Revelation 7

This chapter in Revelation introduces us to two groups of people. One has a very specific number, from the nation of Israel; the other, innumerable and from every nation on earth. The Gospel will still go out, throughout the time of great tribulation and trial on the earth. Even in the midst of the display of God's wrath, He still extends grace.  God rules, and regardless of the chaos on earth, He remains on the throne, governing all. 

Revelation 6

In chapter 6 of Revelation, we see how the things that will take place on the earth are initiated in heaven. It is the action of Jesus, the Lamb of God, that will set in motion the events taking place. These will be catastrophic and tragic events for mankind and creation. Many will perish.

Isaiah 28:21 speaks of how judgment is God's "strange work". We should be in awe and holy fear of Him, as Jesus said, "who after He has killed has the authority to cast into hell; fear Him"(Luke 12:5, Matthew 10:28). May we worship and adore our holy and just, loving and faithful God, "who delights to show mercy" (Micah 7:18).

Revelation 5

This week we are in the midst of the scene in heaven. This scene of worship, of God upon the throne, the absolute authority and power, the center of it all, should serve to re-align us and center us, as we recognize that He deserves much more attention and ascribed value than we often give. May our hearts be lifted up and our minds set on things above, that we will fill our thoughts and opinions with God's greatness more and more, and that our minds will be more consumed with thoughts of Him than of ourselves. He is worthy!

Revelation 4

Our study in the book of Revelation is moving forward this week, as we go into the next section, the scene in heaven. Many people are curious about what heaven will be like. Jesus told parables about heaven during His earthly ministry, but these only compared what it was like. Here in Revelation 4, Jesus gave John a vision of the center of heaven, the throne of God. May this amazing revelation bless, encourage and inspire us as we seek to set our minds on things above, where Christ is!

Revelation 2 & 3

This Sunday we will be reviewing the seven churches and the message of Jesus to us all, as His church. This section, with direct instruction, correction, rebuke and teaching from Jesus Himself is such an important part of the book of Revelation. It is brief compared to the whole book, but it makes up in depth for what it does not have in length. We will also be covering the introduction to the next section of Revelation.

Revelation 3, part 3

This week we are covering the last of the seven letters to churches. It is the church at Laodicea, known as the lukewarm church. Sadly, Jesus had nothing good to say to them about what was going on in their midst. He calls them to repent, to gain His heavenly perspective, to pursue heaven and not earthly gain, and to be fully committed to Him. We have much to glean and learn from the words of Jesus to this church.

Revelation 3, part 1

Dear Sardis...

This letter is almost like a so-called "Dear John" letter. Not that Jesus wants to break up with His church, but they have been unfaithful. It doesn't matter what we say about ourselves that matters, it is what Jesus sees and what Jesus says about us that matters most. 

Multiple times God's Word exhorts us to examine ourselves, to take stock regularly. It is too easy to drift, to slip into action without intention, to lose purpose and try to live off of what happened yesterday. Our relationship with God is to be an experience made fresh daily. Another superb message from the heart of Jesus for us is in this letter to Sardis.