Saturday, December 30, 2006
Revelation 8:1-5 ~ David McCary
Revelation 8:1-5
The Seventh Seal
Imagination – close eyes; get comfortable; sit on the floor – don’t fall asleep
Climb into the mind of John…be where he is…see the vision thus far from his perspective….put yourself in his shoes.
Ch. 1
John’s bio
On Patmos
Separate from his church
Lord’s day – “in the Spirit” (praying – worshiping – meditating)
Loud voice like a trumpet
“Write what you see and send to the churches”
Turned around and saw 7 lampstands with Jesus in center of them “Son of Man”
Robe down to His feet
Golden sash around his chest
Hair white as snow
Eyes like blazing fire (seeing through him)
Feet like glowing bronze in a furnace
Voice like sound of rushing waters
Seven stars in right hand
Sharp double-edged sword coming out of mouth
Face shining like the sun in full brilliance
Fell at his feet “as though dead”
“Do not be afraid…I am the Living One…write what you see…now and later”
Ch. 2 & 3
Messages to each of the seven churches – some good reports, some good/bad, some very bad.
Ch. 4
A door standing open in heaven
“Come up here…what must take place after this” (voice like trumpet)
At once in the Spirit (not on Patmos anymore)
Throne in heaven with someone sitting on it
Appearance of jasper and carnelian (brilliant, multi-hued pink, green, orange)
Rainbow like an emerald encircling the throne
24 other thrones around the Throne
24 elders on the thrones
Elders dressed in white with crowns of gold
From throne:
Flashes of lighting
Rumblings
Peals of thunder
Seven lamps before Throne (seven spirits of God)
Sea of glass, clear as crystal, before the throne
4 living creatures in the center around Throne
Covered with eyes front and back
1st – Like a lion
2nd – Like an ox
3rd – Like a man
4th – Like an eagle
Each with six wings
Never stop saying:
“Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty who Was and Is and Is To Come.”
Everytime the creatures give glory the 24 elders fall down before Throne and worship
They lay their crowns before Throne and say:
“You are worthy our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power for You created all things and by Your will they were created and have their being.”
Ch. 5
A scroll in the right hand of Him on Throne
Writing on both sides – sealed with 7 seals
Mighty angel – “Who is worthy to break the seas and open the scroll?”
No one in heaven, earth or hell can open it
John “wept and wept”
Elder says, “Do not weep! See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its 7 seals”
A Lamb looking like it had been slain
Encircled by 4 living creatures
7 horns and 7 eyes (7 spirits of God)
Takes the scroll from the right hand of Him who sits on the Throne
4 living creatures and 24 elders fall down before Lamb
Each has a harp and golden bowls full of incense (prayers of the saints)
Sing a new song:
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were slain and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to server our God and they will reign on the earth.”
Voice of many angels, then thousand times ten thousand (100,000,000 – 100 Million)
100 Million is populations of:
California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Hawaii…COMBINED!
100 Million angels circle the throne and living creatures and elders
With a “LOUD VOICE” they sing:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Then every creature in heaven and earth and under earth and in the sea – EVERY LIVING THING SINGING:
“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever.”
Four living creatures say, “Amen” and the elders fall down and worship.
Ch. 6
1st Seal Opened
One of 4 living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!”
A white horse – rider with bow and crown
Riding out as a conquerer
2nd Seal Opened
2nd living creature “Come!”
Red horse – rider given power to take peace from earth and make men slay each other.
He has a large sword
3rd Seal Opened
3rd living creature “Come!”
Black horse – rider with scales
4th Seal Opened
4th living creature “Come!”
Pale horse – rider named Death – Hades following close behind
Given power to kill by sword, famine, plague, wild beasts
5th Seal Opened
Souls of martyrs under the alter crying out in a loud voice:
“How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”
Each given a white robe and told to wait a little longer
Wait until all the martyrs have been killed
6th Seal Opened
A great earthquake
Sun turns black
Moon turns blood red
Stars fall to the earth
Sky rolls up like a scroll
Every mountain and island moved from it’s place
Every person on earth hiding in caves and rocks calling out:
“Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
Ch 7.
· Four angels standing at four corners of earth with power to harm the land and sea
Holding back four winds to prevent blowing on anything
· Angel coming up from the east with “seal of the Living God”
Calls out with loud voice:
“Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God!”
· John hears the number of those who are sealed: “144,000 from all the tribes of Israel”
· A great multitude before John – innumerable (he could number the angels…this is even more people!)
Every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne in front of the Lamb
Wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands
Crying out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
· The 100 Million angels respond – falling down on their faces before the throne and worshiping, saying:
“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”
· An elder asks John who the multitude is.
John asks the elder to explain it
They are the ones who come out of the great tribulation (life) and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
EVERY PERSON CHOSEN BY CHRIST TO BE REDEEMED BY HIS SALVATION
· A great promise given to all of them – “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes”
Light, drama, music, singing, praying, worshiping, thunder, lighting, danger, destruction, earthquakes, incense.
The Scroll
The Seals
The Lamb
The Throne
4 living creatures
24 elders
100 Million angels
An innumerable multitude with loud voices praising the Holy God Who Is, Was and Will Always Be!
Can you see it?
Can you hear it?
Can you feel it?
Ch. 8
Vs.1
“When he opened the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for about half an hour”
SILENCE
Vs. 2-5
“And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled I with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.”
Brothers and Sisters – GOD’S PATIENCE IS LIMITED – AND HIS WRATH IS IMMINENT!!!
When God’s act of salvation is completed on earth, those who remain will be:
Trampled in the great winepress of God’s wrath. Their blood will flow out of the press rising as high as 6 feet for a distance of 180 miles! (paraphrase of Revelation 14:19-20)
If you don’t know Christ, if you’re deciding whether it’s worth it or not – NOW IS THE TIME TO CHOOSE.
No one knows when the hour will come – “like a thief in the night”
SHARE THE GOSPEL
If you know Christ – do not fear this wrath for yourself
FEAR IT FOR EVERYONE YOU KNOW WHO DOES NOT KNOW CHRIST
Were you uncomfortable during the silence tonight?
Did you want to be doing anything besides just sitting here?
Raise your hands
You are living today in the silence of heaven
Let this agitation and need to do something take hold in the depths of your spirit
The silence is limited
God’s wrath is imminent
Take the opportunity while you have it
SHARE YOUR FAITH AND THE LOVE OF CHRIST WITH THE CULTURE YOU LIVE IN
Everyone knows someone in their life that doesn’t know Christ
A neighbor
A co-worker
An acquaintance
Someone you have not shared time with – someone you have not shared life with
Have them over for dinner
Take them out to lunch
Go bowling
Do something!
It’s not about saying the right words
It’s not about handing them a tract
It’s not about getting them to say a prayer
It is about engaging in relationship with them
It is about doing life with them!
Don’t let 2007 pass you by – only to find that person is still on your list…un-reached, un-loved, un-saved.
What if you are their last chance to meet the Living Christ?
Will you make the time to give them the chance?
The choice is yours…
The Seventh Seal
Imagination – close eyes; get comfortable; sit on the floor – don’t fall asleep
Climb into the mind of John…be where he is…see the vision thus far from his perspective….put yourself in his shoes.
Ch. 1
John’s bio
On Patmos
Separate from his church
Lord’s day – “in the Spirit” (praying – worshiping – meditating)
Loud voice like a trumpet
“Write what you see and send to the churches”
Turned around and saw 7 lampstands with Jesus in center of them “Son of Man”
Robe down to His feet
Golden sash around his chest
Hair white as snow
Eyes like blazing fire (seeing through him)
Feet like glowing bronze in a furnace
Voice like sound of rushing waters
Seven stars in right hand
Sharp double-edged sword coming out of mouth
Face shining like the sun in full brilliance
Fell at his feet “as though dead”
“Do not be afraid…I am the Living One…write what you see…now and later”
Ch. 2 & 3
Messages to each of the seven churches – some good reports, some good/bad, some very bad.
Ch. 4
A door standing open in heaven
“Come up here…what must take place after this” (voice like trumpet)
At once in the Spirit (not on Patmos anymore)
Throne in heaven with someone sitting on it
Appearance of jasper and carnelian (brilliant, multi-hued pink, green, orange)
Rainbow like an emerald encircling the throne
24 other thrones around the Throne
24 elders on the thrones
Elders dressed in white with crowns of gold
From throne:
Flashes of lighting
Rumblings
Peals of thunder
Seven lamps before Throne (seven spirits of God)
Sea of glass, clear as crystal, before the throne
4 living creatures in the center around Throne
Covered with eyes front and back
1st – Like a lion
2nd – Like an ox
3rd – Like a man
4th – Like an eagle
Each with six wings
Never stop saying:
“Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty who Was and Is and Is To Come.”
Everytime the creatures give glory the 24 elders fall down before Throne and worship
They lay their crowns before Throne and say:
“You are worthy our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power for You created all things and by Your will they were created and have their being.”
Ch. 5
A scroll in the right hand of Him on Throne
Writing on both sides – sealed with 7 seals
Mighty angel – “Who is worthy to break the seas and open the scroll?”
No one in heaven, earth or hell can open it
John “wept and wept”
Elder says, “Do not weep! See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its 7 seals”
A Lamb looking like it had been slain
Encircled by 4 living creatures
7 horns and 7 eyes (7 spirits of God)
Takes the scroll from the right hand of Him who sits on the Throne
4 living creatures and 24 elders fall down before Lamb
Each has a harp and golden bowls full of incense (prayers of the saints)
Sing a new song:
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were slain and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to server our God and they will reign on the earth.”
Voice of many angels, then thousand times ten thousand (100,000,000 – 100 Million)
100 Million is populations of:
California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Hawaii…COMBINED!
100 Million angels circle the throne and living creatures and elders
With a “LOUD VOICE” they sing:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Then every creature in heaven and earth and under earth and in the sea – EVERY LIVING THING SINGING:
“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever.”
Four living creatures say, “Amen” and the elders fall down and worship.
Ch. 6
1st Seal Opened
One of 4 living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!”
A white horse – rider with bow and crown
Riding out as a conquerer
2nd Seal Opened
2nd living creature “Come!”
Red horse – rider given power to take peace from earth and make men slay each other.
He has a large sword
3rd Seal Opened
3rd living creature “Come!”
Black horse – rider with scales
4th Seal Opened
4th living creature “Come!”
Pale horse – rider named Death – Hades following close behind
Given power to kill by sword, famine, plague, wild beasts
5th Seal Opened
Souls of martyrs under the alter crying out in a loud voice:
“How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”
Each given a white robe and told to wait a little longer
Wait until all the martyrs have been killed
6th Seal Opened
A great earthquake
Sun turns black
Moon turns blood red
Stars fall to the earth
Sky rolls up like a scroll
Every mountain and island moved from it’s place
Every person on earth hiding in caves and rocks calling out:
“Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
Ch 7.
· Four angels standing at four corners of earth with power to harm the land and sea
Holding back four winds to prevent blowing on anything
· Angel coming up from the east with “seal of the Living God”
Calls out with loud voice:
“Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God!”
· John hears the number of those who are sealed: “144,000 from all the tribes of Israel”
· A great multitude before John – innumerable (he could number the angels…this is even more people!)
Every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne in front of the Lamb
Wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands
Crying out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
· The 100 Million angels respond – falling down on their faces before the throne and worshiping, saying:
“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”
· An elder asks John who the multitude is.
John asks the elder to explain it
They are the ones who come out of the great tribulation (life) and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
EVERY PERSON CHOSEN BY CHRIST TO BE REDEEMED BY HIS SALVATION
· A great promise given to all of them – “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes”
Light, drama, music, singing, praying, worshiping, thunder, lighting, danger, destruction, earthquakes, incense.
The Scroll
The Seals
The Lamb
The Throne
4 living creatures
24 elders
100 Million angels
An innumerable multitude with loud voices praising the Holy God Who Is, Was and Will Always Be!
Can you see it?
Can you hear it?
Can you feel it?
Ch. 8
Vs.1
“When he opened the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for about half an hour”
SILENCE
Vs. 2-5
“And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled I with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.”
Brothers and Sisters – GOD’S PATIENCE IS LIMITED – AND HIS WRATH IS IMMINENT!!!
When God’s act of salvation is completed on earth, those who remain will be:
Trampled in the great winepress of God’s wrath. Their blood will flow out of the press rising as high as 6 feet for a distance of 180 miles! (paraphrase of Revelation 14:19-20)
If you don’t know Christ, if you’re deciding whether it’s worth it or not – NOW IS THE TIME TO CHOOSE.
No one knows when the hour will come – “like a thief in the night”
SHARE THE GOSPEL
If you know Christ – do not fear this wrath for yourself
FEAR IT FOR EVERYONE YOU KNOW WHO DOES NOT KNOW CHRIST
Were you uncomfortable during the silence tonight?
Did you want to be doing anything besides just sitting here?
Raise your hands
You are living today in the silence of heaven
Let this agitation and need to do something take hold in the depths of your spirit
The silence is limited
God’s wrath is imminent
Take the opportunity while you have it
SHARE YOUR FAITH AND THE LOVE OF CHRIST WITH THE CULTURE YOU LIVE IN
Everyone knows someone in their life that doesn’t know Christ
A neighbor
A co-worker
An acquaintance
Someone you have not shared time with – someone you have not shared life with
Have them over for dinner
Take them out to lunch
Go bowling
Do something!
It’s not about saying the right words
It’s not about handing them a tract
It’s not about getting them to say a prayer
It is about engaging in relationship with them
It is about doing life with them!
Don’t let 2007 pass you by – only to find that person is still on your list…un-reached, un-loved, un-saved.
What if you are their last chance to meet the Living Christ?
Will you make the time to give them the chance?
The choice is yours…
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Revelation 12 ~ Bill Welch
A Cosmic Christmas ~ Christmas in Revelation
We are sorry, there are no notes for this week.
We are sorry, there are no notes for this week.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Revelation 7 ~ David McCary
Revelation 7
Worshipping Who He Is
Vs. 1-3
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God."
“Winds of the earth”
Tessares anemos (violent wind, tempest)
Ephesians 1:13-14
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
This mark of the seal is given to God’s people at the moment of salvation.
God has a plan to complete before the destruction comes
Vs. 4-8
Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.
Romans 11:25-29
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins."
As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.
· There is more description of the roll these 144,000 play later in Revelation
· We’re not even going to look at it.
· The question is: Why does God show John the 144,000 here – and tell their story later?
I Think: This is the fullness of the church – both Jew and Gentile
All those chosen by God
· If most of us were of Jewish decent, we would camp here
· We’re not – so we’re going to move onto where we are in the passage
· What’s the point of this portion for us?
God’s plan must be complete – All Scripture Must Be Fulfilled … before the end will come.
Vs. 9-10
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
After the sealing of all of God’s people there will be a great multitude in heaven
From every nation, tribe, people and language
What are they doing?
Waiving palm branches.
Sound familiar?
Mark 11: 7-10
When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest!"
Debunking the Sunday-school myth
What were they really saying?
“Hosanna” – Be propitious
“Propitious” - favorably inclined; disposed to bestow favors or forgive
“Hosanna” – Save Us!
Read it again
What are they really doing here?
“Coming kingdom, Save us”…
They are telling Jesus what to do.
They are telling Jesus what kind of savior they want Him to be.
They are telling Him what kind of God they expect Him to be.
They are worshiping the God of their invention.
What happened when Jesus didn’t establish a kingdom on earth like they expected Him to?
They crucified Him.
Do you ever do this?
God as the big piñata in the sky, and prayer the proverbial whacking stick you use to get the goodies to fall out of heaven?
Does Jesus live up to your expectations of Him?
If not…
Perhaps you need to change your expectations?
They were looking for the fulfillment of their plan…not the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Back to Revelation
Now what do they cry with the palm branches in their hands?
Vs. 10
And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
They look for the fulfillment of God’s plan – it has become their plan because it is His.
Vs. 11-12
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!"
Amen – I agree!
The angels and the elders look for the fulfillment of God’s plan.
They worship the God that is – not a God of their own invention.
His plan is their plan – HIS PLAN IS OUR PLAN!
Amen!
Vs. 13-14
Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?"
I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
· Great tribulation: Loaded phrase
o “Tribulation” – thlipsis
§ 45 times
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
(King James Version)
NIV says, “trouble”
The church has been in tribulation since the advent of Christ.
“I have overcome the world” - Share the Gospel.
Vs. 15-17
Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Break it down
“Therefore” – “Because of this” (Because they have been made righteous, washed in the blood of the Lamb)
· “Spread His tent over them” – skenoo (skay-no-o) “to fix one's tabernacle, have one's tabernacle, abide (or live) in a tabernacle (or tent), tabernacle; to dwell”
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (same word, skenoo)
o Jesus came and dwelt with us (a limited time)
o In the end God will dwell with us (present tense, eternal)
· “Hunger, thirst, scorching heat” – the physical results of the Fall on our lives.
· “Living water” –
Jeremiah 2:13
"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
· Who is the “spring of living water”?
o God Himself.
· The Lamb, Jesus, will lead His people to God.
Two gods here:
1) God Himself – the spring of living water
2) Broken cisterns that cannot hold water
What God are you worshiping?
The one you invent offers you nothing.
The One who lives offers you the fulfillment of His plan.
And what does the fulfillment of God’s plan look like for you and I?
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
· I’m so tired of crying
· Aren’t you?
· So is everyone you know. Those that know Christ today – and those that do not.
Worship the God that is – not a god you create according to your desires.
Live in the hope of the fulfillment of His plan.
If you are worshiping a god of your own invention, you are worshipping a god that does not exist.
How can you introduce the world around you to a god that isn’t real?
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
The world outside these doors is aching for the love of Christ.
May He fill your heart with their sorrow.
Live in hope.
And share the reason.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (don’t post on screen)
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Worshipping Who He Is
Vs. 1-3
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God."
“Winds of the earth”
Tessares anemos (violent wind, tempest)
Ephesians 1:13-14
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
This mark of the seal is given to God’s people at the moment of salvation.
God has a plan to complete before the destruction comes
Vs. 4-8
Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.
Romans 11:25-29
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins."
As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.
· There is more description of the roll these 144,000 play later in Revelation
· We’re not even going to look at it.
· The question is: Why does God show John the 144,000 here – and tell their story later?
I Think: This is the fullness of the church – both Jew and Gentile
All those chosen by God
· If most of us were of Jewish decent, we would camp here
· We’re not – so we’re going to move onto where we are in the passage
· What’s the point of this portion for us?
God’s plan must be complete – All Scripture Must Be Fulfilled … before the end will come.
Vs. 9-10
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
After the sealing of all of God’s people there will be a great multitude in heaven
From every nation, tribe, people and language
What are they doing?
Waiving palm branches.
Sound familiar?
Mark 11: 7-10
When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest!"
Debunking the Sunday-school myth
What were they really saying?
“Hosanna” – Be propitious
“Propitious” - favorably inclined; disposed to bestow favors or forgive
“Hosanna” – Save Us!
Read it again
What are they really doing here?
“Coming kingdom, Save us”…
They are telling Jesus what to do.
They are telling Jesus what kind of savior they want Him to be.
They are telling Him what kind of God they expect Him to be.
They are worshiping the God of their invention.
What happened when Jesus didn’t establish a kingdom on earth like they expected Him to?
They crucified Him.
Do you ever do this?
God as the big piñata in the sky, and prayer the proverbial whacking stick you use to get the goodies to fall out of heaven?
Does Jesus live up to your expectations of Him?
If not…
Perhaps you need to change your expectations?
They were looking for the fulfillment of their plan…not the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Back to Revelation
Now what do they cry with the palm branches in their hands?
Vs. 10
And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
They look for the fulfillment of God’s plan – it has become their plan because it is His.
Vs. 11-12
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!"
Amen – I agree!
The angels and the elders look for the fulfillment of God’s plan.
They worship the God that is – not a God of their own invention.
His plan is their plan – HIS PLAN IS OUR PLAN!
Amen!
Vs. 13-14
Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?"
I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
· Great tribulation: Loaded phrase
o “Tribulation” – thlipsis
§ 45 times
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
(King James Version)
NIV says, “trouble”
The church has been in tribulation since the advent of Christ.
“I have overcome the world” - Share the Gospel.
Vs. 15-17
Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Break it down
“Therefore” – “Because of this” (Because they have been made righteous, washed in the blood of the Lamb)
· “Spread His tent over them” – skenoo (skay-no-o) “to fix one's tabernacle, have one's tabernacle, abide (or live) in a tabernacle (or tent), tabernacle; to dwell”
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (same word, skenoo)
o Jesus came and dwelt with us (a limited time)
o In the end God will dwell with us (present tense, eternal)
· “Hunger, thirst, scorching heat” – the physical results of the Fall on our lives.
· “Living water” –
Jeremiah 2:13
"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
· Who is the “spring of living water”?
o God Himself.
· The Lamb, Jesus, will lead His people to God.
Two gods here:
1) God Himself – the spring of living water
2) Broken cisterns that cannot hold water
What God are you worshiping?
The one you invent offers you nothing.
The One who lives offers you the fulfillment of His plan.
And what does the fulfillment of God’s plan look like for you and I?
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
· I’m so tired of crying
· Aren’t you?
· So is everyone you know. Those that know Christ today – and those that do not.
Worship the God that is – not a god you create according to your desires.
Live in the hope of the fulfillment of His plan.
If you are worshiping a god of your own invention, you are worshipping a god that does not exist.
How can you introduce the world around you to a god that isn’t real?
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
The world outside these doors is aching for the love of Christ.
May He fill your heart with their sorrow.
Live in hope.
And share the reason.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (don’t post on screen)
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Revelation 6:7-17 ~ Jeff Ludington
Revelation 6:7-17
“three more seals”
Tonight will be a lot of new information:
· Stay with me, even if you don’t think you are getting it all
· It will make sense when we tie it together in the end
RECAP:
· Last week we looked at the first three seals on the scroll
o First: representing the Gospel reconciliation between God and Man
o Second: representing the discord the Gospel also brings
o Third: the heightened cost of our faith
· I got some really cool emails and calls this last week
o Many of you were challenged by asking the question
o “What has your faith cost you?”
· Tonight we talk about martyrdom
o When I tell you that these people have suffered
o And, we really haven’t
o Please realize that I am not down-playing your “costs of faith”
o Martyrdom is DYING for your faith
· We are going to take a look at the other side of the coin from last week
If last week was, “what is the cost of our faith?”
Then, this week is, “what is the cost of not having faith?”
PRAY:
Vs. 7-8a
When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him.
· Death – death is death
o Physical
o Absence of life
· Hades – the state of being dead – not necessarily Hell
This depends on your idea of Hell:
· If Hell is the Lake of fire – then Hades isn’t it
· If Hell is the Theological – separation from God
· This could be it – but not completed
Three ideas of after-death:
· Sheol:
o Hebrew idea of where you go when you die
o Was probably accurate before Christ died
o Divided into two sections
§ Abraham’s Bosom – those who died in faith
§ Gehenna – where Molech’s followers …
· Hades:
o This is simply the Greek idea of the state of being dead
o However, it’s usage seems separated from those who die in faith
§ But, it is not Hell
o Hell (Lake of Fire idea) hasn’t been created yet
Side note:
· This is not the same as Purgatory
o Purgatory – Catholic belief that you can “suffer” off some of your unforgiven sin
· The Cross of Christ either forgave sin, or didn’t
o Either way, you can’t work it off after death
Hell:
Revelation 20:14-15
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
· This is our modern concept of Hell
· Lake of Fire
· Eternal punishment
So, Hades in this context seems to be where you go if you die without faith, until the judgment day comes.
· So, let me summarize
o Death is riding on a horse
o Hades, or separation from God, is following close behind
· Many are to be killed
o Some, without ever knowing the LORD
· This is happening today
Vs. 8b
They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
· Given power over a fourth of the earth
o Not everyone will die
o But many will
· Suffering
o Some will suffer famine
o Some will suffer sickness
o Some will die by animal attack
· This is happening today – and people are lost eternally
o This isn’t the saddest part
o It says that Hades is with Death
o That means that some will die apart from knowing Jesus
Vs. 9
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.
· Martyrs: in Heaven
o Those who have died in faith – are in Heaven today
o Specifically those who have suffered for their faith
When we think of suffering for our faith, it is not like this:
· Read Foxes, Chapter 1
Stephen
He died for faithfully preaching the Gospel to the betrayers and murderers of Christ. He was stoned to death.
James
Son of Zebedee, older brother of John: Persecuted by Herod Agrippa, James was led to the place of martyrdom, the person who had brought him to Herod repented of betraying him because of the apostle's extraordinary courage. His accuser fell at his feet and asked forgiveness, professing his faith in Christ, and then died alongside James. They were both beheaded at the same time.
Philip
He was scourged, thrown into prison, and afterwards crucified.
Matthew
The tax collector, disciple, and author of the gospel, was killed in Ethiopia with a halberd (like an axe).
James
The half-brother of Jesus, led the church in Jerusalem, and was the author of the Epistle. At the age of ninety-four he was beat and stoned by the Jews until his head split open.
Matthias
Least known disciple stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded.
Andrew
Brother of Peter, was crucified on a cross.
Mark
Writer of the Gospel, was dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria as a sacrifice to a foreign idol.
Peter
Condemned to death, and crucified, in Rome. Jerome says that he was crucified, with his head down and his feet up, at his own request, because he said he was unworthy to be crucified in the same form and manner as the Lord was.
Paul
The Apostle: suffered under Nero. Paul was beheaded by a sword.
Jude
The brother of James, half brother of Jesus, was crucified.
Bartholomew
He was at cruelly beaten and then crucified.
Thomas
For preaching the Gospel in India he was martyred by being thrust through with a spear.
Luke
Author of the Gospel and the Book of Acts, was hung on an olive tree in Greece.
Simon
The Zealot: preached the Gospel from Africa to Britain where he was crucified.
John
The "beloved disciple", author of the book we study now. Planted the churches of Smyrna, Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Thyatira. From Ephesus he was ordered to be sent to Rome, where he was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. He escaped by miracle, without injury. Domitian banished him to the Island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. He was the only apostle who escaped a violent death.
This is martyrdom:
This is why I have such a tough time with churches that teach that when things get too tough, and tribulation comes, God will take away His church to Heaven.
· Things have always been bad
· God doesn’t take His faithful out
o He strengthens them to survive it
o He promises us the strength to survive
Then, He does honor them in Heaven!!!
Vs. 10
They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?"
· They have earned the right to ask this
· They have truly suffered
· They want to know
“How long… until you judge the inhabitants of the Earth and avenge our blood?”
· WE are not that holy
· We don’t get to pray prayers like that
How long, does this injustice have left God?
Vs. 11
Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.
· White robes represent their righteousness
o Their accomplishment is recognized
o They are rewarded
· God honors those who suffered for their faith
Remember last week:
· What is the cost of your faith?
· Whatever it is, it will be worth it
· God will honor any sacrifice made for the sake of the Gospel
The martyrs are told to wait:
· Wait, because there are believers are still on the earth
o And, there are some that need to come to faith still
· Earth cannot be judged until the fullness of the Christians is complete
· Some of these will die for their faith
By Their Blood:
Vs. 12-14
I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.
· This language is used to represent judgment
· This language is used two other times:
Judgment of the earth:
Mark 13:24-27
But in those days, following that distress, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
· When the end actually comes (notice believers are still alive)
· Judgment will come
· Lightning, darkness, thunder…
Judgment of Jesus for sin:
Matthew 27:45-54
From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"
Judgment is a very scary looking thing!
Vs. 15-17
Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"
· It is right to fear the judgment of God
· It should not be fearful for the follower of Christ
· But, should motivate us to share Jesus with others
Let’s tie this together:
· We have talked about Hades, Hell, a Lake of Fire
· We have talked about Martyrdom
· We have talked about Judgment
What does this have to do with us?
Think back to Genesis 5-9:
· Noah and the flood
· … … … … …
· No flood – Noah built an ark in vain
Now fast-forward to the Gospels:
· At the end of each Gospel, Jesus is hung on a cross
o He is punished for our sins
o He is crucified and dies
· … … … … …
· No punishment – Jesus died on the cross in vain
We talked about the cost of our faith last week:
· This week we see martyrs dying for their faith
If there is no judgment and death, there would be no reason for you to suffer for your faith.
· Even more so
· IF there is no Death and Hades
· There is no reason to share your faith
Each time Jesus taught on Hell, He was speaking to believers to motivate them!
“three more seals”
Tonight will be a lot of new information:
· Stay with me, even if you don’t think you are getting it all
· It will make sense when we tie it together in the end
RECAP:
· Last week we looked at the first three seals on the scroll
o First: representing the Gospel reconciliation between God and Man
o Second: representing the discord the Gospel also brings
o Third: the heightened cost of our faith
· I got some really cool emails and calls this last week
o Many of you were challenged by asking the question
o “What has your faith cost you?”
· Tonight we talk about martyrdom
o When I tell you that these people have suffered
o And, we really haven’t
o Please realize that I am not down-playing your “costs of faith”
o Martyrdom is DYING for your faith
· We are going to take a look at the other side of the coin from last week
If last week was, “what is the cost of our faith?”
Then, this week is, “what is the cost of not having faith?”
PRAY:
Vs. 7-8a
When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him.
· Death – death is death
o Physical
o Absence of life
· Hades – the state of being dead – not necessarily Hell
This depends on your idea of Hell:
· If Hell is the Lake of fire – then Hades isn’t it
· If Hell is the Theological – separation from God
· This could be it – but not completed
Three ideas of after-death:
· Sheol:
o Hebrew idea of where you go when you die
o Was probably accurate before Christ died
o Divided into two sections
§ Abraham’s Bosom – those who died in faith
§ Gehenna – where Molech’s followers …
· Hades:
o This is simply the Greek idea of the state of being dead
o However, it’s usage seems separated from those who die in faith
§ But, it is not Hell
o Hell (Lake of Fire idea) hasn’t been created yet
Side note:
· This is not the same as Purgatory
o Purgatory – Catholic belief that you can “suffer” off some of your unforgiven sin
· The Cross of Christ either forgave sin, or didn’t
o Either way, you can’t work it off after death
Hell:
Revelation 20:14-15
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
· This is our modern concept of Hell
· Lake of Fire
· Eternal punishment
So, Hades in this context seems to be where you go if you die without faith, until the judgment day comes.
· So, let me summarize
o Death is riding on a horse
o Hades, or separation from God, is following close behind
· Many are to be killed
o Some, without ever knowing the LORD
· This is happening today
Vs. 8b
They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
· Given power over a fourth of the earth
o Not everyone will die
o But many will
· Suffering
o Some will suffer famine
o Some will suffer sickness
o Some will die by animal attack
· This is happening today – and people are lost eternally
o This isn’t the saddest part
o It says that Hades is with Death
o That means that some will die apart from knowing Jesus
Vs. 9
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.
· Martyrs: in Heaven
o Those who have died in faith – are in Heaven today
o Specifically those who have suffered for their faith
When we think of suffering for our faith, it is not like this:
· Read Foxes, Chapter 1
Stephen
He died for faithfully preaching the Gospel to the betrayers and murderers of Christ. He was stoned to death.
James
Son of Zebedee, older brother of John: Persecuted by Herod Agrippa, James was led to the place of martyrdom, the person who had brought him to Herod repented of betraying him because of the apostle's extraordinary courage. His accuser fell at his feet and asked forgiveness, professing his faith in Christ, and then died alongside James. They were both beheaded at the same time.
Philip
He was scourged, thrown into prison, and afterwards crucified.
Matthew
The tax collector, disciple, and author of the gospel, was killed in Ethiopia with a halberd (like an axe).
James
The half-brother of Jesus, led the church in Jerusalem, and was the author of the Epistle. At the age of ninety-four he was beat and stoned by the Jews until his head split open.
Matthias
Least known disciple stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded.
Andrew
Brother of Peter, was crucified on a cross.
Mark
Writer of the Gospel, was dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria as a sacrifice to a foreign idol.
Peter
Condemned to death, and crucified, in Rome. Jerome says that he was crucified, with his head down and his feet up, at his own request, because he said he was unworthy to be crucified in the same form and manner as the Lord was.
Paul
The Apostle: suffered under Nero. Paul was beheaded by a sword.
Jude
The brother of James, half brother of Jesus, was crucified.
Bartholomew
He was at cruelly beaten and then crucified.
Thomas
For preaching the Gospel in India he was martyred by being thrust through with a spear.
Luke
Author of the Gospel and the Book of Acts, was hung on an olive tree in Greece.
Simon
The Zealot: preached the Gospel from Africa to Britain where he was crucified.
John
The "beloved disciple", author of the book we study now. Planted the churches of Smyrna, Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Thyatira. From Ephesus he was ordered to be sent to Rome, where he was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. He escaped by miracle, without injury. Domitian banished him to the Island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. He was the only apostle who escaped a violent death.
This is martyrdom:
This is why I have such a tough time with churches that teach that when things get too tough, and tribulation comes, God will take away His church to Heaven.
· Things have always been bad
· God doesn’t take His faithful out
o He strengthens them to survive it
o He promises us the strength to survive
Then, He does honor them in Heaven!!!
Vs. 10
They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?"
· They have earned the right to ask this
· They have truly suffered
· They want to know
“How long… until you judge the inhabitants of the Earth and avenge our blood?”
· WE are not that holy
· We don’t get to pray prayers like that
How long, does this injustice have left God?
Vs. 11
Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.
· White robes represent their righteousness
o Their accomplishment is recognized
o They are rewarded
· God honors those who suffered for their faith
Remember last week:
· What is the cost of your faith?
· Whatever it is, it will be worth it
· God will honor any sacrifice made for the sake of the Gospel
The martyrs are told to wait:
· Wait, because there are believers are still on the earth
o And, there are some that need to come to faith still
· Earth cannot be judged until the fullness of the Christians is complete
· Some of these will die for their faith
By Their Blood:
Vs. 12-14
I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.
· This language is used to represent judgment
· This language is used two other times:
Judgment of the earth:
Mark 13:24-27
But in those days, following that distress, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
· When the end actually comes (notice believers are still alive)
· Judgment will come
· Lightning, darkness, thunder…
Judgment of Jesus for sin:
Matthew 27:45-54
From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"
Judgment is a very scary looking thing!
Vs. 15-17
Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"
· It is right to fear the judgment of God
· It should not be fearful for the follower of Christ
· But, should motivate us to share Jesus with others
Let’s tie this together:
· We have talked about Hades, Hell, a Lake of Fire
· We have talked about Martyrdom
· We have talked about Judgment
What does this have to do with us?
Think back to Genesis 5-9:
· Noah and the flood
· … … … … …
· No flood – Noah built an ark in vain
Now fast-forward to the Gospels:
· At the end of each Gospel, Jesus is hung on a cross
o He is punished for our sins
o He is crucified and dies
· … … … … …
· No punishment – Jesus died on the cross in vain
We talked about the cost of our faith last week:
· This week we see martyrs dying for their faith
If there is no judgment and death, there would be no reason for you to suffer for your faith.
· Even more so
· IF there is no Death and Hades
· There is no reason to share your faith
Each time Jesus taught on Hell, He was speaking to believers to motivate them!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Revelation 6:1-6 ~ Jeff Ludington
Revelation 6:1-8
“The first four seals”
RECAP:
· We are in the throne room
Revelation 4:1
Before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
· We have been invited up into the Throne Room in Heaven
· John is writing about:
o … what he is seeing
o … and, what he is told
Revelation 5:1
Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.
· A scroll
o We are not told what is written it
o Scholars disagree
· What we do agree on is that it is divinely inspired
· And, of great worth
Revelation 5:3
No one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could [was worthy to (vs. 2)] open the scroll or even look inside it.
· Whatever this scroll is
· It is definitely important
· Written by the very hand of God
· Therefore, no one was worthy to open it
Revelation 5:6-10
I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
· We have learned that “The Lamb” is Jesus most common name in Revelation
· He is the Lamb that was Slain
· He purchased us with His blood
· He alone is worthy to open the scroll
If you are new to the church, or not familiar with this kind of language, it could sound very weird:
Chrisianese:
· Why is Jesus called a lamb?
· Why is blood involved?
· How did Jesus purchase us?
· What is sin?
DEFINE: Sin: imperfection/failure
Share the Gospel:
· Genesis 3
· With sin, death enters in
· Fig leaves
· God offers a sacrifice
· God covers them with the skins of an animal
God must deal with sin, we cannot.
· Our only way of paying for sin
· Is to die, and be eternally separated from God
God doesn’t want that, HE loves you, and wants relationship with you.
WORSHIP:
· Since we want to focus on how to live a life of worship in this book of revelation
· We are not focusing on the whole futuristic prophecy thing
· We are focusing on TODAY
How to live a life of worship to the God who loves us TODAY!
This brings us to the scroll with 7 seals:
· This is where many interpretations depart
· We will focus on our book of worship here
Four Horsemen:
· The first four seals are brought on by 4 horsemen
o Horsemen are symbolic of the actions taking place
· These four take place during our lives
o Not prophetic visions of future times
· These are relevant to today
Vs. 1-2
I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
· Jesus here opens the first of the 7 seals
· But what does it mean?
For 1 minute: quit thinking Bible, start thinking Hallmark:
· Valentines Day: do you have it in your head?
· What is the national symbol?
o Heart
· Who is the Hallmark mascot?
o Cupid
· What does Cupid shoot to pierce the heart?
o Arrows
Why:
· To get people to fall in love…
I want you to see this first seal like this, the bow is meant to deliver arrows, to make your heart fall in love.
A white horse:
· Salvation is riding out to humanity
· Represented by the purity of a white horse
A rider with a bow:
· You ever see the war movies with armor, archers, shields
· The arrow was designed to pierce armor
Just like an arrow is designed to pierce armor, the good news about Jesus is designed to pierce the hearts of men and women, and make them fall in love.
The rider is given a crown:
· Right from the beginning salvation is awarded a crown
· It is guaranteed victory for the rider
· God tells us that His word doesn’t come back void.
Bent on conquest:
· My wife often says I am “bent on …”
· It is when my focus is deepest
· It is when my efforts are directed fully
· I am “bent on…”
Here, Salvation is BENT on saving those whom God loves.
NOTICE:
· It isn’t the ARROWS that are mentioned
· It is the BOW
Psalm 44:4-8
You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.
· It isn’t about the skill of the arrow
· Or even the skill of the archer
· It is God whose words change lives
Each week we pray before service that it would be God’s words spoken here:
· My words do nothing
· God’s words give life
· It isn’t your skill in shooting the perfect arrow of the story of Jesus
· It is the strength of God’s words, His Bow, that pierce the hearts of those whom He loves
Vs. 3-4
When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.
· The sword here is common throughout scripture
· The word of God
· The Bible
· Ephesians 6 tells us that this is the Word of God
Now:
· How does one part of God’s Word bring love (the arrows of the Gospel)?
· And, then another brings war?
· This verse says:
o “take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other”
Peace between God and Man:
· The Good News of Jesus Christ (the Lamb who was slain)
· Reconciles us to God
· It brings peace to the heart who is saved from eternal separation
HOWEVER:
The Name of Jesus Christ:
· Seems to set one man against another
· If you don’t believe me, wait until someone says Jesus on TV!
Two examples from scripture:
Ephesians 2:14-18
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
· Through the good news of the Lamb who was slain
· We have “destroyed the dividing wall” between God and Humanity
· There is no barrier anymore
· Anyone can have a relationship with the living God
Matthew 10:34-39
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.” Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
· Jesus is speaking here in Matthew
· He says, “don’t think I came to bring peace”
· I will turn a man against his own parents
· A daughter against her mother
What brings peace between you and God will also set you at odds with other people.
Vs. 5-6
When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!"
· Many people think of the scales as law/judgment
· That is our modern day context
· In this passage it is talking about the increased cost of things
· A quart of wheat is a full days wages ($300)
Just like the increase cost of a life lived out for Jesus!!!
What is the increased cost of the Gospel in your life?
· If the cost of your life hasn’t changed since you started living for Jesus
· Are you really living for Jesus?
What is the cost?
· Have you had to give up things that you used to do?
· Have you had to give up activities that you used to enjoy?
Share from my life:
· I had to quit getting loaded and doing crimes
· I had to quit hanging out with the friends I had
· I had to quit a life of crime and get a job
Lisa and I:
· We gave up pursuing income like we used to
· We have lost relationships with family members
· We have surrendered Saturday nights to ministry
Each of you sitting here has given up a Saturday night for God:
· Most of you used to have Saturday night plans
· But you sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel
The cost of living for Christ is often difficult, but is always worth it!
“The first four seals”
RECAP:
· We are in the throne room
Revelation 4:1
Before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
· We have been invited up into the Throne Room in Heaven
· John is writing about:
o … what he is seeing
o … and, what he is told
Revelation 5:1
Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.
· A scroll
o We are not told what is written it
o Scholars disagree
· What we do agree on is that it is divinely inspired
· And, of great worth
Revelation 5:3
No one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could [was worthy to (vs. 2)] open the scroll or even look inside it.
· Whatever this scroll is
· It is definitely important
· Written by the very hand of God
· Therefore, no one was worthy to open it
Revelation 5:6-10
I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
· We have learned that “The Lamb” is Jesus most common name in Revelation
· He is the Lamb that was Slain
· He purchased us with His blood
· He alone is worthy to open the scroll
If you are new to the church, or not familiar with this kind of language, it could sound very weird:
Chrisianese:
· Why is Jesus called a lamb?
· Why is blood involved?
· How did Jesus purchase us?
· What is sin?
DEFINE: Sin: imperfection/failure
Share the Gospel:
· Genesis 3
· With sin, death enters in
· Fig leaves
· God offers a sacrifice
· God covers them with the skins of an animal
God must deal with sin, we cannot.
· Our only way of paying for sin
· Is to die, and be eternally separated from God
God doesn’t want that, HE loves you, and wants relationship with you.
WORSHIP:
· Since we want to focus on how to live a life of worship in this book of revelation
· We are not focusing on the whole futuristic prophecy thing
· We are focusing on TODAY
How to live a life of worship to the God who loves us TODAY!
This brings us to the scroll with 7 seals:
· This is where many interpretations depart
· We will focus on our book of worship here
Four Horsemen:
· The first four seals are brought on by 4 horsemen
o Horsemen are symbolic of the actions taking place
· These four take place during our lives
o Not prophetic visions of future times
· These are relevant to today
Vs. 1-2
I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
· Jesus here opens the first of the 7 seals
· But what does it mean?
For 1 minute: quit thinking Bible, start thinking Hallmark:
· Valentines Day: do you have it in your head?
· What is the national symbol?
o Heart
· Who is the Hallmark mascot?
o Cupid
· What does Cupid shoot to pierce the heart?
o Arrows
Why:
· To get people to fall in love…
I want you to see this first seal like this, the bow is meant to deliver arrows, to make your heart fall in love.
A white horse:
· Salvation is riding out to humanity
· Represented by the purity of a white horse
A rider with a bow:
· You ever see the war movies with armor, archers, shields
· The arrow was designed to pierce armor
Just like an arrow is designed to pierce armor, the good news about Jesus is designed to pierce the hearts of men and women, and make them fall in love.
The rider is given a crown:
· Right from the beginning salvation is awarded a crown
· It is guaranteed victory for the rider
· God tells us that His word doesn’t come back void.
Bent on conquest:
· My wife often says I am “bent on …”
· It is when my focus is deepest
· It is when my efforts are directed fully
· I am “bent on…”
Here, Salvation is BENT on saving those whom God loves.
NOTICE:
· It isn’t the ARROWS that are mentioned
· It is the BOW
Psalm 44:4-8
You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.
· It isn’t about the skill of the arrow
· Or even the skill of the archer
· It is God whose words change lives
Each week we pray before service that it would be God’s words spoken here:
· My words do nothing
· God’s words give life
· It isn’t your skill in shooting the perfect arrow of the story of Jesus
· It is the strength of God’s words, His Bow, that pierce the hearts of those whom He loves
Vs. 3-4
When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.
· The sword here is common throughout scripture
· The word of God
· The Bible
· Ephesians 6 tells us that this is the Word of God
Now:
· How does one part of God’s Word bring love (the arrows of the Gospel)?
· And, then another brings war?
· This verse says:
o “take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other”
Peace between God and Man:
· The Good News of Jesus Christ (the Lamb who was slain)
· Reconciles us to God
· It brings peace to the heart who is saved from eternal separation
HOWEVER:
The Name of Jesus Christ:
· Seems to set one man against another
· If you don’t believe me, wait until someone says Jesus on TV!
Two examples from scripture:
Ephesians 2:14-18
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
· Through the good news of the Lamb who was slain
· We have “destroyed the dividing wall” between God and Humanity
· There is no barrier anymore
· Anyone can have a relationship with the living God
Matthew 10:34-39
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.” Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
· Jesus is speaking here in Matthew
· He says, “don’t think I came to bring peace”
· I will turn a man against his own parents
· A daughter against her mother
What brings peace between you and God will also set you at odds with other people.
Vs. 5-6
When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!"
· Many people think of the scales as law/judgment
· That is our modern day context
· In this passage it is talking about the increased cost of things
· A quart of wheat is a full days wages ($300)
Just like the increase cost of a life lived out for Jesus!!!
What is the increased cost of the Gospel in your life?
· If the cost of your life hasn’t changed since you started living for Jesus
· Are you really living for Jesus?
What is the cost?
· Have you had to give up things that you used to do?
· Have you had to give up activities that you used to enjoy?
Share from my life:
· I had to quit getting loaded and doing crimes
· I had to quit hanging out with the friends I had
· I had to quit a life of crime and get a job
Lisa and I:
· We gave up pursuing income like we used to
· We have lost relationships with family members
· We have surrendered Saturday nights to ministry
Each of you sitting here has given up a Saturday night for God:
· Most of you used to have Saturday night plans
· But you sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel
The cost of living for Christ is often difficult, but is always worth it!
