THE BOOK OF REVELATION Life Changing Truths Not Doctrinal Arguments!
By Frank Eiklor and Cecilia Contreras
LESSON 42 (Part 3 of 8)
INTRODUCTION
The Apostle John is the only one of the original disciples who did not die a violent death. Tradition says that a miracle occurred when the enemies of the gospel attempted to burn John to death in boiling oil. God preserved his life because John had a final task to accomplish.
His enemies thought they had isolated John when they banished him to the isle of Patmos. However, this was God’s plan in order to have John alone and able to receive all of the incredible messages from the Holy Spirit. The book of Revelation covers the important events that will take place in the final days before Jesus Christ returns to set up His kingdom and rule. We learn many important truths that can make us better and more faithful disciples.
In this third lesson, we will study key truths in chapters four through six.
Chapter 4
· The Reward Of The Spiritual Climb (as you take time daily to study God’s Word and pray.)
“After this I looked, and , behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” (Revelation 4:1)
· A 24/7 Life Of Worship (Your privilege is to offer each day your adoration and praise to God.)
“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)
· The Reason For My/ Your Being Born (You were created to bring pleasure to the Lord through your love and obedience.)
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
Chapter 5
· The Lamb Who Is The Lion (Hallelujah, the Lamb who is your Redeemer is also the Lion who is your Protector.)
“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (Revelation 5:5)
· The Glorious Result of World Evangelism (Jesus’ final order was for us to reach our world with the gospel. His love is for every person, and we have the privilege and responsibility to introduce them to Christ.)
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” (Revelation 5:9)
· The New Rulers On Earth (Today’s rulers will be gone tomorrow. But those faithful to Jesus will reign with Him forever.)
“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10)
· God’s Greatest Call: A Life Of Worship (If we are truly in love with our Heavenly Father and our Savior Christ Jesus, we will often find our hearts overflowing with praise and adoration. Take time – make time – to be alone with God. His presence will be your reward!)
“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” (Revelation 5:12-13)
Chapter 6
· The Cry Of The Martyrs (Many Christians are dying today as martyrs for Jesus. Pray for the persecuted church around the world – and be willing to die to self so that you can be a faithful witness where you live, work and serve.)
“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (Revelation 6:9-11)
· No Place To Hide (People who refuse to pray to God will one day call out to mountains to hide them from His face and wrath!)
“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come: and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6: 15-17)
(TO BE CONTINUED)
TEST YOURSELF
Chapter 4 – Worship the King of Glory
Revelation 4:8 brings to mind the true glory and majesty of our Lord God Almighty. Take time to read this verse and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the splendor of worship in heaven. Then imagine how you can partake of this heavenly worship “on earth as it is in heaven”.
Chapter 5 – Worthy of Worship
The mystery of God Himself made flesh is further revealed in verse 5 (the Lion) and in verse 6 (the Lamb). How often do you acknowledge the Lord as your Savior by singing such songs as “Worthy is the Lamb” and giving Him your worship for His redemptive blood which “made us unto our God kings and priests”?
Chapter 6 – Worship the Warrior of Heaven
God reveals to us in chapter six His plan to purify and purge the earth. This is truly awesome. Consider why John the Baptist said, “I must decrease, and He must increase”. Is there any place in your life where you are struggling with a selfish or hard heart? Trust God as your faithful and loving Father to soften your heart so that you may forgive and love those who hurt you.
