Revelation

Last time, we saw John distressed because the One sitting on the throne held a scroll with seven seals, and initially no one was found worthy to take it. The scroll reveals God’s plan, which would be thwarted if no one could open it. However, there was one who could open the scroll. He is the Lamb that had been slain—once dead, but now alive. Jesus, the Lamb, was the only one worthy to be given the scroll. 

When reading Revelation, many share that same feeling: “There’s too much dang confusion in here. I give up!” Let me emphasize that our goal for this study is to clarify what we can, highlight what we need to learn about end-time events, while not losing sight of what matters to us today. And let’s remember that this prophecy can be summed up in five words: In the end, we win!

Upon his impressive entrance, Jesus wrote to the seven churches in the province of Asia (Rev. 2-3). Letters to these churches place the prophecy within its historical context. Now, we turn our attention to the last days (Rev. 4-22). Before describing future events, we are shown a vision of heaven in chapters 4 and 5. This provides a preview of what is to come. Today, let’s examine this scene in Revelation 4 with four striking brush strokes. 

Weekend Recharge!

Weekend Recharge!

The Revelation begins with a brief introduction and a vision of Jesus in the first chapter. Then, in chapters 2-3, Jesus writes letters to seven first-century churches. These churches face real issues, which are common, ongoing problems that the body of Christ has faced throughout church history.

The Revelation begins with a brief introduction and a vision of Jesus in the first chapter. Then, in chapters 2-3, Jesus writes letters to seven first-century churches. These churches face real issues, which are common, ongoing problems that the body of Christ has faced throughout church history.

There is only one thing worse than lacking the assurance of salvation, and that is believing you're a Christian when you're not. Let’s examine what that looked like in the church of Sardis. 

Today, we are inundated with self-proclaimed experts. From podcasts to YouTube videos, TikTok, and Instagram stories and reels, men and women, young and old, tell us what to believe and why. With their polished presentations and charismatic personalities, we can easily be deceived by messages that are not biblically sound. That’s what happened to a group of believers who were part of a small church in Thyatira.