Revelation 8:1-13
Revelation 6:12-17 described the sixth seal
judgment upon the earth during the yet future seven year tribulation
period. This judgment was filled with universal catastrophe affecting
the environment. Revelation 7 yielded a break in the happenings on earth
to provide a personal glimpse for John to see two groups of people: the
144,000 Jewish witnesses who would spread the gospel across the earth
(7:1-8) and those who have been saved during the tribulation period, but
martyred for their faith (7:9-17). After this brief respite, the vision
John has been supernaturally receiving continues with the final seal
judgment upon the earth, which is the seventh. When Jesus opens the
seventh seal on the scroll, which only He could open, it unleashes
another series of judgments which are referred to as the seven trumpet
judgments. Prior to each trumpet being sounded, "noises, thunderings,
lightnings, and an earthquake" take place which finally give way to
seven angels appearing with seven trumpets prepared to sound (8:6).
We
must take the time to remember that these judgments are being poured
out on all those people on earth who have rejected Jesus Christ as the
One sent to save mankind from sin. Although some tend to think of any
type of punishment as unfair, most of us would agree that there must be
some system of accountability. Without consequences for doing wrong, our
world would be chaotic. In the same manner, God must hold sinners
accountable for their wrongdoing; however, instead of punishing the
sinner God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment
(death) of the sinner upon Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21). Therefore, God
is not unfair because He has offered the free gift of salvation to all
those who will repent of sin and believe in the death, burial, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). God
has been patient and even delayed His coming because He is "not willing
that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter
3:9).
The following summarizes four of the seven trumpet judgments unleashed on the rebellious inhabitants of the earth:
First Trumpet - one-third of trees/grass Burned (8:7)
Second
Trumpet - one-third of sea turned to blood resulting in one-third of
its inhabitants dying as well as one-third of ships destroyed (8:8-9)
Third Trumpet - one-third of all freshwater polluted (8:10-11)
Fourth Trumpet - one-third part of the sun, moon, stars darkened (8:12-13)
After
this trumpet judgment, John sees an angel fly through heaven saying,
"Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining
blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!" This
warning is a precursor to the devastation which was about to take
place. The next two trumpet judgments are addressed in Revelation 9.
Dear
God, I understand that You must judge those who have rejected Jesus
Christ, but please use me to spread the message of hope through Jesus
Christ to as many people as I can.
Revelation 7:1-17
Revelation 7:1-17
So far there have been six judgments upon the people of the earth because of their rejection of Jesus Christ as the Messiah (Revelation 6). The first four judgments will take place during the first three and a half years of the seven year tribulation period (6:1-8). The tribulation period immediately follows the removal of the church from earth which is detailed by the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. No time frame is given as to when all this would happen, but the apostle John, at the end of the first century, received a personal glimpse of future events on earth and God wanted all generations to know the things which awaited those who reject the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for their sin.
The fifth and sixth judgment (6:9-17) ushers in the second half of the tribulation period. At the conclusion of the sixth seal judgment, all those on the earth are hiding in caves and rocks of the mountains wishing they could die (6:15-16). The sixth judgment has produced a great earthquake, the sun turning black (maybe from the ash of volcanic eruptions), moon turning red (maybe also from the ash), meteor showers, the sky disappearing, and the continents shifting (6:12-14). These horrendous events cause men to fear for their lives and at this point, they will recognize that these judgments have been sent from God (6:16-17). Following the sixth seal being opened by Jesus, John sees four angels at the four corners of the earth who will send a temporary respite upon the earth (7:1). Another angel descends from the east "having the seal of living God" and demanding that the earth not be harmed until God has "sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads" (7:2-3). John hears that the number of those who will be sealed will be 144,000 Jews. This group is obviously people who have received Jesus Christ as the true Messiah during the tribulation period. In other words, they missed the removal of believers from the earth because they did not believe in Jesus Christ; however, during the time of judgment on the earth, they accepted Jesus Christ as the Savior from sin. This 144,000 (12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel) will become witnesses of Jesus Christ during the second half of the tribulation period and will receive special protection from the judgments. These Israelites will spread the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ and many will be saved from eternal hell during this time of tribulation.
In fact, the next group of people John sees are all those who have been martyred during the tribulation period for their faith in Jesus Christ. John writes, "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes...and crying out with a loud voice saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" One of the twenty four elders tells John that "these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (7:14).
Although this time will be one of judgment and wrath, it will also be a time of great salvation and redemption. There will be many during the tribulation period who will respond to the judgments on earth and finally turn their hearts to God and be saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thank God that His mercy continues in the midst of judgment. He is truly not desiring anyone to face the wrath of God but desires all men to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
Dear God, thank You for Your continual patience and mercy toward us. Although we are undeserving of Your forgiveness, You freely offer it to all.
So far there have been six judgments upon the people of the earth because of their rejection of Jesus Christ as the Messiah (Revelation 6). The first four judgments will take place during the first three and a half years of the seven year tribulation period (6:1-8). The tribulation period immediately follows the removal of the church from earth which is detailed by the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. No time frame is given as to when all this would happen, but the apostle John, at the end of the first century, received a personal glimpse of future events on earth and God wanted all generations to know the things which awaited those who reject the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for their sin.
The fifth and sixth judgment (6:9-17) ushers in the second half of the tribulation period. At the conclusion of the sixth seal judgment, all those on the earth are hiding in caves and rocks of the mountains wishing they could die (6:15-16). The sixth judgment has produced a great earthquake, the sun turning black (maybe from the ash of volcanic eruptions), moon turning red (maybe also from the ash), meteor showers, the sky disappearing, and the continents shifting (6:12-14). These horrendous events cause men to fear for their lives and at this point, they will recognize that these judgments have been sent from God (6:16-17). Following the sixth seal being opened by Jesus, John sees four angels at the four corners of the earth who will send a temporary respite upon the earth (7:1). Another angel descends from the east "having the seal of living God" and demanding that the earth not be harmed until God has "sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads" (7:2-3). John hears that the number of those who will be sealed will be 144,000 Jews. This group is obviously people who have received Jesus Christ as the true Messiah during the tribulation period. In other words, they missed the removal of believers from the earth because they did not believe in Jesus Christ; however, during the time of judgment on the earth, they accepted Jesus Christ as the Savior from sin. This 144,000 (12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel) will become witnesses of Jesus Christ during the second half of the tribulation period and will receive special protection from the judgments. These Israelites will spread the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ and many will be saved from eternal hell during this time of tribulation.
In fact, the next group of people John sees are all those who have been martyred during the tribulation period for their faith in Jesus Christ. John writes, "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes...and crying out with a loud voice saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" One of the twenty four elders tells John that "these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (7:14).
Although this time will be one of judgment and wrath, it will also be a time of great salvation and redemption. There will be many during the tribulation period who will respond to the judgments on earth and finally turn their hearts to God and be saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thank God that His mercy continues in the midst of judgment. He is truly not desiring anyone to face the wrath of God but desires all men to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
Dear God, thank You for Your continual patience and mercy toward us. Although we are undeserving of Your forgiveness, You freely offer it to all.
Revelation 6:1-17
Revelation 6:1-17
John has been transported to heaven in order to write the things which God supernaturally allows him to see regarding future events. Revelation 4 details John's first glimpse of the throne room of heaven where he witnesses believers as well as angels worshipping God for His worth. The words of Revelation 5 reveal a scroll sealed with seven seals, but no one is found worthy to open it. This scroll can only be opened by One who has been given authority over the entire universe because it is the title deed of earth. A Lamb, Jesus Christ, appears and takes the scroll. He is the only One found worthy to open it because He was slain and redeemed mankind from sin (4:8-10). These events bring us to Revelation 6 where Jesus begins to open each of the seven seals which secure the contents of the scroll. Each seal unleashes a judgment upon the earth during what is termed the "seven year tribulation period" which follows the removal of the church from earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). In fact, there are a series of judgments unleashed on those who have rejected Jesus Christ as the only way to God. From Revelation 6:1-16:21, here is the layout: seven seal judgments (6:1-8:6), seven trumpet judgments (8:7-14:20), and the seven bowl judgments (16:1-21). Without going into a ton of detail about each of these judgments, here is what will transpire on the earth beginning with six seal judgments.
First Seal (white horse) - Antichrist is revealed
Second Seal (red horse) - worldwide war with much death
Third Seal (black horse) - worldwide famine
Forth Seal (pale horse) - 25% of population will die
Fifth Seal - martyrs will cry to God for vengeance
Sixth Seal - great earthquake, sun turns black, moon turns red, meteor shower, sky is removed, continents shift
People on earth will then begin to recognize that these judgments have been sent by God to reign down His wrath upon sin (6:16-17).
Dear God, deliver many from this wrath to come that they might acknowledge Jesus as their Savior from sin.
John has been transported to heaven in order to write the things which God supernaturally allows him to see regarding future events. Revelation 4 details John's first glimpse of the throne room of heaven where he witnesses believers as well as angels worshipping God for His worth. The words of Revelation 5 reveal a scroll sealed with seven seals, but no one is found worthy to open it. This scroll can only be opened by One who has been given authority over the entire universe because it is the title deed of earth. A Lamb, Jesus Christ, appears and takes the scroll. He is the only One found worthy to open it because He was slain and redeemed mankind from sin (4:8-10). These events bring us to Revelation 6 where Jesus begins to open each of the seven seals which secure the contents of the scroll. Each seal unleashes a judgment upon the earth during what is termed the "seven year tribulation period" which follows the removal of the church from earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). In fact, there are a series of judgments unleashed on those who have rejected Jesus Christ as the only way to God. From Revelation 6:1-16:21, here is the layout: seven seal judgments (6:1-8:6), seven trumpet judgments (8:7-14:20), and the seven bowl judgments (16:1-21). Without going into a ton of detail about each of these judgments, here is what will transpire on the earth beginning with six seal judgments.
First Seal (white horse) - Antichrist is revealed
Second Seal (red horse) - worldwide war with much death
Third Seal (black horse) - worldwide famine
Forth Seal (pale horse) - 25% of population will die
Fifth Seal - martyrs will cry to God for vengeance
Sixth Seal - great earthquake, sun turns black, moon turns red, meteor shower, sky is removed, continents shift
People on earth will then begin to recognize that these judgments have been sent by God to reign down His wrath upon sin (6:16-17).
Dear God, deliver many from this wrath to come that they might acknowledge Jesus as their Savior from sin.
Revelation 5:1-14
Revelation 5:1-14
John had been transported to heaven and personally witnessed the throne room where God made His dwelling place (Revelation 4). The redeemed of the church (represented by the 24 elders) were present with four creatures (angels) who worshipped God day and night. Believers also joined the angels in worship of God who was the Creator of all things and proclaimed His worthiness to receive glory, honor, and power (4:11). The scene continues when God takes a "scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals" (5:1). Some have concluded that the scroll represents the title deed of the earth. An angel cries out, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?" Revelation 5:3 reveals that there was no one found in heaven or earth worthy to loosen the seals of the scroll. John begins to weep, but one of the 24 elders tells him not to weep because "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals" (5:4-5). These names were in reference to the Messiah whom God promised would defeat sin and death and set up a kingdom ruled in righteousness (Genesis 49:8-12; Isaiah 11). John looks up and standing before him is a "Lamb as though it had been slain...then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne" (5:7). This Lamb is Jesus Christ who had been slain in order to pay the penalty for sin. Hundreds of years earlier the prophet Isaiah described the future Messiah as the one who would take "our griefs and carried our sorrows...He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities...by His stripes we are healed...the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:4-6). When Jesus Christ takes the scroll, the four creatures and elders fall down and sing "You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals; for you were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth" (5:8-10). Jesus' death on the behalf of sinners makes Him worthy to take the scroll! In reaction to Jesus taking the scroll, an innumerable group begins proclaiming the worthiness of Jesus to take the scroll (5:11-14). Jesus Christ is the Messiah and came to earth to take our sin upon Himself. Paul writes to the church at Corinth, " For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). God the Father demanded righteousness from man but through Adam sin and death entered the world passing over all men (Romans 5:12). The penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and ultimately is necessary to satisfy the wrath of God upon sin. Sin cannot be forgiven unless the punishment for it is carried out. God loved man so much that He sent His only Son, born of a virgin, to earth in order to take the punishment every man deserved because of their sin. Paul says that Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness, which is what God demands. Paul writes in Romans 5:8-9 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him."
Dear God, thank You for Jesus who paid for my sin on the cross. He is worthy to be praised!
John had been transported to heaven and personally witnessed the throne room where God made His dwelling place (Revelation 4). The redeemed of the church (represented by the 24 elders) were present with four creatures (angels) who worshipped God day and night. Believers also joined the angels in worship of God who was the Creator of all things and proclaimed His worthiness to receive glory, honor, and power (4:11). The scene continues when God takes a "scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals" (5:1). Some have concluded that the scroll represents the title deed of the earth. An angel cries out, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?" Revelation 5:3 reveals that there was no one found in heaven or earth worthy to loosen the seals of the scroll. John begins to weep, but one of the 24 elders tells him not to weep because "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals" (5:4-5). These names were in reference to the Messiah whom God promised would defeat sin and death and set up a kingdom ruled in righteousness (Genesis 49:8-12; Isaiah 11). John looks up and standing before him is a "Lamb as though it had been slain...then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne" (5:7). This Lamb is Jesus Christ who had been slain in order to pay the penalty for sin. Hundreds of years earlier the prophet Isaiah described the future Messiah as the one who would take "our griefs and carried our sorrows...He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities...by His stripes we are healed...the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:4-6). When Jesus Christ takes the scroll, the four creatures and elders fall down and sing "You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals; for you were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth" (5:8-10). Jesus' death on the behalf of sinners makes Him worthy to take the scroll! In reaction to Jesus taking the scroll, an innumerable group begins proclaiming the worthiness of Jesus to take the scroll (5:11-14). Jesus Christ is the Messiah and came to earth to take our sin upon Himself. Paul writes to the church at Corinth, " For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). God the Father demanded righteousness from man but through Adam sin and death entered the world passing over all men (Romans 5:12). The penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and ultimately is necessary to satisfy the wrath of God upon sin. Sin cannot be forgiven unless the punishment for it is carried out. God loved man so much that He sent His only Son, born of a virgin, to earth in order to take the punishment every man deserved because of their sin. Paul says that Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness, which is what God demands. Paul writes in Romans 5:8-9 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him."
Dear God, thank You for Jesus who paid for my sin on the cross. He is worthy to be praised!
Revelation 4:1-11
Revelation 4:1-11
Revelation 4 is the final section in this book of future events written by the apostle John. According to our outline given to us by the writer (1:19) he has already written about "the things which you have seen" which represent what John was currently experiencing (Revelation 1). "The things which are" which were representative of the current state of the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2-3). Now John will receive "the things which will take place after this" which represent those events at the end of history following the church age (Revelation 4-22). John begins this section by writing, "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, 'Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this'" (4:1). At this point John writes "immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne" (4:2). Simply put, John was transported to heaven. As John revealed in Revelation 1:10, this transport was literal and not some dream. John was taken from this life to personally observe what was happening in heaven. Upon his arrival John he finds himself in the throne room of heaven where God is seated (4:2-3) and there are 24 (number which means representation) elders seated on the thrones surrounding God's throne. Since the elders are clothed in white robes and have gold crowns on their heads we can assume that they probably represent the church (4:4). As this time, the church is the only group who has been fully redeemed and rewarded. John also reveals that from the throne proceeds "lightnings, thunderings, and voices" which indicates a future judgment, which will be the seven year tribulation period on the earth (4:5). This judgment will be righteous and warranted since all those on the earth at this time have rejected the salvation offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Also in this scene are seven lamps of fire which represent the Holy Spirit (4:5b). Present also in this throne room are four living creatures who are angels -they are the ones who deliver the judgment poured out on the earth (4:6-8). These angels "do not rest day or night" but they continuously say, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" This declaration represents God's holiness and eternality. "Whenever the living creatures [angels] give honor and glory and thanks to Him who sits on the throne...the twenty-four elders fall down and worship Him...and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created'" (4:9-11). The redeemed recognize God as the One who has freely offered salvation to them and that He is worthy of all their praise. As an act of worship they cast their crowns (rewards) before Him signifying His authority and redemption over His creation.
Although John describes this scene as a future event, we should worship God as a part of our daily lives; after all, He alone deserves all of our honor and praise. God is the Creator of all things and has chosen to redeem sinful mankind by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for sin. For all those who believe by faith in the work of Jesus Christ and receive His forgiveness of sins will be at the place John witnessed two-thousand years ago.
Dear God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power for You created all things and by Your will they exist and were created.
Revelation 4 is the final section in this book of future events written by the apostle John. According to our outline given to us by the writer (1:19) he has already written about "the things which you have seen" which represent what John was currently experiencing (Revelation 1). "The things which are" which were representative of the current state of the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2-3). Now John will receive "the things which will take place after this" which represent those events at the end of history following the church age (Revelation 4-22). John begins this section by writing, "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, 'Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this'" (4:1). At this point John writes "immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne" (4:2). Simply put, John was transported to heaven. As John revealed in Revelation 1:10, this transport was literal and not some dream. John was taken from this life to personally observe what was happening in heaven. Upon his arrival John he finds himself in the throne room of heaven where God is seated (4:2-3) and there are 24 (number which means representation) elders seated on the thrones surrounding God's throne. Since the elders are clothed in white robes and have gold crowns on their heads we can assume that they probably represent the church (4:4). As this time, the church is the only group who has been fully redeemed and rewarded. John also reveals that from the throne proceeds "lightnings, thunderings, and voices" which indicates a future judgment, which will be the seven year tribulation period on the earth (4:5). This judgment will be righteous and warranted since all those on the earth at this time have rejected the salvation offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Also in this scene are seven lamps of fire which represent the Holy Spirit (4:5b). Present also in this throne room are four living creatures who are angels -they are the ones who deliver the judgment poured out on the earth (4:6-8). These angels "do not rest day or night" but they continuously say, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" This declaration represents God's holiness and eternality. "Whenever the living creatures [angels] give honor and glory and thanks to Him who sits on the throne...the twenty-four elders fall down and worship Him...and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created'" (4:9-11). The redeemed recognize God as the One who has freely offered salvation to them and that He is worthy of all their praise. As an act of worship they cast their crowns (rewards) before Him signifying His authority and redemption over His creation.
Although John describes this scene as a future event, we should worship God as a part of our daily lives; after all, He alone deserves all of our honor and praise. God is the Creator of all things and has chosen to redeem sinful mankind by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for sin. For all those who believe by faith in the work of Jesus Christ and receive His forgiveness of sins will be at the place John witnessed two-thousand years ago.
Dear God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power for You created all things and by Your will they exist and were created.
Revelation 3:7-22
Revelation 3:7-22
In this passage of scripture, the final two churches receive their letters written by the apostle John. In each of these letters the apostle John is communicating those things which God has told him to write. Most churches received some praise along with very stern warnings about those areas where they needed to repent. Very few of the letters contained only positive words, but the church at Philadelphia only receives praise from God about their faithfulness. John writes, "I know your works...for you have a little strength, have kept my word, and have not denied my name" (3:8). Because of their unwavering commitment to truth, God promised that one day He would set the record straight and cause their enemies to submit to them. John also wrote that God would "keep them from the hour of trial which should come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (3:10). This "hour of trial" referred to the future judgment of all those who reject Jesus Christ, which is known as the seven-year tribulation period (Revelation 6-19). This period would follow the removal of all Christians from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and precede the millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1-6). These words would have been strengthening for the church at Philadelphia since they were presently being persecuted by the religious leaders and many in their community (3:9). This promise provided hope. We all need hope in the midst of our struggles. Instead of quitting when your faith is tested, look forward to the hope of the future kingdom and eternal life in the presence of God.
The final church which received a letter was Laodicea (3:14-22). John writes, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth" (3:16). These words must have been pretty stinging to the Laodiceans. John described them as people who say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked..." (3:17). God was condemning them for neither being passionate for God or openly rebellious against Him. My guess is that this church was full of false converts who professed Christ, but did not really have a relationship with Him. They were a church in name only. There was no passion or zeal for worshipping or serving God. Laodicea just existed without having an effect on anything or anyone around them. God commanded them to repent and turn to Him for salvation (3:18- 19). If there is one church that reflects many of our modern day places of worship, it is the church at Laodicea. In my opinion, many churches are refuges for the unconverted and those who attend church to relieve a guilty conscience. Since many churches have also forsaken their mandate to call people to repentance, it is left with individuals who are failing to deal with the true root of every problem - sin. Our churches must not tolerate sin and call people to turn to Jesus Christ who alone can bring forgiveness and healing to the broken. May God help us listen to all the letters written to the seven churches of Asia Minor. May we avoid the same sins so that we may become a church who is carrying out God's commands (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Dear God, call all churches to true repentance that we may be a bright light for the entire world to see (Matthew 5:16).
In this passage of scripture, the final two churches receive their letters written by the apostle John. In each of these letters the apostle John is communicating those things which God has told him to write. Most churches received some praise along with very stern warnings about those areas where they needed to repent. Very few of the letters contained only positive words, but the church at Philadelphia only receives praise from God about their faithfulness. John writes, "I know your works...for you have a little strength, have kept my word, and have not denied my name" (3:8). Because of their unwavering commitment to truth, God promised that one day He would set the record straight and cause their enemies to submit to them. John also wrote that God would "keep them from the hour of trial which should come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (3:10). This "hour of trial" referred to the future judgment of all those who reject Jesus Christ, which is known as the seven-year tribulation period (Revelation 6-19). This period would follow the removal of all Christians from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and precede the millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1-6). These words would have been strengthening for the church at Philadelphia since they were presently being persecuted by the religious leaders and many in their community (3:9). This promise provided hope. We all need hope in the midst of our struggles. Instead of quitting when your faith is tested, look forward to the hope of the future kingdom and eternal life in the presence of God.
The final church which received a letter was Laodicea (3:14-22). John writes, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth" (3:16). These words must have been pretty stinging to the Laodiceans. John described them as people who say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked..." (3:17). God was condemning them for neither being passionate for God or openly rebellious against Him. My guess is that this church was full of false converts who professed Christ, but did not really have a relationship with Him. They were a church in name only. There was no passion or zeal for worshipping or serving God. Laodicea just existed without having an effect on anything or anyone around them. God commanded them to repent and turn to Him for salvation (3:18- 19). If there is one church that reflects many of our modern day places of worship, it is the church at Laodicea. In my opinion, many churches are refuges for the unconverted and those who attend church to relieve a guilty conscience. Since many churches have also forsaken their mandate to call people to repentance, it is left with individuals who are failing to deal with the true root of every problem - sin. Our churches must not tolerate sin and call people to turn to Jesus Christ who alone can bring forgiveness and healing to the broken. May God help us listen to all the letters written to the seven churches of Asia Minor. May we avoid the same sins so that we may become a church who is carrying out God's commands (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Dear God, call all churches to true repentance that we may be a bright light for the entire world to see (Matthew 5:16).
Revelation 2:18-3:6
Revelation 2:18-3:6
The apostle John next writes a few words to the church at Thyatira, "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first" (2:19). From all initial appearances, this church received positive news about their increase of good works as their faith in Jesus Christ grew. However, everything was not as it appeared on the surface. Sending a message through John, God condemns the church at Thyatira for allowing a woman to "teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols" (2:20). This church had permitted sexual immorality as well as idol worship to take place in their church without removing the woman who was propagating it. God promised that she would be held accountable for her deception and any who chose to follow her would also experience divine judgment (2:21-23). It is a serious thing to deceive God's people and John warns those who have kept themselves pure from these sinful practices to "hold fast" until Jesus Christ returns (2:25). The church must be careful to guard against those who would enter in to deceive the people and strive to be faithful to His commands. When a church is corrupt, such as Thyatira, it loses all effectiveness and ultimately becomes useless.
Sardis is the fifth church to whom John writes and they are often known as the dead church. Like the church at Thyatira, Sardis appeared healthy on the outside, but was actually dead on the inside. Their reputation in the community was that they were "alive" but God exposes that they were really dead (3:1). John gives them some advice, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die....Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent" (3:2-3). Repentance seems to be a consistent message to many of the churches mostly because it indicates a change in direction. They were to abandon their sinful works and begin doing what was right. If the church at Sardis failed to repent, God promised to "come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you" (3:3). Swift judgment awaited Sardis if they would not repent; however, there were a few people whom God commends for their faithfulness to Him (3:4-5). No matter what people are doing around you, be faithful. If you are living in disobedience to God, repent and do the right thing. It's that simple.
Dear God, help me not to tolerate sin in my life or in the life of my church. May we quickly repent of any known sin so that we can be faithful witnesses of Your message.
The apostle John next writes a few words to the church at Thyatira, "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first" (2:19). From all initial appearances, this church received positive news about their increase of good works as their faith in Jesus Christ grew. However, everything was not as it appeared on the surface. Sending a message through John, God condemns the church at Thyatira for allowing a woman to "teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols" (2:20). This church had permitted sexual immorality as well as idol worship to take place in their church without removing the woman who was propagating it. God promised that she would be held accountable for her deception and any who chose to follow her would also experience divine judgment (2:21-23). It is a serious thing to deceive God's people and John warns those who have kept themselves pure from these sinful practices to "hold fast" until Jesus Christ returns (2:25). The church must be careful to guard against those who would enter in to deceive the people and strive to be faithful to His commands. When a church is corrupt, such as Thyatira, it loses all effectiveness and ultimately becomes useless.
Sardis is the fifth church to whom John writes and they are often known as the dead church. Like the church at Thyatira, Sardis appeared healthy on the outside, but was actually dead on the inside. Their reputation in the community was that they were "alive" but God exposes that they were really dead (3:1). John gives them some advice, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die....Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent" (3:2-3). Repentance seems to be a consistent message to many of the churches mostly because it indicates a change in direction. They were to abandon their sinful works and begin doing what was right. If the church at Sardis failed to repent, God promised to "come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you" (3:3). Swift judgment awaited Sardis if they would not repent; however, there were a few people whom God commends for their faithfulness to Him (3:4-5). No matter what people are doing around you, be faithful. If you are living in disobedience to God, repent and do the right thing. It's that simple.
Dear God, help me not to tolerate sin in my life or in the life of my church. May we quickly repent of any known sin so that we can be faithful witnesses of Your message.
Revelation 2:8-17
Revelation 2:8-17
John has just written a vivid reminder to the church at Ephesus
to restore their passionate love for God or else they would be
judged (2:1-7). John then turns his attention to Smyrna
which is the second church to whom he writes and they are
often referred to as the persecuted church. From John's words
we can surmise that this body of believers was facing opposition
from the religious system called Judaism. Judaism was the Jewish
religion which elevated the Old Testament law while rejecting
Jesus Christ as the Messiah (the One promised by God). John
describes these Judaizers as "those who say they are Jews and are
not, but are the synagogue of Satan" (2:9). It appears that there
was ongoing persecution of the early church following the death,
burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and this continual
persecution often resulted from the so-called religious people
of that day. John wanted the church at Smyrna to be prepared for
what would soon take place. He writes, "Do not fear any of those
things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to
throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you
will have tribulation ten days" (2:10a). Then with a challenge
to endure this hardship John records what God has said, "Be
faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life"
(2:10b). Although their persecution would be brief (10 days),
God wanted them to be faithful to Him and look forward to the
hope of eternal life. Those who would die in this persecution
should remember that they would not "be hurt by the second
death" (2:11). Their body would die, but their soul would go
on to live forever in the presence of God. Even though believers
in the United States do not suffer extreme forms of persecution,
we must remember that people all over the world are experiencing
what the early church experienced. It is said that more people
are being persecuted for their faith today than at any other
time in history. Pray for the persecuted church - for their
strength to stand, for their families, and for God's comforting
hand upon them.
The church at Pergamos was the next to receive a
letter from John, who was writing on behalf of God. This church
is commended for their faithfulness to God in the midst of a very
wicked city. Pergamos was the center of many Gentile false
religions and where many false gods were worshiped (Zeus, Athena,
and Asklepios just to name a few). It seems that the pastor of
Pergamos, Antipas, had been killed for preaching the gospel but
the congregation stood firm during that time (2:13). Although there
was some praise given to them, John also writes "I have a few things
against you because you have there those who hold the doctrine of
Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children
of Israel, to eat things sacrifices to idols, and to commit sexual
immorality" (2:14). John goes on to say that the church at Pergamos
was also harboring people who believed the doctrine of the
Nicolaitans. In his study Bible John MacArthur writes about the
story of Balaam, "Balaam tried unsuccessfully to prostitute his
prophetic gift and curse Israel for money offered him by Balak,
king of Moab. So he devised a plot to have Moabite women seduce
Israelite men into intermarriage. The result was a blasphemous
union of Israel with fornication and idolatrous feasts"
(MacArthur Study Bible, p.1995). John calls them to repentance and
warns of God's judgment if they continue to abuse the grace which
was provided through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Christians are called to a holy lifestyle following their faith in
Jesus Christ and to abstain from the sin which caused Jesus to have
to die in our place. The modern day church must also heed this
warning to the church at Pergamos. Holiness and sin cannot co-exist.
The church must cleanse itself from sin and live in purity before God
and others.
Dear God, hear my cries for those who are being persecuted for their
faith - give them strength. Purify Your church to make it holy and
once again become a witness for Your grace.
John has just written a vivid reminder to the church at Ephesus
to restore their passionate love for God or else they would be
judged (2:1-7). John then turns his attention to Smyrna
which is the second church to whom he writes and they are
often referred to as the persecuted church. From John's words
we can surmise that this body of believers was facing opposition
from the religious system called Judaism. Judaism was the Jewish
religion which elevated the Old Testament law while rejecting
Jesus Christ as the Messiah (the One promised by God). John
describes these Judaizers as "those who say they are Jews and are
not, but are the synagogue of Satan" (2:9). It appears that there
was ongoing persecution of the early church following the death,
burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and this continual
persecution often resulted from the so-called religious people
of that day. John wanted the church at Smyrna to be prepared for
what would soon take place. He writes, "Do not fear any of those
things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to
throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you
will have tribulation ten days" (2:10a). Then with a challenge
to endure this hardship John records what God has said, "Be
faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life"
(2:10b). Although their persecution would be brief (10 days),
God wanted them to be faithful to Him and look forward to the
hope of eternal life. Those who would die in this persecution
should remember that they would not "be hurt by the second
death" (2:11). Their body would die, but their soul would go
on to live forever in the presence of God. Even though believers
in the United States do not suffer extreme forms of persecution,
we must remember that people all over the world are experiencing
what the early church experienced. It is said that more people
are being persecuted for their faith today than at any other
time in history. Pray for the persecuted church - for their
strength to stand, for their families, and for God's comforting
hand upon them.
The church at Pergamos was the next to receive a
letter from John, who was writing on behalf of God. This church
is commended for their faithfulness to God in the midst of a very
wicked city. Pergamos was the center of many Gentile false
religions and where many false gods were worshiped (Zeus, Athena,
and Asklepios just to name a few). It seems that the pastor of
Pergamos, Antipas, had been killed for preaching the gospel but
the congregation stood firm during that time (2:13). Although there
was some praise given to them, John also writes "I have a few things
against you because you have there those who hold the doctrine of
Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children
of Israel, to eat things sacrifices to idols, and to commit sexual
immorality" (2:14). John goes on to say that the church at Pergamos
was also harboring people who believed the doctrine of the
Nicolaitans. In his study Bible John MacArthur writes about the
story of Balaam, "Balaam tried unsuccessfully to prostitute his
prophetic gift and curse Israel for money offered him by Balak,
king of Moab. So he devised a plot to have Moabite women seduce
Israelite men into intermarriage. The result was a blasphemous
union of Israel with fornication and idolatrous feasts"
(MacArthur Study Bible, p.1995). John calls them to repentance and
warns of God's judgment if they continue to abuse the grace which
was provided through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Christians are called to a holy lifestyle following their faith in
Jesus Christ and to abstain from the sin which caused Jesus to have
to die in our place. The modern day church must also heed this
warning to the church at Pergamos. Holiness and sin cannot co-exist.
The church must cleanse itself from sin and live in purity before God
and others.
Dear God, hear my cries for those who are being persecuted for their
faith - give them strength. Purify Your church to make it holy and
once again become a witness for Your grace.
Revelation 2:1-7
Revelation 2:1-7
In Revelation 1, John writes about the things which were presently happening to him. He
was seeing a vision of the things which were to come and being given a glimpse of
Christ's future glory. Beginning in Revelation 4 John will begin exposing future events
but in chapters 2-3 he is recording a message given by God to the seven churches in
Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). These churches were historical, but are also
comparable to churches which exist in our day. It is important that we heed the
warnings given to these churches so that we do not fall into the same condemnation.
Ephesus is the first church written to (2:1-7) and John is careful to write that the
message he is delivering is not from him but God: "These things says He
[Jesus Christ] who holds the seven stars [leaders of the seven churches] in His
right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands [seven
churches]..." (2:1). The church at Ephesus was commended for their good "works,
labor, and patience." They had stood against those who were evil and had faithfully
discerned the truth about those who claimed they were teachers of the truth but
were not (2:2-3). John even mentions that they hated the "deeds of the Nicolaitans"
(2:6). The Nicolaitans were led by a man named Nicolas who deceived some in
the church into false teachings - mainly the mixing of immorality and loose living
with the church. Ultimately, the Nicolaitans believed that the forgiveness of sin
enabled them to live the way they wanted. So, it seems as if the church at Ephesus
worked very hard to keep their doctrine pure and continue in the things which they
knew they should do (2:3b).
Although their works were good, Jesus pointed out something which needed
changed. John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes, "Nevertheless I have
this against you, that you have left your first love" (2:4). The church at Ephesus was
doing all the right things outwardly, but they had lost their passionate love for
Christ inwardly. Every Christian needs to evaluate this concept in their life. We
are very good at going through all the right motions but still lacking the proper
love for God.
What was the solution to getting this passion back? "Remember therefore from
where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you
quickly and remove your lampstand from its place - unless you repent" (2:5).
Work for God does not equate or lead to a love for God. Work for God must be
driven by a love for God. We must continually examine our hearts to make sure
that our love for God has not diminished. How can this love for God be sustained?
I believe we must get back to "old school" basics of the faith -reading/meditating
on God's Word, prayer, Christian fellowship, reverence for God, and thankfulness
for His goodness. Without these simple elements, we cannot grow in our love for
God. It is imperative that every follower of Christ develop a personal relationship
with God and not allow their work for God to be the measurement of their love
for Him. May we all be challenged to love God first and then be motivated to work
for Him.
Dear God, forgive me for losing my passion for You. Although I do a lot of things
for You, I know I fail in moving my heart closer to You. Please remind me often
of Your love for me and may I respond by giving all my love to You.
Revelation 1:1-20
Revelation 1:1-20
In the introduction to this book, John writes that this is the "Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants - things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw" (1:1-2). John immediately states that his purpose for writing is to uncover Jesus Christ's future glory as a result of perfectly following the will of God. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for sin therefore freeing all those who would believe in Him from the penalty of sin. God the Father wanted the servants of Jesus to have a glimpse into His future kingdom and also the eternal state which awaits believers. The visions given to John would assist all readers in understanding the end times. Revelation is a unique book because it is the only one which also comes with a blessing to all those "who read[s] and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it..." (1:3).
Moving from his introduction to his greeting, John identifies the recipients of Revelation as the seven churches of Asia Minor (1:4). Although these churches are historical, they also represent modern day churches. We'll explore this more in Revelation 2-3. John sends greeting to his readers from the Holy Spirit (1:4) and from Jesus Christ "who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood..." (1:5).
From the greeting, John immediately reveals the event which produced the things about
which he was getting ready to write. John, on the island of Patmos, was taken from the present world and caught up into a vision of the things which would transpire in the future. This was not a dream, but a literal vision which John supernaturally experienced through the power of God. A voice said to John, What you see, write it a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia" (1:11). John turned to see who was speaking to him and saw seven golden lampstands as well as One who was walking in the midst of the lampstands (1:12-20). As we read these verses, we discover that the seven lampstands are the seven churches and Jesus Christ is the One walking amongst them. This represents His personal involvement in the church body as well as His knowledge of what is happening in them. When John caught a glimpse of Jesus, he "fell at His feet as dead. But he laid His right hand on me, saying to me, 'Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore'" (1:17-18). Jesus Christ then speaks specifically to John about what He wants him to do with what he is about to experience:
"Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this" (1:19).
Using this outline given by Jesus, we will proceed as follows:
"The things which you have seen" represent what John is currently experiencing (Revelation 1)
"The things which are" represent the current state of the churches (Revelation 2-3)
"The things which will take place after this" represent those events at the end of history (Revelation 4-22)
Dear God, thank You for giving these words to John so we can know the things which will take place in the future. Bless me for reading this book of Revelation.
In the introduction to this book, John writes that this is the "Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants - things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw" (1:1-2). John immediately states that his purpose for writing is to uncover Jesus Christ's future glory as a result of perfectly following the will of God. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for sin therefore freeing all those who would believe in Him from the penalty of sin. God the Father wanted the servants of Jesus to have a glimpse into His future kingdom and also the eternal state which awaits believers. The visions given to John would assist all readers in understanding the end times. Revelation is a unique book because it is the only one which also comes with a blessing to all those "who read[s] and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it..." (1:3).
Moving from his introduction to his greeting, John identifies the recipients of Revelation as the seven churches of Asia Minor (1:4). Although these churches are historical, they also represent modern day churches. We'll explore this more in Revelation 2-3. John sends greeting to his readers from the Holy Spirit (1:4) and from Jesus Christ "who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood..." (1:5).
From the greeting, John immediately reveals the event which produced the things about
which he was getting ready to write. John, on the island of Patmos, was taken from the present world and caught up into a vision of the things which would transpire in the future. This was not a dream, but a literal vision which John supernaturally experienced through the power of God. A voice said to John, What you see, write it a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia" (1:11). John turned to see who was speaking to him and saw seven golden lampstands as well as One who was walking in the midst of the lampstands (1:12-20). As we read these verses, we discover that the seven lampstands are the seven churches and Jesus Christ is the One walking amongst them. This represents His personal involvement in the church body as well as His knowledge of what is happening in them. When John caught a glimpse of Jesus, he "fell at His feet as dead. But he laid His right hand on me, saying to me, 'Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore'" (1:17-18). Jesus Christ then speaks specifically to John about what He wants him to do with what he is about to experience:
"Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this" (1:19).
Using this outline given by Jesus, we will proceed as follows:
"The things which you have seen" represent what John is currently experiencing (Revelation 1)
"The things which are" represent the current state of the churches (Revelation 2-3)
"The things which will take place after this" represent those events at the end of history (Revelation 4-22)
Dear God, thank You for giving these words to John so we can know the things which will take place in the future. Bless me for reading this book of Revelation.
Posttribulation
In the previous blog entry I focused on the pretribulation view
of Rapture. In this entry I will focus on the postribulation view
of the Rapture. Those holding to the posttribulation view of the
Rapture find support for their view in the following points:
1. Followers of Jesus Christ are found throughout the tribulation
period (Revelation 6:9-11; 7:9, 14; 9:4; 12:17; 13:7; 14:9,
12; 17:6; 18:4), and there is no direct teaching in Revelation
that a rapture occurred before the marriage of the Lamb described
in Revelation 19.
2. In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus told His followers, "Immediately
after the tribulation of those days . . . shall appear the sign of
the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the
earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds
of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels
with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his
elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other"
(Matthew 24:29-31; cf. Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:25-28). There are no
Scriptures that explicitly place the Rapture before the Tribulation.
There is much similarity between the event Jesus described here and
the one Paul described to the Thessalonians. This gathering together
of the elect is the gathering together of the church since the term
elect is used to describe the church (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12;
II Timothy 2:10; Titus 1:1). The Matthew 24 passage, which gives a
"time" relation between the Rapture and Tribulation, places the
Rapture after the Tribulation.
3. "But as the days of Noe [Noah] were, so shall also the coming of
the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood
they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,
until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until
the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming
of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:37-39; cf. Luke 17:26-30). Noah
was not saved until the day God's wrath went forth (Genesis 6:5-8;
7:6-23). In the last day the righteous in Christ will not be saved
until God's judgment comes on the wicked.
4. In the parable of the wheat and the tares, the separation of the
"children of the kingdom" and "the children of the wicked one" did
not occur until "the end of this world" (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43).
5. The resurrection of the saints is "at the last day" (John 6:37-44).
6. Three times John places the "first resurrection" after the
Tribulation in Revelation (20:4-6). There can be but one "first";
thus no resurrection or rapture can occur before this time.
7. The marriage of the Lamb occurs after the Tribulation. The words
"the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself
ready" (Revelation 19:7) occur at the end of the tribulation period
when at His second coming Christ defeats the wicked and establishes
His kingdom.
8. Jesus will "bring with him" those who died, to meet those living
as they are "caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the
Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord"
(I Thessalonians 4:17). As in the parable of the ten virgins, the
time came when "the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him"
(Matthew 25:6), so the five saved virgins went out to meet him and
"went in with him to the marriage" (v. 10). Similarly, as the brethren
heard of Paul's coming, they "came to meet" him and returned with him
(Acts 28:15). So too those living in the last day will "meet the Lord
in the air" and return with Him.
The preceding two entries represent the major and stronger arguments for
the two views of the time of the Rapture. When one attempts to answer
the question of the "when," one should avoid coming to a hard and
inflexible position. It would be sad if one missed the benefit these
prophecies can have for those living in the last days. Those holding
to a pretribulation view should be especially careful. If the Rapture
is posttribulational, they may face additional hardships during the
Tribulation if they fail to realize what lies ahead. These hardships
are not the result of God's wrath but of Satan's turning against Christians.
God would never turn His wrath against His children.
Whichever view one holds, one must be careful that it is based solely
on Scripture and not the result of superimposing a view on the Scriptures.
Too many fall into this danger, especially when it comes to prophecy.
It may sometimes be difficult to be objective, but it must be our goal.
As mentioned at the beginning of second post in this section, the question
of when the Rapture will occur will affect our understanding of a time-frame
for the visions presented by john in the book of Revelation.
The following blog post will look at the book of Revelation from my
personal understanding and studying of the passages from the book.
The overarching theme should not be left out within these post. I
hold to a pretribulation interpretation of the events mentioned in
the book of Revelation. I have no problems with another person holding
to a different view of the time-frame for the rapture. The point
is that Jesus is coming back and that we should be prepared either way.
We are called to do God's will while we are here on earth. We need
to focus on the life we live NOW. I hope this study will provide
an extra dose of excitement in our daily bible studies.
God, we pray that you will provide wisdom and insight into our study.
of Rapture. In this entry I will focus on the postribulation view
of the Rapture. Those holding to the posttribulation view of the
Rapture find support for their view in the following points:
1. Followers of Jesus Christ are found throughout the tribulation
period (Revelation 6:9-11; 7:9, 14; 9:4; 12:17; 13:7; 14:9,
12; 17:6; 18:4), and there is no direct teaching in Revelation
that a rapture occurred before the marriage of the Lamb described
in Revelation 19.
2. In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus told His followers, "Immediately
after the tribulation of those days . . . shall appear the sign of
the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the
earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds
of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels
with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his
elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other"
(Matthew 24:29-31; cf. Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:25-28). There are no
Scriptures that explicitly place the Rapture before the Tribulation.
There is much similarity between the event Jesus described here and
the one Paul described to the Thessalonians. This gathering together
of the elect is the gathering together of the church since the term
elect is used to describe the church (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12;
II Timothy 2:10; Titus 1:1). The Matthew 24 passage, which gives a
"time" relation between the Rapture and Tribulation, places the
Rapture after the Tribulation.
3. "But as the days of Noe [Noah] were, so shall also the coming of
the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood
they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,
until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until
the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming
of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:37-39; cf. Luke 17:26-30). Noah
was not saved until the day God's wrath went forth (Genesis 6:5-8;
7:6-23). In the last day the righteous in Christ will not be saved
until God's judgment comes on the wicked.
4. In the parable of the wheat and the tares, the separation of the
"children of the kingdom" and "the children of the wicked one" did
not occur until "the end of this world" (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43).
5. The resurrection of the saints is "at the last day" (John 6:37-44).
6. Three times John places the "first resurrection" after the
Tribulation in Revelation (20:4-6). There can be but one "first";
thus no resurrection or rapture can occur before this time.
7. The marriage of the Lamb occurs after the Tribulation. The words
"the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself
ready" (Revelation 19:7) occur at the end of the tribulation period
when at His second coming Christ defeats the wicked and establishes
His kingdom.
8. Jesus will "bring with him" those who died, to meet those living
as they are "caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the
Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord"
(I Thessalonians 4:17). As in the parable of the ten virgins, the
time came when "the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him"
(Matthew 25:6), so the five saved virgins went out to meet him and
"went in with him to the marriage" (v. 10). Similarly, as the brethren
heard of Paul's coming, they "came to meet" him and returned with him
(Acts 28:15). So too those living in the last day will "meet the Lord
in the air" and return with Him.
The preceding two entries represent the major and stronger arguments for
the two views of the time of the Rapture. When one attempts to answer
the question of the "when," one should avoid coming to a hard and
inflexible position. It would be sad if one missed the benefit these
prophecies can have for those living in the last days. Those holding
to a pretribulation view should be especially careful. If the Rapture
is posttribulational, they may face additional hardships during the
Tribulation if they fail to realize what lies ahead. These hardships
are not the result of God's wrath but of Satan's turning against Christians.
God would never turn His wrath against His children.
Whichever view one holds, one must be careful that it is based solely
on Scripture and not the result of superimposing a view on the Scriptures.
Too many fall into this danger, especially when it comes to prophecy.
It may sometimes be difficult to be objective, but it must be our goal.
As mentioned at the beginning of second post in this section, the question
of when the Rapture will occur will affect our understanding of a time-frame
for the visions presented by john in the book of Revelation.
The following blog post will look at the book of Revelation from my
personal understanding and studying of the passages from the book.
The overarching theme should not be left out within these post. I
hold to a pretribulation interpretation of the events mentioned in
the book of Revelation. I have no problems with another person holding
to a different view of the time-frame for the rapture. The point
is that Jesus is coming back and that we should be prepared either way.
We are called to do God's will while we are here on earth. We need
to focus on the life we live NOW. I hope this study will provide
an extra dose of excitement in our daily bible studies.
God, we pray that you will provide wisdom and insight into our study.
Pre-Tribulation
Much of the concern over the end times comes from uncertainty
about what exactly will happen to Christians at the end of this
world. Will Christians go through the Tribulation? Will Jesus
Christ come and remove them before it begins? The answer to
these questions is important since it will affect our
understanding of the book of Revelation.
Before we can answer this issue, we must consider when the
Rapture occurs. The term rapture is not found in the Bible
but is a Latin word meaning "to be caught up." The rapture
idea is biblical. In I Thessalonians, Paul wrote
concerning those Christians who had died:
that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus
will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the
Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord
shall not prevent [precede] them which are asleep. For the Lord
himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice
of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ
shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be
caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in
the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
I Thessalonians 4:14-17
This act of being caught up at Jesus' coming is what the word rapture
refers to. The words caught up are used only in this passage, but this
does not mean this event has not received emphasis elsewhere. Jesus
promised, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and
receive you unto myself" (John 14:3; cf. vv. 23, 27, 28;
I Thessalonians 4:14-17; et al.).
Christians are divided as to when the Rapture will occur. There are
two major views concerning the timing of the Rapture of the saints.
The identification of the saints John wrote about in Revelation depends
on which view one holds. The two views are a pretribulation and a
posttribulation Rapture. The pretribulation view holds that the Rapture
will occur before the Tribulation John wrote about in Revelation. The posttribulation view holds that it will occur after it. I will give
the stronger arguments for both positions. Those holding to the
pretribulation view of the Rapture believe the following points
support their view:
1. The term church or churches is not found in Revelation from
chapters 4 through 21, a sharp contrast to its being found 18 times
in the first three chapters. Something must have happened between
chapters 3 and 4 to account for this difference. This change plus
the fact that the vision of heaven found in chapters 4 and 5 tells
of elders being present in heaven means that the Rapture of the
church must have occurred between chapters 3 and 4, and thus before
the tribulation period.
2. God promised the Philadelphia church that He would "keep thee
from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world,
to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Revelation 3:10). This suggests
the church is raptured before the tribulation begins.
3. Daniel's seventieth week, the seven-year tribulation period,
follows the church age, which occurs between the sixty-ninth and
seventieth week. This is the time of "Jacob's trouble" and not
the church's troubles.
4. The Jews are seen as doing evangelization work in the tribulation
period (Revelation 7:1-4). Evangelism was the responsibility given
to the church in the Great Commission; thus a change must have occurred.
5. First Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Revelation 19:11-21 stand in
sharp contrast to each other. Their wording and overall messages
are different, and therefore must describe different events.
6. Jesus said, "Pray . . . that ye may . . . escape all these things" (Luke 21:36). Paul later adds concerning the time when "sudden destruction cometh" that Christians have "for an helmet, the hope of salvation [future]" because "God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians 5:3, 9). These promises mean the Christian will be raptured before the Tribulation.
Our next blog entry will focus on the Post Tribulation view of Rapture.
about what exactly will happen to Christians at the end of this
world. Will Christians go through the Tribulation? Will Jesus
Christ come and remove them before it begins? The answer to
these questions is important since it will affect our
understanding of the book of Revelation.
Before we can answer this issue, we must consider when the
Rapture occurs. The term rapture is not found in the Bible
but is a Latin word meaning "to be caught up." The rapture
idea is biblical. In I Thessalonians, Paul wrote
concerning those Christians who had died:
that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus
will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the
Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord
shall not prevent [precede] them which are asleep. For the Lord
himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice
of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ
shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be
caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in
the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
I Thessalonians 4:14-17
This act of being caught up at Jesus' coming is what the word rapture
refers to. The words caught up are used only in this passage, but this
does not mean this event has not received emphasis elsewhere. Jesus
promised, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and
receive you unto myself" (John 14:3; cf. vv. 23, 27, 28;
I Thessalonians 4:14-17; et al.).
Christians are divided as to when the Rapture will occur. There are
two major views concerning the timing of the Rapture of the saints.
The identification of the saints John wrote about in Revelation depends
on which view one holds. The two views are a pretribulation and a
posttribulation Rapture. The pretribulation view holds that the Rapture
will occur before the Tribulation John wrote about in Revelation. The posttribulation view holds that it will occur after it. I will give
the stronger arguments for both positions. Those holding to the
pretribulation view of the Rapture believe the following points
support their view:
1. The term church or churches is not found in Revelation from
chapters 4 through 21, a sharp contrast to its being found 18 times
in the first three chapters. Something must have happened between
chapters 3 and 4 to account for this difference. This change plus
the fact that the vision of heaven found in chapters 4 and 5 tells
of elders being present in heaven means that the Rapture of the
church must have occurred between chapters 3 and 4, and thus before
the tribulation period.
2. God promised the Philadelphia church that He would "keep thee
from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world,
to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Revelation 3:10). This suggests
the church is raptured before the tribulation begins.
3. Daniel's seventieth week, the seven-year tribulation period,
follows the church age, which occurs between the sixty-ninth and
seventieth week. This is the time of "Jacob's trouble" and not
the church's troubles.
4. The Jews are seen as doing evangelization work in the tribulation
period (Revelation 7:1-4). Evangelism was the responsibility given
to the church in the Great Commission; thus a change must have occurred.
5. First Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Revelation 19:11-21 stand in
sharp contrast to each other. Their wording and overall messages
are different, and therefore must describe different events.
6. Jesus said, "Pray . . . that ye may . . . escape all these things" (Luke 21:36). Paul later adds concerning the time when "sudden destruction cometh" that Christians have "for an helmet, the hope of salvation [future]" because "God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians 5:3, 9). These promises mean the Christian will be raptured before the Tribulation.
Our next blog entry will focus on the Post Tribulation view of Rapture.
Introduction to Revelation
Introduction to Revelation
Written by the Apostle John on the Island of Patmos in AD 94-96,the book of Revelation is clouded in mystery as God opens up the
curtains and exposes events which will transpire at the end of the
world. The word revelation itself means an exposing or unveiling
and, in this case, the ultimate revelation is Jesus Christ who finally
defeats the evil forces of this world. Throughout Scripture, Christ's
final victory has been foretold but the book of Revelation gives the
reader a glimpse of these final days before eternity.
John the apostle was also the writer of the gospel which bears his
name as well as 1-3 John. He was the last surviving apostle and
had been sent to Patmos for preaching the gospel (1:9) - all the
other apostles had been martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ
and their unwavering passion for preaching the gospel. There is
little argument about John's authorship of this book having
mentioned his name four times throughout (1:1,4,9; 22:8). The
early church fathers such as Irenaeus and Tertullian also
confirmed the validity of this writing.
The book of Revelation surrounds several visions given to John
by God which uncovered details about the last days of the earth
and the future destiny of the human race. This writing is a record
of these events which John saw in those visions. In the first few
chapters of Revelation, John declares his writing to be addressed
to the seven churches in Asia Minor (1:4) where he had spent the
last several years ministering. His writing was meant to be a
challenge for them to stay faithful and look forward to the hope
which is guaranteed to those who believe in Jesus Christ. After all,
many Christians were feeling the effects of persecution and had
witnessed many people martyred for their faith. They needed to
see the hope which awaited them. Although things seemed out of
control for them at this time, God was ultimately in control and
Jesus Christ would put an end to all evil.
As a guide for our study through Revelation, here are the main themes:
John's Vision and Command to Write (Revelation 1)
Letters to the Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3)
Worship in Heaven (Revelation 4-5)
The Seven Year Tribulation Period (Revelation 6-18)
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Revelation 19)
The 1,000 Year Reign of Christ - Millennium (Revelation 20:1-10)
The Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15)
The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21-22)
Dear God, provide understanding for the things which will happen in the future.
Radical Experiment
Overview
The Radical Experiment is a year-long commitment to five specific challenges:
To pray for the entire world
To read through the entire Word
To commit our lives to multiplying community
To sacrifice our money for a specific purpose
To give our time in another context
Pray for the entire world
Using the resources provided by Operation World, pray together for the entire world over the course of a year.
Read through the entire Word
Using a chronological Bible Reading plan, read through the entire Bible. This site will provide a Bible Reading Plan and scripture memory for each week. (Additional Bible Reading Plans are listed on the Resource page of this site).
Commit your life to multiplying community
Commit yourself wholeheartedly to the local church. But even deeper than that, commit yourself to a small group that is intentionally sharing, showing, and teaching the Word while serving the world together.
Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose
For the next year, look at all of your expenses as a church, as individuals and as families through the lens of specific need in the world. Work to set a cap on your lifestyle so that you can free up as much of your resources as possible for the sake of the glory of Christ in His church, among the lost, and among the poor.
Spend your time in another context
As you are making disciples in your community, commit, as individuals and families, to give 2% (one week) of your time in Gospel ministry outside of your community for the sake of God’s glory in all the world.
Chapter 8 homework
CHAPTER 8
1.Read Matt. 10:8. What was the first Risky situation that Jesus was sending his disciples into?
How does that relate to us in the 21st century?
2. Read Matt. 10:16. What analogy did Jesus use?
Familiarize yourself with the account of the evangelization of the Batak tribe.
3. Read Matt. 10:21. Familiarize yourself with the account of Sahil's wife.
T or F If we would just become like Jesus the world would love us.
What is the scandal of the "fish symbol" in the 21st century. (page169)
4. Explain how the Church has become like the SS United States?
5. What is the difference between the rewards offered by the American Dream and what Christ has to offer?
How does God frustrate the physical attacks against us by Satan?
6. T or F We should be more afraid of God than people.
7. The one fundamental truth that the lives of John Paton, Jim Elliot, and C.T. Studd illustrate is what?
The key to achieving this is to realize this world is not ____ _____.
Paton said he would rather be eaten by ________ than _______.
Jim Elliot said "he is no fool who gives what he cannot ______ to gain what he cannot ______."
Chapter 6 Homework
CHAPTER 6
1. What was the "blind spot" in the church 200 years ago?
What does D.P. say is today's blind spot?
What does D.P. say is today's blind spot?
2. ___ billion people live on less than ___ $ a day.
3. Read the following verses on the poor and summarize what they say.
Proverbs 19:7,17
Psalms 140:12
James 2:5
1Sam 2:7,8
Psalm 10:17,18
Ex. 22:21-24
Deut 1:16,17
Prov. 28:27
Job 34:28
Psalms 68:10
Psalm 35:10
Psalm 82:3
Psalm 113:7
4. D.P., on page 110 says, "...if there is no sign of caring for the poor in our lives, then there is at least reason to question whether Christ is in our hearts. Read the following passages and explains how he gets there.
Matt. 25:31-46
1John 3:16-18
James 2:14-17
Is he saying we are saved by taking care of the poor?
5. On page 111 he compares sexual immorality to not taking care of the poor. Is that a fair comparison?
Why does he say we use church discipline on one but not the other?
6. Read Luke 16:19-26. Who do you identify with in this story?
D.P. says on 114(bottom) "... if you and I have _____ ______, _______ over our heads, ______ to wear, _______ to eat, and some form of _________, then you are in the top ____% of the world's people for wealth." Are you rich?
How many children does he say die of starvation or preventable diseases while we meet in church on a Sunday morning?
7.Briefly summarize what you see as the difference between the OT and NT in regards to ammassing wealth.
8. Every year we spend ____ billion dollars on church buildings in the U.S. The real estate owned by churches in America amounts in worth to _____ billion dollars.
9. Read Mark 10:17-22. According to D.P., what are the 2 errors made in interpreting this passage?
When the rich young ruler referred to Jesus as "good teacher", what was that indicating?
Read Luke 12:32,33. According to D.P. on page 122, what 3 things does this passage indicate?
10. Read 1Timothy 6:6. What is the challenge to us as "rich" Christians?
11. Why was Wesley convicted about the painting he bought?
Is it wrong to have luxuries?
What is the point we can learn from this event in Wesley's life?(pg. 127)
What is the point we can learn from this event in Wesley's life?(pg. 127)
What did he do with his income to manage his wealth "Biblically"? (pg.128)
12. Calvin once said that _____ of the Church's funds should be allotted specifically for the poor.
13. D.P said we should stop asking "How much can I ______," and start asking "How much will it _____?"
14. Besides putting a "cap" on our income like Wesley did, what else can we do with our wealth to live Biblically? (pg 127)
How did the family on pages 131 and 132 practically demonstrate that?
15. On page 136, D.P. says we are in a war. What is the war we are in?
16. D.P. says, "The way we use our money is a barometer of our present spiritual condition." Look at your checkbook or credit card statement for the last month. What % of God's money was spent on you?
17. D.P. says on page 138 "The mark of Christ followers is that their ______ are in ________ and their ________ are _______ there."
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