After a delay of a half an hour, the judgments of God prayed for previously (6:10) come upon those who dwell on the earth. These are extraordinary and supernatural plagues not unlike those of Egypt. But even as Pharaoh did not repent at the sight of all the miraculous signs of his day, so those during the tribulation do not repent either. One exception exists of those who were in Jerusalem at the resurrection and ascension of the two witnesses. But the overwhelming testimony of Revelation is that those who are tormented in the tribulation still refuse to fear God, repent, and worship the Lord.
Revelation 7:15-17, Rapture unto Paradise (Part 2)
The destination for raptured saints (and those resurrected at rapture) is heaven. The details of our heavenly home is given in the final three verses of Revelation 7. Strikingly, there are parallels between this destination and the New Jerusalem. But more than that, there are parallels also between the New Jerusalem and the garden of Eden. The stunning revelation of Scripture is the comprehensive goodness of God. He demonstrates His good will to bless man in Eden and concludes history with an analogous bookend so we are assured that His intent with man is to shower His goodness and His blessing upon him. Paradise is the heavenly home of the believer, the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 7:13-14, Rapture unto Paradise
Rapture is the next biblical prophecy to be fulfilled and it is the anticipation of the church given in Scripture. But what exactly is the rapture and when will it take place? What is the overall eschatological timeline in Revelation and where does rapture fit in? Moreover, what is the significance of an imminent return of Christ? How should we respond to those who hold to a different view on the timing of the rapture? These are the questions we consider in this study of Revelation.
Psalm 127:1-5, Without the LORD, Frustration! (Part 2)
Without the LORD, it is all frustration. Be on His side and live under His favor. May the Lord this year teach us to trust in Him and to pray. May we learn to depend on Him knowing that this is His world. Where we have failed to trust in the Lord and we lived independent of Him, may we repent today and seek the blood of Christ to cover our sinful skepticism toward the LORD. May we find in Christ renewal and healing to still every murmur in our heart and instead to trust in our heavenly Father and learn to sleep in the stern of the boat amid the storms of life with peace that transcends understanding that guards our heart and mind.
Psalm 127:1, Without the LORD, Frustration!
This familiar psalm reminds us that the ultimate worker and provider in all our endeavors is the LORD. While the natural principle of cause and effect is indeed taught in Scripture, this psalm shows us that that principle must always be accompanied by the understanding that the LORD is the crucial provider in all our affairs. Whether it's our homes or the house of God, our greatest need is the LORD’s provision. In this unique psalm of Solomon, the Holy Spirit teaches us that human strength and ingenuity alone do not guarantee success. It is the LORD and His provision that ensure true success. May we learn to pray, depend on the LORD, and carry out His work with hearts that wait on Him.
Revelation 7:1-14 The Protection of God's People
Revelation 7 shows that the wrath of the Lamb will be poured out on those who dwell on the earth, not upon Jesus’ own beloved people. John is shown two groups that will stand despite the intense judgments to come and contrary to the unbelievers’ outcry (6:17): the 144K Israelites and the raptured Gentile church of God. This sermon is part one of two sermons on Revelation 7 on the important topic of the rapture and its implications.
Micah 5:2-4 The Messianic Message of Micah
Micah prophesied of the Messiah that He is the LORD God and that He is the shepherd over His people. This is the true message of Christmas that woos us to worship Christ, to love, honor, and serve Him. May we ponder deeply the wonder of Christmas, that the LORD, the eternal God, came from heaven in human flesh, born in Bethlehem, born of a woman, in the person of Jesus, to seek and save that which was lost and to shepherd all His elect who repent and trust in Him, to guide them away from sin and in the pathway of sanctification all the way home to glory.
Revelation 4-6, The Reign of God
The revelation of the future is given from the perspective of heaven. God reigns as the supreme ruler and deity who is enthroned and worshipped in heaven. What is true in heaven becomes the reality on earth as the revelation of the future unfolds. This revelation commences with Jesus breaking open the seals and shows the backdrop against which the judgments of God will come: ordinary and natural suffering in the fallen world and the persecution of Christians and their holy prayer for justice. In response to their prayer, divine wrath is poured out upon the world (with the seventh seal [8:1] and the trumpet and bowl judgments that ensue). All of this affirms the resounding biblical call to be ready for Christ. He is indeed coming quickly. May we be dressed in readiness and keep our lamps lit.