Revelation 22 ~ The Next Attraction

Do we really desire the return of Jesus?

Last Sunday marked our finale on the Revelation series as we explored the very last chapter of the Bible itself: Revelation 22. This chapter predicts the close arrival of the second coming. It is what must soon take place (verse 6) for the time is near (verse 10). And Jesus repeats three times, saying, "I am coming soon" (verses 7, 10, 20). Some may then question, "How soon is soon?" Mark 13:32-33 tells us that no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father, and so warns us to be on guard and keep awake.

The garden city described in this chapter also illustrates the beauty of heaven itself. Here flows the river of the water of life (verse 1), reminding us of the river described in Genesis 2 and Ezekiel 47. This is a river flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb (verse 1), reiterating that the source of life comes from God (as previously alluded to in Revelation 21:6 and repeated in Revelation 22:17).

Also, while man no longer has access to the tree of life in Genesis 3 (also described in Ezekiel 47), it now makes a 'reappearance'. This time, we are told of the fruits that it yields, which will no doubt satisfy us. The leaves are also used for the healing of the nations (verse 2) from the curse of God to start a new heaven and a new earth. Unlike how man is cursed in the garden of Eden, no longer will there be anything accursed (verse 3) for God offers forgiveness. All His worshiping servants will reign forever and ever (verse 5), being kings and rulers together with the Father and Jesus.

Unlike Moses, we will be able to see God face-to-face in heaven, standing forgiven as He provides us with the good things in heaven. It will be far better that the garden of Eden for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which opens up the possibility for the fall of man, will be absent. Man's fall in Genesis 3 will not be repeated. Instead, we will be perfect forever, being led by the new Adam: Jesus Christ. We do not relate to Him as our creator but as our Saviour. It is a garden city of perfection beyond Eden.

The God-given prophecy of Christ's second coming is made to give us the right view on how to interpret the things happening in this world and to also give us a view of the future. It is a certain event that will happen so soon that there is almost no time to repent, as described in verse 11. Contrasted with the events that transpired in Daniel, John is told in verse 10 to not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. And just who exactly is coming again? No one else but Jesus who is judge (verse 12), God (verse 13), the root and the descendant of David (verse 16), and the bridegroom (verse 17).

This prophecy then serves as an encouragement for us to keep staying firm in Jesus even in persecution, suffering and repentance, for He will repay everyone for what he has done (verse 12). It also warns us not to be like the dogs (symbolizing the pagan world) and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood (verse 15) who are outside the city of heaven, or those who deliberately distort the gospel message by adding to it or subtracting from it (verse 18). It is only those who wash their robes in Christ's blood that may have the right to the tree of life and enter the city by the gates (verse 14).

Back to the opening question: Do we really desire the return of Jesus?

Perhaps we are too satisfied for life now seems too good? Maybe we are too complacent with the things of this world to really care? Do we care enough to see Jesus named as Lord? Is God's glory seen to be right by everyone? Is it likely that we want people we love to become Christians and so, secretly hope for His return to be delayed? It is time we shift the way we think. The desire to want God's name to be honoured should far exceed our other desires (including desiring our non-Christian acquaintances to become Christians).

Sometimes we can be a little too short-sighted. We may feel the period of over two millennia since His first coming to be too long to think that His second coming cannot be that soon. What we fail to recognize is that the 'soon' here should be defined theologically in God's perfect timing. If with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (2 Peter 3:8), why should we perceive 2000 years as too long a time? His return is so 'soon' - it is, as one calls it, 'the next big thing'. Nothing else of major theological consequence has to happen before Christ returns.

So just as how we would say the Lord's prayer, praying, "Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come." (Luke 11:2), shouldn't we mean what we ask for, that God's name be glorified and that Christ returns? It is time for us to examine our true desires, aligning them with those of God's good will, that we can sincerely echo John's response in verse 20 most jubilantly: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Revelation 21 ~ Heaven: the Revolution

If heaven was a city, which city would it be? While everyone may come up with a different reply to that question, the Old Testament saw Jerusalem as the great city of God, one that was even visited by the great Queen of the South herself during the reign of King Solomon. In Revelation 21, two visions were recorded regarding the new Jerusalem (i.e. how it will be like when Jesus returns). This creation today will be no more for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away to be replaced by a new heaven and a new earth (verse 1). The sea was no more (verse 1) as well - everything represented by the sea has now vanished: the chaos and wickedness brought on by the beast of Revelation that arose from the sea and the self-centred greed of merchants with their trade. What takes place instead is the comfort offered in verse 4 where there will be no more tears, death, mourning, crying nor pain.

The Babylon and great prostitute described in previous chapters will cease to exist as well. Babylon (the symbol of man's wickedness) was described as the great city but in chapter 21, it is now contrasted with the great city of the new Jerusalem. It is a holy city that is coming down out of heaven from God (verse 2). In the same verse, the great prostitute is also now contrasted with the bride adorned for her husband.

Not only is wickedness and suffering extinct, the construction of this new Jerusalem is nothing short of awesome. It is strategically located on a great, high mountain (verse 10) i.e. Zion, that all nations may see the glory of this city. Verses 12-16 illustrate the majestic structure of this city while verses 18-21 describe the numerous precious materials used to build and adorn the new Jerusalem. It is also a giver of life and light. The spring of water of life in verse 6 should remind us of the living water that Jesus referred to in the four gospels. The city shines with such radiance (verse 11) that there is no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb (verse 23). Such bright glory draws everyone including the nations and kings to it (verse 24). The city is so secure that there is no need to ever shut the gates by day, and there will be no night there either (verse 25).

What matters more though is the very presence of God Himself with His people in this new Jerusalem. Verse 3 tells us that the dwelling place of God is with man. There is no physical temple or tabernacle anymore - that was just a symbol for the reality revealed in God and the Lamb. This same verse also echoes God's new convenant made in Jeremiah 31 where He declared that "I will be their God, and they shall be my people". We belong to Him. We are not just in the city - we ARE the city. Heaven reflects the perfect relationship between God and us. It is by His action and not of our own works. Just as how verse 10 has clearly pointed out that the new Jerusalem is coming down out of heaven from God, it contrasts the story of Babel where the people tried to build their way up to heaven. Everything we do here on earth is "Babel" in the end. We cannot bring heaven into earth - only God can. That is why it is God who will wipe away every tear in verse 4. It is God who declares in verse 5 that "I am making all things new". It is God who rejoices in verse 5 saying, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end".

It is all God.

A word of caution though. While we have been focusing so intently on the city and what is in it, let us not forget what lies outside the city. Verse 27 tells us that nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false. These people are those referred in verse 8: the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, the murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars. In other words, none of mankind actually deserves to be in the city, if not for Christ's saving grace. Those who do not turn to Christ will unfortunately face the same ending as Satan himself in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death (verse 8).

Here comes the revolution in the question of heaven itself. If we return to the very first question I posed earlier, did we have the right mindset of what heaven is when we were choosing which city will best resemble it? Just as how Copernicus revolutionized the idea that it was earth that revolves around the sun (and not the other way around), similarly heaven does not revolve around us (what we like or dislike) but around God Himself. Consequentially, where do we see ourselves in eternity? The question is not where we are living here on earth itself but where we will be spending eternity in. Verse 6 explains that we do not pay our way into heaven but access is given to only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life (verse 27).

In conclusion, this view of heaven should shape the way we live our lives now. Look far ahead into the vision of heaven and go into the straight and narrow path. Verse 5 confesses that these words are trustworthy and true and it is high time we heed God's Word as we seek to be the people He has called us to be...

Revelation 19:11-20:15 ~ The Millennium

The account of Satan's binding for a thousand years recorded in Revelation 20 has created several controversies regarding this millennium. Essentially, Christians believe 1 of 3 different views: pre-millennialism (Christ's second coming before this period of a thousand years), post-millennialism (second coming after the millennium), and amillennialism (the thousand years being a symbolic number and identical with the current church age).

To help us deal with such controversies, the millennium needs to be viewed in context. The two battles described in Revelation 19 and 20 are essentially two visions of the same event i.e. not two different battles but two perspectives of the one same battle. The visions in Revelation are not recorded in a chronological sequence of how the events will eventually play out in reality as we can see how this one same battle has been previously mentioned before in other chapters including Revelation 16 and 17. The thousand years where Satan is bound and saints reign and the time after when Satan is released to deceive the nations happen concurrently now (Christians are still victoriously spreading the gospel while opposition still remains) - it is an overlap of the ages, hence, lending a little more credibility to the amillennialistic view. The rest of Revelation 20 describes the final judgment, which echoes the vision in Daniel 7.

That said, are we sometimes too distracted by the question as to which millennialistic view is the correct one? Perhaps Pastor Joshua's "new" idea of pan-millennialism holds more water - whichever view one believes is of little consequence and what matters more is the bigger picture of judgment itself. The vision of Satan being bound for a thousand years is a symbol of the delay of the judgment to come. In previous talks, we have seen the cosmic battle brought on by the dragon beast, the false prophet and the prostitute. Jesus rides in on a war-horse and brings justice at last. He mops up the mess sinful humans have created: His enemies are destroyed by the fire they deserved while the martyrs are vindicated. Everyone will be held accountable.

But what is the criterion of this judgment? Nothing but the blood of Jesus that saves! His sacrifice on the cross is the basis of our salvation while our faith in Him is merely the instrument...

On that final day, will you be able to stand before God, confident that your name is victoriously written in the Book of Life as you believe in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice alone?

Revelation 17:1-19:10 ~ The Prostitute, the Beast ... & the Lamb

With the Leviticus series wrapped up, we resume our series on Revelation. Chapters 17-19 contrast the marriage of the Lamb with the prostitution by the great prostitute. Marriage and prostitution are similar in terms of the union involved being an expression of a sexual relationship. While marriage is a good gift from God, it differs from "cheap" prostitution that is the moral distortion of this good gift.

How does Revelation describe this great prostitute? Revelation 17:4 observes her seduction and passion - this is a prostitute who adorns herself with expensive, attractive dresses. While the golden cup she holds may seem attractive externally, the interior is nothing short of ugly for it is full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. She is seated on many waters (Revelation 17:1) where there are peoples and mutitudes and nations and languages (Revelation 1:15) - this covers an international scope involving both kings of the earth and dwellers on earth (Revelation 17:2), where the dwellers on earth are those whose names have not been written in the book of life (Revelation 17:8). Her clients have become drunk (Revelation 17:2, 18:3), losing all sense of good judgment. Revelation 18:7 also reveals the prostitute's pride as she glorified herself and lived in luxury - she boasts, "I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning I shall never see". The beast that carries her is a picture of power and authority (Revelation 17:13).

Who then is this great prostitute? Revelation 17:5 identifies a name of mystery: Babylon. Babylon is set on the same land as Babel, which is described more extensively in Genesis 11:1-9. It is a symbol of human power and authority as people want to make a name for themselves and have security by staying put in a single place. By extension, the great prostitute does not just refer to Babylon solely but is a symbol of the love of money and riches as well as power and authority. While she boasts, thinking she would never fall (Revelation 18:7), we have seen God's judgment in her destruction throughout history, from the fall of Babylon to the ruins of the Roman empire and even the September 11th tragedy of USA's World Trade Centre. Passages like Matthew 6:19-24 and 1 John 2:15-17 warn us that we cannot serve God and money at the same time and to not love the world or the things in the world for these will perish and do not last unlike laying up treasures in heaven.

It is then a welcome change as we read about the contrasting marriage of the Lamb. It is a long-awaited event as Paul pointed out how the church is betrothed to Christ and presented as a pure virgin, culminating in the two becoming one flesh (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:31-32). This marriage has finally arrived as the Lamb will conquer the great prostitute and her beast (Revelation 17:14). The Bride has made herself ready and is clothed with fine linen (i.e. the righteous deeds of the saints), bright and pure (as opposed to the prostitute's scarlet linen) (Revelation 19:7-8). Christians are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

Given such significant contrast between the marriage and prostitution, it is high time for everyone to heed the call in Revelation 18:4: "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues". Practical implications of these include using God-given resources such as time, abilities, and assets with 'Jesus and the future' in mind rather than the self-centred approach that focuses on the 'prostitute and now'. Truly we can rejoice at the fall of the prostitute described in Revelation 19:1-2 and desire God's honour and the justice that comes. Let it be known that these are the true words of God (Revelation 19:9) for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10).

Will you heed the call in Revelation 18:4?

Revelation 15-16 ~ Armageddon

Revelation 15 opens with seven last plagues indicating the very end of the world or judgment day itself. It starts when God's people celebrate the victory of conquering the beast by singing the song of Moses (similar to that in Exodus 15) and the song of the Lamb while playing the harp. Angels then carry out the plagues from the sanctuary and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished (Revelation 15:8) i.e. no one can enter heaven until judgment is complete.

These seven plagues are detailed in chapter 16. Similar to those that struck the Egyptians in Exodus, these plagues consist of sores; death; water turning into blood; fire and scorching heat; darkness, pain and sores; drought and unclean spirits like frogs; and earthquake and hailstones. And just as how the Egyptians were made the earlier targets, these seven plagues target people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image (Revelation 16:2), who have shed the blood of saints and prophets (Revelation 16:6) by persecuting them. It is a final plague and there is no escape as martyrs are avenged for to fulfill their call for judgment in Revelation 6. It is the final battle as the demonic spirits assemble kings of the whole world on this great day of God the Almighty, but those on the dragon's side are defeated and destroyed. Despite these agonizing plagues, verses 9, 10 and 21 tell us that they continued to curse God, unrepentant of their deeds.

This Armageddon is God's righteous anger demonstrating His power, justice and glory. Matthew 10:28 tells us to fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. This beckons the question: whose side will you be on? God's side with His saints who will no doubt win or the dragon's side? Remember what Revelation 16:15 and 2 Peter 3:10-12 warn us: the day of the Lord will come like a thief - we need to repent before then or it will all be too late. So as we wait for His coming, let us continue to be in lives of holiness and godliness.

This coming Sunday, we will be taking a short break from Revelation to explore 2 Thessalonians for the next 4 weeks before returning from winter break to continue our series on Revelation. Be sure to join us every Sunday at Keith Burrows Theatre, UNSW for FOCUS PM church service at 4.30PM! =)

Revelation 14 ~ A Tale of Two Wraths

There are two kinds of contrasting wraths in this world. The first is an evil wrath, a form of sinful anger. It is malicious where we put others down to exalt ourselves. The second type is the righteous wrath. It constitutes retribution by paying back those who deserve it. We shall see how these two types of wrath are interspersed in Revelation 14.

The chapter opens with the picture of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion. Psalm 2:6 tells us that God has set His King on Zion, which is His holy hill - a similar image to that in Revelation 14. This is a vision of victory of the Lamb of God contrasting the earlier vision of defeat of the beast with its number "666". And this victory is shared by those who had been redeemed from the earth (Revelation 14:3) as opposed to those who dwell on the earth i.e. those who are not God's people (as previously illustrated in other parts of Revelation). The virgins in verse 4 are contrasted with sexual immorality in verse 8 - it is not merely the issue of physical sex being dealt with here but also seduction by the pagan ways of Babylon and the subsequent question about faithfulness to Christ (a similar idea of being presented as a pure virgin to Christ is introduced in 2 Corinthians 11:2).

Verses 6 to 13 bring forth messages from three angels of coming judgment. The first angel proclaims an eternal gospel to those who dwell on earth i.e. non-Christians. Every nation and tribe and language and people are told to fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come (Revelation 14:6-7). In line with Jeremiah 51:6-9, the second angel in verse 8 warns against worshiping materialism, consumerism and all that is mighty of man's power, riches and wealth (as symbolized by the paganism of the evil superpower of Babylon) but to instead worship the one true God. And keeping consistent with Jeremiah 25:15-16, the third angel tells us that those worshiping the beast will be judged as he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger and there is no rest for the wicked (Revelation 14:9-11). To summarize this three-point gospel message, it can simply be summed up like this:

1. God is Creator.
2. Whatever you trust in will fail you.
3. Judgment calls for the need to turn back to God.

Echoing the previous chapter, again the saints are called to endure and keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus (Revelation 14:12).

The second half of the chapter shows how one like a son of man (alluding to Jesus as also illustrated in Daniel 7:13-14) has been given authority (together with the help of the angels) to reap for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe (Revelation 14:15), to gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe (Revelation 14:18). This is the fulfillment of the vision of judgment played out in Joel 3:9-13. One can be sure that the awful picture of judgment as illustrated by the blood flowing from the winepress (Revelation 14:20) is not a pretty one.

Back again to the main tale of two wraths, we have seen evil wrath as portrayed by the dragon's wrath in Revelation 12. How then are we to respond as Christians? The Bible tells us to endure and to defend with the gospel, the blood of the Lamb, the truth. On the other hand, we have righteous wrath in God's wrath. There is zero tolerance of sin because of His holy nature. That said, He waits for the harvest to be fully ripe - He is slow to anger and patient to wait for the right time of judgment. So for those who are yet to be Christians, may I strongly urge you to consider the consequences of your actions if you are to continue rebelling against God? While the harvest is yet to be fully ripe, repent of your sins and turn to God for forgiveness instead before judgment day comes and it becomes too late...

Revelation 13 ~ The Beast and 666

Revelation 13 flows on from the battle fury of Revelation 12 and discusses about two beasts and the ever popular number "666". As we would have deduced by this stage, the book of Revelation is one filled with apocalyptic symbolism and it should not surprise that the number "666" is just a symbol for the beast (or you can argue that "6" is one number short of God's perfect number "7").

The first beast is a sea beast and its description of having ten horns and resembling a leopard, a bear and a lion paints the image of the four beasts described in Daniel 7. We learn from Daniel 7 that these four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth (Daniel 7:17) and the fourth beast shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time (Daniel 7:25). That said, we can be assured that this only lasted until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom (Daniel 7:23). Verse 2 and 4 shows us that it is the dragon i.e. Satan who gave these nations the power and authority. This sea beast, or "the government" as we have now come to deduce, even pretends to have the same power of resurrection as Jesus did when one of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast (Revelation 13:3). The people are caused to think of the government as God as they worshiped the dragon and the beast (Revelation 13:4). And as previously illustrated in Daniel 7, the beast was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them (Revelation 13:7) but here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints (Revelation 13:10) as they suffer persecution.

The second beast (the land beast) can be likened to a dragon in lamb's clothing (think of the analogy of the wolf in sheep's clothing). Verse 11 tells us that it had two horns like a lamb (a reference to Jesus in the previous chapters of Revelation i.e. it pretends to be the Saviour) and it spoke like a dragon (who tells lies, being the deceiver). The remaining second half of Revelation 13 goes on to describe this beast as false state religion i.e. not true Christianity. God rules the world in two ways via the State (through the sword) and via the Church (through His Word). It is when the religion comes to possess the sword that we need to be wary. The power of the government uses religion as its puppet. It even performs miraculous deceptions like imitating Elijah by making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people (Revelation 13:13) to make people worship the sea beast (i.e. the government), painting a most idolatrous image. Other parts of the Bible warn us of this as well. Matthew 7:22-23 says: On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'. Mark 13:21-22 warns: And then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. False christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. Similarly, Deuteronomy 13:1-3 says: If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

As Christians living in this world, are we willing to be persecuted for His name's sake? Or have we subjected ourselves to be domesticated by the authorities of this world? Revelation 13 is a call for endurance and faith as we suffer persecution. It is a call for wisdom to realize that state religion is human - it is not God but merely workings of man. It is an assurance as we can be comforted by the knowledge that the dragon is overthrown and he knows that he has been beaten. So let us live out our faith in Christ with all endurance and wisdom...

Revelation 12 ~ The War in Heaven

Revelation 12 paints a most vivid battle between a woman undergoing labour and a dragon. The images of being clothed with the sun, moon under her feet and crown of twelve stars (verse 1) echo Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:9-10: a sign that authority has been given to this woman, who symbolizes the nation of Israel or God's people (especially those of the Old Testament era). On the other hand, the dragon that creates strife is described in verse 3 as being red (colour of war, fighting and conflict) with seven heads (it pretends to be God by imitating completeness signified by the number '7') and ten horns (similar to the much-terrifying beast described in Daniel) - this is a destructive dragon who swept down a third of the stars of heaven (verse 4).

Verse 5 tells us that she gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, thus fulfilling the prophecy of a Messiah in Psalm 2. The woman fled into the wilderness (i.e. desert), where she has a place prepared by God (a reminder of the great Exodus), in which she is to be nourished (a reflection of the manna God sent down from above) for 1,260 days (another repetition of the idea of 'a time, times and half a time') (verse 6).

The next section from verses 7 to 12 depict the defeat of the dragon and his angels by Michael and his angels. Cross-references from Daniel and Jude verse 9 tell us that this dragon is none other that the deceitful serpent of a devil called Satan. Luke 10:17-18 demonstrated the power of our Lord Jesus Christ over the devil, who also saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Satan is conquered by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death (verse 11): the gospel message of Jesus Christ who was crucified for our sins saves. This act of God saving His people is further illustrated when the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent (verse 14), similar to how God has bore His people on eagles' wings to bring them to Himself in Exodus 19.

Just as how Ephesians 6 and 1 Peter 5 warn us to put on the armour of faith in resisting the devil, we can begin to understand that the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short (verse 12). The dragon's last days are days filled with attacks on Christians using its three weapons: persecutions, lies and accusations. 1 Peter 4:14 and Matthew 10:34-38 show us that persecutions can come in the form of insults as well as division in the family. The devil's lies began even in Genesis 3 with half-truths instigating God's people to claim self-government since God is trying to hold back something good (e.g. the forbidden fruit) and that there are no bad consequences, judgment or death. He also uses our sins to accuse us and make us unsure of our own salvation.

But fear not! We have our own courage to conquer this dragon and its weapons of attack. We need to embrace the truth that Jesus has come to be the King who conquers the devil by dying on the cross and will return one day to judge. We need to realize our identity as God's children. He has assured us of our salvation by the blood of the Lamb. We do not need to be alarmed but we certainly need to be alert of the devil's attack in these last days.

Let us put on our armour of faith in Christ!

Revelation 10-11 ~ Delay of the Seventh Trumpet

Revelation 10-11 finally reveals the seventh and last trumpet. As the seventh angel blew his trumpet, the twenty four elders worshiped the Lord God Almighty and the flashes of lightning and rumblings paint a similar picture of God's presence at Mount Sinai (Revelation 11:15-19). This is the final reign and judgment for destroying the destroyers of the earth (Revelation 11:18) but is delayed (for reasons that we will discuss later).

But even before this seventh trumpet was blown, we rewind back to the scenes of the little scroll in Revelation 10 and the two witnesses in Revelation 11. Contrasting the previously mentioned seven unbroken seals with this little scroll that is already open, comparisons can be made with the quote from Deuteronomy 29:29, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.". In other words, this scroll contained what is to be said and told. The instructions to eat it symbolizes the act of internalizing the contents of the scroll.

This is the Word of God.

The message of forgiveness that the gospel shares is sweet as honey (Revelations 10:9) but the words of lamentation and mourning and woe described in Ezekiel 2 makes it a bitter and hard-to-swallow message. It is only good news to those who respond to the gospel appropriately.

The scene of the two witnesses in Revelation 11 begins with the measurement of the temple of God and those who worship there i.e. God's people (Revelation 11:1). What the measurement here refers to is to know the details of and to care for that which is measured. As such, the court outside the temple (those not belonging to the spiritual temple i.e. those who are not God's people) is not measured but given over to the nations to be trampled (Revelation 11:2).

The idea of two witnesses was formerly introduced in Deuteronomy 19:15 where only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. This is also the reason why Jesus sent out his apostles in twos that should they be rejected, they may shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who rejected them i.e. a sign of condemnation to the coming judgment.

The two olive trees date back to Zechariah 4 where they refer to two particular people doing God's work: Joshua and Zerubbabel, while the two lampstands are representative of the church or God's people as alluded to previously in Revelation 1. We may teach God's Word but we can also expect others to reject or accuse us.

Revelation 11:3 reveals an interesting note of the two witnesses prophesying for 1260 days. This is equivalent to forty-two months (the same period of time that the court outside the temple will be given over to the nations to be trampled on in Revelation 11:2) or 3 1/2 years - similar to that predicted in Daniel 12 concerning a time, times and half a time, where times equals two times, making it a total of 3 1/2 times = 3 1/2 years!

Again, the two witnesses change identity when Revelation 11:6 demonstrates the powerful testimony via the very Word of God itself where they have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying (a reference to Elijah predicting a drought in 1 Kings 17-18, one that too lasted for 3 1/2 years), and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire (a reference to Moses inflicting upon the Egyptians the ten plagues in Exodus).

The remainder of the first half of Revelation 11 before the seventh trumpet is blown continues to paint a picture of persecution against these two witnesses by those who dwell on the earth (as in previous sermons, a reference to those who are not God's people), who will rejoice and make merry and exchange presents, gloating at the fall of the two witnesses. This, however, only lasted for 3 1/2 days when a breath of life from God entered the two witnesses, initiating a sequence of events that forced the rest to give glory to the God of heaven as great fear fell on them.

Returning in a full cycle onward to the seventh trumpet, we now analyze why this has been delayed. Revelation 10:7 tells us that it is delayed until the time when the mystery of God would be fulfilled. Ephesians 3 explains to us what this mystery is: Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. The delay of this final judgment then is to allow people to hear the message of the gospel and respond appropriately.

Question is: Have we responded to the gospel message appropriately and how are we faring in terms of sharing this message with others who have yet to hear it?

Revelation 8-9 ~ The Trumpets of Heaven

While the wall of Jericho came falling down after the 7 trumpet sounds (held by the 7 priests), we see a similar picture in Revelation 8-9 where the 7 trumpets are now held by the 7 angels. These 7 trumpet sounds occur simultaneously with the events revealed by the 7 seals (recorded in the prior chapters of Revelation). It is interesting to note that because of the prayers of the saints (Revelation 8:4), the response that followed was one of thunder, rumblings, lightning and earthquake (Revelation 8:5). A little more on this later...

Throughout the first six trumpet blasts, we see a sequence of attacks on creation. Hail and fire (Revelation 8:7) marks the general physical natural disasters happening around us while economic downhill takes place as ships were destroyed (Revelation 8:9). The "a third" references made throughout the passage symbolizes something significant. The turn of events in chapter 8 can be compared to that of the ten plagues recorded in the book of Exodus - and plagues show judgment on people...

The blast of the fifth trumpet unfolds an even worse plague of an army and battle imagery of locusts. These, however, are no ordinary locusts. They were told not to harm the grass or any green plant or any tree but were allowed to torment those who are not God's people yet not kill them (Revelation 9:4-5). The locusts are a metaphor for the things of this world that give people so much pain to the extent that they would rather seek death (Revelation 9:6). While Christians can similarly suffer, the pain experienced is different than that described here as 1 Thessalonians 4:13 comforts us that we do not grieve as others do who have no hope, but we have our hope in Jesus.

The sixth trumpet heralds the release of four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates (a border of evil that separates barbarians from the civilized world), who similarly killed those who did not belong to God by the plagues of the four horses and riders previously discussed in Revelation 6 (Revelation 9:13-19). The selective focus here is that those killed are not God's people.

A note that those killed (as well as those who were not) were destroyed because of their various sins such as idol worship, murders, sorceries, sexual immorality or thefts (Revelation 9:20-21). As we can see from the list, it begins with idol worship itself - putting trust in our own works and achievements rather than in God. The irony is that even the best idols cannot see or hear or walk (Revelation 9:20). It reveals the very nature of self-centredness rather than God-centredness. 1 John 2:15-17 warns us: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with irs desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

This passage (as well as others) in Revelation shows us that all the plagues and tragedies that happen have multiple causation: nature, Satan, God (the idea of "given" and "allowed" in Revelation 8:2; 9:1, 5 and 13), sin (we all deserve judgment), and interestingly (as foreshadowed earlier), prayers of God's people. The infamous line of "hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come" from the Lord's Prayer should shed some light as to why this is one of the causes - it is a prayer that asks for God's justice to be revealed!

More importantly, are we heeding to the call of the warning trumpets? Or are we recalcitrant and unyielding to repentance? Friends, let us not be like those who did not repent of their sins. Instead, we should turn to God and ask Him for His forgiveness as we start a life anew in Christ.

Amen.

Revelation 6:1 - 8:1 ~ Breaking the Seven Seals

This passage in Revelation looks at the opening of the seven seals by the Lamb. The first four seals reveal four horses of different colours and riders. The first is a white horse with its rider coming to conquer (verse 2). The second is a red horse signifying blood and strife (verse 4). The third is a black horse indicating famine (verse 5-6). The final horse is pale and is ridden by Death (verse 8). This sequence plays out history where dictators of the world are followed by war then famine and finally death. The horror of it all is that these horse riders were "given" (their crown, sword, authority, etc.) - someone is behind this series of events. It is horrendous to think that it IS God who has "given" but we need to acknowledge that this is part of His judgment on a sinful humanity.

The fifth seal reveals martyred souls questioning God how long more before they can be avenged. Consistent with Romans 12:19, it is all left to the wrath of God for it is His vengeance to repay. It is interesting to note that unlike some false teachings that promote nothing but blessings and prosperity, verse 11 tells us to expect that more Christians will be persecuted and killed.

The final judgment occurs with the opening of the sixth seal. It is noteworthy to see in verses 15-16 that these people including the dictators themselves would rather have the mountains and rocks fall upon them than to face the wrath of God for who can stand?

Chapter 7 opens with an interlude that no harm is to be done until the servants of our God are sealed on their foreheads (verse 3). The number 144,000 is symbolic of a great number i.e. a huge group. Once again, as formerly portrayed in previous chapters, victory is symbolized by the white robes and palm branches in verse 9. Contrasting with the idea of judgment in chapter 6, verse 10 introduces the concept of salvation. In verses 14-17, we see how the great tribulation revealed by the sixth seal is overcome by being washed white with the blood of the Lamb (i.e. the violent death of Christ). There is also a role reversal where the Lamb is now the shepherd who guides His people to springs of living water.

The seventh seal is finally broken in chapter 8. Contrasted with all the other "noises" from chapter 4 onwards such as weeping, singing, worshipping in loud voices, crying, etc., complete silence fills heaven for a good half hour.

So, after all seven seals have been broken, the question still remains: Who can stand? Seeing how it is the Lamb who is considered the only worthy one to break the seals and how it is His blood that sanctifies His people, the wrath of God is now rightfully the vengeance of the Lamb. Hence, those who have been washed by the blood of the Lamb i.e. Christians can now stand blameless and unblemished before God because of Christ's death on the cross.

To those who have yet to call Jesus their Lord and Saviour, may I encourage you to remember that the final judgment, death, is yet to be upon us, but will befall those who choose to reject the gift of eternal life, the gift of salvation, that He offers us by His amazing grace and loving mercy. There are only two ways to live: either you are for Him (and will so be promised the crown of life) or you are against Him (and will so be punished with death for your rebellion).

How will you live your life?

Revelation 5 ~ The Roaring Lamb

What makes you cry? Do you weep at the slightest thing or do you hold your fort? For a strong character like the Apostle John to weep, it must have been a really sad matter of no small importance. In Revelation 5:4, we see that John began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look into it. Also, this scroll is miraculously written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals (verse 1) - seven once again being the number of completeness. Clearly this is no ordinary scroll!

So what exactly is this scroll all about? Ezekiel 2:9-10 talks about a scroll of a book that similarly had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe. Further on in Daniel 12:1-4, the time of the end is described as a time of trouble, and everyone whose name shall be found written in the book (which Daniel is instructed to seal) shall be delivered. This is a scroll of destiny, an outworking of human history resulting in a sad end of the world including the present times: war, famine, death - a sad reality of life itself. And it is jammed in the reality of the times now - no one can open it. Grim unyielding despair lies ahead...

But wait! There is someone, after all, who IS worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals - here is a list of His characteristics:

1. v5: Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered
2. v6: a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain
3. v9: by your blood you ransomed people for God

From these 3 verses and Old Testament references like Genesis 49:9-10, Isaiah 11 and Isaiah 53, as well as various New Testament passages, we know that this "someone" is none other than Jesus Christ! He is the one to whom they sang a new song in worship and who is considered worthy for you were slain (verse 9).

This is the turning point of all histories: Christ's death on the cross provides us salvation and redemption from our sins.

It then becomes a matter of inclusive exclusiveness. Inclusive as His blood has ransomed all. Exclusive as He is the only one worthy to open the scroll and hence, the only way by which we can be saved. It calls for our repentance as we turn to be a kingdom and priests to our God (verse 10) that others too may hear of His gospel as we share it with them, and if it's His will, be saved as well.

The series on Revelation continues this Sunday but don't forget our James Bible Studies series in IBF continues tonight! ;)

Revelation 4 ~ The Throne of the Universe

The 4th chapter in the book of Revelation paints a scene of the heavenly throne (comparisons may be drawn from Ezekiel 1:22, 26-28). While one may be tempted to interpret all the descriptions word-for-word, we need to remember that the account recorded in Revelation 4 is one of symbolization, as illustrated by the numerous "had the appearance of" phrases.

Why can't John just tell us exactly what he saw instead of resorting to symbols? Pastor Joshua provided us with a good example. Imagine trying to explain what a phone is to someone living in the 1st century, with only words. Not that easy, is it? It isn't hard to imagine how that person will respond by asking many side questions like how it is possible to actually transmit sounds from one place to another, and that even before venturing into more complicated topics like the physics of sound waves! Similarly, we have yet to experience the vision of this throne in heaven unlike John - he had to break it all down into simple words that we can understand, based on the very limited understanding that we originally possess.

The one seated on the throne (verse 2) was pictured as powerful, mighty, majestic and radiant by descriptions of overwhelming brilliance such as having the appearance of jasper and carnelian (verse 3) as well as a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald (verse 3). Flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder (verse 5) marked the holy presence of God (just like the similar moment in Exodus 19 when the Lord descended on Mount Sinai). The 24 elders (once again clothed in the victorious colour of white) and 4 living creatures are angelic beings who worship the Lord God (seated on this throne) who lives forever and ever (verses 9 and 10).

Like these angelic beings, we need to acknowledge that worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created (verse 11). Our spiritual worship should embody us presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). After all, holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come (verse 8)!

Revelation 3 ~ The Spirit's Voice

As promised 2 posts ago, here's a discussion on the letters to the remaining 3 churches of Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea as detailed in Revelation 3:

Sardis
This church had the reputation of being alive but was actually dead (verse 1). While they claimed (and were seen) to be Christians, they have soiled their garments (verse 4) with the things of this world. They were reminded to remember, then, what you received and heard (verse 3) - a call for repentance was issued lest Jesus come against you (verse 3) at an unexpected hour. The one who conquers (i.e. has genuine faith that continues to the end), however, will be clothed thus in white garments (of purity and victory) and has his name in the book of life (verse 5).

Philadelphia
Like the church in Smyrna, Philadelphia has stood firm in faith and not denied my name, despite having but little power (verse 8). They were encouraged to keep enduring patiently and Jesus will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try on those who dwell on the earth (verse 10), i.e. those who were the persecutors. Jesus' name is written on him who conquers (and on us who are faithful), an assurance that we belong to Him and an encouragement to persevere during tribulations.

Laodicea
The Laodiceans were lukewarm in their faith - half-hearted, indifferent, and having no real conviction or passion. This presented a similar situation to that in the days of the Old Testament where Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word (1 Kings 18:21). They believed themselves to be self-sufficient and rich to the extent that they may not need God but they were self-deceived. While Laodicea was famous for their vision care services (similar to the optometrists and opthalmologists of today's times) and many tailored clothes for a living, they were in reality wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked (verse 17). Zealousness and repentance were called for here that they who conquer may enjoy table-fellowship in the presence of God and Jesus in heaven.

Now that we have analyzed the 7 letters to the 7 churches, it is time to ask ourselves the question: What does all these mean to me?

What kind of church do we belong to? What kind of a church do we hope (and work towards) to become? Are we like Sardis, having the reputation of being Christians, but are like the self-deceived Laodiceans, lukewarm in our faith? Maybe we endure patiently like Ephesus, Pergamum and Thyatira but have abandoned our first love and sometimes give in to idolatry and sexual immorality? Or do we aspire to be more like Smyrna and Philadephia to persevere through sufferings and tribulations as we face persecutions against our solidly-grounded faith?

Let us all be reminded to keep listening to His Word and what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; Revelation 3:6, 13, 22), not getting too comfortable in our own churches lest we backslide into a synagogue of Satan and lose the crown of life. It may all sound a little too harsh but Jesus assures us that is is those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent (verse 19).

Next time, we will be looking at The Throne of the Universe in Revelation 4...

Revelation 2 ~ The Jesus Letter

The second chapter of Revelation details the contents of letters to 4 churches, namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira:

Ephesus
The Ephesians were persecuted for speaking up for the truth and against false teaching. Their endurance is commendable but they have lost their first love: the love they had when they first became Christians - love for God, Jesus, other Christians, outsiders, etc. Unless they repent, they will be removed. On the other hand, those who conquer (i.e. love Jesus) will be granted to eat of the tree of life...

Smyrna
This is a church that faced tribulation and poverty but was rich spiritually. The ten days in verse 10 refer to a time frame that is not too short but not too long either - this length of suffering is nothing compared to the eternal life promised to Smyrna, hence why they will only die once (the physical death) and not be hurt by the second death (verse 11) at the Day of Judgment.

Pergamum
While there were faithful witnesses who were martyred at Satan's throne like Antipas, there were also, unfortunately, those who held the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, practising idolatry and sexual immorality. Again, we see a similar pattern in the end results as compared to that of the church at Ephesus: unless they repent, there are dire consequences to be met. As for those who conquer, they are promised hidden manna (symbolizing food that gives life rather than the food sacrificed to idols, which were consumed by the church at Pergamum) and the white stone of victory.

Thyatira
While faith and perseverance are highly valued, Thyatira's tolerance of the seductress, Jezebel, was unacceptable. While this is a different Jezebel from the one who led Ahab astray in 1 Kings, nevertheless the Lord's commands have been trifled with in both cases. On a side note, Isabel is a variation of the name Jezebel - perhaps not the best name to give to your newborn daughter. (If your name is Isabel, or is a variant of it, please understand that I meant no offense - it does not necessarily imply that you're wicked like the Jezebel's of the Bible.) The solution to the problem? Not tolerate this teaching but rather hold fast to the things of Christ, not Satan.

Stay tuned as we cover the remaining 3 churches in our next installment: Revelation 3.

Revelation 1:9-20 ~ The View From Heaven

The second part of FOCUS' Revelation series continues to explore John's vision. In Revelation 1:9-20, we see this vision of one like a son of man (Revelation 1:13). Are the descriptions that follow merely just a visual account or do they paint hidden meanings? Let's take a look...

clothed with a long robe and a golden sash (Revelation 1:13)

• These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests. (Exodus 28:4)
• The image of priesthood is illustrated here with regards to this "son of man".

The hairs of his head were white like wool, as white as snow (Revelation 1:14)

• As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool (Daniel 7:9)
• Reference is being made to the Ancient of Days i.e. God Himself, who is the judge of all judges.
• White was also the colour for victory.

His eyes were like a flame of fire (Revelation 1:14)

• seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance ... the appearance of fire enclosed all around ... Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. (Ezekiel 1:26-28)
• The fiery appearance signifies the glory of the Lord.
  

his feet were like burnished bronze (Revelation 1:15)

• Their legs ... sparkled like burnished bronze. (Ezekiel 1:7)
• And above the expanse of their heads there was the likeness of a throne ... Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. (Ezekiel 1:26-28)
• The idea of one sitting under the authority of the Lord appears here.
  

his voice was like the roar of many waters (Revelation 1:15)

• And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters (Ezekiel 43:2)
• The voice indicates the coming of the God of Israel.
  

In his right hand (Revelation 1:16)

• Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power, your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy. (Exodus 15:6)
• This powerful "right hand" is able to deliver Israel from her enemy as sang by Moses and the Israelites.
  

from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword (Revelation 1:16)

• Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17)
• For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12)
• This "son of man" speaks the word of God.
  

his face was like the sun shining (Revelation 1:16)

• he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:15-16)
• The shining face resembles that belonging to God.
  

What then can we conclude from this analysis? This "son of man" bears the glory of God and speaks His Word. He sits under God's authority as God's priest who victoriously saves His people but judges and destroys His enemies. As alluded in my previous post on the Revelation series, this "son of man" is none other than Jesus Christ. Claiming to be the first and the last (Revelation 1:17), He echoes the sentiments of the Lord God who identifies Himself as the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8). Again, He reiterates the point of his being the firstborn of the dead (Revelation 1:5) by telling us that He is the living one (Revelation 1:18).

Since it has been revealed that the seven lampstands are the seven churches (Revelation 1:20) of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, how then is this relevant to us today?

Very relevant indeed as we see how John has been instructed to write therefore the things that you have seen (Revelation 1:19). It is to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days ... for the vision is for days to come (Daniel 10:14). Jesus' presence in the midst of the lampstands comforts us in knowing that He is always among us, even through the most difficult of times.

The time is near (Revelation 1:3) ... how will you respond?

Revelation 1:1-8 ~ Knowing THE Future

Today's church passage focused on "Knowing THE Future" in Revelation 1:1-8. We are so often faced with so many uncertainties about the future that we sometimes lament, "If only I knew for sure...". But what about the revelation to John? Do we see a hint of the future in it and is it certain?

The prologue of Revelation presents to us that this book is an account of John's prophecy with God as the revealer and the message being that of Jesus Christ. While we shall dive deeper into understanding this "prophecy" in the coming weeks' sermons, let us first examine some of the interesting points that verses 1 to 8 of Chapter 1 introduce to us.

"who is and who was and who is to come"
"Who is" refers to the present, "who was" the past, and "who is to come" the future. This phrase is in reference to God (the idea appears twice in v4 and 8) - it describes an ever present God who was there right from the beginning, is still with us here in the present, and will still be there in the future. After all, "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God (v8). This is the one same God who revealed to John (through an angel) the things that must soon take place (v1) concerning that of Jesus - the very reason why we can be assured of the certainty of this particular "future" as the revealer has been present since time immemorial and will still be there when the things that must soon take place (v1) eventually do take place.

"the firstborn of the dead"
The irony of this phrase lends it a twist of curious interest - how is someone who is dead a firstborn? And what does "firstborn" refer to? The first child of the family? No - in fact, "firstborn" is a term commonly used to refer to that of the heir; one who is destined to receive an inheritance in the future. How then is Jesus the firstborn of the dead (v5)? Being one who has resurrected from the dead, He is the ruler of kings on earth (v5) who inherits from God, His Father, authority over all creation as well as the glory and dominion forever and ever (v6) that He deserves.

"coming with the clouds"
Read alone, this phrase may seem insignificant, but several other Bible passages do help shed some light here on what this phrase actually means. and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man (Daniel 7:13) started us off with the whole "cloud" imagery but more importantly, it continues to tell us that this son of man (Daniel 7:13) who came to the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13) has an everlasting dominion (Daniel 7:14) and that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him (Daniel 7:14). This reaffirms the same concept of Jesus being the firstborn of the dead (v5) that we looked at in Revelation! Jesus also foretold of himself, speaking in a third person language, that they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory (Luke 21:27). But what exactly is this "cloud"? Jesus presented Himself to His apostles after His resurrection and at one point of time as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him our of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold two men stood by them in white robes, and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11). This "cloud" is none other than "heaven" itself and it signifies the second coming of Christ in the future! This leads us to our next phrase, one that we have glanced at earlier on...

"the things that must soon take place"
As we read God's Word in its bigger picture, we can appreciate that these "things" refer to that of Christ's second coming. The word "must" indicates a certainty and this notion is confirmed by our earlier discussion on the revealer of the prophecy being that of God who is and who was and who is to come (Revelation 1:4, 8). But "soon"? How soon is "soon"?! More than two millenia have passed since the first coming of Christ - a seemingly long time to many of us. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (2 Peter 3:8). So while we may not be able to pinpoint exactly how "soon" Christ will return, we can all appreciate that it is a certainty in the future and the Christians amongst us have a responsibility to share the gospel with others that they too may be warned that judgment day is not too far ahead but still be reassured that Jesus loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood (v5) and that He is the one whom they should give all glory to as Lord and Saviour. For blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near (v3)...

Next week, we will be looking at "The View From Heaven" as we explore Revelation 1:9-20. Feel free to join us (FOCUS PM Church) for the live sermon every Sunday 4.30PM at Keith Burrows Theatre @ UNSW! ^_^

FOCUS PM Church + IBF

FOCUS PM Church @ UNSW will be kick-starting an exciting series on the book of Revelation this coming Sunday. So make sure you join us as we unravel the mysteries behind one of the most challenging reads of the New Testament!

FOCUS PM Church (Fellowship of Overseas Christian University Students)
Every Sunday
4.30PM
Keith Burrows Theatre, UNSW

As for weekly Bible Studies, IBF @ UNSW will be exploring the gospel of Jesus according to Luke, starting this coming Friday. Come learn to read God's Word for yourself and appreciate the story of Christ our Saviour!

IBF (International Bible Fellowship)
Every Friday
7.00PM
Squarehouse Level 2, UNSW

See you there! ^_^