 This is my last blog studying Genesis to Revelation. I appreciate your input moving forward as this will form the foundation for Sync: Connecting Your Life to God's Story.
The results of rejoicing over reigning Christ-centered priests include: 1. Rejoice over Satan being bound for 1,000 years 2. Grieve over unbelievers thrown in lake of fire 3. Anticipate a new heaven and new earth without death or pain as people drink from water of life 4. Exalt in New Jerusalem's glory and beauty 5. See God's face as you eat fruit from tree of life for health-giving service 6. Receive water of life's free gift and work righteously for eternal reward Here is summary of Revelation outline: Jesus, the Lord of the Churches (Revelation 1:1 to 3:22) Jesus, the Lion over the nations (Revelation 4:1 to 20:15) Jesus, the Lamb among believers (Revelation 21:1 to 22:21) Rejoice Over Reigning Christ-Centered Priests While Satan's Bound An angel came down from heaven with the key to the Abyss and bound the dragon 1,000 years preventing him from deceiving the nations. People sat on thrones with authority to judge. Souls beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus came to life and reigned with Christ 1,000 years as priests of God. Afterward, satan was released from his prison to deceive all the nations, including Gog and Magog, and gathered them for battle. Fire from heaven devoured them. The devil was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur for eternal torment (Rev. 20:1-10). Rejoice over reigning Christ-centered priests while satan's bound for 1,000 years. Grieve Over Unbelievers Thrown in Lake of Fire The dead stood before a great white throne and books were opened, including the book of life. The dead were judged according to their works as recorded in the books. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, which was the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-15). Grieve over unbelievers thrown in the lake of fire. Anticipate New Heaven and Earth Without Death or Pain as People Drink From Water of Life John saw a new heaven and a new earth after the first heaven and earth passed away. The Holy City, the new Jerusalem, came down out of heaven from God prepared as bride dressed for her husband. The dwelling of God was with men and He lived with them as His people. He wiped every tear from their eyes for no more death, mourning, crying or pain. God said He was making everything new and to finish His eternal purpose. He was the Beginning and the End. The thirsty would drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcame would inherit this as God's son. The unbelieving, murderers, sexually immoral, idolaters and liars would be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur as the second death (Rev. 21:1-8). Anticipate a new heaven and new earth without death or pain as people drink from water of life. Exalt in New Jerusalem's Glory and Beauty with Gates of 12 Tribes and Foundations of 12 Apostles The Holy City, Jerusalem, came down out of heaven from God shining with His glory like a precious jewel. It had a high wall containing twelve gates with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and twelve foundations with the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. An angel measured the city, gates and wall laid out as a cube (1,400 miles on each side). The city was pure gold. The city walls' foundations were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The twelve gates were twelve pearls. The street was of pure gold like transparent glass. God and the Lamb were the temple with His glory giving the city light. The Lamb was its lamp. Nothing impure could ever enter it, but only those whose names were written in the Lamb's book of life (Rev. 21:9-26). Exalt in New Jerusalem's glory and beauty with gates of 12 tribes and foundations of 12 apostles. See God's Face as You Eat Fruit from Tree of Life for Health-Giving Service The river of the water of life flowed from God's throne down the middle of the great street of the city. Twelve crops of fruit yielded monthly from the tree of life standing on each side of the river. The tree leaves were for the nations' healing without any curse. His servants served and reigned forever before God's throne and the Lamb in the city. They saw His face and His name would be on their foreheads. The Lord God gave them light without the sun. These trustworthy and true words showed His servants what must soon take place (Rev. 22:1-6). See God's face as you eat fruit from tree of life for health-giving service. Receive Water of Life's Free Gift and Work Righteously for Eternal Reward God was coming soon to give rewards according to works. Blessed were those who kept the words of the prophecy, washed their robes for right to the tree of life and entered through the gates into the city. Outside were those who practiced falsehood. Jesus, the Root, Offspring of David and the bright Morning Star, sent His angel to give this testimony for the churches. Those who were thirsty should come and take the free gift of the water of life. If anyone added to this prophecy, God added to him the plagues described in this book. If anyone took words away from this prophecy, God took away his share in the tree of life and the holy city described in this book (Rev. 22:7-21). Receive water of life's free gift and work righteously for eternal reward. Rejoice over reigning Christ-centered priests and grieve over unbelievers thrown in lake of fire. Anticipate a new heaven and new earth without death or pain as people drink from water of life. Exalt in New Jerusalem's glory and beauty as you see God's face eating fruit from tree of life for health-giving service Receive water of life's free gift and work righteously for eternal reward  The reasons you can exalt God's word in worship are:
1. Response to martyrs' victory over the antichrist 2. Know God's judgment amplifies His grace in the heavenly temple 3. Know God's physical, ecological and celestial judgments often harden peoples' hearts 4. Clothe yourself with Jesus during natural disasters to prepare for Christ's second coming 5. Celebrate man's destruction of idolatrous, religious system 6. Celebrate God's destruction of materialistic and deceptive political and commercial system that killed believers 7. Praise God's reign and church's righteous acts as preparation for wedding feast of the Lamb 8. Praise God's word from Jesus' mouth will defeat Satan so God rules on earth Exalt God's Word in Worship as Response to Martyrs' Victory Seven angels completed God's wrath with seven last plagues. John saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire that were those victorious over the beast, image and number of his name. They held harps and sang the song of Moses and the Lamb about the Lord God Almighty's and King of the ages' great and marvelous deeds along with His just and true ways. Everyone should fear and bring glory to Him for He alone was holy. All nations would come and worship for His righteous acts were revealed (Rev. 15:1-4). Exalt God's word in worshiping His works and ways as response to the martyrs' victory over the antichrist. Know God's Judgment Amplifies His Glory in the Heavenly Temple John saw the tabernacle of Testimony open in heaven. Seven angels with their seven plagues came out of the temple dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with God's wrath. The temple was filled with smoke from His glory and power. No one could enter the temple until the seven plagues were completed (Rev. 15:5-8). Know God's judgment amplifies His glory in the heavenly temple. Know God's Physical, Ecological and Celestial Judgments Often Harden Peoples' Hearts The seven angels poured out seven bowls of God's wrath on the earth. The first angel sent ugly and painful sores on those with the mark of the beast who worshiped his image. The second angel turned the sea into blood so every living died in it. The third angel made the rivers and springs of water become blood because the Holy One judged truthfully and justly those who shed the blood of saints and prophets. The fourth angel gave the sun power to sear people by intense heat so they cursed God refusing to repent. The fifth angel plunged the beast's throne and kingdom into darkness so men gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed God refusing to repent what they did (Rev. 16:1-11). Know God's physical, ecological and celestial judgments often harden peoples' hearts. Clothe Yourself with Jesus During Natural Disasters to Prepare for Christ's Second Coming The sixth angel dried up the Euphrates River to prepare the way for the Eastern kings. John saw three evil spirits like frogs coming out of the dragon's, beast's and false prophet's mouth. They gathered kings together for the final battle of Armageddon. God told His people to stay awake and clothed so they would not be naked and shamefully exposed when He came back like a thief. The seventh angel sent flashes of lightning and a severe earthquake unlike any previously. Jerusalem split into three parts and other cities collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and filled her with His wrath. Every island and mountain were not found. Huge, 100 pound hailstones fell upon men so they cursed God (Rev. 16:12-21). Clothe yourself with Jesus during natural disasters to prepare for Christ's second coming. Prepare for Idolatrous, Religious System to Be Destroyed by Men One of the seven angels showed the punishment of the great prostitute that kings and inhabitants committed and intoxicated with her adulteries. John saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast covered with blasphemous names, seven heads and ten horns. She was filled with abominable things and adulteries with "Mystery, Babylon the Great" written on her forehead. She was drunk with the blood of the saints and those bearing testimony to Jesus. The beast she rode came out of the Abyss to go to his destruction. The seven heads were seven hills on which the woman sat. Five kings fell, one was and the other had not yet come. The beast was the eighth king. The ten horns had not received a kingdom but the kings and beast received authority. They gave their power and authority to the beast. All of them warred against the Lamb and His faithful followers. The Lord of lords and King of kings overcame the kings and the beast. The woman was the great city that ruled over the kings of the earth (Rev. 17:1-18). Celebrate man's destruction of idolatrous, religious system. Prepare for Materialistic Commercial System To Be Destroyed by God Another angel said Babylon the Great fell and became the home for demons. All nations, kings and merchants drank her adulteries and grew rich from her excessive luxuries. A heavenly voice commanded God's people to come out and not share in her sins or plagues. Her sins piled up to heaven and He remembered her crimes. He gave her as much torture and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. She boasted of being a queen and never mourning. In one day her plagues of death, mourning and famine overtook her. Kings and merchants mourned when they saw the smoke of her burning ruining her power, riches and splendor so no one bought her cargoes. God judged her for the way she treated believers, apostles and prophets. Her merchants were the world's great men. Babylon led astray every nation by her magic spell. In her was found the blood of prophets and those killed on earth (Rev. 18:1-24). Celebrate God's destruction of materialistic and deceptive political and commercial system that killed believers. Praise God's Reign and Church's Righteous Acts to Prepare for Wedding Feast of Lamb A great multitude shouted that salvation, glory and power belonged to God since His judgments were true and just. He condemned the great prostitute whose adulteries corrupted the earth and avenged the blood of His servants. The 24 elders and four living creatures fell down and worshiped God seated on the throne crying, "Amen, Hallelujah." A voice from the throne said for His servants to praise God. A great multitude shouted that the Lord God Almighty reigned, the Lamb's wedding had come and His bride made herself ready with clean linen representing the saints' righteous acts. The angel told John how blessed were those invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb. The testimony of Jesus was the spirit of prophecy (Rev. 19:1-10). Praise God's reign and church's righteous acts to prepare for wedding feast of the Lamb. Praise God's Word from Jesus' Mouth to Defeat Satan So God Rules on Earth A white horse whose rider called Faithful and True judged and made war. His eyes were like blazing fire, head with many crowns and a name written that only He knew. His robe was dipped in blood and His name was the Word of God. Heaven's armies dressed in white linen followed Him riding on white horses. A sharp sword came out of His mouth to strike down the nations and rule them with an iron scepter. On His robe was written, "King of kings and Lord of lords." An angel said to gather for the great supper of God to eat the flesh of kings, mighty men and all people. The beast and earthly kings made war against the rider on the horse and His army, but they captured the beast and false prophet. They were thrown alive in the fiery lake of burning sulfur and killed the rest with the sword that came out of the rider's mouth on the horse (Rev. 19:11-21). Praise God's word from Jesus' mouth to defeat satan so God rules on earth. Exalt God's word in worship because of the martyrs' victory over the antichrist, which used His word from Jesus' mouth to defeat Satan so God rules on earth. Praise God's reign and church's righteous acts as preparation for wedding feast of Lamb knowing His judgment amplifies His grace in the heavenly temple. Celebrate God's destruction of idolatrous, materialistic and deceptive religious, political and commercial system by clothing yourself with Jesus in preparation for His second coming.  In order to know your labor in Christ gains rest and significance; remember Israel birthed Jesus how rules and protects; overcome Satan's accusations by Lamb's blood, word of testimony and lose life for His sake, endure patiently and faithfully by resisting the devil and antichrist; resist deception and compromise in the great tribulation; achieve victory in Christ through purity and faithfulness; and escape eternal torment in hell.
Remember Israel Birthed Jesus Who Rules and Protects A pregnant woman cried out in pain just before she gave birth. A large red dragon with seven heads, ten horns and seven crown appeared as another sign in heaven. His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky. The dragon stood in front of the woman to devour her child. She gave birth to a male child who would rule all the nations with an iron scepter. Her child was snatched up to God and to His throne. The woman fled in the desert and where she was protected for 1,260 days (Rev. 12:1-6). Remember Israel birthed Jesus who rules the nations and protects His people during the great tribulation. Overcome Satan's Accusations by Lamb's Blood, Word of Testimony and Lose Life for His Sake After Michael and his angels fought the dragon (serpent, devil, Satan) and his angels, he was hurled to earth and led the world astray. Salvation, power and kingdom of God along with the authority of His Christ came. The accuser of brothers who accused them before God day and night was hurled down. Believers overcame him by the Lamb's blood, word of their testimony and willingness to die. Being filled with fury, the devil knew his time was short and pursued the woman who gave birth to the male child. The woman was cared for in the desert for 1,260 days. The serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman but the earth swallowed the river. The dragon was enraged and made war against those who obeyed God's commandments and held to Jesus' testimony (Rev. 12:7-17). Overcome Satan's accusations by Lamb's blood, word of testimony and lose your life for His sake. Endure Patiently and Faithfully By Resisting Devil and Antichrist A beast (antichrist) came out of the sea with ten horns, seven heads and a mouth like a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power, throne and great authority. The whole world followed the beast who uttered proud words, blasphemies and exercised his authority for 42 months over every tribe, people, language and nation. Men worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast who warred and conquered the saints. Those who names were not written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb worshiped the beast. Because God determined who would go into captivity or killed, saints must patiently endure with faithfulness (Rev. 13:1-10). Endure patiently and faithfully by resisting the devil and antichrist. Resist Deception and Compromise in Great Tribulation Another beast (false prophet) came out of the earth with two horns like a lamb who spoke like a dragon. He exercised his authority on behalf of the first beast (antichrist). He made everyone worship the antichrist whose fatal wound was healed. His miraculous signs like fire coming down from heaven deceived men. He ordered an image be set up in honor of the antichrist. He was given power so the image had breath, spoke and killed anyone who refused to worship it. He forced everyone to receive a mark on his right hand or forehead to buy or sell with the beast's number: 666 (Rev. 13:11-18). Resist deception and compromise by not taking a mark to buy or sell from the antichrist, Achieve Victory in Christ Through Purity and Truthfulness The Lamb stood on Mount Zion with 144,000 who had His Father's name written on their foreheads. John heard a loud sound like harpists playing their harps singing a new song before the throne, four living creatures and elders. Only the 144,000 redeemed from the earth who stayed pure with women and followed the Lamb wherever He went could learn the song. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths (Rev. 14:1-5). Achieve victory in Christ through purity and truthfulness so God hears your new song. Escape Eternal Torment in Hell Knowing Labor in Christ Gains Rest and Significance Another angel had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those on earth. He said to fear, worship and give the Creator God glory because the time of judgment was coming. A second angel said Babylon the Great fell, which made the nations drink the wine of her adulteries. A third angel said if anyone worshiped the beast, his image and received his mark, he would drink the cup of God's wrath. He would be tormented forever with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. This called for patient endurance for saints who obeyed God's commandments and remained faithful to Jesus. Those who died in the Lord from that point on were blessed since they rested from labor and their deeds followed them (Rev. 14:6-13). Escape eternal torment in hell knowing your labor in Christ gains rest and significance. Realize Timeliness of God's Wrath in Final Battle of Armageddon Someone like a son of man was seated on a white cloud with a crown of gold on his head and sharp sickle in his hand. Another angel said to take the sickle and reap because the earth's harvest was ripe. Another angel with charge of the fire called out to an angel to use its sharp sickle to gather clusters of ripe grapes from the earth's vine. It threw them into the great winepress of God's wrath. They were trampled in the winepress outside the city where blood flowed as high as horses' bridles for 180 miles (Rev. 14:14-20). Realize timeliness of God's wrath in final battle of Armageddon. Know your labor in Christ gains rest and significance by remembering Israel birthed Jesus who rules and protects to escape eternal torment in hell, overcome Satan's accusations by the Lamb's blood, word of testimony and lose life for His sake to achieve victory in Christ though purity and faithfulness, and resist deception and compromise in the great tribulation by enduring patiently and faithfully.  Here is the process of victory for those who share the gospel of the kingdom in the world:
1. Recognize how Satan destroys unbelievers 2. Know that people refuse repentance even after a third of mankind killed 3. Meditate on God's word 4. Recognize God's control to protect and empower to witnesses to perform miracles and share testimonies 5. Worship God knowing earthly kingdoms will become His kingdom to reign forever Recognize How Satan Destroys Unbelievers The fifth angel sounded his trumpet and John saw a star fallen from the sky given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. After opening it, smoke came out like from a gigantic furnace, which darkened the sun and sky. Locusts came down and stung like scorpions for five months those without the seal of God on their foreheads. People sought death because of the agony. The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle with faces like human ones, teeth like lions and breastplates like iron whose king was the Destroyer angel (Rev. 9:1-11). Recognize how Satan destroys those without God's seal. Know That People Still Refuse Repentance Even After Killing a Third of Mankind Two other woes were yet to pass. The sixth angel blew his trumpet and a voice came from the horns of the golden altar before God to release the four angels and two hundred million troops. The horses' heads resembled lions' heads and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur to kill a third of mankind. The rest of mankind not killed by the plagues did not repent of the work of their hands, murders, magic arts, sexual immorality or thefts. They continued worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood that could not see, hear or walk (Rev. 9:12-21). Know that people still refuse repentance even after God allows demonic power kill a third of mankind. Meditate on God's Word and Share Gospel of Kingdom A mighty angel came down from heaven robed in a cloud with a rainbow above his head, face like the sun and legs like fiery pillars. He held a small scroll planting his right foot on the sea and left one on the land. John heard the voices of seven thunders, but a voice from heaven said to seal up what was said and do not write it down. The angel said the mystery of God would be accomplished as He announced to the His prophets after the seventh angel sounded his trumpet. The angel told John to eat the scroll as it would turn his stomach sour, but be sweet as honey in his mouth. He was told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings (Rev. 10:1-11). Meditate on God's word and share gospel of kingdom to the world. Recognize God's Control to Protect and Empower Witnesses to Perform Miracles and Share Testimonies John measured God's temple and the altar. He counted the worshipers there, but not the outer court given to Gentiles. They trampled the holy city 42 months. He empowered His two witnesses to prophesy for 1,260 days in sackcloth. Two olive trees and two lampstands stood before the Lord. He protected them from harm, gave the witnesses power to stop rain while prophesying, turned the waters into blood and struck the earth with every kind of plague anytime they wanted. When they finished their testimony, the beast came up from the Abyss and killed them. Their bodies laid in Jerusalem where their Lord was crucified. The earth celebrated by sending gifts because the two prophets tormented those on earth. Three and a half days after their death, God brought them to life and raised them to heaven in a cloud while their enemies watched. An earthquake killed 7,000 people and collapsed a tenth of the city, but the survivors gave glory to God (Rev. 11:1-14). Recognize God's control to protect and empower His witnesses to perform miracles and share testimonies. Worship God Knowing Earthly Kingdoms Will Become His Kingdom to Reign Forever The seventh angel sounded his trumpet and a loud heavenly voice said the kingdom of the world became the kingdom of their Lord and His Christ to reign forever. The 24 elders seated on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God giving thanks to the Lord God Almighty who is and who was because they took His great power and began to reign. The nations were angry as His wrath came to judge the dead, rewarded His servants the prophets and those who reverenced His name and destroyed those who destroyed the earth. God's temple in heaven was opened to see the ark of His covenant (Rev. 11:15-19). Worship God knowing earthly kingdoms will become His kingdom to reign forever. Be assured of victory in sharing the gospel of the kingdom in the world when you recognize how Satan destroys unbelievers and they refuse repentance even after a third of mankind are killed. Meditate on God's word and recognize His control to protect and empower to witnesses to perform miracles and share testimonies. Worship God knowing earthly kingdoms will become His kingdom to reign forever.  How are you inspired to preach the gospel of the kingdom? Rev. 6-8 explains the need to prepare for end time events knowing Satan's plan, recognize God's sovereignty in death and martyr of believers, expect cosmic disruption, embrace Christ as shepherd, let devastating events lead you to fervent prayer and recognize God's judgment in disrupting comfort.
Prepare for End Time Events Knowing Satan's Plan When John watched the Lamb open the first of seven seals, he saw a white horse whose rider held a bow, given a crown and rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. When the Lamb opened the second seal, a fiery red horse came out whose rider was given power and a large sword to take peace from the earth and make men kill others. When the Lamb opened the third seal, a black horse came out whose rider held a pair of scales in his hand. John heard a voice from four living creatures saying a quart of wheat and three quarts of barley for a day's wages without damaging the oil and wine (Rev. 6:1-6). Prepare for end time events knowing Satan inspires the antichrist to unleash devastating wars, famine and calamities on earth. Recognize God's Sovereignty in Death and Martyr of Believers When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, a pale horse had a rider named Death and Hades followed close behind. They were given power over 25 percent of the earth to kill by sword, famine, plague and wild beasts. After opening the fifth seal, John saw under the altar the souls of those slain because of the word of God and their testimony. They asked in a loud voice how long until the Sovereign Lord would judge and avenge their blood. Each was given a white robe and told to wait a little longer until their fellow servants and brothers were killed (Rev. 6:7-11). Recognize God's sovereignty in the death and martyr of believers during the great tribulation because of God's word and their testimony. Expect Cosmic Disruption in Heaven and Earth After opening the sixth seal, a great earthquake occurred, the sun turned black, moon turned blood red and the stars fell to the earth. The sky receded like a scroll and every mountain and island were removed from its place. Everyone, including the powerful elite, hid in caves and mountains. They called on them to fall and hide them from the one who sat on the throne and from the great wrath of the Lamb (Rev. 6:12-17). Expect cosmic disruption in heaven and on earth as sign of God's wrath. Inspire Preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom Before the End An angel with God's seal told the four angels not to harm the land, sea or trees until they sealed 144,000 Israelites. A great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language stood before the throne in front of the Lamb. They wore white robes and held palm branches crying out that salvation belonged to God who sat on the throne and to the Lamb (Rev. 7:1-10; Matt. 24:14). Inspire the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom in the whole world before the end comes. Embrace Christ as Shepherd to Lead You to Springs of Living Water The angels fell down before the throne and worshiped God saying praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power and strength to Him forever. Those in white robes came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, made them white in the blood of the Lamb and served Him day and night in His temple before God's throne. He who sat on the throne spread His tent so they never hungered, thirsted and experienced scorching heat. The Lamb at the center of the throne was their shepherd and led them to springs of living water. God wiped every tear from their eyes (Rev. 7:11-17). Embrace Christ as shepherd to lead you to springs of living water including wisdom, power and strength. Let Devastating Events Lead You to Fervent Prayer When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about 30 minutes. An angel with a golden censer offered much incense with prayers of all believers on the golden altar before the throne. The incense smoke and believers' prayers went up before God. The angel filled the censer with fire from the altar and hurled it on the earth (Rev. 8:1-5). Let devastating events lead you to fervent prayer in hastening Jesus' return. Recognize God's Judgment in Disrupting Comfort The first angel sounded his trumpet so hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled upon the earth. A third of the earth and trees were burned up, including the green grass. The second angel sounded his trumpet and something like a huge mountain was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died and a third of the ships were destroyed. The third angel sounded his trumpet and a great star fell from the sky so a third of the rivers and springs of water turned bitter with many people dying. The fourth angel sounded his trumpet and a third of the sun, moon, stars, day and night turned dark. An eagle said woe to the inhabitants of the earth because of the trumpet blasts by the other three angels (Rev. 8:6-13). Recognize God's judgment in disrupting the ordinary means of comfort and created order. Inspire yourself and others to preach the gospel of the kingdom by preparing for end time events knowing Satan's plan and God's judgment to disrupt comfort, allow God's sovereignty in the death and martyr of believers to lead you to fervent prayer and let future cosmic disruption cause you to embrace Christ as shepherd.  A person receives power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise by praying for empowerment by the Holy Spirit knowing Jesus sits on the throne in heaven; worship a holy God and crucified Savior continually by giving Him glory, honor and power; and connect with Christ's death on the cross through His word to purchase men everywhere who serve His kingdom and reign on earth.
Pray for Empowerment By the Holy Spirit A door in heaven was standing open before John to show him future events. Someone sat on a throne in heaven with the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow like an emerald encircled the throne and 24 other thrones surrounded it. There were 24 elders dressed in white and gold crowns seated on them. Lightning and thunder came from the throne. Before it were seven spirits and what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal (Rev. 4:1-6a). Pray for empowerment by the Holy Spirit knowing Jesus sits on the throne in heaven. Worship a Holy God Continually In the center around the throne were four living creatures covered with eyes and six wings each like a lion, ox, face like a man and flying eagle. Day and night they never stopped saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." When the living creatures gave glory, honor and thanks to Him sitting on the throne who lived forever, the 24 elders fell down. They worshiped Him and cast their crowns before the throne saying, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being (Rev. 4:6b-11). Worship a holy God continually by giving Him glory, honor and power. When you know that Jesus sits on the throne in heaven, you can give Him glory, honor and power. Connect with Christ's Death Through His Word John saw a scroll written on both sides sealed with seven seals in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. No one was worthy to open the scroll and look inside except the the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, who triumphed. He saw a slain Lamb standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders with seven spirits of God. After He took the scroll, the creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb holding a harp and golden bowls of incense or prayers of the saints. They sang that He was worthy to open the scroll because He was slain and purchased with His blood men for God from every tribe, language, people and nation to be made a kingdom and priests to serve Him and reign on the earth (Rev. 5:1-10). Connect with Christ's death on the cross through His word to purchase men everywhere who serve His kingdom and reign on earth. Receive Power, Wealth, Wisdom, Strength, Honor, Glory and Praise John heard the voice of countless angels that encircled the throne, living creatures and elders. They sang that the worthy Lamb was slain to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise. Every creature sang to Him who sat on the throne and gave praise, honor, glory and power to the Lamb. The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped (Rev. 5:11-14). Receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise from the crucified Savior through worship. Connect with Christ's death on the cross through His word and Spirit-empowered prayer to purchase people who serve Him, which reaps power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise from the Crucified Savior.  A person reigns with Christ and shepherds the nations by:
1. Walk in Christ's love doing first works 2. Endure suffering, poverty and persecution 3. Obey teaching from whole counsel of God 4. Be pure without compromise or idolatry 5. Walk in Christ's victory to overcome busyness and over-confidence 6. Embrace evangelistic opportunities relying on God 7. Listen to Jesus' voice for zealous service and fervent prayer Walk in Christ's Love Doing First Works for Real Living Christ knew the deeds, hard work and perseverance of the church in Ephesus. It could not tolerate wicked men and tested those who claimed to be apostles that were found false. They did not grow weary enduring hardships for His name. They must repent of forsaking their first love and do the things they did at first. Otherwise, Christ would remove the lampstand from its place if they did not repent. He was pleased they hated the practices of the Nicolaitans. By overcoming, He would give the right to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God (Rev. 2:1-7). Walk in Christ's love doing works you did at first for real living. Endure Suffering, Poverty and Persecution to Receive Crown of Life Christ considered Smyrna rich in their afflictions and poverty. He knew the slander of a synagogue of Satan who said they were Jews, but were not. Christ told them not to fear suffering as the devil would put some in prison to be tested and persecuted for ten days. He would give them the crown of life if they were faithful, even to death. Those who overcame would not be hurt by the second death (Rev. 2:8-11). Endure suffering, poverty and persecution to receive the crown of life. Obey Teaching From Whole Counsel of God to Receive Provision and Blessing Christ knew Pergamum lived where Satan had his throne, yet remained true to His name without renouncing their faith. They were to repent because some held the teaching of the Nicolaitans and others held to Balaam's teaching who taught Balak to entice Israel to sin by eating foods sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. He would fight against them with the sword of His mouth. Those who overcame would be given hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it known only to him who received it (Rev. 2:12-17). Obey teaching from whole counsel of God to receive provision and blessing. Be Pure Without Compromise and Idolatry for Reigning and Shepherding to Receive Christ as Reward Christ knew Thyatira's deeds, love, faith, service and perseverance. Their later works were greater than those done at first. However, they tolerated Jezebel who misled His servants into sexual immorality and eating foods sacrificed to idols. Because she was unwilling to repent of her immorality, Christ put her on a bed of suffering. Those who committed adultery with her would suffer intensely unless they repented of her ways. Others who did not hold onto her teaching or learned Satan's deep secrets would have no other burden. Those who overcame and did His will to the end would have authority over the nations by ruling with an iron scepter and given the morning star (Rev. 2:18-29). Be pure without compromise or idolatry for reigning with Him and shepherding the nations to receive Christ as your reward. Walk in Christ's Victory to Overcome Busyness and Over-Confidence for His Acceptance Christ knew Sardis' deeds and their reputation of being alive, but really dead. He commanded them to wake up and strengthen what remained and near death for their deeds were not found complete in God's sight. They were to obey and repent after remembering what they received and heard. If they did not wake up, He would come like a thief. A few worthy people did not soil their clothes and walked with Him. Overcomers were dressed in white with their names never erased from the book of life. Christ would acknowledge His name before His Father and angels (Rev. 3:1-6). Walk in Christ's victory to overcome busyness and over-confidence for His acceptance. Embrace Evangelistic Opportunities Relying On God to Gain Stability and Honor What Jesus opened no one could shut and what He shut no one could open. He placed an open door before them that no one could shut. He knew they had little strength, but they kept His word and did not deny His name. He made those of Satan's synagogue who claimed to be Jews but lied to fall down at their feet and acknowledge God loved them. Because they kept His command to endure patiently, He kept them from the hour of trial to test those on the earth. Because He was coming soon, they were to hold on to what they had so no one would take their crown. He made overcomers a pillar in His temple and wrote on them God's name and the name of the city of His God, the new Jerusalem, which would come down out of heaven from Him. He would write on him His new name (Rev. 3:7-13). Embrace evangelistic opportunities relying on God to gain stability and honor from Him. Listen to Jesus' Voice for Zealous Service and Fervent Prayer to Sit on His Throne Christ knew that since Laodicea's deeds were neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm, He would spit them out of His mouth. By acquiring wealth, they considered themselves rich without needs. Christ said they failed to realize their wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked state. He counseled them to buy from Him gold refined in fire to become rich, white clothes to wear so they could cover their shameful nakedness and eye salve so they could see. Because Christ rebuked and disciplined those He loved, they should be earnest and repent. If anyone heard His voice and opened the door, He would go in and eat with him and he with Him. Overcomes had the right to sit with Christ on His throne like He did with His Father on His throne (Rev. 3:14-22). Listen to Jesus' voice for zealous service and fervent prayer so you can sit on His throne. Ask God to enable you to reign with Christ and shepherd the nations as you walk in Christ's love, endure suffering, be pure, walk in His victory, embrace evangelistic opportunities and listen to His voice for zealous service and fervent prayer.  In order to have a heart for Jesus, mourn Him as the Almighty ruler who freed you from sins, respond to His testimony in your life, hear His word and take seriously the events written in Revelation.
Mourn Jesus as Almighty Ruler Who Freed You from Sins to Serve God John received a revelation of Jesus through God's word and Christ's testimony concerning what would take place. Blessed was the one who read, heard and took to heart what was written. The seven churches in Asia received grace and peace from Him who is, who was and who is to come, and from Jesus Christ, faithful witness, first-born from the dead and ruler of the earth's kings. He loved, freed them from their sins by His blood and were made into a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father. Every eye saw and mourned Jesus who is, who was, and who is to come in the clouds as the Alpha and the Omega, the Almighty (Rev. 1:1-8). Mourn Jesus as the Almighty ruler who freed you from sins to serve God and will come back in the clouds. Respond to Jesus' Testimony After Seeing His Eyes Like a Blazing Fire John endured suffering on the island of Patmos because of the word of God the and testimony of Jesus. He wrote on a scroll what he saw and sent it to the seven churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. John saw seven golden lampstands and among them was someone like a son of man dressed in a robe with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool and snow. His eyes were like blazing fire (Rev. 1:9-14). Respond to Jesus' testimony after seeing His robe, head, hair and eyes like a blazing fire. Hear Jesus' Word as Double-Edged Sword His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace. His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. He held seven stars in his right hand and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance (Rev. 1:15-16). Hear Jesus' word as double-edged sword seeing His feet and face along with hearing His voice like the sound of rushing waters. Take to Heart Jesus as Living One in Past, Present and Future Events John fell at His feet as though dead and Jesus placed his right hand on him. He said to not fear as He was the First and the Last, the Living One, was dead, now alive eternally and held the keys of death and Hades. Jesus said to write what he saw, what was now and what will take place later. The seven stars were the angels of the seven churches and the seven lampstands were the seven churches (Rev. 1:17-20). Take to heart Jesus as Living One who holds the keys of death and Hades in past, present and future events. Take time to mourn Jesus who freed you from sin. Consider how Jesus made Himself known in your life. Listen to His word in Scripture. Take to heart the events revealed in the book of Revelation.  Those who contend earnestly for the faith do not turn God's grace into license of immorality, submit to God's authority, wary of people serving themselves and seeking personal advantage, remember that scoffers cause divisions, build their holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and minister to doubters, deceived and corrupted for His glory.
Contend Earnestly for the Faith Jude urged them to contend for the faith entrusted to believers because certain condemned and godless men secretly slipped in among them. They changed God's grace into a license for immorality and denied Jesus Christ as Sovereign and Lord. He reminded them that the Lord delivered His people out of Egypt and destroyed those who did not believe. He bound angels in eternal chains for judgment who abandoned their positions of authority. Sodom and Gomorrah served as an example of suffering eternal fire because of sexual immorality and perversion (Jude 1-7). Contend earnestly for the faith and do not turn God's grace into license for immorality. Submit to God's Authority Rejecting Deadness, Profiteering and Covetousness Dreamers polluted their bodies, rejected authority and slandered heavenly beings. The archangel Michael said, "The Lord rebuke you," when he disputed with the devil about Moses' body. Like unreasoning animals, these things destroyed men who spoke abusively against whatever they did not understand. They took the way of Cain, rushed for profit into Balaam's error and destroyed in Korah's rebellion (Jude 8-11). Submit to God's authority rejecting dead religion, profiteering and covetousness. Wary of People Serving Themselves and Constantly Busy As blemishes in their love feasts, they were shepherds who fed themselves, clouds without rain blown along by the wind, and twice-dead, uprooted autumn trees without fruit. They were wild waves of the sea foaming up their shame and wandering stars for whom the blackest darkness had been reserved forever (Jude 12-13). Beware of people serving themselves who seek fads, constantly busy and spiritually dead on their way to hell. Know God Judges Those Seeking Personal Advantage Enoch prophesied that the Lord was coming with thousands of His holy ones to judge and convict all ungodly acts and harsh words ungodly sinners spoke against Him. There men were grumblers and faultfinders who followed their evil desires. They boasted about themselves and flattered others for their own advantage (Jude 14-16). Know God judges grumbling, faultfinding, boasting and flattery seeking personal advantage. Remember Scoffers Cause Divisions Remember that the apostles foretold scoffers who followed their own ungodly desires in the last days. They divided them by following their natural instincts without the Spirit (Jude 17-19). Remember scoffers who follow their instincts without the Holy Spirit cause divisions. Build Your Holy Faith and Pray in Holy Spirit They should build themselves in their most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. They kept themselves in God's love and waited for the mercy of their Lord Jesus Christ bringing eternal life (Jude 20-21). Build your holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit and stay in God's love waiting for Christ's mercy to eternal life. Minister to Doubters, Deceived and Corrupted They showed mercy to the doubting, snatched and saved others from the fire, and showed mercy mixed with fear hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. God kept them from falling and presented them before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy for His glory, majesty, power and authority through Jesus Christ their Lord (Jude 22-25). Minister appropriately to doubters, deceived and corrupted for God's glory. Answer the following questions to determine if you are contending earnestly for the faith: 1. Are you studying God's word so you don't turn His grace into license for immorality? 2. Do you submit to God's authority rejecting dead religion, profiteering land covetousness? 3. Do you serve others and busy in God's kingdom program? 4. Do you avoid grumbling and faultfinding that seek personal advantage? 5. Do you pursue unity working the power of the Holy Spirit? 6. Are you building your holy faith by meditating in God's word, praying in the Holy Spirit and staying in God's love? 7. Are you ministering appropriately to doubters, deceived and corrupted people? |
 Mark Pomeroy My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God. Sync with God is a highly versatile web app that hosts on-demand, virtual small groups. Sync is designed to connect young seekers in the faith and scripturally-trained mentors, even globally. It offers a safe, engaging interface for Millennials/Gen. Z and is readily adaptable to technical advances well into the future. Overview: Sync pilot lesson 1: http://bit.ly/Sync_Pilot Sync YouTube: http://bit.ly/Sync_YouTube  
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