Churches
This church was neither hot nor cold. It was lukewarm. Jesus said, "I will spit you out of my mouth".
What is the church of Laodicea?
Who is "...the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me" Revelation 1:10-13
Who is the Son of Man - Jesus?
Who has the Scroll? Where is he holding it? Where is the writing?
God has the Scroll in his right hand. There is writing on both sides.
What are these Seals?
World events that have to happen before Jesus returns.
Because God told them to! "Until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." (vs. 3). Until the chosen have accepted God.
This church was rebuked for tolerating that woman Jezebel, who teaches & seduces his servants.
What is the church of Thyatira?
Who are the 24 elders (think symbolic numbers)
The 12 tribes of Israel - Old Testament and the 12 disciples - New Testament. 12 + 12. They are people, not angels.
What is written on the Scroll? Remember, it is a two-fold document!
Two parts to His plan. A plan for his elect (grace) and a plan for the unrighteous (justice).
What does the 1st Seal represent? The rider and the horse?
The white horse is the antichrist - deception. Promises everything, but it is all lies. Many antichrist will come.
Who can stand?
The 144,000 - Those who have overcome!
This church was rebuked for abandoning the love they had at first.
What is the church of Ephesus?
Why are the 24 elders seated on thrones?
To show authority, "in charge", we will reign with Christ!
Is the Scroll opened? If not, how is it closed? What is the significance of how it is closed?
What do the 2nd & 3rd Seals represent? The riders and the horses?
The 2nd Seal is war, people slaying one another. The 3rd Seal is famine & economic collapse - inflation.
Who do you think the number 144,000 symbolizes?
12 x 12 x 1000 = 12 is perfection of God, 1000 is a big number which is a lot of people!! ANYONE can be saved!
This church was NOT commended, yet a FEW were commended for not soiling their garments.
What is the church of Sardis?
Who are the 4 living creatures?
Lion, Ox, Face of man, Eagle in flight. Cherubim (angels). 4=creation. Ministering spirits.
Who is allowed to open the Scroll?
Jesus, the Lamb that was slain and is alive without sin, is the only one worthy to open the Scroll.
What does the 4th Seal represent? The rider and the horse?
The 4th Seal is Death - the rider's name is Hades. Given authority over 1/4 (not literal) (a portion) of the earth - final judgment.
What does the word Seal mean? How can you symbolically, visibly show other that you have been Sealed?
A Seal is a guarantee. The Greek meaning is to stamp with a private mark for security and preservation. You can show others you have been Sealed by displaying the Fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, goodness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
These TWO churches were not rebuked.
What are Smyrna and Philadelphia?
What is, as it were, a sea of glass, like crystal before the throne?
Sea = chaos of mankind. Sea of glass = peace and security, no waves, no chaos.
Describe the 2 sides of the Scroll and how they relate to the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God.
The Lion of Judah represents authority, strength, and justice. The Lamb of God represents Grace. We will either meet the Lion or the Lamb!
What do the 5th and 6th Seals represent?
The 5th Seal represents martyrs' under God's altar asking "how long before you will judge the earth". The answer is, "rest a little longer". The 6th Seal represents earthquakes, sun turning black, moon turning to blood, stars falling, and the sky vanishing. Everyone will see the face of God. The unrepentant are hiding asking, "Who can stand?".
How can a Lamb be a Shepard? (vs.17)
The Lamb is Christ. He is the Shepard of his children (the sheep).