SCRIPTURE: Revelation 5

OBSERVATION:
In this vision, God’s plan to restore His kingdom on earth is revealed. The sealed scroll represents the official plan. It requires a human agent (God entrusted this world to humans, as His image-bearers; by their hand it was thrust into darkness and death; by their hand it will be restored). But not just any agent will do, a worthy agent is needed. But no one in all creation was found to do this. No human could ever restore God’s world. The good news, God provides the perfect agent: the Son of God (Lion) becomes the Son of man (lamb), and triumphs through His humble, sacrificial love. Everyone in God’s throne-room erupts in praise when they see this perfect messiah. He will restore God’s kingdom, He will defeat the enemy, He will establish God’s servants to reign once again on the earth.
Continue reading ‘the way of the lamb’ »

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 4

OBSERVATION:
John leaves the body (can you imagine it, freaky!), and in this unbodied state he sees the headquarters of the universe. God reveals it in images that he can relate to: a throne, a person shining like brilliant jewels, 24 more thrones with older men sitting on them, lamps, a sea of glass, 4 creatures with lots of wings and eyes, like a lion, an ox, a human face and an eagle. Together these creatures sing and praise the one on the throne, laying their own crowns at His feet. Of course, these are visions, symbolic pictures of a very true reality. God is in charge, His angels worship Him, as do His people (represented by 24 elders, 12 tribes and 12 apostles, the fullness of God’s OT and NT people). But just because this is a vision, don’t think it’s not real. It is ultimate reality, the truth behind everything we see and experience.
Continue reading ‘the ultimate worship gathering’ »

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 3

OBSERVATION:
The believers at Philadelphia are very strong, but the believers at Sardis and Laodicea are not doing well. The Sardis believers are putting on a good show, but its hollow, dead on the inside. The Laodicean believers are lukewarm, though they think they are doing OK. Interesting that the door for the Philadelphian group is open, and no one can shut it, but the door for Laodicean group is shut, and Jesus does not open it by force but waits for them to open it. The challenge for all of them is to hold on, to stand firm, be faithful and obedient no matter what, for Jesus will come. Those who do will stand victorious with Him on the last day.
Continue reading ‘open door policy’ »

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 2

OBSERVATION:
The general sense of this passage is an encouragement and a challenge. Three of the four churches have some concerns. The health of Smyrna at the time of writing is good, but the Ephesus believers have fallen from their first love, and the Pergamum and Thyatira believers are compromising their morals and religious convictions, tolerating questionable beliefs and practices. This vision lets it be known that this is a serious concern, one that calls for repentance. The repeated refrain about having ears to hear, simply means, are we willing to listen, are we determined to stand firm and overcome?
Continue reading ‘first love’ »

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 1

OBSERVATION:
John receives a vision from Jesus while he is imprisoned on Patmos for being a Jesus-follower. The message is for 7 specific churches, but also for all believers of all ages. It is a message to inspire hope and encouragement for those, like John, who are being persecuted for their faith, and frustrated that Jesus has not come yet. Through this vision, the basic message that comes through is that Jesus is on the throne, and He will come and set things straight. And those who crucified Him, as well as those who torment and torture His followers, will mourn because of Him. In other words, hang on, He is coming!
Continue reading ‘I want to see Jesus’ »

For those participating in the SOAP Bible Reading schedule, here is an introduction to the readings from Revelation that begin today (Taken from GotQuestions.org).

Author: Revelation 1:1,4,9 and 22:8 specifically identify the author of the Book of Revelation as the Apostle John.

Date of Writing: The Book of Revelation was likely written between 90 and 95 A.D.

Purpose of Writing: The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave John to show his servants what must soon take place. This book is filled with mysteries and things to come. It is the final warning that the world will surely end and judgment will be certain. Continue reading ‘reading Revelation’ »

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 150

OBSERVATION:
A simple chorus of praise.
Praise in sanctuary (temple, place where people meet to honour God)
Praise in the heavenly sanctuary, the expanse of the skies (i.e. everywhere)
Praise for the amazing examples of His greatness and goodness in nature (sunrise, sunset, earthquakes, storms, volcanoes, oceans, gravity, laws of physics, etc.) and in life (birth, life, growth, beauty, food, work, family, love, answers to prayer, etc.). SO MUCH TO PRAISE HIM FOR!
Get the whole orchestra (every person is a part of the orchestra, each brings their own unique sound of praise), and let it all out!
Everything, including animals, should join the chorus of praise!
Continue reading ‘symphony of praise’ »