Revelation by Scott Risley (2013)

We are introduced to Revelation; a book giving us a glimpse into Jesus' future return as king on earth. John describes symbolic visions he received from God about the end times. During this time, many scary things will happen, including a final judgement. But in the end, God wins and if you belong to God through Christ, you have no need to be afraid.

It's surprising how quickly good groups can falter. We look at the church of Ephesus and how they had lost their "first love" and abandoned the excitement they had for loving each other and God. The church of Smyrna is encouraged to believe that suffering is real and short and that Jesus is in control. In both cases putting hope in Christ is more powerful than our problems.

We compare three early churches who were all struggling with compromising their loyalty to God for things of the world. The church of Pergamum had been suffering faithfully, but drifting into compromise through idol worship and sexual immorality. The church in Thyatira was doing a lot of good things but they were highly compromised; even allowing a false teacher to rise to prominence. The church in Sardis wasn't even trying to be faithful to God at all. God cares more about our faithfulness than our works. Do you trust God's promises enough to take a stand against compromise?

We look at the final two churches John addresses in this letter. Jesus opened a door of opportunity for the church in Philadelphia to play a role in His plan. On the other hand, Jesus patiently knocks on the door waiting to be let in by people who have shut him out. The people in the church in Laodicea are called out as being the worst of the seven churches. Their deeds were useless and their riches had zapped their love for God. God offers us all a way to become spiritually rich through His son who waits for us patiently.

The Great White Judgment sounds like a very scary time for people whose sins have not been covered by Christ's death. Why is God worthy to judge the entire human race? 1) God is all powerful, morally perfect, and eternal, 2) He has the right to do whatever He wants with His creation, 3) He is our savior; giving us an opportunity to be rescued from this judgment by His Son's substitutionary sacrifice on the cross.

The first six seals have been broken. These are events of God's passive judgement on mankind that lead up to the tribulation and set the stage for the rise of the Antichrist. The first six seals include: 1) the Antichrist (the white horseman), 2) warfare (the red horseman), 3) famine and inflation (the black horseman), 4) more famine, disease, and wild beasts (the green horseman) 5) martyrs in heaven, 6) massive earthquake, sun blackened out, stars falling, mountains and islands rearranging.

Before Christ returns to earth, there will be a seven year period of suffering called the Tribulation. Right before the suffering comes, God puts a seal of protection on his followers that are left after the rapture. God never breaks a promise and always takes care of his people.

In the last days there will be a physical temple and two witnesses through which God will give a final plea to his creation as a whole to turn to him and receive forgiveness. These events are literal and we have current signs that could easily lead to the fulfillment of these prophecies.

We are currently in a battle between the dragon (Satan), the Woman (Israel), and her child (Jesus) that will come to a close after the tribulation. During this time, believing Jews will flee and be protected by God. We should be aware of the strategies Satan uses in this battle against us to be prepared. In the end, God will ultimately win this battle and the war at large. Which side will you be on?

During the end times, the Beast and the False Prophet will rise up and rule for a period of time. Some of the characteristics of the Beast include: 1) rises to power in an empire consisting of 10 nations; 2) he establishes a world-wide government for the first time; 3) he is able to control what people buy and sell, worldwide; 4) he gains control of the world in only 3.5 years; 5) he commits an "abomination of desolation"; 6) he launches a war so destructive that God has to step in before the life on earth is wiped out completely; 7) this happens during a time when Israel is regathered and exists as a nation; 8) during his reign, God ends history as we know it and establishes the kingdom as God.

There will be a time during the tribulation when the dead and alive will both either be punished or rewarded for their actions. The 7 bowls of judgement include: 1) sores, 2) sea turns into blood, 3) fresh water turns into blood, 4) scorching sun, 5) darkness, 6) gathering for war, 7) the final battle of Armageddon. In the battle of Armageddon, the Beast will flood into Jerusalem but God will ultimately be victorious and pour out his wrath.

The city of Babylon was defined in the Old Testament by greed, selfishness, violence, and idolatry. In the book of Revelation, Babylon has the same characteristics, along with being predicted to lead the rest of the world astray have a direct link with the Beast. Here, John identifies Babylon as both the World System (kosmos) and a harlot whose toxic ways we should avoid at all costs. He describes a day of justice when Babylon will be judged for their sins and be cast into the sea.

In the final days, the Church will finally be wed to Christ and there will be a wedding feast to celebrate. Jesus will return powerfully as a king; in stark contrast to his first coming. There will be an end to injustice once and for all as the Beast and the False Prophet are thrown into the fiery lake along with Satan. Jesus will then reign for a thousand years.

We look at end times events following the Millennial Kingdom including the destruction of Satan, the Great White Throne Judgement, and the creation of a physical new heaven and new earth. During the judgment, everyone - dead or alive - will have to answer to God for all of the deeds they have done on the earth. This time will either be a time of intense joy or intense sadness depending upon if you have accepted Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as a payment for your sins or if you are taking the wrath of God on yourself.