saw them for who they really were, poor, miserable and blind. They were indifferent. He knew they were neither cold nor hot, they were lukewarm, wretched, blind and naked. He makes it clear that they would be punished for this.
18. Jesus calls Himself “your brother and companion, in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus.”
What does Jesus say to the seven churches about suffering? What did the churches have to suffer, and why? How did Jesus want them to respond and why?
Each church is given a description of their condition with a warning and a call to the overcomers to persevere. They are also warned about the rewards and punishments to be experienced when the Lord comes (the second coming). The Lord wants His children to repent and turn from their wicked ways. At the end of every letter Jesus gave a promise “for those who overcome”.
What do you learn about the kingdom from the seven letters? What does Jesus say about patient endurance?
I’ve learned of the great love that Christ has for His churches and for His servants. Even despite their failures and shortcomings, you see the outstretched arms of a loving Savior. Rather than leaving each church alone in their mess, Jesus intervenes to warn them of impending danger and will reward the overcomer with authority over nations, there name will be written in the book of life, they will sit on His throne, eat of the hidden manna, inherit the earth, be a pillar in His temple, be given the tree of life, be clothed in white garments, not be hurt by the second death and be given the Morning Star!
19. What if Jesus came to you personally with a message like the seven?
I feel like He has through this bible study!
I know where you live…
I am the God who sees. Why have you allowed the enemy to deceive you with lies that keep you bound with shame and insecurities of unworthiness and inadequacies. You have been washed by the blood of the lamb; there is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus! You have been set free.
I know your deeds… You have tried to be perfect by doing good things for everyone around you. You tend to be a people pleaser. You try to fix every situation and you even try to fix the people around you. You often times keep silent rather than voicing the truth because you don’t want to make someone angry and upset with you. You want everyone to love you, so you continue living the life of an enabler. You worry endlessly and try to figure out a plan to make things better. Your intentions are good but they only make you sick with worry and bring on sadness and hopelessness. You are not the one in control of all these things. I am, says the Lord! You toil and labor in vain, come to me and I will give you rest, I will lead you beside still waters. I placed each star in the sky, the sun and the moon. I know the number of hairs on your head. I am your provider, the lover of your soul! “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches!”
20. What action would you like to take in light of what you have just said about yourself?
First of all, I want the Lord to forgive me once again for always being such a dumb sheep! I want the word of God to penetrate deeply in my heart and for the Holy Spirit to bring it to my attention every single moment of the day. I want to cling to my first love and to truly understand what my love for Jesus Christ entails each and every day. I want to be a walking testimony of the love and power of God in my life and put into action all that the Lord has taught me. I want the Lord to be in complete control. I want to thirst after righteousness and walk humbly before my God.
“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” Phillippians 1:20
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Revelation – Lesson 2
February 8, 2010
1) The reason God gave this revelation is so that all who serve Him would have hope through trials and tribulations and would be blessed by reading and hearing the words of this prophesy. Most importantly, He wanted us to keep its words in our hearts. Not just to be hearers but doers of His word because the time is near.
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.
2) John did not use the words “who will be” because Jesus is the Messiah, who had come and died on the cross for us, resurrected from the dead and ascended into heaven. He used the words “who is to come” because Jesus is coming back for us!
3) The first-born of the dead – Jesus is the first who triumphed over death.
But here is the order of events. Christ is the first of those who rise from the dead. When he comes back, those who belong to him will be raised. 1 Corinthians 15:23
4) How is it important to me that Jesus is:
a. The faithful witness – He showed his testimony by coming into this world and dying for us.
b. The first-born of the dead – Jesus the first to rise from the dead and when He returns we will rise from the dead.
c. Ruler of the kings of the earth – Jesus is the true ruler of the earth, He is sovereign and in control.
d. Loved us and freed us from our sins by His blood – Jesus proved to us how much He loved us by dying on the cross for us to free us of our sins and made us acceptable to God.
5) The Bibles says we (the elect of God) are a kingdom. We are now a kingdom, not going to be a kingdom. (Rev. 5:9-10) Now we belong to God. He called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. We can declare the glory of God! The Bible says that the saints are a chosen people, a people belonging to God, a royal priesthood and a holy nation who will declare the praises of God.
6) What do the following passages help me understand about John’s vision in Rev.1:12-16
Clearly Daniel 7 is talking about Jesus the Messiah, the son of Man who has authority on earth to forgive sins and who is coming again and as a son of man (human), the Lord is clearly able to judge humanity.
7) What does the sharp double-edged sword seem to signify?
It is a reference to the Word of God and it has to do with judgment of the church and of the world.
8) Why do you think John fell at his feet as though dead when he saw this person?
He saw Christ’s glory and fell at his feet because of the unworthiness of his humanity.
I fell at His feet as a dead man – John’s response at encountering the Son of God is similar to that of Daniel 10:9 – Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.
9) What truths about Himself does Christ emphasize in Rev. 1:17-18?
Jesus is reminding us of His life, death and resurrection and that is alive forever and ever. Just as He lived, died and rose again, we also will rise again when He comes. Because He lives, we live!
10) Overall impression of Christ Rev. 1:10-18
Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords, He has called us out of darkness and into the light and we will live forever with Him. The Lord is coming again and He is going to judge the world.
11) The one truth that stands out for me is that the time is near. It is time to become stronger and bolder for the Lord and to step out of my comfort zone.
12) It is important because there is a lost world who needs Jesus so desperately.
13) How would I like this truth to affect the way I act and think – my character and habits? I want to be a better witness for the Lord. I want to have more compassion and empathy for everyone around me and to be humble. I want the Lord to take away any critical thought or attitude in me. I want to be a good listener and a doer of God's Word. Whenever I speak truth or share Christ, I want it to be with love and lots of grace.
14) What steps can I take to make this begin to happen? Read my Bible and meditate on the Word. Pray. Remember every day what Jesus has done for me and give Him praise. Fellowship. Be honest and transparent.
February 8, 2010
1) The reason God gave this revelation is so that all who serve Him would have hope through trials and tribulations and would be blessed by reading and hearing the words of this prophesy. Most importantly, He wanted us to keep its words in our hearts. Not just to be hearers but doers of His word because the time is near.
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.
2) John did not use the words “who will be” because Jesus is the Messiah, who had come and died on the cross for us, resurrected from the dead and ascended into heaven. He used the words “who is to come” because Jesus is coming back for us!
3) The first-born of the dead – Jesus is the first who triumphed over death.
But here is the order of events. Christ is the first of those who rise from the dead. When he comes back, those who belong to him will be raised. 1 Corinthians 15:23
4) How is it important to me that Jesus is:
a. The faithful witness – He showed his testimony by coming into this world and dying for us.
b. The first-born of the dead – Jesus the first to rise from the dead and when He returns we will rise from the dead.
c. Ruler of the kings of the earth – Jesus is the true ruler of the earth, He is sovereign and in control.
d. Loved us and freed us from our sins by His blood – Jesus proved to us how much He loved us by dying on the cross for us to free us of our sins and made us acceptable to God.
5) The Bibles says we (the elect of God) are a kingdom. We are now a kingdom, not going to be a kingdom. (Rev. 5:9-10) Now we belong to God. He called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. We can declare the glory of God! The Bible says that the saints are a chosen people, a people belonging to God, a royal priesthood and a holy nation who will declare the praises of God.
6) What do the following passages help me understand about John’s vision in Rev.1:12-16
Clearly Daniel 7 is talking about Jesus the Messiah, the son of Man who has authority on earth to forgive sins and who is coming again and as a son of man (human), the Lord is clearly able to judge humanity.
7) What does the sharp double-edged sword seem to signify?
It is a reference to the Word of God and it has to do with judgment of the church and of the world.
8) Why do you think John fell at his feet as though dead when he saw this person?
He saw Christ’s glory and fell at his feet because of the unworthiness of his humanity.
I fell at His feet as a dead man – John’s response at encountering the Son of God is similar to that of Daniel 10:9 – Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.
9) What truths about Himself does Christ emphasize in Rev. 1:17-18?
Jesus is reminding us of His life, death and resurrection and that is alive forever and ever. Just as He lived, died and rose again, we also will rise again when He comes. Because He lives, we live!
10) Overall impression of Christ Rev. 1:10-18
Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords, He has called us out of darkness and into the light and we will live forever with Him. The Lord is coming again and He is going to judge the world.
11) The one truth that stands out for me is that the time is near. It is time to become stronger and bolder for the Lord and to step out of my comfort zone.
12) It is important because there is a lost world who needs Jesus so desperately.
13) How would I like this truth to affect the way I act and think – my character and habits? I want to be a better witness for the Lord. I want to have more compassion and empathy for everyone around me and to be humble. I want the Lord to take away any critical thought or attitude in me. I want to be a good listener and a doer of God's Word. Whenever I speak truth or share Christ, I want it to be with love and lots of grace.
14) What steps can I take to make this begin to happen? Read my Bible and meditate on the Word. Pray. Remember every day what Jesus has done for me and give Him praise. Fellowship. Be honest and transparent.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Revelation - Lesson 1
January 24, 2009
A life-changing encounter with God’s Word from the book of Revelation
Lesson 1
Blessed are those who read and hear the words of this prophesy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3
The first lesson in Revelation was extremely informative and I was so glad that we were instructed to read the entire book first. I never realized that it was the only book in the Bible that says we get a special blessing just for reading it (Rev. 1:3) and then another for acting on it (Rev. 22:7). Knowing this makes me want to read it over and over again and to keep it engraved in my heart and mind forever.
The book of Revelation (Apocalypse: unveiling or disclosure) is a message using symbolism to show that God will intervene to bring evil to an end and to prepare us for what is to come. Praise God! That in itself causes my heart to rejoice. It is a message about what will soon take place in the future (the rapture, tribulation and second coming), a sovereign plan from God for today. It is a message about His promises and the hope we have in Him. It is a reminder of His love for us and how one day we will live forever with Him. Just imagine, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more sorrow, sickness or pain. God Himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes! It is a call to the church to wake up, repent and return to their first love (Rev. 2:4-5). It is a message for every single person on this earth, The Lord says, “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20). It is the final call to everyone to remind them once again that the time is near and that we are living in end times.
1. I sensed urgency in John’s written letter of Revelation to warn and prepare the church. His message was one of hope and promise in the midst terrible circumstances. John’s special commission was to unveil the greatness of our Lord and Savior.
2. Words and phrases that recurred often: God is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne. He knows our works. He who has an ear to hear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Blessed are those who keep the words of this prophesy. Behold, I come quickly.
3. Challenging and convicting questions I have for myself: How much of my time do I really give the Lord? Do I share His message with this lost and dying world with urgency? What will I do to apply this truth to my life to be a good witness for my Lord and Savior? Do I meditate on His word and is it hid in my heart so that I don’t sin against Him? Do I realize how blessed I am to be a child of a King and to have Him in my heart? Do I extend the same mercy and grace that the Lord has given to me?
4. After my first reading of Revelation, I feel a stronger desire to read my Bible more, to memorize scripture and to apply it in my life, to walk righteously before the Lord, to share the message of His truth and salvation with others and to be a better example to everyone around me. There are so many people I know and love who need the Lord in their lives.
“Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to fest those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, And I will write on him My new name”. Revelation 3:10-12
“Behold I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Rev. 22:7
A life-changing encounter with God’s Word from the book of Revelation
Lesson 1
Blessed are those who read and hear the words of this prophesy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3
The first lesson in Revelation was extremely informative and I was so glad that we were instructed to read the entire book first. I never realized that it was the only book in the Bible that says we get a special blessing just for reading it (Rev. 1:3) and then another for acting on it (Rev. 22:7). Knowing this makes me want to read it over and over again and to keep it engraved in my heart and mind forever.
The book of Revelation (Apocalypse: unveiling or disclosure) is a message using symbolism to show that God will intervene to bring evil to an end and to prepare us for what is to come. Praise God! That in itself causes my heart to rejoice. It is a message about what will soon take place in the future (the rapture, tribulation and second coming), a sovereign plan from God for today. It is a message about His promises and the hope we have in Him. It is a reminder of His love for us and how one day we will live forever with Him. Just imagine, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more sorrow, sickness or pain. God Himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes! It is a call to the church to wake up, repent and return to their first love (Rev. 2:4-5). It is a message for every single person on this earth, The Lord says, “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20). It is the final call to everyone to remind them once again that the time is near and that we are living in end times.
1. I sensed urgency in John’s written letter of Revelation to warn and prepare the church. His message was one of hope and promise in the midst terrible circumstances. John’s special commission was to unveil the greatness of our Lord and Savior.
2. Words and phrases that recurred often: God is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne. He knows our works. He who has an ear to hear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Blessed are those who keep the words of this prophesy. Behold, I come quickly.
3. Challenging and convicting questions I have for myself: How much of my time do I really give the Lord? Do I share His message with this lost and dying world with urgency? What will I do to apply this truth to my life to be a good witness for my Lord and Savior? Do I meditate on His word and is it hid in my heart so that I don’t sin against Him? Do I realize how blessed I am to be a child of a King and to have Him in my heart? Do I extend the same mercy and grace that the Lord has given to me?
4. After my first reading of Revelation, I feel a stronger desire to read my Bible more, to memorize scripture and to apply it in my life, to walk righteously before the Lord, to share the message of His truth and salvation with others and to be a better example to everyone around me. There are so many people I know and love who need the Lord in their lives.
“Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to fest those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, And I will write on him My new name”. Revelation 3:10-12
“Behold I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Rev. 22:7
January 24, 2009
A life-changing encounter with God’s Word from the book of Revelation
Blessed are those who read and hear the words of this prophesy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3
Lesson 1
The first lesson in Revelation was extremely informative and I was so glad that we were instructed to read the entire book first. I never realized that it was the only book in the Bible that says we get a special blessing just for reading it (Rev. 1:3) and then another for acting on it (Rev. 22:7). Knowing this makes me want to read it over and over again and to keep it engraved in my heart and mind forever.
The book of Revelation (Apocalypse: unveiling or disclosure) is a message using symbolism to show that God will intervene to bring evil to an end and to prepare us for what is to come. Praise God! That in itself causes my heart to rejoice. It is a message about what will soon take place in the future (the rapture, tribulation and second coming), a sovereign plan from God for today. It is a message about His promises and the hope we have in Him. It is a reminder of His love for us and how one day we will live forever with Him. Just imagine, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more sorrow, sickness or pain. God Himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes! It is a call to the church to wake up, repent and return to their first love (Rev. 2:4-5). It is a message for every single person on this earth, The Lord says, “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20). It is the final call to everyone to remind them once again that the time is near and that we are living in end times.
1. I sensed urgency in John’s written letter of Revelation to warn and prepare the church. His message was one of hope and promise in the midst terrible circumstances. John’s special commission was to unveil the greatness of our Lord and Savior.
2. Words and phrases that recurred often: God is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne. He knows our works. He who has an ear to hear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The number 7. Blessed are those who keep the words of this prophesy. Behold, I come quickly.
3. Challenging and convicting questions I have for myself: How much of my time do I really give the Lord? Do I share His message with this lost and dying world with urgency? What will I do to apply this truth to my life to be a good witness for my Lord and Savior? Do I meditate on His word and is it hid in my heart so that I don’t sin against Him? Do I realize how blessed I am to be a child of a King and to have Him in my heart? Do I extend the same mercy and grace that the Lord has given to me?
4. After my first reading of Revelation, I feel a stronger desire to read my Bible more, to memorize scripture and to apply it in my life, to walk righteously before the Lord, to share the message of His truth and salvation with others and to be a better example to everyone around me. There are so many people I know and love who need the Lord in their lives.
“Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to fest those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, And I will write on him My new name”. Revelation 3:10-12
“Behold I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Rev. 22:7
And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” and let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. 22:17
A life-changing encounter with God’s Word from the book of Revelation
Blessed are those who read and hear the words of this prophesy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3
Lesson 1
The first lesson in Revelation was extremely informative and I was so glad that we were instructed to read the entire book first. I never realized that it was the only book in the Bible that says we get a special blessing just for reading it (Rev. 1:3) and then another for acting on it (Rev. 22:7). Knowing this makes me want to read it over and over again and to keep it engraved in my heart and mind forever.
The book of Revelation (Apocalypse: unveiling or disclosure) is a message using symbolism to show that God will intervene to bring evil to an end and to prepare us for what is to come. Praise God! That in itself causes my heart to rejoice. It is a message about what will soon take place in the future (the rapture, tribulation and second coming), a sovereign plan from God for today. It is a message about His promises and the hope we have in Him. It is a reminder of His love for us and how one day we will live forever with Him. Just imagine, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more sorrow, sickness or pain. God Himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes! It is a call to the church to wake up, repent and return to their first love (Rev. 2:4-5). It is a message for every single person on this earth, The Lord says, “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20). It is the final call to everyone to remind them once again that the time is near and that we are living in end times.
1. I sensed urgency in John’s written letter of Revelation to warn and prepare the church. His message was one of hope and promise in the midst terrible circumstances. John’s special commission was to unveil the greatness of our Lord and Savior.
2. Words and phrases that recurred often: God is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne. He knows our works. He who has an ear to hear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The number 7. Blessed are those who keep the words of this prophesy. Behold, I come quickly.
3. Challenging and convicting questions I have for myself: How much of my time do I really give the Lord? Do I share His message with this lost and dying world with urgency? What will I do to apply this truth to my life to be a good witness for my Lord and Savior? Do I meditate on His word and is it hid in my heart so that I don’t sin against Him? Do I realize how blessed I am to be a child of a King and to have Him in my heart? Do I extend the same mercy and grace that the Lord has given to me?
4. After my first reading of Revelation, I feel a stronger desire to read my Bible more, to memorize scripture and to apply it in my life, to walk righteously before the Lord, to share the message of His truth and salvation with others and to be a better example to everyone around me. There are so many people I know and love who need the Lord in their lives.
“Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to fest those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, And I will write on him My new name”. Revelation 3:10-12
“Behold I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Rev. 22:7
And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” and let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. 22:17
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