Session 4

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REVELATION SESSION 4

Sister Shelbia opened the session with prayer; and then began to share:

-We want to grow in knowledge.

-God is going to give us what we need.

-We have to be aware of the opportunities God puts in front of us in a Biblical way so we are credible when we share the good news with others.

Jan Markel, from Minnesota has been talking about what is going on in our world today:

-She found herself at ground zero during a summer of insanity.

-Jan says she saw mankind at its worst, but no one should get too comfortable because we have a lack of leadership in general, as hundreds of inferno’s rage across the country.

-100’s of businesses were looted and damaged in some way

-Law enforcement officers are leaving their jobs by the thousands.

Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

This crisis was made worse when it was called peaceful protesting.

-Good businessmen, many of them minorities, didn’t deserve to lose a lifetime of work.

-The city council voted unanimously to disband the police department but the mayor has said enough and has sworn to keep the police department.

-There is a red-green alliance - a divergence of communism and Muslim’s in this area.

-In the mean time the left liberals call for using John Lenon’s ‘Imagine’ song in place of our flag or

Star Spangled Banner.

-We have watched the implosion of America, thanks to the global Covid 19 situation.

-Coronavirus has filled out minds with true and false information.

-Welcome to the new world order.

-A total breakdown of family values.

-Lawlessness, with more to come.

II Thessalonians 2:9-12 says:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Note the activity of satan, but remember the strong delusion is sent by God.

How about some good news?

-A number of folks (unbelievers) have asked Jan how this all will end.

-Like me, they are weary of the nightly pandemonium and a nightly dose of coronavirus.

-Jan tells them she has a biblical world view that will end in the rapture of the church.

-The church is not a building but a group of people that have accepted Jesus as our lord and savior.

-The bible promises to remove the church before the tribulation.

-The tribuation is for the salvation of the Jewish nation. These people are intrigued.

-They have had rapture burn out, end time weariness and Israel burnout. Seeds are being planted that are being watered.

-We will see everything fall in place as we wait for the shout and trumpet.

-People are more ready to listen to the good news now than any time before.

-We share the good news to prepare those that Jesus is coming soon.

-Remember that people will remember what we’ve told them.

Matt Staver says:

-There is trouble coming, but you will have the comfort of God’s blessed word.

Hebrews 10:23-25 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as the day approaches

Old Testament passages related to Revelation:

Psalm 56:3-4

3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

John Haggee says: the whole world has become an insane asylum and the inmates are in control.

Matt Staver, Liberty Council, who is a credible person says this information came from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology):

-We are not going back to normal.

-We will need to radically change everything we do

- exercise, educate kids, socialize, etc.

-Several potential COVID vaccines are being rushed to market.

-We will face enormous pressure to take the vaccine.

-Unless you take it, you will become a prisoner in your own home.

-Good luck seeing a doctor.

-There is a house bill in congress...HR 6666 is called the testing, reaching everyone act

- the trace act.This calls for a massive infrastructure to trace and monitor the contacts of infected people and to support the quarantine.

-Religious exemptions are being put aside.

-Governor Quomo revoked religious exemptions in New York.

-Despite the fact that the CDC now estimates a .26 infection rate, (about the same as the normal flu), governments are gearing up for a vaccine mandate.

-The top five pharmaceutical companies are using aborted baby cells in their research.

Studying the book of Revelation today, at the beginning of the 21st century, is particularly important because Christians are faced with two great challenges:

-the decay of society

-growing apostasy in the church

Apostasy - abandonment of ones religious faith

Apostate - One who has light but no life - they are not saved. They do not have the Holy Spirit. ‘Christians are hard wired for gathering together.’

TODAY’s VIDEO from David Reagan, Lamb & Lion Ministries:

An Overview of Revelation David Regan says God wants people to understand Revelation.

David wants to give us with a panoramic overview of Revelation. The devil hates the book of Revelation because it tells how satan will be crushed and Jesus Christ will triumph.

It’s the unveiling of Jesus Christ given to John thru Jesus. John refers to it as the testimony of Jesus, as written down by John.

This requires two things: 1. The first is reliance on the Holy Spirit within you

(Nehemiah 9:20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst, and

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.)

2. The second is to accept and believe what the book says in plain sense. If the plain sense makes sense, do not look for any other sense or you will end up with non sense.

Revelation 1:19 Tells John to “write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter”;

Jesus in the Church Age - chapters 1 to 3

Jesus in the Tribulation - chapters 4 to 18

Jesus in the Kingdom - chapters 19 & 20

Jesus in Eternity - Chapters 21 & 22 Chapter 1 - ‘JESUS THE GLORIFIED ONE’

Consider the name of the book - its not Revelations, plural. Its’ the Revelation to John.

-John says he was a prisoner on Patmos Island. His imprisonment was around 95 ad.

-Every person in the Roman Empire was required to declare that Caesar was Lord. Christians could not do this so they became the target of persecution. They were considered enemies of the empire.

-John says he was in the day of the Lord

in this dream. He was in the spirit and catapulted forward to see what would happen in the future. John was 95 years old at the time. He was the only apostle left alive and he was imprisioned on Patmos because of his testimony for Jesus Christ. John’s testimony must have been very powerful because the Roman Empire put him on Patmos.

-This vision occurred 65 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus.

-The persecution was so terrible that Christians began to wonder if Jesus was really who he said he was; and did he mean what he said that upon his rock he would build his church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

-Revelation is designed to give comfort to those that are being persecuted or suffering, whether they are personally suffering or something more. -Jesus has returned to give the church a touch of encouragement. He is saying yes, I love you and know what is going on. I am walking among you.

-Revelation has always been a book that gives tremendous comfort to people.

-John see’s Jesus dressed as a glorified high priest. John see’s Jesus in white hair (purity and wisdom) and a white robe.

-He has stars in his right hand, which are angels of the churches.

-He walks among 7 golden candlesticks, which represent all of the churches.

-His eyes and feet are presented as judgment.

-The Lord is trying to give the message that he’s walking among them and cares about them and loves them and isn’t some distant God that doesn’t care about them.In 1:17, When John see’s these things, he falls at Jesus’s feet!

-Jesus tells him not to be afraid!

-I am the beginning, and the end, and the meaning of history and I have power over life and death.

-He says he is in control of history and the future.

-His appearance is intended to encourage those persecuted.

INTRODUCTION TO A VISION - Revelation 1 The source of the book (1:1)

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

The witness of the Book (1:2)

2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

A Blessing and a Clarification

(1:3)

3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. This is the only book written that says you will receive a blessing for reading, hearing and keeping those things which are written therein.

The Salutation (1:4-5)

4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

A Doxology (1:5-6)

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

The theme of the Book (1:7) contains 2 quotes from the Old Testament - one from Daniel and the other from Zacharia put end to end. The theme of the book is that JESUS IS RETURNING!

There are over 300 direct quotes or illustrations that refer to the Old Testament in Revelation. You will never understand Revelation until you become familiar with the Old Testament.

Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

The Signature of the Author (1:8)

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

THE VISION OF THE GLORIFIED LORD(1:9-20)

9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

The Location and Timing of the Vision (vs 9-11)

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

The Vision (vs 12-16 and 20)

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

The Purpose of the Vision (vs 17-18

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Chapter 2 & 3 - ‘JESUS THE OVERCOMER’

These scripture encourage the church to persevere and overcome with him.-7 letters written to the real churches located in Turkey.

Chapter 2 - AN OVERVIEW OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES:

Ephesus- very legalistic, but had lost its love. It was apostolic.

30-35 ad

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Smyrna- the persecuted church. 95 to 312 ad

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Pergmum - the liberal church and state were welded together but the state began to corrupt the church. Represents the church and state welded together. 312 - 590 ad

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Thyatira- full of Celtic practices 490 -1517 ad (the dark period). Church became full of Babylonian Celtic practices.

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

28 And I will give him the morning star.29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Chapter 3 - Sardis - had a reputation for being alive, but was really a dead church. 1517 - 1715 ad Post - Protestant reformation era.

1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Philadelphia- the alive church. We would all like to be a member of this church. Jesus has no criticism of it. 1715 - 1925 ad.

The church began to send missionaries all over the world until Germany began to destroy Christian faith.

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Laodicia - represents a world that is apathetic. The church simply cares less. It is a Worldly, apathetic, apostate church that would not let Jesus in the door. 1925 - present. People think they are rich and don’t need anything.Laodicia - represents a world that is apathetic. The church simply cares less. It is a Worldly, apathetic, apostate church that would not let Jesus come in.

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

These letters represent every kind of church that exists today.

-It also represents the 7 kinds of Christians in the world today.

-You will find your church in one of the 7.

-You will also find yourself reflected here as a Christian, somewhat.

John Scott - The message of Jesus:

-Repent, -believe, -and endure.

The message in the 7 churches is 3-fold:

-He says to a sinful church, repent.

-To a doubtful church, I know of your doubt, believe

-To a fearful church, he says I know of your fear, endure.

Also representative of 7 periods of church history.

-One type has dominated each period of history

-Each of these letters to the seven churches end with promises to the believers.

THE PROMISES TO OVERCOMERS There are 13 promises in Revelation to overcomers:

-Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations and he shall rule them with an iron rod.

-And there are 12 more promises made to overcomers that we will discuss later on. Are you an overcomer?

I John 5:5 Who is he that overcome the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God and has accepted him as their Lord and Savior.

Chapter 4 - JESUS, THE WORTHY LAMB - THE RAPTURE (Rev 4:1)

Focus shifts from world to God the almighty. This chapter begins with a symbolic type of rapture of the church.

1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

-A door opens in heaven and John is taken up to heaven from earth; and behind him comes the raptured church.

-That door opens again in verse 19 and Jesus comes through it riding a white horse.

-There is clear indication is that the church will be in heaven during the tribution.

Revelation 22:16 says, “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star”.

THE THRONE OF GOD - John was given a special blessing in his vision:

-He got to see the throne room of God.

-Only 5 others were allowed to see the throne of God: Michael, Daniel, Paul, Ezekiel, and Micaiah.

In chapter 4 John sees a Blazing light emanating from the throne:

-7 lamps of fire,

-24 mysterious elders kneeling in front of the throne.

-12 represent Old Testament saints;

-12 represent New Testament Disciples.

-He see’s 4 creatures with eyes all over them. They appear to be representatives of God’s creation and appear to be worship leaders.

Rev 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Verse 11: Worthy are thou oh God! They are praising God who is on his throne - where he still hears, answers prayers and answers miracles.

-There is an emphasis on God’s power.

-God is in control and he has the wisdom and the power to bring all men to Jesus Christ.

THE ONLY WORTHY ONE:

-the little bloody lamb is the only worthy one.

-He came as the sacrificial lamb the first time, but will return as the Lion of Judah.

CHAPTER 5 - JESUS, THE WRATHFUL ONE. THE THRONE ROOM OF GOD

8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

John notices a small scroll in the right hand of God:

-Who is worthy to open the scroll?

-The Scroll is the title deed to the earth.

-The earth was created for man.

-God gave man dominion over the earth, but man lost it through Adam and Eve.

-The Lion of the tribe of Judah (Jesus) is worthy to open the scroll.

-John turns and see’s a little bloody lamb

- but Jesus is going to return as the lion to pour out the wrath of God on those that rejected the grace and mercy of God.

One of the reasons Jesus died on the cross was to restore the earth to the children of God:

-This is what he meant when he preached the sermon on the mount and said the meek will inherit the earth.

-He paid the price on the cross to redeem the earth.

-It will be fulfilled when Jesus returns. REV 5:9-10

Jesus takes the little scroll and all of heaven break forth into a song of praise.

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. All the nations of the world are in revolt of Jesus and God. The heavenly hosts sing about a time in the future when the redeemed will reign upon the earth.

THE TRIBULATION BEGINS Chapter 6 - JESUS, THE TRUE MESSIAH

The lamb opens the first seal of the scroll and its the first act of tribulation.

Rev 6:10 - And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? Jesus pours out the wrath of God on man.There will be a period of unparalleled harm.The antichrist will come at the end of the tribution

-1/4 of earth dies in this initial pouring out of the seals.

-Many of those who die are martyred for Jesus Christ.

-The martyred are portrayed as being under an alter, asking ‘how much more time before we are avenged?’

WIth the opening of the sixth seal, we flash forward to the end of the tribulation. We begin to see how terrible the day of the Lord will be:

-greatest earthquake of all time

-the stars fall from the sky

-the sky rolls up like a scroll

-people cry for the mountains to fall on them Ends with a question - who is able to stand before the wrath of God. Chapter 7 begins with the answer to this question.

Chapter 7 - GRACE AMID WRATH

Assures reader there are two groups - Jews and gentiles who will be able to endure the wrath of the lamb. -144,000 born again Jewish people will endure. (Think they will be the people who live thru the Russian army invasion in Israel)

-12,000 from each tribe of Israel.

-They will be bond servants of God

- will preach the entire tribution period to bring people to repentance.

-God doesn’t wish for any to perish but that all will be saved.

-People will be brought to the Lord by these bond servants.

-Some will be brought to the Lord by the two witnesses.

-There will be a great harvest of souls during this time.

-An angel will be sent out to preach the gospel to every creature on the earth.

-We see a great host of people who are martyred during the great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white by the lamb. They are murdered by antichrist and his agents.

-Most men will reject God, but many will be brought to him and martyred.

Chapter 8 - JUDGMENT RESUMES

There is silence in heaven for 1/2 hour. All of heaven is holding its breath before the pouring out of terrible judgments. Trumpet judgments:

-Hail and fire, mixed with blood.

-1/3 of the earth is burned up.

-1/3 of earths water is burned up.

-1/3 of earths light is dimmed.

Romans 1:1-32 (when society rebels against God, the Lord steps back and lowers his protection and allows evil to take over).

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Chapter 8 describes what could be a nuclear holocaust

- we are the only generation that has ever lived that can bring upon ourselves a nuclear holocaust.

-1/3 of light of moon and stars are blocked out

-Temperatures would plummet and cause people to freeze -The same cloud

16:2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.(By the end of the tribulation, peoples bodies would be covered by sores).

-The living will envy the dead by the end of the Tribulation.

-Men will faint from fear of what is happening.

Chapter 9 - PEOPLE DO NOT REPENT, THEIR HEARTS ARE HARDENED.

-Plague of locust

-people cannot die

-locust can inflict their suffering upon all people except the 144,000

-An army of 200 million kills 1/2 of worlds population

-3 billion people. This is the same army that was mentioned in Daniel. 11

-Valley of Jerrell or Valley of Armageddon

-The nations of Asia will revolt against the antichrist.

-At end of tribuation, the Euphrates river will be dried up.

-Chapter ends on sad note

-despite the trumpet judgments, the rest of the people do not repent.

Revelation 9:20-21 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

Chapter 10 - JESUS THE MIGHTY ANGEL

This is a chapter of encouragement. Chronological action stops - the rhythm of Revelation comes to a screaming halt.

A passage is inserted to ensure us that everything is going to work out alright.

Flash forward - John see’s a very unusual angel

- A strong angel.

- Rainbow on his head (a symbol of faithfulness).

- This angel is Jesus.

- The angles worship him.

· Face is like the sun

· He is clothed in white

· He has a little scroll in his right hand

· Feet is like pillars of fire

The Old Testament presents Jesus as an angel of the lord. His feet are like pillars of fire

Verse 2: a little scroll that he holds as he claims the earth. He was the only one qualified to take the scroll from God.

Jesus is going to return in triumph to claim the earth (all of it) for the children of God.

Hebrews 1:1-14

I God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Chapter 11 - THE MEASURING OF THE TEMPLE AND THE TWO WITNESSES OF GOD

John is told to measure the temple of God with a rod. This is symbolic of God’s judgement. 2 witnesses - olive tree and lamp stand

11:1-2

1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

-The fact of a Tribulation Temple:

Daniel 9:27 -And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Matthew 24:15 -When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

2 Thessalonians 2:3 & 4

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

THE TWO WITNESSES OF GOD

Revelation 11:3 thru 13

4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The two witnesses could be Elijah and Moses or most likely, Elijah and Enoch, who represent all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles.

-They will preach the word with great power.

-Antichrist will kill these two witnesses

-for 3 1/2 days the people rejoice over the death of the righteous men.

-After 3 1/2 days, they will be resurrected and raised to heaven in front of the eyes of the whole world.

-God will shake Israel. SCENES OF REASSURANCE Will the Ezekiel 38 & 39 and the Psalm 38 war be in rapid succession before the rapture?

-At that time, the population of the earth will be decimated due to the conditions on the earth.

-There will be a population explosion during the 1000 year millennial reign in which the earth will be repopulated.

Rev 20: 8-9

8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and encompassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.