Revelation

I can only hope that you all understand these entries. Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!

Things to remember when studying Revelation:
1. It is not hard to understand. Think of it like this, if you were living in John's time and saw a B52 bomber, how would you describe it? You would have to use language and things that the people of that day understood; therefore, it looked and sounded like animals or the like. A bomber might look like an eagle with the face of a man. (That is purely an example! :) ))

2. Beth Moore put it so simply: God spoke through the nation of Israel in the Old Testament. When Christ came, God began to speak through The Church (Christians). He put the Nation of Israel "on hold" as with a telephone. They are now "on hold" and God is speaking through us. After the rapture as described in 1 Thessalonians 4 happens, Israel will be taken off "hold" and once again, God will speak through that nation (the people).

To many Revelation is a closed book. My Daddy (that's how we say it in Georgia) used to tell me that we did not need to study Revelation because we would not be here. Well, if I can't understand something, how am I going to tell someone about it to warn them. I need to understand everything that God's Word has to offer! I hunger to know everything that is in that little Book and I am so far from it!

There is a special blessing to anyone to studies the Book of Revelation. Rev 1:3 and Rev 22:7 tell us this clearly so I want my blessing!

It reveals God's plan for the future. As a child I heard over and over again that the "end times" were near. Well, they are still near and will always be near. It doesn't necessarily mean that they will be today or tomorrow (though they certainly might be). It simply means that we need to always be ready and on our spiritual toes!

This book gives clearer detail concerning Bible prophecy than any other book in the Bible. It reveals the governmental operation of the man of sin; the terrible events of the tribulation period; the ultimate end of Satan; the glorification of the Church; the future position of the saint and the City Christ has prepared for His church.

It completes the circle of Bible truths:

It completes what Genesis began: (this is so cool!)

Genesis shows man's beginning in a beautiful paradise;
Revelation shows the wonderful paradise to come.

Genesis shows how man lost his chance to eat of the tree of life (Gen 3:22-24)
Revelation shows man will eat of that very same tree (Rev 22:2)

Genesis tells of man's first revellion against God in chapters 3 and 4
Revelation promises to end man's rebellion against God

Genesis records the first murderer, drunkard, and rebel
Revelation promises a city where no sin will enter (Rev 21:27)

Genesis reveals the tragic sorrow that resulted from sin
Revelation promises that God will wipe away our tears (Rev 21:4)

Genesis records the first death
Revelation promises that there will be no more death (rev 21:4)

Genesis shows the beginning of the curse and Revelation shows that curse lifted Rev 22:3

Genesis introduces the devil for the first time and Revelation shows the final doom of Satan (Rev 20:10)

Genesis promises that Satan's hear would be bruised; Revelation shows him bruised and defeated (Rev 19:20)

Genesis shows Satan's first attempt at discrediting the Word of God; Revelation promises the curse on all such ones who detract from God's Holy Word (Rev 22:19

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The key verse is Revelation 1:19. "Write the things which thou hast seen and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter."

Threefold division of Revelation: that which was, is and is to come.

Listen to this description:

Music is like food to my soul! Music speaks to me when nothing else can come close. If Revelation were written in a four part movement like a symphony, it would express the inner drama and suspense that the text contains. There would be mixtures of sheer terror and surprising peace; dangers too perilous to contemplate and at the last minute ... the LION to whom we belong appearing on our behalf. The cadences are swift, sudden titanic jolts; yet there is a steady and sure paced movement and beat.

Look at the pictures so clearly stated by John and get them into your hear. If we believe the Word of God, we surely believe that these times will come to pass.

LET THE TEXT SPEAK FOR ITSELF. DO NOT TRY TO INTERPRET SOMETHING AS WE THINK IT MIGHT BE BUT TRY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT JOHN WAS TRYING TO SAY.