God Is Coming, pt. 13

Hello! In Terry’s continuing series on the Book of Revelation, he took us on a quick tour through chapter 12. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and links to referenced Scriptures. Enjoy! *Note: this was recorded on my phone, so the sound quality may be different than usual.

God Is Coming, part 13

Introduction: Just like a grape, sometimes we have to be squeezed for the good stuff to manifest. God, throughout the Tribulation (the squeezing), is calling people back to Him. And in Rev. 11:13, we finally do see people turn to Him. Judgment has two reactions: 1) Repentance or 2) Rage against God. Both reactions are seen in Revelation, but God’s heart is for all to come to repentance.

Revelation 12

  • v. 1-2: The Woman
    • Catholics say she is Mother Mary
    • This is actually a fulfillment of Joseph’s dream from Genesis 37
    • The woman is Israel.
      • The child is Jesus
        • Matthew 2 – warned not to go back to Bethlehem
        • Was a satanic attack – a relentless attack to eliminate Israel & Christianity (has been going on since the Fall of Man)
  • v. 3-4: The Dragon
    • Takes us back to the promise in Genesis 3:15
      • The seed of the woman vs the seed of the serpent
    • This is not the Church (that is Replacement Theology, which is not biblical)
    • 7 heads, 10 horns
      • from the Book of Daniel & Revelation 17
        • the 7 heads: Egypt, Syria, Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, Rome, yet to come
      • the 10 horns can be found in Daniel 7 & Revelation 17
        • for protection, fighting
        • 10 countries/kingdoms ally with Antichrist for a season
  • v. 5: The Messiah
    • Mission & Ascension
    • Psalm 2:3-9: will rule all nations with a rod of iron (also in Revelation 19)
    • caught up to God – Acts 1
      • from the Mount of Olives
  • v. 6: Israel Protected
    • by God
    • for 1260 days (3 1/2 years)
    • Matthew 24 – beginning of the Great Tribulation
  • v. 7-9: War in Heaven
    • Between Michael & his angels and the Dragon & his angels
    • Dragon Identified
      • the serpent of old (Genesis 3)
      • the devil
      • Satan
      • deceives the whole world
    • Dragon thrown down to earth
      • his angels (demons) with him
      • right now, Satan has access to the throne of God to accuse us (Job 1)
  • v. 10: Rejoicing in Heaven
    • Because the dragon has been banned from the Throne
    • Praising God because these have come:
      • salvation
      • power
      • kingdom
      • authority
    • Satan has already been sentenced
      • the enemy is a defeated foe in the life of the believer
      • we must continue to wash our minds with the Word of God
  • v. 11: Overcomers
    • those who are in the Tribulation will only overcome the ways of the dragon by:
      • the blood of the Lamb
      • the word of their testimony
      • not loving their life, even unto death
  • v. 12: Rejoice & Woe
    • Rejoicing in heaven
    • Woe on the earth
      • the devil is mad because he has been cast out
      • he knows his time (the final 3 1/2 years) is short
      • John 10 tells us that the thief (the devil) comes to steal, kill, & destroy
      • Zechariah 13:8 – only 1/3 of Israel left on the earth by this point in the Tribulation
      • Romans 11:26 – all Israel will be saved
  • v. 13: Persecution
    • Israel will be even more heavily persecuted by the dragon
  • v. 14: Protection
    • God will provide for & protect Israel during these 3 1/2 years
  • v. 15-16: The Devil Tries
    • the dragon tries to kill/destroy Israel, but fails
  • v. 17: The Dragon is Enraged

God Is Coming, pt. 12

Hello! I’ve been trying to figure out how to post Terry’s message from the last Sunday of December, since the batteries in the recorder died partway through. So, I finally decided that I’d post what I have of the audio and the notes I took in church. Sorry for the technical problems!

God Is Coming, pt. 12

Isaiah 46:4 is a great reminder of the ironclad promises of God.

Review: This book describes the preparation for Christ’s return. Romans 11:25-27 tells us that when the fullness of the Gentiles have come to the Lord, God will turn back to His people Israel. This all comes together in Revelation. God will make all things new.

Revelation 11

  • v. 5-6 – the witnesses needed to be protected
    • both Jews & Gentiles are against them
    • fire comes out of their mouths
    • ability to stop the rains
    • power over waters
    • power to smite the earth with plagues
      • every kind
      • as often as they wish
  • v. 7 – when they finish their ministry
    • just like John the Baptist
      • fulfilled his calling
      • faithfully served
    • the beast from the abyss will kill them
  • v. 8-10 – after they are killed
    • the “great city” = Jerusalem (where the Lord was crucified)
      • called “Sodom” and “Egypt” because it is defiled
    • the people of the world react
      • leave the witness’ bodies on display
      • refuse to give them a respectful burial
    • rejoice over them
      • make merry
      • send gifts to each other
      • because the witnesses “tormented” them (by speaking God’s truth)
    • *Note: this is where the audio ends…
  • v. 11 – after 3 1/2 days…
    • the witnesses are brought back to life
    • great fear falls on all who see
  • v. 12 – at the same time…
    • a voice from heaven calls them
      • “Come up here.”
    • they ascend into heaven
    • their enemies watch
  • v. 13 – another earthquake (one of 12 in Revelation)
    • 1/10 of the city of Jerusalem destroyed
    • 7000 people killed
    • then people finally repent & give glory to God
      • we’re not told how many, but it could be tons!
  • v. 14 – the 2nd woe is past
    • of the 3 woes in Revelation 8:13
      • 1st woe: opening of the abyss
      • 2nd woe: witnesses
  • v. 15 – 7th trumpet (result will be in Revelation 16)
    • John hears in heaven
      • rejoicing in heaven
      • He shall reign for ever and ever
  • v. 16-18 – the 24 elders worship God again
    • fall on their faces
    • declare the glory of God
      • praising Him for He has taken His power & has begun to reign
    • tell us of the anger of the unredeemed
      • points to the White Throne Judgment
  • v. 19 – a view of the temple in heaven
    • reminds us of the crucifixion – when the veil was torn (Matthew 27:51)
    • ark of the covenant is seen
    • lightning, thunder, another earthquake, a hailstorm (Matthew 27:50-53)
    • many things in Revelation have a first type of fulfillment in the Old & New Testaments

God Is Coming, pt. 11

Before Christmas, Terry’s overview of the Book of Revelation took us through chapter 10 and into chapter 11. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. Also included are some notes and links to verses referenced, so you can read along with Terry’s lesson.

God Is Coming, pt. 11

Introduction: Brief review of chapters 8-9. The first 4 trumpet judgments affect the physical earth (where the rebellion happened). Judgments are a temper tantrum – they are a preparation/winnowing/call to repentance. The 5th & 6th trumpets pertain to the demon world – the abyss is opened, and the demons loosed to torture those not sealed by God. Deuteronomy 18:9-14 – God doesn’t want us dabbling in/opening the door to the spirit realm. There’s nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9) – demons want to inhabit man & the more people get exposed to/immune to the demonic realm, the easier it is for demons to do what they want.

Revelation 10 – Interlude

  • v. 1 – John saw:
    • another mighty angel
    • came out of heaven
    • clothed with a cloud
    • rainbow on his head
    • face like the sun
    • feet like pillars of fire
  • v. 2 – the angel held a “little book/scroll”
    • right foot on the sea
    • left foot on the land
  • v. 3 – the angel cried out
    • loud – like a lion
    • 7 peals of thunder responded
  • v. 4 – John was about to write what the thunders said
    • God stopped him from recording it
  • v. 5 – the angel raises his right hand to heaven
    • sign of an oath
  • v. 6-7 – the angel swears by God
    • there will be no more delay of judgment & prophecy
    • when the 7th angel is about to blow his trumpet the mystery of God will finish
  • v. 8 – God speaks to John
    • “Go!” – go to the angel
    • “Do!” – take the book from the angel
  • v. 9 – John obeys without argument
    • is told to take the scroll and eat it
    • this “little book/scroll” is probably the Word of God
  • v. 10 – John ate
    • was sweet in his mouth, but bitter in his stomach
    • Psalm 19 – the words of God are sweeter than honey
    • It’s sweet to know that God will deal with the unbelievers, but bitter to know what will happen to them.
  • v. 11 – the angel speaks to John
    • “You must prophesy again concerning…”
      • peoples
      • nations
      • tongues
      • kings

Revelation 11

  • v. 1 – John is given a measuring stick
    • told to measure the temple of God & the altar & the people who worship
    • is a physical temple on earth
      • v. 2 notes “the holy city” = Jerusalem
      • will be built in Jerusalem at the beginning of the Tribulation
      • Ezekiel 40-42: Ezekiel is told to measure the temple that will be in the new earth
  • v. 2 – told not to measure the outer court
    • it is given over to the nations
    • for the 1st 42 months of the Tribulation (3 1/2 years)
  • v. 3 – two witnesses
    • will prophesy in Jerusalem
    • for 1260 days (42 months; 3 1/2 years)
    • dressed in sackcloth (mourning)
  • v. 4 – prophecy fulfilled
  • v. 5 – power from God
    • if someone desires to harm them
      • fire proceeds from their mouths
  • v. 6 – more power from God
    • to shut up the sky (stop the rains)
    • to turn water to blood
    • to smite the earth with plagues (as often as they desire)
    • will be encouraging people to turn to God’s salvation
  • v. 7 – end of the 3 1/2 years
    • witnesses finish their testimony
    • Abaddon/Apollyon/beast from the abyss will kill them
    • all on God’s time

God Is Coming, pt. 10

Hello! Terry’s continued series on Revelation took us into chapter 9. To listen to this teaching, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and links to Bible Gateway for the verses he references.

God Is Coming, pt. 10

Introduction: Review of the first four trumpet judgments:

  • 1st trumpet: 1/3 of the land burned, 1/3 of the trees burned, all of the grass burned
  • 2nd trumpet: 1/3 of the seas turned to blood
  • 3rd trumpet: 1/3 of all other waters turned bitter
  • 4th trumpet: 1/3 of the sun, moon, and stars smitten
  • God’s people will be protected, but some will be martyred for their faith. But to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Revelation 9

  • v. 1 – the 5th trumpet
    • star = angel (he) was given the key
      • key is to the abyss/bottomless pit/deep = a place where demons have been incarcerated for a long time
  • v. 2 – the abyss is opened by the angel
    • terrible smoke rises and darkens the earth
  • v. 3 – locusts/demons come out of the smoke
    • GIVEN power
      • allowed/used by God
    • power LIKE scorpions
  • v. 4 – God commands the locusts/demons
    • part of God’s retribution/judgment
    • the only part of God’s creation that has free will is mankind
    • mission of these demonic entities is to hurt the unbelievers
    • not to damage the earth/grass/trees, etc.
  • v. 5 – more instructions to the locusts/demons
    • do not kill the people
    • torment them for 5 months
    • torment is like being stung by a scorpion
  • v. 6 – the reaction
    • men will seek death, but they won’t be able to die (not even by suicide)
  • v. 7-10 – characteristics of the locusts
    • 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 – Satan & his servants appear as angels of light – but not this time; they will be seen for what they are
    • Like horses prepared
      • crowns like gold
      • faces like men
      • long hair like women
      • teeth like a lion
      • breastplates of iron
      • wings make a horrible noise
      • tails like scorpions to hurt for 5 months
    • This is all to stop our sin/evil behavior & turn to the Lord for salvation.
  • v. 11 – King of the Locusts
    • ruling angel of the abyss
    • Hebrew – Abaddon
    • Greek – Apollyon
    • Destroyer – the devil comes to steal, kill, & destroy (John 10:10)
  • v. 12 – The first woe has passed (Rev. 8:13).
  • v. 13 – 6th trumpet
    • God is in control
    • voice from the horns of the altar before God
  • v. 14 – 6th angel
    • commanded by the voice from the altar
    • told to release the 4 angels bound under the Euphrates
  • v. 15 – 4 imprisoned angels released
    • to kill 1/3 of mankind
    • nearly 1/2 the rebellions population of the world will have been wiped out at this point in the Tribulation
  • v. 16 – Armies numbered
    • 200 million horsemen
    • NOT Armageddon
  • v. 17 – Armies described
    • Breastplates
      • fiery red, dark blue, yellow as sulfur
    • Heads of the horses resemble heads of lions
      • fire, smoke, & sulfur from their mouths
  • v. 18 – another 1/3 of rebellious mankind killed
    • killed by the fire, smoke, & sulfur from the mouths of the horses
  • v. 19 – more description of the horses
    • power from their:
      • mouths (fire, smoke, sulfur)
      • tails – like a serpent with a head that does harm
  • v. 20-21 – mindset of those that still reject God
    • did not repent of:
      • worshipping devils & idols
      • murder
      • sorcery/pharmakeia (drug use/witchcraft, etc. – the devil can use people much more effectively if they aren’t in their right mind)
      • immorality
      • theft
    • man is capable of so much depravity apart from God
  • God is bringing His kingdom – that is the goal of the Tribulation!

God Is Coming, pt. 9

Last Sunday, Terry continued his flyover of the Book of Revelation by taking us through chapter 8 and into chapter 9. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and links to verses referenced.

If you’ve missed any of the messages and would like to catch up or hear them from the beginning, check out the archives to the right of this post. Terry began this series in October 2023.

God Is Coming, pt. 9

Introduction: God’s wrath during the Tribulation is because there will be people who will refuse to receive Jesus, and God will have done all He possibly can to soften their hearts. He will always (up until the final moment) give the opportunity to be saved. Many will come to salvation during the Tribulation. God’s people are not appointed to wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Matthew 24 & 25 are a snapshot of the Book of Revelation in Jesus’ own words.

Revelation 8

  • v. 1 – the Lamb opens the 7th seal
    • silence in heaven for 1/2 hour
      • the rejoicing and praising ceases
      • in recognition of the devastation to come
    • the 7th seal contains the 7 trumpet judgments
  • v. 2 – 7 angels before God
    • God’s messengers
      • do His work on earth
      • serve Him in many ways
    • given 7 trumpets
  • v. 3 – another angel comes
    • stands before the altar of God
    • holds a golden censer (incense burner)
      • given incense to add to the prayers of the saints on the altar
      • as the priests would do in the Tabernacle in the wilderness & the Temple in Jerusalem
        • what they did was a shadow of what was being done in heaven
        • Ezekiel 40-46 – the future Temple
  • v. 4 – the smoke of the incense is mixed with the prayers
    • the mixture rises up to God
  • v. 5 – the angel fills the censer with fire from the altar
    • throws the fire at the earth, which unleashes:
      • thunder
      • lightning
      • earthquake
  • v. 6 – 7 angels prepare to blow the trumpets
  • v. 7 – 1st trumpet
    • 1st three trumpets affect the earth
    • hail & fire mixed with blood falls on the earth
      • 1/3 of the earth is burned
      • 1/3 of the trees are burned
      • All of the green grass is burned
  • v. 8 – 2nd trumpet
    • Like the plague in Egypt (Exodus 7:14-24)
    • what looks like a mountain on fire is thrown into the sea
    • 1/3 of the sea turns to blood
  • v. 9 – Results of the 2nd trumpet
    • 1/3 of the sea creatures die
    • 1/3 of the ships are destroyed
  • v. 10 – 3rd trumpet
    • a “great star” falls on:
      • 1/3 of the rivers
      • the springs of water
  • v. 11 – the “star”
    • called Wormwood
      • maybe a meteor or asteroid, we don’t know
    • 1/3 of all water becomes bitter (wormwood is a bitter substance)
    • many people die as a result
  • v. 12 – 4th trumpet
    • affects the heavenlies
      • 1/3 of the sun is darkened
      • 1/3 of the moon is darkened
      • 1/3 of the stars are darkened
        • Imagine the day and night darkened by 33%
        • Talk about climate change!
        • Will affect EVERYTHING on earth
  • v. 13 – An angel (or an eagle, depending on your translation) flies by
    • cries out “Woe, woe, woe!”
    • the next trumpets will affect people directly

Revelation 9

  • v. 1 – 5th trumpet
    • a “star” falls from heaven
  • v. 2 – Fallen angel opens the abyss
    • smoke comes out of the abyss
    • smoke is so thick, it covers/darkens the sun

Praise God, He is still in control!

God Is Coming, pt. 5

Terry’s continuing series in the book of Revelation took us to Revelation 4, where he taught about Worship in Heaven. To listen to this message, simply click on the audio player below. Also included are some notes and links to Scriptures referenced by Terry.

God Is Coming, pt. 5

Review:

  • Revelation 1:19 – outline of the book of Revelation
    • ch. 1 – things that you’ve seen
    • ch. 2 & 3 – things that are
    • ch. 4-22 – things that will be
  • Reminders/Pitfalls/Concerns – Lessons from the letters to the churches
    • Don’t lose your first love
    • Don’t be afraid to suffer (Matthew 10:28)
    • Be on guard for sexual sin/impurity
    • Be on guard against spiritual deadness
    • Hold fast to the Word
    • Be on guard against lukewarmness/indifference
    • Be on guard against compromise/moving away from the Lord
  • Ch. 2-3: John was told, “Write what you hear…”
  • Beginning in ch. 4, John is told, “Write what you see…”

Worship in Heaven: Revelation 4

  • v. 1 – After all these things: the beginning of John’s eyewitness account
  • v. 2 – Immediately
    • God took John to the spiritual realm to give us a glimpse of heaven
    • Translated from Patmos to heaven
    • Saw a throne
      • One sitting on the throne – the Father
  • v. 3 – John describes the beauty he sees as best he can
  • v. 4 – 24 thrones with 24 elders
    • clothed in white
    • golden crowns
    • clues will tell us later that these seem to be humans who have received their reward for faithfulness
  • v. 5 – Lightning & thunder around the throne
  • v. 6 – Before the throne
    • a sea of glass – the magnificence of being in the presence of God is unimaginable
    • In the midst of the throne –
Artist representation of the Four Living Creatures
  • v. 7 – the Four Living Creatures
    • Lion
    • Calf
    • Man
    • Eagle
  • v. 8 – What do the 4 Creatures do?
    • full of eyes
    • have 6 wings
    • rest not
    • do not cease to say (a doxology):
      • Holy, holy, holy
      • Lord (Master)
      • God
      • Almighty/All-powerful
      • Was, Is, Is to Come – eternal nature of God
  • v. 9 – the creatures give glory/honor/thanks to God
    • this triggers v. 10
  • v. 10 – the 24 elders fall before God
    • worship Him
    • cast their crowns before the throne
    • say another doxology
  • v. 11 – Doxology of the 24 elders
    • God is worthy of everything
    • Because He created all things
  • Our purpose is to glorify the Lord by accomplishing the things He has for us to do, because we give Him pleasure.

God Is Coming, pt. 4

In Terry’s continuing series, he took us through Revelation 3 and the last three churches. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. Also included are some notes and links to Scriptures referenced. Be blessed!

God Is Coming, pt. 4

The Lord knows what’s going on in His churches – He walks in the midst of them.

1 Peter 4:17 – God only corrects those who belong to Him, whom He loves (Hebrews 12:6)

The things the Seven Churches of Revelation are working through here have parallels with churches/church ages throughout history, as well as today.

  1. The Church of Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6)
    • v. 1 – attributes of Christ
      • Holds the “seven spirits/seven-fold spirit” (Isaiah 11:2) – the Holy Spirit
      • Hold the seven stars – angels (Revelation 1:20)
    • What They Were Doing Wrong (v. 1b)
      • Look good on the outside, but spiritually dead
    • Instruction to the Church (v. 2-4)
      • Wake up!
      • Strengthen the good things
      • Trust & obey
      • God gives a way back to Him (that’s His mercy, hope, & grace):
        • Remember
        • Hold fast
        • Repent
      • If you won’t turn back to Him:
        • Christ will come when you’re not ready (as a thief)
      • To those who have not gone astray:
        • They are found worthy to walk with Him
        • White clothes = clothed in the righteousness of God
    • Instruction to the Individual (v. 5)
      • If you overcome:
        • clothed in white
        • name will NOT be erased from the Book of Life
        • He will confess your name before the Father
          • If you are ashamed of Jesus, He’ll be ashamed of you before His Father (Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26)
  2. The Church of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)
    • v. 7 – attributes of Christ
      • Holy
      • True
      • holds the key of David (King of Israel)
      • what He opens/shuts:
        • God gives us opportunities & redirects us to His will, but we need to be in tune with the Spirit
    • What They Were Doing Right (v. 8)
      • No misdeeds
      • they are weakening, but God’s grace is sufficient
      • kept the Word
      • held onto His Name
    • Promises (v. 911a)
      • God will make sure that everyone knows that He loves His true Church.
      • Those who have kept His Word will be spared from the “hour of testing”
      • He is coming quickly!
    • Instruction to the Church (v. 11b)
      • Hold fast
        • be faithful to the end
    • Instruction to the Individual (v. 12)
      • He who overcomes/is victorious (many start the race, but not all finish)
        • will be a pillar in the temple of the Father in heaven
          • help hold up the Kingdom
        • will write on him the Name of God & the name of the city of God (the New Jerusalem – Rev. 21:2)
  3. The Church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22)
    • v. 14 – attributes of Christ
      • the Amen
      • faithful
      • true witness of the Father
      • Creator/Sustainer
    • What They Were Doing Wrong (v. 15-17)
      • No good deeds!
      • they are lukewarm
        • need to make up your mind how you truly feel about God (get right with Him)
        • WARNING: stay lukewarm and He will spit you out!
      • they are spiritually unaware
        • think they are rich, but are poor
          • they are too comfortable/content in worldly things apart from the Lord
        • they are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked
    • Instruction to the Church (v. 18-19)
      • buy from God
        • invest in Him
        • look to Him for everything, because He will sustain you
      • clothe yourselves in white
        • be right with God
      • see with spiritual eyes, not worldly eyes
    • Indictment of the Laodicean Church (v. 20)
      • Jesus is on the outside of this church.
        • They think they have it all together, but Jesus isn’t even a part of it. He’s standing at the door, waiting to be invited in.
    • Instruction to the Individual (v. 20b-21)
      • Listen!
        • If you hear His voice, open the door to Him.
      • If you repent and hold fast (He always gives us a road back):
        • you’ll have the right to sit with Jesus on His throne
    • v. 22 – Listen/hear the Spirit
      • His Spirit is preparing the Bride of Christ (the Church) for the Wedding Feast of the Lamb
        • Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
        • He wants to bring clarity & purity to the Church

God Is Coming, pt. 3

Last Sunday, Terry continued his teaching on the Seven Churches of Revelation. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and links to Bible Gateway to read verses that Terry references. Enjoy and be blessed!

God Is Coming, pt. 3

God is in the midst of His people, His churches – He knows what is going on in every church.

1 Peter 4:17 – Judgment begins with the household of God (His people – Israel & the Church)

These letters are report cards for the churches – what they’re doing right & where they are going astray and need to change their track.

The Church of Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11)

  • v. 8 – characteristics/attributes/names of Christ
  • Reminder: stay within the bounds of Scripture!
  • What They Were Doing Right (v. 9)
    • Smyrna was intensely persecuted, but spiritually rich
      • persecution breeds spiritual fervor/revival
  • v. 9b – The Jews who rejected Christ & persecuted Christians
    • This persecution actually helped spread the Gospel
  • Instruction to the Church (v. 10)
    • Persecution will get worse, but:
      • Fear no more
      • Be faithful unto death
        • Don’t deny Christ; focus on the life to come
  • Instruction to the Individual (v. 11)
    • Listen & understand!
    • v. 11b – the Second Death = the Lake of Fire

The Church at Pergamos (Pergamum) (Revelation 2:9-17)

  • v. 12 – the sharp, two-edged sword = the Word of God
  • What They Were Doing Right (v. 13)
    • where Satan has his throne – Pergamos was an evil place filled with false deities/religions (and a huge temple to Zeus), but the Church held fast to Christ
  • What They Were Doing Wrong (v. 14-15)
    • the doctrine of Balaam: they listened to false teaching
    • the devil turned people away to sexual immorality/compromise
    • living in the midst of pagan religion made it hard to stay true to Christ
  • Instruction to the Church (v. 16)
    • Repent!
  • Instruction to the Individual (v. 17)
    • even if the Church as a whole doesn’t repent, it is up to each person to return to God
    • there is a special blessing for those who listen to the Word and understand it

The Church at Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-27)

  • v. 18 – Jesus Christ in His glorified state
    • Revelation 1:13-18
    • One big difference: in ch. 1, Jesus was “like a son of man” – here, He is identified as the Son of God
  • What They Were Doing Right (v. 19)
    • they showed agape love
    • they were faithful
    • they served others for the Lord
    • they persevered
    • they actually got better over time
  • What They Were Doing Wrong (v. 20)
    • they tolerated Jezebel (one who turns people away from God and to false religion)
  • Instruction to the Church (v. 21-25)
    • v. 21 – God wants everyone to repent & gives everyone a chance
    • v. 22-23 – God knows all we think & do; no matter how pious we think we look on the outside, He will judge & punish those He knows are faithless
    • v. 24-25 – to those of the Church who remained faithful, God said to hold on & you will be okay
  • Instruction to the Individual (v. 26-27)
    • v. 26 – Praise God for His faithfulness to the individual who overcomes – we will help to shepherd/administer the Kingdom
    • v. 27 – quote from Psalm 2:9
      • there will be no nonsense in God’s Kingdom
      • there will be no end to His Kingdom (Isaiah 9:7)

God Is Coming, pt. 2

In Terry’s continuing winter series on the Book of Revelation, he began teaching about the Seven Churches of Revelation (chapters 2 & 3). This message introduces the churches and takes us through the letter to the Church in Ephesus. To listen to this lesson, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and links to Scriptures referenced.

God Is Coming, pt. 2

Introduction:

  • Revelation 1:13-17 – Jesus in His risen, glorified form
  • Romans 11:25-26 – When the fullness of the Gentiles…
  • Outline of Revelation (1:19)
    • Things you have seen (ch. 1)
    • Things which are (ch. 2 & 3)
    • Things to come (ch. 4-22)
  • 1 Peter 4:17-18 – the time of judgment begins with the Church – clearing out the chaff

The Seven ChurchesRevelation 2 & 3

  • ecclesia – the Church (the ones called out by God)
  • The Seven Churches were historical churches in 1st century Asia Minor
    • God gives a “report card” for each of them (what they’re doing right and how they are missing the mark)
    • Also a model/warning for us today – emulate what they did right, turn away from what they did wrong.
    • The Church is a witness to the world.
  • The Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7)
    • v. 1 – Christ is in the midst of the Church
    • v. 2-3Six Things the Church in Ephesus Did Right
      • deeds/toil – worked for the Lord
      • perseverance – didn’t give up
      • cannot endure evil
      • tested and found false apostles (wolves in sheep’s clothing – Matthew 7:15)
      • endured for My Name’s sake
      • have not grown weary
    • v. 4How They are Missing the Mark
      • Left your first love – letting your love for God wane
        • What is the motive for your work? To please God?
        • Time alone with God is key for this love relationship with Him.
        • Do works as unto the Lord, for the Lord, and WITH the Lord.
    • v. 5aHow to Get Right With Him Again
      • Remember – how it used to be when you first came to salvation
      • Repent – change your thinking/focus
        • Turn away from sin
        • Turn toward God
      • Do the things that are pleasing to the Lord
    • v. 5bJudgment
      • God won’t allow situations where He is not the focus of the Church to go on forever.
      • He will take that church (lampstand) away
    • v. 6 Another Good Deed
      • Hate what God hates.
      • Don’t love the world
      • The greatest among you is the servant of all.
    • v. 7 – Hear what the Spirit says to the individual within the Church.
      • Corporately there is judgment on the Church for unrepentance, but one can repent individually, overcome the obstacles individually, and be rewarded with eternal life in heaven.
    • The Christian focus needs to be on the Kingdom of God!

God Is Coming, pt. 1

While Alan is spending his winter in warmer climes, we are blessed to have Terry begin a series on the Book of Revelation. This first message is an introduction and teaching from the first chapter of Revelation. To hear this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and links to verses Terry references. Praying you are blessed by this series in the days ahead.

God Is Coming, pt. 1

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – In the last days… (before the Lord comes)

Revelation 1

  • v. 1 – where the revelation came from
    • from God the Father
    • to the Son
    • to an angelic messenger
    • to John
  • v. 2 – throughout this chapter, there are a number of names/descriptions of Christ; the first of these is found in this verse. For the full list, see below.
  • v. 3 – a 3-fold blessing to those who
    • read the Book of Revelation
    • hear it
    • apply it
  • v. 4 – seven spirits (seven-fold Spirit) = the Holy Spirit
  • v. 4-6 – more of Christ’s names/descriptions
  • v. 7
    • Acts 1:11
    • “even those who pierced Him” = Israel
    • When He comes, the people of God will rejoice, but the people of the world will mourn.
  • v. 8 – more of Christ’s names/descriptions
  • v. 9 – John was exiled to the island of Patmos (see map) for his testimony and speaking the Word of God.
  • v. 10 – “in the Spirit” = worshiping God; “on the Lord’s day” = Sabbath Saturday.
  • v. 11 – message was to be shared with seven churches in biblical Asia
  • v. 12 – seven golden lampstands
    • Let the Bible interpret the Bible whenever possible (see v. 20)
  • v. 13-16 – description of the glorified Christ: who He was before the incarnation, and who He will be for eternity
    • in the midst (He dwells within the Church, His faithful people)
    • like a son of man – John, who spent years in the company of Jesus during His time on earth, wasn’t sure if it was Christ he saw, because he saw the glorified Christ
      • clothed in a long robe
      • with a sash across his chest
      • white hair
      • eyes like “a flame of fire” = judgment
      • feet like burnished bronze
      • voice like the sound of many waters (think of the noise of Niagara Falls)
      • in His right hand He held the seven stars (see v. 20)
      • out of His mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword = the Word (Hebrews 4:12)
      • His face was like the sun
  • v. 17 – John (who knew Christ well) fell at His feet as though dead
    • Christ made sure to minister to John before He continued (“Do not fear.”)
  • v. 17-18 – more of Christ’s names/descriptions
  • v. 19 – the outline of the Book of Revelation
    • things which you have seen (ch. 1)
    • things which are (ch. 2-3)
    • things which shall take place after these things (ch. 4-22)
  • v. 20 – Christ interprets the symbols
    • lampstands = churches
    • stars = angels/messengers of the churches

Names /Descriptions of Christ in ch. 1

  1. the Word (v. 2)
  2. the One who is and who was and who is to come (v. 4)
  3. the faithful witness (v. 5)
  4. firstborn of the dead (v. 5)
  5. ruler of the kings of the earth (v. 5)
  6. He who loves us (v. 5)
  7. He who has freed us from our sins by His blood (v. 5)
  8. He who has made us to be a kingdom of priests (v.6)
  9. Alpha & Omega (v. 8)
  10. the One who is and who was and who is to come (v. 8)
  11. the Almighty (v. 8)
  12. the First and the Last (v. 17)
  13. the Living One (v. 18)
  14. was dead, now alive forevermore (v. 18)
  15. holds the keys to death and Hades (hell) (v. 18)