343 THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST
Scripture Revelation 1:1-20 Orig. 6/14/1964
Rewr. 1/24/1989
Passage:
Prologue
1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Greetings and Doxology
4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia:
Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”[b]
and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”[c]
So shall it be! Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
John’s Vision of Christ
9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”
12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[d] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels[e] of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”
Purpose: Beginning a text book study of Revelation for an adult Church Training class, here describing introductory materials
Keywords: Bible Study Lordship of Christ Revelation
Letters to the Seven Churches
Timeline/Series: Revelation Letters to the Seven Churches
Introduction
Our purpose is two-fold. One, we want to study the Book of Revelation. We want to look at this material from the perspective with which it touches our lives, the lives of believers in the very late 20th century. Two, we want to be aware of the variances that exist in study materials relating to this book.
Is it important? The answer to that is easy. Yes!! And it doubtless will become more important, if not to us, to our children and grandchildren As in all apocalyptic material, the end-result is hope. It has been our very good fortune to live during a very stable time. Though there have been wars, and these shall continue, they have touched our lives only indirectly. Except by the intervention of God, they likely will affect our children’s lives in disturbing ways.
Someone defines this book in a very unique way. I am paraphrasing what I remember from years ago. The Bible is a sentence of God’s revelation of Himself to people. The promise of the coming Messiah in the Old Testament is the subject of the sentence. The predicate is found in God’s activity at the cross as revealed in the gospels. The object of the sentence is seen in the lives of the disciples. Revelation is the period at the end of the sentence. With the closing of the Book of Revelation is the closing of God’s message of self-revelation, and man’s final inducement to hope.
I. The Place to Begin is to Find Out What We Can about the Book. V1 “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant.”
Point number one has to do with authorship. John is mentioned as the one who receives the revelation. He is not the author. He is the agent. There are various ascriptions to agency: KJV—Revelation of St. John the Divine; ASV—Revelation of John; RSV/TEV—Revelation to John; NIV—Revelation.
John was therefore the scribe, clerk. Does this self-identification hold true? Typically, famous heroes’ names are given with apocalyptic literature. Is it the John we know or some other? John writes in his own name; similarities with gospel, epistemology. John had seen the humiliation, he would be the likely one to behold the glory. (A36p360) He heard parables with his heart; he viewed coming glory same. He listened, and wrote, as the message was revealed. The problem relative to style is resolved at Patmos. Similarities (theology, Christology). No amanuensis to smooth writing.
V9, “I, John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” He was there because of his faithfulness to the word, and to Jesus. Exile is the word that comes to mind.
II. A Writer Precludes a Precedent. V3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear.” And v4 “John to the seven churches which are in Asia.” The seven churches were departure points. They were the churches on the great Roman road in Asia Minor. Not the only churches, they were key. They are represented in order from Ephesus. The “all” however, clearly shows that this message will transcend these localized congregations. Immediately: to outlying churches; Directly: through missionary travels; Consequently: through placement in canon.
III. Neither is there Reason to Spend Much Time Deliberating Date.
There is no supporting scripture. That it was John gives approximation; that it was apocalyptic suggests that it was during time of turmoil.
There is external evidence. Irenaeus, a second century bishop, advised A.D. 90-95, which history records as a time of persecution. Contemporary evangelical scholarship agrees with this time of [Emperor] Domitian.
Some, however, hold to an earlier date such as the time of Nero (late 60s). This was also a time of persecution.
IV. We are Brought Next to Consideration of the Message Itself. V1 “Things which must shortly come to pass.” V1 “The revelation . . . signified.” V19-20 “Write what you have seen, what is, what will be: the mystery.”
Look for a moment at a two-part outline.
· Part 1—(a) Christ and his churches, Chapters 1-3; (b) A vision of heaven, Chapters 4-5; (c) The seven seals, Chapters 6-7; (d) Complete overthrow and destructions of world ideals and institutions, and the dominion of Christ, Chapters 8-11
· Part II—(a) The Messianic period, Chapters 12-14; (b) The seven bowls, Chapters 15-16; (c) The fall of Babylon (or Rome), or final destruction of evil, Chapters 17-18; (d) The coming of the Lord, Chapter 19; (e) Millenium/end of world, Chapter 20; (f) The consummation, Chapters 21-22.
A quick look at word meanings. (a) Revelation (apokálupsis): an uncovering, an unveiling of what has been hidden. Luke 2:32 “a light to (lighten) the gentiles.” Romans 16:25 “. . . the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the (revelation) of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.” (b) Signify (sēmaino): make known by signs. Used three times in John’s gospel—12:33, 18:32, 21:19.
An interesting sidelight [Genesis v Revelation]:
Genesis—Creation of Heaven and Earth
Revelation (21:1)—Creation of new Heaven and Earth
Genesis---Earthly paradise lost
Revelation—God’s paradise revealed, tree and river of life
Genesis—First man, Adam and Eve
Revelation (21-22; I Corinthians 15:47)—Second man, Christ/bride
Genesis (22:7)—Beginning of sin
Revelation (20:14)—Satan cast into lake of fire; death and hades
Genesis—First acts of sin
Revelation (11:15, 19:11f)—Final punishment
Genesis—Rise of Babel
Revelation (18:21)—Destruction of Babylon
Genesis (4:17)—City of Man
Revelation—City of God; great city (21:10), holy city (21/22)
Genesis—Sorrow, pain, death
Revelation (7:17, 21:4)--Opposite
The establishment of Revelation as prophecy. 1:3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy.” 22:7 “Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”
Prophecy—propheteia: to speak forth.
By definition—(a) not primarily “foretelling”; (b) declaration of what cannot be known through natural means; (c) forth-telling of the will of God. (d) Contemporarily, prophecy relates to what is known, I Corinthians 13:8,9.
Conclusion
There is a shift in Revelation relative to Rome. Where before she is seen as benefactor (Corinth, Acts 18:1f, and Ephesus, Acts 19:13f), now she is enemy. Caesar worship is the reason. Obligatory to pronounce “Caesar is Lord.”
EULOGY
#000 EULOGY
James Ewell Skinner
Scripture Revelation 14:13 Orig. 1989
The verse I have chosen is from Revelation 14:13. “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth, Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” It is heaven’s rest from earth’s struggles, and one’s separation to an eternity of all things that are good. Interestingly, here called “our works”. So, ‘labors’ and ‘works’ mean two different things. We are day by day putting together what will sustain us, or tying ourselves to burdens we can’t get rid of.
Health, which Dad has chased fleetingly over most of these last years, is now his to enjoy. Happiness, which was his only intermittently, is a permanent fixture. And at last, he is truly, at home. God wills that all of us may cast aside those human frailties that demean us, and to take up the kind of character and lifestyle that will commend us forever.
I suppose that Calvin and Hobbes seems a strange illustration, but there they stood on the sidewalk. “We’re born at this crack, we die at that crack. We’re here, and in the process of walking out. Suddenly, we realize our time in here is fleeting. Does anything we say or do in here really matter? Have we done anything important? Have we been happy? Have we made the most of these precious few footsteps?” The two are then seen to be standing on the same square and dark has fallen.
Graciously, God allows us by faith, to leave behind all unpleasantness, and to take by instant recall, everything worthwhile that we have engaged in life. Calvin’s square is small, and our time inside is quickly over. Make the best of it.
THE SEVENTH ANGEL SOUNDED
#009 THE SEVENTH ANGEL SOUNDED
Scripture Revelation 11:15 Orig. Date 12/9/73
Passage: 15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
“The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
and he will reign for ever and ever.”
Introduction
When Jesus went into Jerusalem shortly before His death, there came out to greet Him hundreds of interested and curious citizens. They prepared for His coming simply by placing palm branches along the way. They stood there shouting their “hosannahs” as He passed by. All of the outward signs were signs of acceptance and belief, but only a few days had passed before Jesus faced death at the hands of an angry mob.
Within the lifetime of many of us, we have had a similar event. About thirty years ago American and other Allied soldiers moved back onto the continent of Europe. Citizens of European countries, which had been under “der Fuhrer’s heel,” were free again. As these allied troops began the trek across Europe, time and again they were greeted by masses of people. They waited on the outskirts of their towns and villages for their liberators. It would not be long, however, before the scars of war would have healed and the brave deeds of courageous men would be forgotten.
But we are quick to point out that the Nazarene has not been forgotten. In fact, for the next few weeks, we are going to be very busy remembering. The next two Sunday nights, many of us will be here in the sanctuary rejoicing at the sounds of Christmas music. The preacher will stand to preach, and his messages will center themselves around the birth of Christ. And that’s not all. Some of us have already put up our trees. They are standing there with or without lights, gaily decorated, saying to all who enter, “We celebrate the birth of Jesus here.” Underneath the tree, either there are or there will be the gaudily packaged gifts of friendship and love. Is this not proof enough that we hold with the One who taught us that it is better to give than to receive?
Yes, we remember these brave soldiers of thirty years ago, and we remember the Galilean of two thousand years ago. Let it be noted, however, that we await only the sounding of the seventh angel’s trumpet, and all that will be remembered will be the Christ and His Kingdom, and His efforts to bring us into it.
I. The Seventh Angel Signals the End of This World’s Kingdoms. Be reminded of the kingdom of self. When the seventh angel sounds, the kingdom of self will be no more.
Little description is needed. We know it well. There are many who serve in this kingdom. It doesn’t make brothers of us. The Christian has no fetish to keep him from paying homage to this dissolute regent. This is the one place in the human spectrum where Satan is satisfied with second place.
It was this regard for self that drove Adam out of Paradise, Lucifer from the throne room of God, Saul from the seat of majesty as one of the great kings of Israel, Haman from the court of King Ahasuerus, and Judas from the brotherhood of Jesus.
Be as well reminded of the kingdom of sin. When the seventh angel sounds, the kingdom of sin will be no more.
Again, little description is needed. We all know the image of the picture which sin provides.
“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“Your righteousness is as filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6
We all know how capable we are in detecting sin in the lives of others. But we also know the scathing denunciation of Jesus upon those who would set themselves up as judges. “Thou hypocrite, if you really want to acknowledge the speck of dust in your friend’s eye, then first get the boulder out of your own eye.” Matthew 7:5.
I am inclined to think that we may miss the point of the matter. Whether the analogy of the sin in our lives is speck or boulder, splinter or log, the point is, we can’t do anything about either. When we knowingly enter the kingdom of sin, we can never be sure where it will end.
There is a third kingdom of which we must be forewarned—the kingdom of service. When the seventh angel sounds, the kingdom of service will be no more.
While many of us know all about the kingdoms of self and sin, most of us know little about the kingdom of service. Be reminded that it is difficult to isolate the true ideals of service. The vice president resigns. The president-elect of C. of C. is indicted. Even paragons of virtue have feet of clay.
II. The Seventh Angel Signals the Consummation of the Kingdom of Christ. His kingdom is the kingdom of love. Love is the language of communication there. “God is love, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him.” I John 4:16.
It is the kingdom of Christian experience. “Though I speak with the tongues of men, of angels even, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a clanging symbol.” I Corinthians 13:1. Noise alone asserts neither style, nor skill, nor depth of feeling.
It is the kingdom of change by growth. I have not been able to establish unquestioned authenticity, but I have read that there is a disease called “marasmus,” that is said to be “the disease of being not loved.” It is a gradual wasting away of the body, especially in infants and elderly people.
It is the kingdom of peace. Longfellow wrote one of the most beautiful of all Christmas poems. Having been set to music we enjoy it during this season as one of the most popular songs of Christmas.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat, of “peace on earth, good will to men.”
I thought how as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head, “There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.”
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.
Till ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, of peace on earth, good will to men.
So be here reminded that this kingdom is the kingdom of eternal values.
III. In Addition to the Kingdom, There is Also to be Considered the Capabilities of the King. In His providence He transforms. He didn’t start over (though there were times when He had cause to): In the garden with Adam; In the wilderness with the Hebrew nation; In the divided kingdom with Jeroboam and Rehoboam; In Rome with the Holy Catholic Church; In America with the evangelical church. He MADE over.
In His love, He redeemed. The Hebrew nation in Jesus’ day looked for a redemption from God. It was based on hope and faith. It was a false hope however, for it anticipated an earthly king. In what king of redemption have we put our trust? A babe in Bethlehem. In Him whose name shall be called “wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father the Prince of Peace.”
In His power He sustains and keeps the believer.
Closing
You may have recognized the words of our text as being a part of the most famous of all Christmas oratorios, Handel’s Messiah. The message so stirred a king, George II, that he stood to salute the majesty of the work.
This composition which took Handel only twenty-five days to prepare, has stood for 230 years as the human mark of the excellence of that coming kingdom. The music has outlasted the crown and the scepter of the one who acclaimed its genius. But justice cannot be done to the kingdom itself in the words and music of men. When the seventh angel sounds the trumpet, the “kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”