The book of Revelation is a book that speaks to our times (Revelation 1-3) and to the times to come (Revelation 4-21). In the opening verses of Revelation the stage is set for all that will follow. In quick succession, John prefaces the prophecy with the following:
Title (v.1) – The title of the book is taken from the opening verse, “The revelation of Jesus Christ” (NIV).
Read More revelation, second coming, signature of GodGod’s final Word, and the triumphant message that runs throughout Revelation is, “Behold I am alive forever and ever!” (v.18) (NIV).
Christ is the Saviour who died and rose again (past), is alive and working in His Church today (present), and will come again (future). He is “the first, the last” (v.17).
Read More alive, glory, sevenChapters two and three contain love letters to the seven churches. These are personal letters from Christ to seven churches that existed in Asia Minor in the first century A.D. The appeal of the letters is personal, but the principles and practices addressed have a universal application.
Read More love, consistency, types of churches, complacencyPergamum – the challenged church. Despite the fact that the Pergamum believers stayed true to Christ’s name, they’re condemned for idolatry, immorality and imperiousness (vv.14-15). There were two doctrinal errors in this church; the doctrine of Balaam (see Numbers 22-25) and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.
Read More challenge, compromise, sexual immorality, cultural accomodationSardis is the least favoured of the seven churches. It was devoid of life. There was nothing happening other than a hollow pretence of faith. Ray Steadman chillingly calls it “The Church of the Zombies.” Apart from a few believers, they were nominal in belief; having an outward profession but being dead on the inside.
Read More commitment, repentance, condemnation, complacencyWe are on a ten day journey together through part of the book of Revelation. Many Bible readers avoid this book, finding it impenetrable, even scary. It is mysterious, but it is also beautiful and, above all, utterly relevant for Christian living. So, don’t be afraid. We will, I trust, discover some amazing truths together!
Read More worship, throne, rainbowToday we are still in heaven. The One sitting on the throne is holding a scroll. It has writing on both sides and is firmly sealed. The seals alarm John because the scroll represents God’s plan to redeem his world and if it cannot be opened then those purposes remain unfulfilled.
Read More prayers, Lamb of God, scroll, celebrationNow it starts to get nasty, as we are plunged back to earth and see four coloured horses, a blackened sun, a blood red moon, falling stars and much more. Are you up for this?
First we have to face the fact that it is the Lamb in heaven who breaks the seals and releases evil on earth.
Read More horses, victory, judgment, evil, sealsReading Revelation is a challenge, but in the end the message is very simple: heaven is for real. Not a remote destination beyond death, but a present reality always promising to break into our earthly life. Heaven, God’s space as it were, is so very close.
Today the roller-coaster shoots us back to the throne room.
Read More destiny, security, safetyThere’s no denying that Revelation is bit strange. Back in chapter 6 we watched as six seals were broken and evil flooded the world, but the seventh seal never materialized. Have you been wondering about it?
Now at last it’s opened, but instead of the expected destruction, all we have is the sound of silence.
Read More seals, destruction, light, prayer