Let's finish up the opening of the seals this morning by looking at the sixth seal!
Revelation 6:12-17
12When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, 13and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. 14 The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave[a] and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, 16 calling to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"
In verse 12 we read that Jesus opens the sixth seal and John sees a great earthquake take place. Also the sun becomes black as sackcloth and the moon looks blood red. Seismologists say that during an unusually violent earthquake particles of dust and hot ash can be belched from below the ground causing the sun to appear black during the day and the moon to be red at night! In verse 13 we read the quake is so awesome stars fall from the sky like a meteor shower. Can you imagine the panic as these come falling to the earth??? Also in verse 13 we see the comparison to a fig tree losing it's figs by a big wind. In verse 14 we see the sky vanishes from sight like a scroll rolled up, so those who look to the stars instead of God for guidance no longer have anything to look to! The earthquake is so sever every mountain and island are moved...wow stop and think about that for a moment. In verse 15 we see the panic now coming, as everyone from Kings down to slaves run for cover to hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. Brothers and sister don't miss the terror taking place here as it isn't a joke but a reality for those who are not raptured with the true church. In verse 16 we see things are so out of control people will be praying to God for death to escape this wrath from God. In verse 17 we see the question "who can stand" and the answer is no one who is not standing on the "Rock" Jesus Christ!
Tom
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Revelation #21
This morning we will look at the opening of the fifth seal.
Revelation 6:9-11
9When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
This is a very interesting picture we see here. When Jesus opens the fifth seal John sees under the altar the souls of those who are slain for the word of God and for their testimony of Him during the tribulation. When the rapture takes place their will be many realize Jesus was who He said he was and now will takes a stand for Him but at a very heavy price. They will be killed! In verse 10 we see they are crying out to God to take avenge for those who killed them and are still living on the earth. Look at verse 11 very closely, they are given a white robe which represents they are now pure in Christ. They are told to rest for a bit until the world kills their brothers and sisters in Christ! Wow. If a man or woman can stand for Christ during the tribulation it will be a sure sign they love Jesus because they will be persecuted in a horrible way.
3 things we can see about heaven here: Number 1 the souls had feelings as they were angry and wanted revenge on their murders. Number 2 they had recognition of the ones who murdered them and were aware of things occurring on the earth. Number 3 They was communication with the Father...oh that will be so awesome!
We will see later in Chapter 6 that God will answer their request to avenge their murders! Beginning in verses 15-17!
Tom
Revelation 6:9-11
9When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
This is a very interesting picture we see here. When Jesus opens the fifth seal John sees under the altar the souls of those who are slain for the word of God and for their testimony of Him during the tribulation. When the rapture takes place their will be many realize Jesus was who He said he was and now will takes a stand for Him but at a very heavy price. They will be killed! In verse 10 we see they are crying out to God to take avenge for those who killed them and are still living on the earth. Look at verse 11 very closely, they are given a white robe which represents they are now pure in Christ. They are told to rest for a bit until the world kills their brothers and sisters in Christ! Wow. If a man or woman can stand for Christ during the tribulation it will be a sure sign they love Jesus because they will be persecuted in a horrible way.
3 things we can see about heaven here: Number 1 the souls had feelings as they were angry and wanted revenge on their murders. Number 2 they had recognition of the ones who murdered them and were aware of things occurring on the earth. Number 3 They was communication with the Father...oh that will be so awesome!
We will see later in Chapter 6 that God will answer their request to avenge their murders! Beginning in verses 15-17!
Tom
Friday, September 9, 2011
Revelation #20
We will look at the opening of the third and fourth seals this morning. Remember Jesus is opening these seals.
Revelation 6:5-8
5When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. 6And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!"
7When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!" 8And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.
When Jesus opens the third seal as told in verse 5, the third living creature calls and a black horse now arrives on the scene. This horse represents starvation. The rider of this horse has a pair of scales in his hand. This scale is a measuring device for grain. Then a heavenly voice says :"A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius" when translated this meant prices will be inflated 8-10 times normal!!! This will be horrible. The voice also tells them to leave the oil and wind alone...only the rich could afford these anyway.
Now Jesus opens the fourth seal and again the fourth living creature calls out the next horse and it is a pale horse and this color represents death. That is what the riders name is! Hell followed him. They are given authority over a fourth of the earth kill with the sword which will mean wars, famine which is starvation, pestilence which is disease, and by wild beasts which some think refer to rats.
Oh my friends....are you right with God? Have you accepted Christ as your Savior? You have seen so far just the start of the tribulation period...don't be left behind!
Tom
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Revelation #19
Today we move onto Chapter 6 of Revelation! Now Jesus will start the opening of the seals on the scroll. This is the beginning of the seven years of tribulation. We must also remember the church has been removed so their is no influence of the church left!
Revelation 6:1-4
The Seven Seals
1Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, "Come!" 2And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.
3When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" 4And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.
In verse 1 John watches as Jesus opens the first seal. One of the living creatures says with a voice like thunder(thunder is always a signal for God's judgement coming in the Bible)" come" and the first horse comes out! Verse 2 tells us Johns first sees a white horse and at first glance we would think this may be Jesus because white means purity but we must remember that Satan is a master counterfeiter. This white represents false peace which will be brought into this world by its rider. The rider of this horse has a bow which is a weapon of this world which is another clue this is not Jesus. All Jesus needs is the sword which is the Word of God! This rider also has a crown which was given to him which signifies he is the prince of this world. This verse also tells us he came out conquering and to conquer. And he will do this upon mankind! This rider is the anti-christ being released into the world!
Verse 3 tells us the second seal is now opened. The second living creature says "come" and the second horse comes out and its color is bright red. This color represents war! The false peace brought by the white horse will lead to this war brought by the red horse. No more peace and people will kill one another. This rider will be given a great sword to take peace by force!!!! Now that the Holy Spirit along with the church have been taken out of the world this will be a horrible time!
Remember Jesus clearly showed us these things were coming:
Matthew 24:5-7
5For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. 6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
We will look at some more of the seals tomorrow.
Tom
Revelation 6:1-4
The Seven Seals
1Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, "Come!" 2And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.
3When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" 4And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.
In verse 1 John watches as Jesus opens the first seal. One of the living creatures says with a voice like thunder(thunder is always a signal for God's judgement coming in the Bible)" come" and the first horse comes out! Verse 2 tells us Johns first sees a white horse and at first glance we would think this may be Jesus because white means purity but we must remember that Satan is a master counterfeiter. This white represents false peace which will be brought into this world by its rider. The rider of this horse has a bow which is a weapon of this world which is another clue this is not Jesus. All Jesus needs is the sword which is the Word of God! This rider also has a crown which was given to him which signifies he is the prince of this world. This verse also tells us he came out conquering and to conquer. And he will do this upon mankind! This rider is the anti-christ being released into the world!
Verse 3 tells us the second seal is now opened. The second living creature says "come" and the second horse comes out and its color is bright red. This color represents war! The false peace brought by the white horse will lead to this war brought by the red horse. No more peace and people will kill one another. This rider will be given a great sword to take peace by force!!!! Now that the Holy Spirit along with the church have been taken out of the world this will be a horrible time!
Remember Jesus clearly showed us these things were coming:
Matthew 24:5-7
5For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. 6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
We will look at some more of the seals tomorrow.
Tom
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Revelation #18
Picking up where we left off yesterday:
Revelation 5:11-14
11Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" 13And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" 14And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Remember that Jesus the Lamb of God had just taken the scroll from God. In verse 11 John looks and and at the same time hears a great number of angles and the living creatures, and the elders saying (not singing). Interestingly the Bible never speaks of angles singing! In verse 12 we see what they were saying! They were praising the Lord!" Worthy is the Lamb!" Oh my brothers and sisters...their is only one worthy and that is Jesus! Verse 12 goes on to say what He is worthy of power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing. Oh yes the One who was slain is worthy of all of these things. In verse 13 John then hears every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea praising God also! Interesting to see that all creation will recognize Him as Lord! Those in heaven, those on the earth, those who are among the dead, and those in the sea! That is why Philippians says:
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Then in verse 14 we see the four living creatures say "amen" and again the elders fall down and worship.
I just want to say again when we see Jesus it will be more than we can ever imagine...think about it for a while!
Tom
Revelation 5:11-14
11Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" 13And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" 14And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Remember that Jesus the Lamb of God had just taken the scroll from God. In verse 11 John looks and and at the same time hears a great number of angles and the living creatures, and the elders saying (not singing). Interestingly the Bible never speaks of angles singing! In verse 12 we see what they were saying! They were praising the Lord!" Worthy is the Lamb!" Oh my brothers and sisters...their is only one worthy and that is Jesus! Verse 12 goes on to say what He is worthy of power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing. Oh yes the One who was slain is worthy of all of these things. In verse 13 John then hears every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea praising God also! Interesting to see that all creation will recognize Him as Lord! Those in heaven, those on the earth, those who are among the dead, and those in the sea! That is why Philippians says:
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Then in verse 14 we see the four living creatures say "amen" and again the elders fall down and worship.
I just want to say again when we see Jesus it will be more than we can ever imagine...think about it for a while!
Tom
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Revelation #17
I hope everyone had a great Labor day weekend. Let's continue on now in our study of Revelation! If you are just joining us I would highly suggest you go back and start at the beginning!
Revelation 5:6-10
6And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song, saying,
"Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth."
As we continue on in Chapter 5, we see in verse 6 when John looked up instead of seeing the Lion that was mentioned in verse 5 he sees the Lamb standing there, as though it had been slain or butchered. Don't let this pass you by....it was Jesus who WAS slain on our behalf! Jesus had seven horns which represents total power....oh thank you Jesus for having all power! This lamb also had seven eyes which represents knowing all and seeing all. We can not hide from God...he knows it all and sees everything and I am greatful Jesus is by me at all times aren't you??? This verse also mentions the seven spirits which we learned earlier as the attributes of God which are particularly His being everywhere. Verse 7 tells us the lamb went and took the scroll from God and when Jesus got the scroll the four living creatures and twenty-four elders, which we talked about in the previous chapter, fell down before the Lamb in worship and honor. Each was holding a harp which is a symbol of praise. They were also holding golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. This shows us how important prayer is to God! Verse 9 tells us they were also singing a new song, which is a song of redemption! Oh what a beautiful song for the redeemed! But it won't be for those who don't have a relationship with Jesus...remember this verse:
Matthew 7:21-23
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
God loves us all so much, That is why He sent Jesus to save us! Wow!
See you tomorrow!
Tom
Revelation 5:6-10
6And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song, saying,
"Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth."
As we continue on in Chapter 5, we see in verse 6 when John looked up instead of seeing the Lion that was mentioned in verse 5 he sees the Lamb standing there, as though it had been slain or butchered. Don't let this pass you by....it was Jesus who WAS slain on our behalf! Jesus had seven horns which represents total power....oh thank you Jesus for having all power! This lamb also had seven eyes which represents knowing all and seeing all. We can not hide from God...he knows it all and sees everything and I am greatful Jesus is by me at all times aren't you??? This verse also mentions the seven spirits which we learned earlier as the attributes of God which are particularly His being everywhere. Verse 7 tells us the lamb went and took the scroll from God and when Jesus got the scroll the four living creatures and twenty-four elders, which we talked about in the previous chapter, fell down before the Lamb in worship and honor. Each was holding a harp which is a symbol of praise. They were also holding golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. This shows us how important prayer is to God! Verse 9 tells us they were also singing a new song, which is a song of redemption! Oh what a beautiful song for the redeemed! But it won't be for those who don't have a relationship with Jesus...remember this verse:
Matthew 7:21-23
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
God loves us all so much, That is why He sent Jesus to save us! Wow!
See you tomorrow!
Tom
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Revelation #16
Oh prepare to get excited the next couple of lessons!
Revelation 5:1-5
The Scroll and the Lamb
1Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" 3And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."
Chapter 5 is a praise chorus for the provision of salvation. If that don't get you stirred up in your faith I am not sure what will! In verse 1 John says he saw in the right hand of God who was seated on the throne a scroll that had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. This scroll had to do with man and as we will learn as we move on it that it reveals the judgements of God. In verse 2 John sees a strong angel which tells me the angel may have tried to open the scroll but could not because the angel then asks who is worthy to open the scroll and in verse 3 says no one in the three places man dwells...heaven, earth, or hell are able to open the scroll or to even look at it! Wow. In verse 4 John begins to weep at the news that no one is worthy to open the scroll. In verse 5 one of the elders brings some amazing news to John..."Weep no more, behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and the seven seals! My friends Jesus is ABLE!!!!!!
Rejoice in that fact this morning Jesus is ABLE to do all things!
Tom
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