Revelation 14 v1-13- Stick with God, producing faithful fruit (HM)

So yesterday, we were being warned and told about the two beasts...the one that came from the sea, and the one that came from the earth. Today, we look at the church during this time of judgement which will bring an end to God's enemies....

v1-5-

1 Then I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of mighty ocean waves or the rolling of loud thunder. It was like the sound of many harpists playing together.3 This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 They have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb. 5 They have told no lies; they are without blame.

The 144,000 represent believers who have gone through persecution on Earth and are now ready to enjoy the eternal benefits and blessings of a life living with God forever. They have Christ's name and God's name on their foreheads...so like yesterday, if they didn't accept Satan's mark, they would suffer...but they have got through their trials and sufferings with the help of God. Yet again, when we face trials or we're going through a rough time, we know that we are assured safety because of our faith in Christ.

These believers are true believers, their robes were made white in Christ's blood (Ch 7:14) through his death.

Them being pure as virgins is them being spiritually pure- resisting the temptations of this world- power, wealth and sexual immorality. To do this can be hard, especially when you're at school/college/uni/work....I mean, I have two girls at work who think I'm an absolute weirdo because I don't get drunk. But staying close to God, and reading his word is an assurance that you don't need to get drunk or give into these temptations...if you give into them, you turn your back to God. 

Following the Lamb wherever he goes...yes it's never going to be easy, even when we face persecution and sometimes even death because of it. But sometimes, it can be easy to shrink and take a breather to see if it passes. But with God, you can build that bridge, and get over it :)

v6-13-

6 And I saw another angel flying through the sky, carrying the eternal Good News to proclaim to the people who belong to this world—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. 7 “Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.” 8 Then another angel followed him through the sky, shouting, “Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen—because she made all the nations of the world drink the wine of her passionate immorality.”

 9 Then a third angel followed them, shouting, “Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand 10 must drink the wine of God’s anger. It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. 11The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.”

 12 This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus.

 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”

 The good news isn't just limited to us lot who go to church week in week out, but to every race, culture and country. Anyone who repents is accepted by God. Have you confessed your sins and trusted in Christ to save you? If you have, you have nothing to worry about! The judge of all the Earth is your saviour!

The ultimate result of sin is separation from God. Since to turn away from God, we would have had to have a part of him in us in the first place...so it wouldn't be good to be separated from him. Sin always brings misery, but in this life, we can choose to repent and restore our relationship with God. But in our eternal life, there won't be this chance. 

While it is true that our belongings and money can't be taken with us into our eternal life in heaven, us as God's people can produce fruit that survives even death....those who accept Christ through our witnessing will join us in our eternal life! So keep witnessing to your friends, family and those people every summer on the beach!!

Revelation 13- Simply the beast, which side will you go on? (HM)

v1-10-

¹ Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns. And written on each head were names that blasphemed God. ² This beast looked like a leopard, but it had the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion! And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority. ³ I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast. ⁴ They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?”
 ⁵ Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. ⁶ And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling—that is, those who dwell in heaven. ⁷ And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. ⁸ And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made—the Book that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered. ⁹ Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. ¹⁰ Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword.                                                                                     This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.

When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he wanted Jesus to show his power by turning stones into bread, to do miracles from jumping of high places, and to gain power by worshiping him (Matthew 4: 1-11). Basically, Satan's plan was to rule the world through Christ, but he refused. Woo! He then turns to these beasts...he obviously isn't strong enough on his own, that he needs the help of inhuman creatures. But, with the help of an ordinary man who came to Earth, we are strong enough to win. :D

Even the power given to the beast will be limited by God. The beast will have authority, but only for a limited amount of time. Even while the beast has power, God will still be in control. So don't give up!

Just like yesterday, although the beast will conquer God's people, he will not be able to harm them spiritually. Refusing to worship the beast will result in temporary suffering, but....we will be rewarded with eternal life in the end :) THE CHALLENGE IS TO BE YOURSELF IN A WORLD THAT TRIES TO MAKE YOU LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.

Don't fall into Satan's trap and turn away from God when hard times come. Instead use those tough times as opportunities for testifying for God.

v11-18-

¹¹ Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth. He had two horns like those of a lamb, but he spoke with the voice of a dragon. ¹² He exercised all the authority of the first beast. And he required all the earth and its people to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. ¹³ He did astounding miracles, even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching. ¹⁴ And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world. He ordered the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life. ¹⁵ He was then permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die. ¹⁶ He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. ¹⁷ And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. ¹⁸Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.

 The first beast (yes, there's two!) came out of the Sea, but this second beast comes out of the Earth. He seems to be doing good with all these miracles, but the purpose of his miracles is to deceive. This is why, we must ask ourselves with every miracle we see...

"Is this consistent with what God says in the bible"

The second beast gains influence through the signs and wonders he can perform on behalf of the first beast. Allowing the bible to guide our faith will keep us from being deceived by false signs/teachings, however convincing they seem. 

This mark is designed to mock the seal that God places on his followers (Revelation 7: 2-3)

² And I saw another angel coming up from the east, carrying the seal of the living God. And he shouted to those four angels, who had been given power to harm land and sea, ³ “Wait! Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.”

Just as God marks his people to save them, so does Satan to protect them from God....seems weird talking about being protected from God! Makes you think why you would need saving from God. 

Those who accept Satan's mark show their willingness to follow Satan and rebellion from God. To refuse the mark, means to commit yourself entirely to God.

So which mark would you prefer?

Revelation 12- Stay committed to God

Hello! Hope everyone has had a lovely few days celebrating the best day of the year :)

v1-6-

1 Then I witnessed in heaven an event of great significance. I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because of her labor pains and the agony of giving birth. 3 Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event. I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. 4 His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born.

 5 She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place to care for her for 1,260 days.

  The woman represents God's faithful people who have been waiting for the birth of Jesus who she's about to give birth to. But Herod felt threatened that there was a new King on his way, so he immediately wanted to destroy him. His desire to kill Jesus, was motivated by Satan (the red dragon). It all looks as if everything's about to go wrong, the dragon is standing in front of the woman ready to kill Jesus....AND THEN....Jesus was taken up to heaven to be with God (after his death and resurrection). 

In the meantime, God's people are in the wilderness, a place of spiritual refuge and protection form Satan. Because God helped the woman to escape into the wilderness, we, as true believers, can be sure that he offers security to us too! Satan might always be trying to attack God's people, but we have protection with God. Some will have physical harm :( but all will be protected from spiritual harm. Remember God rules over all....TRUST HIM.

v7-12-

7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. 10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last—    salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night.11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.”

1,260 days is 3 and a half years...again, 3 and a half is half of the magic number 7. Satan's only has power and authority for 3 and a half years, an incomplete time....his reign will never be as long as God's! 

When I first read this, I thought, who on Earth is Michael??? But I looked it up, and he's a high-ranking angel. One of his responsibilities was to guard God's community of all believers.

So, a war between the good and evil was underway. But with Christ's resurrection, Satan's ultimate defeat was assured! WOO! Whatever we face, we must remember that Christ is victorious!

Think of a boxing match. These athletes take so many hits just in the hope that they can win the fight. In our fight with the devil, his ultimate blow that knocked him out, was when Christ shed his blood for our sins. Even though Christ was in pain, bleeding and nearly about to loose, he put his trust in God, he still managed to win the battle. As we face the battle with Satan, we should not fear it or try to escape the boxing ring, we should loyally serve Christ, who alone brings victory.

v13-17-

13 When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time.

 15 Then the dragon tried to drown the woman with a flood of water that flowed from his mouth. 16 But the earth helped her by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that gushed out from the mouth of the dragon. 17 And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.

Satan is out to get the church- all believers. But he won't succeed because the outcome is assured from Christ's sacrifice. The devil will attack us, but if we choose to live God's way, He'll always give us a way to escape. Don't waver in your commitment to God. This battle is ongoing and there really isn't any time for indecision! 

:)

Revelation 11-Living faithfully for the ultimate reward

Yesterday was all about the good news being sweet and sour. Today is about just how hard some people find it to swallow.

v1-6-

1 Then I was given a measuring stick, and I was told, “Go and measure the Temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers. 2 But do not measure the outer courtyard, for it has been turned over to the nations. They will trample the holy city for 42 months. 3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will be clothed in burlap and will prophesy during those 1,260 days.” 4 These two prophets are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of all the earth. 5 If anyone tries to harm them, fire flashes from their mouths and consumes their enemies. This is how anyone who tries to harm them must die. 6 They have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall for as long as they prophesy. And they have the power to turn the rivers and oceans into blood, and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish.

The fact that John is told to measure the temple and count its worshipers shows how God is building walls of protection around us as his people to protect us from persecution...the number of worshipers being counted shows there is a place for all of God's followers who remain faithful to him. So it's no good saying you've turned your life around and you're living for him...you've actually got to REMAIN FAITHFUL and DO WHAT GOD IS ASKING US THROUGH OUR QT's. Those people left outside will be put through some major suffering.

The two prophets sound a little similar to Moses and Elijah...Moses had the power to call plagues on Egypt (Exodus 7-11), and Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). 

Throughout Revelation there are a load of different numbers. 42 months is 3 and a half years. This is exactly half of the perfect number 7, which maybs shows incompleteness and imperfection.

v7-14-

 7 When they complete their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the bottomless pit will declare war against them, and he will conquer them and kill them. 8 And their bodies will lie in the main street of Jerusalem, the city that is figuratively called “Sodom” and “Egypt,” the city where their Lord was crucified. 9 And for three and a half days, all peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will stare at their bodies. No one will be allowed to bury them. 10 All the people who belong to this world will gloat over them and give presents to each other to celebrate the death of the two prophets who had tormented them. 11 But after three and a half days, God breathed life into them, and they stood up! Terror struck all who were staring at them. 12 Then a loud voice from heaven called to the two prophets, “Come up here!” And they rose to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched. 13 At the same time there was a terrible earthquake that destroyed a tenth of the city. Seven thousand people died in that earthquake, and everyone else was terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second terror is past, but look, the third terror is coming quickly.

The beast (thought to be Satan) comes and kills the two witnesses. They were winning, now they've lost, but they manage to win again somehow. God's truth remains victorious...their message- God's plan- march on in spite of this death and then even death appears to be defeated, just as Christ defeated death.

We hardly ever face death when we share our faith or when we're on mission. Why should Satan need to threaten our lives when sometimes fear of embarrassment and rejection can stop us before. To be honest, if Jesus has truly changed our lives, then we should be able to find a way to let others know.

Have those people close to you heard what Jesus has done for you?

Many people see the message of Jesus as irritating and tormenting and they'd love to see it defeated (v10), but when Jesus returns, His witnesses will be raised to life with Him and the gospel will be shown to be the truth. CHRISTIANS CAN BE KILLED, BUT THEY CAN'T BE DESTROYED. They'll live forever with Jesus :D

v15-19-

15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven:   “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.”

 16 The twenty-four elders sitting on their thrones before God fell with their faces to the ground and worshiped him. 17 And they said, “We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who always was, for now you have assumed your great power and have begun to reign.

 18 The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come. It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people, and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.”

 19 Then, in heaven, the Temple of God was opened and the Ark of his covenant could be seen inside the Temple. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed and roared, and there was an earthquake and a terrible hailstorm.

So, the seventh trumpet is sounded. There is now no turning back. The coming judgments are no longer partial, but complete. God is in total control and he unleashes his full wrath on the world and those who refuse to turn to him through thunder, earthquakes and hailstorms. When his wrath begins, there is no escape.

Throughout the bible, God gives rewards to his people for their good deeds and on what they deserve. But obedience and immediate reward are not always linked....if they were, good people would always be receiving rewards. They would end up doing good deeds out of selfishness, and not God's obedience. Our greatest reward will be eternal life with God in heaven!!

Revelation 10- sweet and sour

Afternoon..so, to recap: The first six trumpets bought God's judgment on the World, yet the people ignored the warnings and carried on sinning :( Now there's a little gap before the seventh trumpet is blown.

v1-4-

1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, surrounded by a cloud, with a rainbow over his head. His face shone like the sun, and his feet were like pillars of fire. 2And in his hand was a small scroll that had been opened. He stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. 3 And he gave a great shout like the roar of a lion. And when he shouted, the seven thunders answered. 4 When the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice from heaven saying,  “Keep secret what the seven thunders said,and do not write it down.”

As humans, we like to be in the know of everything, we like to know whats going on with your friends and how they're doing. But when we are kept from knowing things we become anxious, "why aren't they telling me?" "Is it something I've done?". People have been wanting to know what is written on the scroll for years...and I bet now you've read this, you want to know too.  Just like the other scroll in Chapter 5, it is thought it contains something about future judgment. But as John is about to write what the seven thunders had said, he is told to STOP by God. 

God told Daniel something along the same lines as this too... (Ch 12 v9)

9 But he said, “Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end.

We are also told by Jesus in Mark 13 that we must be careful and watch out for God's judgment since it is only him who knows when it is..

 32 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 33 And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert

God has revealed ALL WE NEED to live for him now. We must not place more emphasis and speculation on what we don't know by trying so hard to find out what that secret is, but focus on what we do know and what we can find more out about while we wait. If God has decided we shouldn't hear about it, then it's best we don't :)

v5-11-

5 Then the angel I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand toward heaven. 6 He swore an oath in the name of the one who lives forever and ever, who created the heavens and everything in them, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it. He said, “There will be no more delay. 7 When the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God’s mysterious plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just as he announced it to his servants the prophets.”

 8 Then the voice from heaven spoke to me again: “Go and take the open scroll from the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.”

 9 So I went to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll. “Yes, take it and eat it,” he said. “It will be sweet as honey in your mouth, but it will turn sour in your stomach!” 10So I took the small scroll from the hand of the angel, and I ate it! It was sweet in my mouth, but when I swallowed it, it turned sour in my stomach.

 11 Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”

 By saying that God's mysterious plan will be revealed, John was pointing out God's removal of all evil which would bring fear to God's enemies. For Christ's followers, it would bring hope, and peace. It would be alot nicer for us if Christ's return was because of the triumph of his kingdom, but it's unfortunately because things are bad and we want our troubles and worries to go away.

Now, I'm pretty sure we've all tried a toxic waste at some point...sweet then sour (or even sweet and sour sauce)...

...The sixth trumpet has sounded and judgment is sadly just around the corner, but John was given a job to do first. The giant angel had been carrying a little scroll, which John must eat. It tastes sweet in his mouth but disagrees with his stomach.

The word of God is sweet to- great news to many of us. But to some people who don't want to hear it, it can be bitter and sour. The gospels include the bitter truth of punishment we face when we reject God, but it also contains the sweet news of being rescued for those who trust in him.

Revelation 9

So, four of the seven angels have blown their trumpets and the world has been struck by natural disasters (earthquakes, fires, darkness and rough seas). Now its the turn of angels 5 and 6 which affect humans a little more directly :/

v1-12-

1 Then the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen to earth from the sky, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit.2 When he opened it, smoke poured out as though from a huge furnace, and the sunlight and air turned dark from the smoke. 3 Then locusts came from the smoke and descended on the earth, and they were given power to sting like scorpions. 4 They were told not to harm the grass or plants or trees, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were told not to kill them but to torture them for five months with pain like the pain of a scorpion sting. 6In those days people will seek death but will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them!

 7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. They had what looked like gold crowns on their heads, and their faces looked like human faces. 8 They had hair like women’s hair and teeth like the teeth of a lion. 9 They wore armor made of iron, and their wings roared like an army of chariots rushing into battle. 10 They had tails that stung like scorpions, and for five months they had the power to torment people. 11 Their king is the angel from the bottomless pit; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon—the Destroyer.

 12 The first terror is past, but look, two more terrors are coming!

It's not known exactly who the fallen star represents, though it is most likely to be a good angel since the key to the shaft at the bottomless pit is usually held by Christ (Ch 1v18).

In Joel 2 v1-10 it talks about a locust plague as the "day of the Lord"- meaning Gd's coming judgement. The rules the locusts (Demons) have not to harm grass, plant or trees, not to kill, but only torture shows they are completely under God's control and it is him who has the overall authority and revenge. It can make you think that because they are only being tortured for 5 months, not the rest of their lives shows God's grace and mercy. I mean, 5 months is a long time, but these people wont even be killed!

v13-21-

 13 Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice speaking from the four horns of the gold altar that stands in the presence of God. 14 And the voice said to the sixth angel who held the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great Euphrates River.” 15 Then the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were turned loose to kill one-third of all the people on earth. 16 I heard the size of their army, which was 200 million mounted troops. 17 And in my vision, I saw the horses and the riders sitting on them. The riders wore armor that was fiery red and dark blue and yellow. The horses had heads like lions, and fire and smoke and burning sulfur billowed from their mouths. 18 One-third of all the people on earth were killed by these three plagues—by the fire and smoke and burning sulfur that came from the mouths of the horses. 19 Their power was in their mouths and in their tails. For their tails had heads like snakes, with the power to injure people. 20 But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk! 21 And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

These angels might have the power to kill one third of the Earths population, but they don't have the power to release themselves, and they are only allowed to do what God allows them....again showing his authority! But seriously, that is some pretty bad breath. I don't know if you guys have smelt it, but sulphur really isn't very pleasant, it stinks! So that, along with fire and smoke blowing at them, wouldn't have been their favorite thing in the world. BUT.....

(v20-21) These people were so hard hearted that they still didn't repent! Even these horrible plagues didn't drive them towards God. People don't usually dive straight into behaving badly and immorally, they slip into it a little bit at a time. Temptation given into today, becomes sin tomorrow, a habit the next day, then separation from God and death the next (James 1 v15).

We need to acknowledge that we need to confess our sins before God!

Revelation 8

So, a summary of chapter 7....in verses 1-8, we see the believers receiving a seal to protect them through great tribulation and suffering. In verses 9-17, we see the believers finally with God in heaven. All who have been faithful to God and singing his praises. Their trials are over and they will have no more tears, pain or fears.

:)

v1-5- 

1 When the Lamb broke the seventh seal on the scroll,there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. 2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets. 3 Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.5 Then the angel filled the incense burner with fire from the altar and threw it down upon the earth; and thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and there was a terrible earthquake.

Imagine there being silence for half an hour. We have minute silences at football and on remembrance day, but imagine half an hour! Must have seemed like ages! During this time, the only thing happening was  the prayers of God's people mixing with the incense. The seven trumpets (v2) are judgments, but they are only partial...God's final and complete judgement hasn't yet come :)

In those days, a censer was filled with sweet-smelling incense to be used for special ceremonies. But here, it is filled with the prayers of christians! The angel was helping deliver them....this is great! It's a nice reminder that our prayers are never on their own :D 

The Holy Spirit helps us (Romans 8 v16)...16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.

When the angel throws the incense burner on the Earth, it reveals God's judgement of the Earth in answer to the prayers of his people for those who had persecuted them.

This shows that judgement and revenge are in God's hands, not ours! No matter how much we might want to get our own back, we are to pray to God for justice.

v7-13-

6 Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow their mighty blasts. 7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown down on the earth. One-third of the earth was set on fire, one-third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned.

 8 Then the second angel blew his trumpet, and a great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. One-third of the water in the sea became blood, 9 one-third of all things living in the sea died, and one-third of all the ships on the sea were destroyed.

 10 Then the third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch. It fell on one-third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star was Bitterness. It made one-third of the water bitter, and many people died from drinking the bitter water.

 12 Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and one-third of the sun was struck, and one-third of the moon, and one-third of the stars, and they became dark. And one-third of the day was dark, and also one-third of the night.

 13 Then I looked, and I heard a single eagle crying loudly as it flew through the air, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.”

These trumpet blasts have 3 purposes- 

1. To warn the people of judgement
2. To call good and evil to battle
3. To announce Jesus' return

These warnings should urge us to make sure our faith in God is both certain and sure.

Since only one third of the Earth and everything is destroyed, it only means there is partial judgement from God! Although, his full wrath is yet to be unleashed :/

The first four trumpets bring disaster on the world. But this time, it's nature that's affected- the earth, sea, sky, rivers....not us lot. Human sin is the cause of this, which is TERRIFYING...but only partial.

The worrying thing is the next few trumpets will bring worse judgments :(

....Have a look tomorrow to see what they are

Revelation 7

Revelation 7! :)

Chapter 6 was about the horrible things that would happen in the world before Jesus returns. And it ended with the question in verse 17...."for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?" Here's the answer...

v1-10- just when all hope was lost with the coming judgement, four angels appear in John's vision and hold back the four winds of judgement until God's people (us!) are sealed as his own. Only then will he oped the seventh and last seal. 

A seal on a scroll, or envelope protects its contents so the letter doesn't fall out. God places his own seal (v2) on us, his followers, showing his protection over us! 

Application: This is awesome, we may be beaten or feel pain, but our souls are protected by Christ's seal. :)

Verses 4-8 list the 12 tribes of Israel and how many were marked with the seal of God....wait for it....a total of 144,000, 12,000 from each tribe. But these tribes aren't the usual one listed in the OT, this is because it shows God's true followers. But don't get hung up on the number 144,000- there are more Christians than that thankfully!! From John's perspective, they're make a massive crowd, to big to count (v9). The important fact is that all of these people are safe because Jesus rescued them on the cross (v10) :D

v11-17- This huge crowd is described as "the ones who died in the great tribulation" (or the great suffering). These believers have come through their times of suffering and trials by remaining loyal to God. Because they remain loyal, God will provide them with eternal life. 

Application: We too should remain loyal to God who provides us with protection.

v14- It's pretty difficult to imagine how blood could make anything turn white. But but but, the blood of Christ is the world's greatest purifier since it removes the stain of sin...yes, it is better than vanish!

God will provide for his children's needs in their eternal home where there will be no hunger, thirst or pain, and he will wipe away all our tears.

Application: When you are suffering, take comfort in the fact that Gods promise to us is complete protection :)

So, in verses 1-8, we see the believers receiving a seal to protect them through great tribulation and suffering. In verses 9-17, we see the believers finally with God in heaven. All who have been faithful to God and singing his praises. Their trials are over and they will have no more tears, pain or fears.

'You hold me now' by Hillsong is a song about this, worth a listen :)

Revelation 6

The Big idea: Judgement will soon come, but we must be patient for justice

v1-8- Ok, the scroll from chapter 5 is about to be opened, and as the first 4 (out of 7) seals are broken, 4 horses appear. But these aren't just any horses, not the usual brown, white, black and grey horses you see, but White, Red, Black and Green. Strange huh! But there is method in the madness, they all symbolize judgement, and each one a different king of judgement.....

White- The military (I think?)

Red- War and bloodshed

Black- famine that follows war

Green- death that follows famine and war

:(

This may all seem a little sad and gloomy, but have no fear, because these are only warnings...for now. You see, verse 4 talks about peace. And there will be complete peace, only when Christ returns. When we see these gloomy things happening, we can trust and know that Jesus' return is coming soon. So It's not all sad!

Application: Rather than being down in the dumps about what is going on in the world at the mo, we can rejoice, knowing that Christ is soon to return and 'sort it all out'.

There is still time for unbelievers to turn to God from their sins. This shows God's mercy in giving people another chance to turn to him before his ultimate judgement. 

v9-11- The altar that John can see represents the sort of altar that would have been found in a temple where animal sacrifices were made. But instead of the animals' blood, it was the souls of martyrs who had died for preaching the good news :( They were told that still, more people would loose their lives for their beliefs.

Application: Being a Christian is never going to be easy, I think we all know that, and we will face tough times and trials, but it is those of us who stand strong and persevere that will receive God's reward of eternal life. 

In verse 10, the martyrs are calling to God to bring justice to the world, but they are told to wait (v11). 

Application: When we ask for justice, we too must be patient. God has his own timetable and he does promise to bring justice, just in his own time.

v12-17- So, the first five seals have been about what's happened in the past and at the moment, but the sixth seal is bringing God's judgement on the persecuting people earlier on. The big question is (v17) ..."For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?"....chapter 7 reveals the answer...

Revelation 5

The big idea: Jesus' death is central to the whole of history....and what's to come!

v1-5- So, the person John can see sitting on the throne is holding a scroll. Now, this isn't just any old scroll, it contains God's plan for the whole world! It has seven seals and as each one is broken, a little more of Gods plan is revealed. 

verses 2-3 say "(2) And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” (3) But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it."

-None of us are perfect or worthy enough to open it, apart from the lion, Jesus (v5). He lived a perfect life, obeying God and dying on the cross for us. Only Christ got over sin, death, hell, and the devil, so only he can be trusted and is worthy enough.

v6-10- John sees Jesus as a lion AND a lamb. He saw the lamb as if it had been slaughtered- Just as Jesus had suffered, died and risen again for us.

When you see an animal with horns, you usually wouldn't want to go anywhere near it...it's about twice your size and a lot stronger. Jesus, as the lamb is described as having seven horns. So, although he was sacrificed and suffered, he is definitely not weak because he lives in Gods strength and power. 

People from every nation and country are praising God in front of his throne. The good news isn't just limited to us lot who go to church week in week out, but to every race, culture and country. Anyone who repents is accepted by God.

Application: Don't let bias or your own feelings get in the way of you sharing the good news. 

v11-14- Jesus, not satan holds the future. Jesus Christ is in control, is worthy to open the scroll, and give us a future.

Revelation 4

The big idea: God sits on his throne and is in control of everything

So in chapter 4, we get a sneaky peek at the throne room of God in heaven....

v1- The voice he can hear is Jesus', just like he heard in Chapter 1.

v2- John is saying he was "in the spirit". Ok, when I first read this, I thought what on earth is he on about, but....this basically means that the Holy Spirit was giving him a vision. He could see a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. Now, this wasn't just anyone sitting on the throne, this was Christ!

v3-5- These verses are jam packed with references from the Old Testament. For example, the rainbow (v3) is from God's promise to Noah in the flood, the thunder and lightning (v5) from when God gave out his law on Mount Sinai.

Application: God is awesome! He is on his throne in heaven in control of everything :D

There are 24 thrones around God's throne. There were 12 tribes of Israel, and 12 disciples of Jesus and these 24 elders on the thrones symbolise ALL of God's people.

v6-7- The "four living beings" are representing God's character. They aren't real animals (lets face it, we would be a tad freaked out if we saw an animal covered all over in eyes!)....

the lion= God's power

the ox= God's faithfulness

the human- God's intelligence

the eagle= God's sovereignty 

(Ezekiel sees something similar in the Old Testament- chapter 1 v5-10)

v9-11-Worship causes us to consider and think about these parts of God's character and....verse 11 --> 

"You are worthy, O Lord our God,

to receive glory and honour and power.

For you created all things,

and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

All creatures in heaven and earth will praise and honour God because he is creator and sustainer of everything!

'You are worthy, o Lord, of all honour

You are worthy to receive all praise

In your presence I live and with all I have to give

I will worship you

Honour you, glorify your holy name.' 

....Hillsong: You are worthy

The pattern to the seven churches Chapter 2 & 3

Red- These are words of him

Orange- I know your deeds

Green- Yet I hold this against you

Blue- He who has an ear

Pink- To him who overcomes

 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

 These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:

(2)  I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. (3)  You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

(4)  Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. (5)  Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (6)  But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

(7)  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

8 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna:

 This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive:

 9 “I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.

 11 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.

12 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Pergamum:

This is the message from the one with the sharp two-edged sword:

 13 “I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city.
 14 “But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. 15 In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching. 16 Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
 17 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.
To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.

18 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Thyatira:

This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire, whose feet are like polished bronze:

 19 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.

 20 “But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman—that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immorality.

 22 “Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her evil deeds. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.

 24 “But I also have a message for the rest of you in Thyatira who have not followed this false teaching (‘deeper truths,’ as they call them—depths of Satan, actually). I will ask nothing more of you 25 except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come. 26 To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end,

   To them I will give authority over all the nations.

   27 They will rule the nations with an iron rod

      and smash them like clay pots.

28 They will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I will also give them the morning star!

 29 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

   These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

   4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

 7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

   These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

   11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

 14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

   These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

   19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

   21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”