Monday, December 10, 2012

Celebrating the Birth of Our Lord



Should Christ Have Any Place in Christmas?

For years I objected to the religious celebration of Christ’s birth. I steadfastly refused to erect a Christmas tree or adorn my house with lights or wreaths. I had no objection to skipping work on December 25th. I gladly exchanged gifts with family and loved ones and enjoyed the comforts of traditional food and family gatherings. But I studiously avoided referring to any of these activities as Christmas since I considered doing so a tacit concession to pagan and Roman Catholic traditions. Each year in early December, I would preach a lesson describing the pagan origins of the Christmas holiday and expounding various biblical statements about the dangers of such holy day traditions (e.g. Ga. 4:10-11; Zec. 7:1-7). I did affirm the liberty of my brethren who chose to celebrate certain days and decorate their homes in specific ways (Ro. 14:5-6). But I was critical of those who, inconsistently, in my judgment, erected a Christmas tree and adopted the language and hymnody of the Christmas holiday but insisted they rejected any religious significance to their celebration.

Over the last several years, however, my thinking on this issue has changed. I am ashamed of my former attitude and the judgmental and arrogant way in which I viewed those I considered weaker brethren. There are many reasons I could give for having changed my view, below are five passages which played a big part in changing my attitude about the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Luke 2:8-20, 25-38

“Non-institutional” churches of Christ like to point out the absence of any biblical command to celebrate the birth of Christ. But those who place such importance on Bible examples seem to attribute little significance to the celebration and thanksgiving that accompanied the first advent of Christ. I once had no objection to singing Joy To The World in July but would have frowned on doing so in December. Whether the Lord was born in December (which is doubtful), and despite the absence of any specific command to commemorate His birth, there is biblical precedent for joining with the angels and shepherds in praising Christ and giving thanks to the Father for sending His Son as Savior of the world. Is it wrong for men today to do on December 25th what the angels, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna did when Christ was born?

Romans 14:4-13

Observing special days as a matter of faith and religious devotion is a matter of personal liberty. This should not be confused with making such days a religious obligation (cf. Ga. 4:10-11); no one can bind such days as a matter of law. Nor should anyone confuse ritual for real religion. But the religious observance of some days is clearly acceptable to the Lord. Romans 14 should end all judging of believers on this matter. Sadly, as my own history demonstrates, it does not.

Luke 13:10-17

Though Jesus often violated the rabbinic traditions associated with the Sabbath day, He never acted contrary to God’s law (cf. Mt. 12:1-14). Jesus’ behavior on the Sabbath shows us that while it is never right to do wrong, it is also never wrong to do right. Some acts which are morally neutral are not appropriate at certain times and places (e.g. buying and selling in the temple, Mk. 11:15-18). But matters of righteousness such as healing the infirm and helping the needy are never unlawful. Ironically, for years I was like the synagogue official in the above story. I had no objection to praising and thanking God for the birth of Christ, but I objected to doing so on December 25th. Is it ever unlawful to praise God?

Philippians 1:15-18

Paul recognized not everyone preaching Christ did so with pure motives, but he still rejoiced when Christ was preached. Christmas is a time when many people honor the birth of Christ. This may be the only time some honor Christ during the entire year, but their impiety during the other eleven months does not make the general celebration of Christ in December invalid. If Paul could rejoice in the truthful preaching of insincere men, can we not rejoice in the legitimate praise of God for the coming of Christ even though it is offered by some who are disobedient or uncommitted?

Mark 7:6-9

For many years I pointed out God is not honored by innovative religious traditions; He is honored by heartfelt obedience. I still believe that to be the case. Human willfulness sometimes masquerades as religious piety, and human traditions sometimes become stumbling blocks for the sincere seeker of God (Mt. 23:15). But the tradition of Christmas is not a stumbling block causing believers to sin or lose faith. The judgmental tradition of denouncing its observance, however, can be a stumbling block. The condemnation of sincere believers for a religious tradition that may not be necessary but is not sinful is both unbiblical and harmful (Ro. 14:10-13). Individual conscience should be respected, and no one should participate in any post-biblical tradition which they find unhelpful or inappropriate. But should we reject the commandment of God permitting a brother his personal convictions in order to keep our tradition of rejecting any religious connotations to Christmas?

--Joel M. Ellis, Jr. (December 2011)
(Revised December 2012)

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Book of Revelation: Outlined

I developed this outline of Revelation in 2006-07 for classes I was teaching at the time. It is an attempt merely to organize the information in the book, not to interpret it from any particular perspective. -JME

PDF


The Revelation of Jesus Christ: Overview
Outline of the Book:
1.   The Announcement (1-3)
The Seven Churches
2.   The Prelude (4-5)
The Throne of God and the Lamb of God
3.   The Conflict (6-7)
The Seven Seals
4.   The Action (8-11)
The Seven Trumpets
5.   The Explanation (12-13)
Behind the Scenes
6.   The Resolution (14-19)
The Seven Bowls
7.   The Conclusion (20-22)
The Final Judgment and The New Jerusalem
Summary of the Chapters:
1.           Glorified Christ
2.           Letters: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira
3.           Letters: Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
4.           Heaven’s Throne
5.           Slain Lamb
6.           1st Six Seals
7.           144,000 Sealed
8.           7th Seal, 4 Trumpets
9.           2 Trumpets, 2 Woes
10.        Little Book
11.        Measure Temple
12.        Dragon and Child
13.        Two Beasts
14.        144,000 Redeemed
15.        Bowls Announced
16.        Bowls of Wrath
17.        Harlot
18.        Babylon Fallen
19.        Armageddon
20.        Millennial Reign
21.        New Jerusalem
22.        Paradise Restored


The Revelation of Jesus Christ: Outlined
Revelation 1: The Glorified Christ
1.           Preface (1-3)
a.   Introduction (1-2)
                                         i.    Identification: revelation, bondservants, soon to occur
                                        ii.    Communication: signified, angel, John, testified
b.   Beatitude (3)
                                         i.    Read, hear, heed
                                        ii.    Time is near
2.           Address (4-8)
a.   The Address (4-6)
                                         i.    Greeting (4-5a)
                                        ii.    Doxology (5b-6)
b.   The Announcement (7-8)
                                         i.    Affirmation (7)
                                        ii.    Confirmation (8)
3.           Vision of Glorified Christ (9-20)
a.   The Command (9-11)
                                         i.    Setting: companion in tribulation, Patmos, Lord’s Day, in Spirit
                                        ii.    Charge: trumpet, write book to send to seven churches in Asia
b.   The Character (12-16)
                                         i.    What John did: turned to look
                                        ii.    What John saw: description of Christ
c.   The Comfort (17-20)
                                         i.    Confounded: fell as a dead man
                                        ii.    Consoled: do not be afraid, identify stars and lamps
Outline of book in verse 19:
Things you have seen – John was an eyewitness to the history of the conflict in the book (Rev. 5-6a, 12)
Things which are – A divine perspective on current events; i.e. see them as they are (Rev. 13)
Things which will take place – Future, i.e. judgment of the harlot and beasts as well as the end of time


Revelation 2-3: The Letters to the Seven Churches in Asia
1.   To Ephesus (2:1-7)
a.   Characterization of Christ (1)
                                         i.    The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand
                                        ii.    The One who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands
b.   Commendation (2-3)
                                         i.    I know your works, labor, patience, and intolerance for evil
                                        ii.    Tested those who claimed to be apostles and proven them false
                                      iii.    Persevered for My sake and not grown weary
c.   Condemnation: You have left your first love (4)
d.   Correction (5)
                                         i.    Remember, Repent, and Renew
                                        ii.    Otherwise I am coming quickly and will remove your lampstand
e.   Concession: You do hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans (6)
f.    Conclusion (7)
                                         i.    He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
                                        ii.    He who overcomes will eat of tree of life in the Paradise of God
2.   To Smyrna (2:8-11)
a.   Characterization of Christ (8)
                                         i.    The first and the last
                                        ii.    Who was dead and has come to life
b.   Commendation (9)
                                         i.    I know your tribulation, your poverty, and your true wealth
                                        ii.    I know the blasphemy of false Jews who are a synagogue of Satan
c.   Comfort and Encourage (10)
                                         i.    Do not fear the tribulation you must endure
                                        ii.    Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life
d.   Conclusion (11)
                                         i.    He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
                                        ii.    He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death


3.   To Pergamos (2:12-17)
a.   Characterization of Christ: Who has the sharp, two-edged sword (12)
b.   Commendation (13)
                                         i.    I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is
                                        ii.    You did not deny My faith even when Antipas was killed
c.   Condemnation (14-15)
                                         i.    Tolerate teaching of Balaam: stumbling block, idol-meat, immorality
                                        ii.    Tolerate teaching of the Nicolaitans
d.   Correction (16)
                                         i.    Repent
                                        ii.    Otherwise I am coming quickly to make war with My sword
e.   Conclusion (17)
                                         i.    He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
                                        ii.    He who overcomes will have hidden manna, white stone, new name
4.   To Thyatira (2:18-29)
a.   Characterization of Christ (18)
                                         i.    The Son of God
                                        ii.    Who has eyes like a flame of fire and feet like fine brass
b.   Commendation (19)
                                         i.    I know your deeds, love, faith, service, and perseverance
                                        ii.    Your recent deeds are more than your first
c.   Condemnation (20-21)
                                         i.    Tolerate Jezebel who teaches saints fornication and to eat w/ idols
                                        ii.    I gave her time to repent, but she has not repented
d.   Correction (22-25)
                                         i.    Judgment on wicked: sickness, tribulation, death
                                        ii.    Judgment for righteous: no other burden, hold fast till I come
e.   Conclusion (26-27)
                                         i.    He who overcomes will share in authority of Christ and morning star
                                        ii.    He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches


5.   To Sardis (3:1-6)
a.   Characterization of Christ (1a)
                                         i.    He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars
b.   Condemnation (1b)
                                         i.    I know your deeds You have a name that you live, but you are dead
c.   Correction (2-3)
                                         i.    Wake up and strengthen what is about to die
                                        ii.    Remember, retain, and repent
                                      iii.    If you do not, I will come like a thief when you do not expect it
d.   Concession (4)
                                         i.    A few in Sardis have not defiled their garments
                                        ii.    They will walk with Me in white because they are worthy
e.   Conclusion (5-6)
                                         i.    He who overcomes will be clothed in white, recorded and confessed
                                        ii.    He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
6.   To Philadelphia (3:7-13)
a.   Characterization of Christ (7)
                                         i.    He who is holy and true
                                        ii.    He who has David’s key to open and shut and no one can alter it
b.   Commendation: I know your deeds (8a)
c.   Comfort and Encouragement (8b-11)
                                         i.    I have opened a door which no one can shut
1.   Because you have a little power and have not denied My name
                                        ii.    I will cause Satan’s synagogue to bow to you and know I love you
                                      iii.    I will keep you from the hour of testing coming on the whole world
                                      iv.    I am coming quickly: hold fast so you don’t lose your crown
d.   Conclusion (12-13)
                                         i.    He who overcomes will be pillar in God’s temple and wear new name
                                        ii.    He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches


7.   To Laodicea (3:14-22)
a.   Characterization of Christ (14)
                                         i.    The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness
                                        ii.    The Beginning of the creation of God
b.   Condemnation (15-16)
                                         i.    I know your deeds that you are lukewarm
                                        ii.    Because you are lukewarm, I will vomit you out of My mouth
c.   Correction (17-20)
                                         i.    Since you are proud and do not realize your miserable state…
2.   Buy gold from Me to be truly rich
3.   Buy white garments from Me to be truly clothed
4.   Buy eye salve from Me to be able to truly see
                                        ii.    Whoever I love I rebuke and discipline, so be zealous and repent
                                      iii.    I knock at the door; I will dine with the one who opens to Me
d.   Conclusion (21-22)
                                         i.    He who overcomes will sit with Me on My throne
                                        ii.    He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Summary of the Seven Churches in Asia
Church
Commendation
Condemnation
Instruction
Ephesus
Intolerant of evil
Left first love
Remember, repent, renew
Smyrna
Spiritually wealthy
None
Be faithful to death
Pergamos
Endured persecution
Tolerate false doctrine
Repent
Thyatira
Increasing works
Tolerate false teacher
Wrath ahead, hold fast
Sardis
Some not defiled
Good reputation but dead
Remember, retain, repent
Philadelphia
Have persevered
None
Encouragement to church
Laodicea
None
Lukewarm
Be zealous and repent



Revelation 4-5: The Throne of God and The Lamb of God
1.   The Throne of God (4:1-11)
a.   The Sight of God’s Throne (4:1-8)
                                         i.    On the throne: A description of God
                                        ii.    Around the throne: An emerald rainbow and 24 elders on thrones
                                      iii.    From the throne: Flashes of lightning and sounds of thunder
                                      iv.    Before the throne: The seven Spirits and a sea of glass like crystal
                                       v.    Circling the throne: Four living creatures
1.   The first was like a lion
2.   The second was like a calf
3.   The third had a face like a man
4.   The fourth was like a flying eagle
b.   The Sound of God’s Throne (4:9-11)
                                         i.    The Living Creatures’ Praise
                                        ii.    The Twenty-four Elders’ Praise
2.   The Lamb of God (5:1-14)
a.   A Sealed Book (5:1-5)
                                         i.    The Scroll: Written inside on the back, Sealed with seven seals
                                        ii.    The Question: Who is worthy to open the scroll?
                                      iii.    The Answer: No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth
                                      iv.    The Sorrow: There is no one worthy to open the scroll
                                       v.    The Solution: The Lion of Judah has prevailed to open the scroll
b.   A Slain Lamb (5:6-7)
c.   A Singing Creation (5:8-14)
                                         i.    The Living Creatures and Elders Praise the Lamb
                                        ii.    The Angels Praise the Lamb
                                      iii.    All Creation Praises the Lamb
Notice in 5:4-5
No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth (Hades) was worthy to open the scroll and disclose its message. No angel, no apostle, no OT saint was qualified to do what Jesus did. Only Jesus could accomplish what God intended. To study the superiority of Jesus further, read Hebrews 1-2 and Colossians 1:13-23.


Revelation 6-7: The Seven Seals
1.   The First Six Seals (6:1-17)
a.   The First Seal: A White Horse / A bow and a crown – Conquest
                                         i.    Each of the four horsemen was called by one of the living creatures.
b.   The Second Seal: A Red Horse / A great sword – War
                                         i.    The rider has power to take peace from the earth and incite violence.
c.   The Third Seal: A Black Horse / A pair of scales – Famine
                                         i.    Basic foods would cost a day’s pay; oil and wine would not change.
d.   The Fourth Seal: A Pale Horse / Death and Hades – Death
                                         i.    Power over ¼ of earth to kill with sword, famine, pestilence, beasts.
e.   The Fifth Seal: Souls under Altar / Killed for word & testimony – Martyrs
                                         i.    They ask, “How long, holy Lord, until our blood is avenged?”
                                        ii.    They are given white robes and told to wait a little longer.
f.    The Sixth Seal: Earthquake – Terror
                                         i.    The elements and the earth are thrown into chaos and disheveled.
                                        ii.    Men ask the mountains to fall and hide them from God’s wrath.
2.   An Interlude (7:1-17)
a.   Judgment Delayed (1-3)
                                         i.    Four angels at the four corners of the earth holding back four winds
                                        ii.    “Do not harm the earth until the servants of God are sealed.”
b.   144,000 Sealed (4-8)
                                         i.    12,000 x Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin
c.   Multitude in White Robes (9-17)
                                         i.    A multitude from every nation worshipping God in white robes
                                        ii.    Came out of the great tribulation; washed robes in the Lamb’s blood
                                      iii.    No longer suffer, the Lamb is their shepherd, every tear wiped away
3.   The Seventh Seal: Silence (8:1)
a.   Silence in heaven for about half an hour
b.   This silence precedes the judgment of the seven trumpets.


Revelation 8-11: The Seven Trumpets
1.   The First Six Trumpets (8:2-9:21)
a.   Introduction to the Trumpets (2-6)
                                         i.    Seven angels are given seven trumpets and prepare to sound.
                                        ii.    The prayers of the saints are presented on the altar with incense.
                                      iii.    Fire from the altar is thrown to earth: thunder, lightning, earthquake.
b.   The First Trumpet: Vegetation
                                         i.    Hail and fire mixed with blood is thrown to the earth.
                                        ii.    A third of the earth, trees, and green grass are burned up.
c.   The Second Trumpet: Sea
                                         i.    Something like a great mountain on fire is thrown into the sea.
                                        ii.    1/3 of sea became blood, 1/3 of creatures died, 1/3 ships destroyed
d.   The Third Trumpet: Waters
                                         i.    A great star fell, burning like a torch, on the rivers and springs.
                                        ii.    Star is called Wormwood; 1/3 of waters became bitter and men died
e.   The Fourth Trumpet: Stars
                                         i.    1/3 of sin, moon, and stars were darkened; day and night disrupted
                                        ii.    “Woe, woe, woe because of the three remaining trumpet blasts.”
f.    The Fifth Trumpet: Locusts
                                         i.    Locusts released from the bottomless pit by a fallen star
                                        ii.    Torment the men not sealed with the mark of God for five months
                                      iii.    Frightful appearance; Their king is angel of pit: Abaddon/Apollyon
g.   The Sixth Trumpet: Army
                                         i.    Four angels released at the Euphrates to kill 1/3 of mankind
                                        ii.    They bring an army of 200 million cavalry: Fire-breathing lion heads
                                      iii.    The rest of mankind still did not repent of idolatry and wickedness.
2.   The Little Book (10:1-11)
a.   A mighty angel with a little book; Seven thunders sound, do not record
b.   When the seventh trumpet sounds, the mystery of God will be finished
c.   John eats the book: sweet then bitter; “You must again prophesy.”


3.   The Temple and the Witnesses (11:1-14)
a.   The Temple is Measured (1-2)
                                         i.    John is told to measure the temple, altar, and those who worship in it
                                        ii.    The court is excluded and is overrun with the holy city 42 months
b.   The Two Witnesses Prophesy (3-6)
                                         i.    Two witnesses prophesy in sackcloth for 1,260 days
                                        ii.    They are the two olive trees and two lampstands before God
                                      iii.    They are protected by fire and have power to bring plagues
c.   The Two Witnesses are Killed (7-10)
                                         i.    The beast from the abyss makes war with them and kills them.
                                        ii.    Their bodies lie in the street of the great city for 3 ½ days.
                                      iii.    Those who dwell on the earth rejoice in their death.
d.   The Two Witnesses are Resurrected (11-14)
                                         i.    God revives them and then carries them to heaven in a cloud.
                                        ii.    An earthquake collapses 1/10 of the city and 7,000 die.
                                      iii.    The rest of the people are terrified and give glory to God.
4.   The Seventh Trumpet: Temple (11:15-19)
a.   “The kingdoms of earth belong to the Lord and Christ; They reign forever!”
b.   “You have reigned; the nations were angry; You have brought judgment.”
c.   The temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of the covenant appeared.


Revelation 12-13: The Conflict and Its Characters
1.   The Characters (12:1-6)
a.   The Woman (1-2)
                                         i.    A great sign appeared in heaven
                                        ii.    A woman: clothed with sun, moon under feet, crown of 12 stars
                                      iii.    Pregnant and crying out with pain in labor
b.   The Dragon (3-4)
                                         i.    Another sign appeared in heaven
                                        ii.    A red dragon: seven heads, ten horns, seven diadems on his heads
                                      iii.    Threw 1/3 of the stars to earth; poised to devour the woman’s child
c.   The Child (5-6)
                                         i.    Gave birth to a male child who would rule all nations with an iron rod
                                        ii.    The child was caught up to the throne of God.
                                      iii.    The woman fled into the wilderness for 1,260 days.
2.   The Conflict (12:7-17)
a.   In Heaven (7-12)
                                         i.    Michael and his angels fought the dragon and his angels.
                                        ii.    The dragon, Satan, and his angels were cast out and thrown to earth.
                                      iii.    A loud voice in heaven proclaimed:
1.   Salvation has come; the accuser has been cast out.
2.   Saints overcame by the Lamb’s blood  - faithful even to death
3.   Rejoice in heavens – Woe to the earth – Devil’s time is short
b.   On Earth (13-17)
                                         i.    After he was cast down, the dragon persecuted the woman.
1.   The woman was given wings to fly into the wilderness.
2.   She remained in her place for times, times, and half a time.
3.   The serpent sent a flood of water, but the earth swallowed it.
                                        ii.    The enraged dragon went to make war with her other children.
1.   Those who keep the commandments of God
2.   Those who hold to the testimony of Jesus


3.   The Collaborators (13:1-18)
a.   The Beast from the Sea (1-10)
                                         i.    The dragon stood on the shore, and a beast came up out of the sea.
1.   Ten horns, seven heads, ten diadems on his horns
2.   On his head were blasphemous names
3.   Beast was like a leopard, bear’s feet, lion’s mouth
                                        ii.    The dragon gave the beast his power, throne, and great authority.
1.   One head appeared slain, but its fatal wound was healed.
2.   The world marveled and worshipped the beast and the dragon.
                                      iii.    His mouth spoke arrogant words and blasphemies.
1.   He was given authority to continue 42 months.
2.   He blasphemed God, His name, His tabernacle (those in heaven)
                                      iv.    Given power to make war with the saints and overcome them.
1.   Given authority over every tribe, people, tongue, and nation.
2.   Everyone not written in Book of Life will worship him.
                                       v.    If anyone has an ear to hear, let him hear.
1.   The captor shall go into captivity; the killer shall be killed.
2.   Here is the perseverance and faith of the saints.
b.   The Beast from the Earth (11-18)
                                         i.    Beast coming out of the earth: two lamb’s horns, spoke as a dragon
1.   Exercises all the authority of first beast in his presence
2.   Causes those who dwell on earth to worship the first beast
                                        ii.    He performs great signs, making fire come down before men.
1.   Deceives men by his signs
2.   Commands men to make an image to the first beast
3.   The beast gives breath to image of the first beast
a.   The image of the beast speaks
b.   The image causes those who will not worship to be killed
                                      iii.    He causes all to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead.
1.   No one may buy or sell without the mark or number of beast.
2.   Here is wisdom: Number of beast is number of a man – 666


Revelation 14-16: The Seven Bowls
1.   Proclaiming the Judgment (14:1-20)
a.   The Singers (14:1-5)
                                         i.    The Lamb was standing on Mt. Zion with the 144,000.
1.   A voice was heard from heaven like many waters and thunder.
2.   The sound was like harpists playing.
                                        ii.    They sang a new song before the throne, the creatures, and elders.
1.   No one could learn the song except the 144,000 redeemed.
                                      iii.    The 144,000 are blameless.
1.   They are not defiled with women and have remained pure.
2.   They follow the Lamb wherever He goes.
3.   They have been purchased as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.
4.   No lie was found in their mouth.
b.   The Speakers (14:6-13)
                                         i.    The messages of three angels flying in the midst of heaven. (6-12)
1.   The first had an eternal gospel to preach to all on the earth.
a.   Fear God and give Him glory.
b.   The hour of His judgment has come.
c.   Worship the Creator.
2.   The second declared the fall of Babylon.
a.   Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great.
b.   She made all nations drink of the wine of immorality.
3.   The third described the punishment of the beast worshippers.
a.   He will drink the wine of God’s wrath mixed full strength.
b.   He will be tormented by fire without rest before the Lamb.
c.   Here is the perseverance of faithful, obedient saints.
                                        ii.    The message of a voice from heaven and of the Spirit. (13)
1.   Voice from heaven: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”
2.   Spirit: “Yes. They rest from labor. Their deeds follow them.”


c.   The Reapers (14:14-20)
                                         i.    One like the Son of Man reaps the harvest of the earth.
1.   One like the Son of Man sat on a white cloud.
a.   He wore a gold crown and carried a sharp sickle.
2.   An angel came out of the temple and cried out to Him.
a.   “Reap. The hour has come. Earth’s harvest is ripe.”
3.   He swung His sickle over the earth and it was reaped.
                                        ii.    An angel reaps and presses the clusters of earth.
1.   Another angel came out of the temple with a sharp sickle.
2.   An angel with power over fire came from the altar.
a.   “Put in your sickle; gather the clusters from earth’s vine.”
b.   “The grapes are ripe.”
3.   The angel swung his sickle and gathered the clusters.
a.   He threw them into the winepress of God’s wrath.
b.   The grapes were trodden outside the city.
                                                                                         i.    Blood came out of the press.
                                                                                        ii.    The blood reached horses’ bridles for 200 miles.
2.   Preparing the Judgment (15:1-8)
a.   Another sign appeared in heaven, great and mighty.
                                         i.    Seven angels with the seven last plagues that finish God’s wrath
                                        ii.    A glass sea mixed with fire
                                      iii.    The victors over the beast standing on the sea with harps
1.   They sang the song of Moses and of the Lamb
2.   “Great are Your works. Your judgments are manifested.”
b.   The temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened.
                                         i.    Out came seven angels clothed in linen, gold sashes around chests.
                                        ii.    One of living creatures gave angels the seven bowls full of wrath.
                                      iii.    The temple was filled with smoke from God’s glory and power.
                                      iv.    No one could enter until the seven plagues of the angels are finished.
c.   A voice from the temple: “Go pour out the bowls on the earth.” (16:1)
3.   Pouring Out the Judgment (16:1-21)
a.   The First Bowl: Loathsome Sores (2)
                                         i.    The first bowl was poured out onto the earth.
                                        ii.    Sores came on those who worshipped the beast and wore his mark.
b.   The Second Bowl: Sea turns to Blood (3)
                                         i.    The second bowl was poured out into the sea.
                                        ii.    The sea became blood like a corpse, and every living thing in it died.
c.   The Third Bowl: Waters turn to Blood (4-7)
                                         i.    The third bowl was poured out into the rivers and springs of water.
                                        ii.    The waters became blood.
                                      iii.    The angel of the waters praised God for His justice.
1.   The enemies had poured out the blood of saints and prophets.
2.   God had given them blood to drink as they deserved.
                                      iv.    The altar said: “True and righteous are Your judgments.”
d.   The Fourth Bowl: Scorching Heat (8-9)
                                         i.    The fourth bowl was poured out on the sun.
                                        ii.    Men were scorched with heat, blasphemed God, and did not repent.
e.   The Fifth Bowl: Darkness and Pain (10-11)
                                         i.    The fifth bowl was poured on the throne of the beast.
                                        ii.    The kingdom became dark; they gnawed their tongues with pain.
                                      iii.    They blasphemed God and did not repent.
f.    The Sixth Bowl: Euphrates Dried Up (12-16)
                                         i.    The sixth bowl was poured out on the great river, the Euphrates.
1.   Its water was dried up to prepare the way for kings of the East.
                                        ii.    3 demons like frogs came from the mouths of the dragon and beasts.
1.   They gathered the kings of earth for war at Armageddon.
g.   The Seventh Bowl: Earth Shaken (17-21)
                                         i.    The seventh bowl was poured out into the air.
                                        ii.    There was lightning, thunder, and the mightiest earthquake ever.
                                      iii.    The great city split into 3 parts; cities of the nations fell.
                                      iv.    Every island fled, mountains gone; 100 lb. hailstones fell on men


Revelation 17: The Harlot
1.   Information About the Harlot (17:1-6)
a.   An angel with one of the bowls beckoned John to come see the Harlot.
                                         i.    She sits on many waters and commits immorality with kings.
                                        ii.    Those on the earth are drunk with the wine of her immorality.
b.   A woman was sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names.
                                         i.    The beast had seven heads and ten horns.
                                        ii.    The woman was clothed in purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones.
                                      iii.    Gold cup of abominations; Mystery, Babylon, Mother of Abominations
                                      iv.    She was drunk with the blood of saints and witnesses of Jesus.
2.   Interpretation of the Harlot (17:7-18)
a.   Angel: “I will tell you the mystery of the woman and the beast.”
b.   The beast was, is not, and is about to come out of abyss to destruction.
                                         i.    The seven heads are seven mountains where woman sits.
                                        ii.    They are seven kings: five have fallen, one is, and one will come.
                                      iii.    The beast is an eighth and one of the seven and goes to destruction.
                                      iv.    The ten horns are ten kings who receive authority for one hour.
                                       v.    They have one purpose and give their power to the beast.
c.   They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them.
d.   The waters where the harlot sits are peoples, multitudes, and nations.
                                         i.    The ten horns and the beast will hate the harlot and burn her.
                                        ii.    They will fulfill God’s purpose until His words are fulfilled.
                                      iii.    The woman is the great city which rules over the kings of the earth.
Revelation 18: Babylon is Fallen
1.   Babylon’s Judgment Announced (18:1-8)
a.   An angel coming down from heaven with great authority cried:
                                         i.    “Babylon the great is fallen and has become a dwelling for demons.”
                                        ii.    “The earth has drunk her wine and become rich by her sensuality.”
b.   Another voice from heaven said:
                                         i.    “Come out of her my people lest you share her sins and her plagues.”
                                        ii.    “Punish her according to her acts; the Lord her Judge is strong.”
2.   Babylon’s Judgment Acknowledged (18:9-20)
a.   The kings who committed immorality with her will mourn. (9-10)
b.   The merchants who became rich by her will mourn. (11-17)
c.   The shipmasters and sailors who traded with her will mourn. (17-19)
d.   The saints, apostles, and prophets will rejoice in God’s vengeance! (20)
3.   Babylon’s Judgment Accomplished (18:21-24)
a.   A strong angel threw a stone like a great millstone into the sea.
b.   “Thus Babylon will be thrown down. There are no sounds of joy in her.”
c.   “The nations were deceived by her sorcery.”
d.   “In her was found the blood of prophets, saints, and all the slain.”
Revelation 19: Armageddon
1.   The Celebration in Heaven (19:1-10)
a.   Praising God for His Judgment of the Corrupt Harlot (1-5)
                                         i.    A great multitude in heaven: “Hallelujah! He has avenged the saints.”
                                        ii.    The elders and creatures worshipped saying: “Amen. Hallelujah!”
                                      iii.    A voice from the throne: “Give praise to God, all you who fear Him.”
b.   Praising the Lamb for His Marriage to a Pure Wife (6-10)
                                         i.    A great multitude: “Rejoice for the Lamb’s marriage has come.”
                                        ii.    The bride was clothed in pure linen, the righteous acts of the saints.
                                      iii.    An angel: “Blessed are those invited to the marriage supper.”
                                      iv.    John tried to worship the angel but was rebuked. “Worship God.”
2.   The Confrontation on Earth (19:11-21)
a.   The Victor (11-16)
                                         i.    Faithful and True, righteous judge and warrior, sits on a white horse
                                        ii.    His eyes are a flame of fire; His head has many diadems
                                      iii.    He alone knows His name; His robe is dipped in blood; Word of God
                                      iv.    His armies follow in white, clean linen on white horses
                                       v.    His mouth has a sharp sword; He rules; He treads the winepress
                                      vi.    Name written on robe and thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords
b.   The Victory (17-21)
                                         i.    Angel standing in the sun: “Come to supper of God; eat the kings.”
                                        ii.    The beast and kings of the earth assembled their armies for battle.
1.   The beasts were seized and thrown alive into the lake of fire.
2.   The rest were killed with the sword from His mouth.
3.   The birds were filled with their flesh.
Revelation 20: Millennial Reign
1.   The Reign (20:1-6)
a.   An angel came down with the key to the abyss and a great chain.
                                         i.    He bound the dragon in the abyss for a thousand years.
                                        ii.    The bound dragon may no longer deceive the nations.
b.   The martyrs of Jesus who did not follow the beast reigned with Christ.
                                         i.    The sat on thrones for a thousand years.
                                        ii.    This is the first resurrection; the rest of the dead do not arise yet.
                                      iii.    Blessed is he of the first resurrection; the second death has no power.
2.   The Revolt (20:7-10)
a.   After the thousand years, Satan will be released and deceive the nations.
                                         i.    He will gather the nations, Gog and Magog, for war.
                                        ii.    They surrounded the camp of the saints.
                                      iii.    Fire came down from heaven and consumed them.
b.   The devil will be thrown into the lake of fire where the beasts are.
c.   They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
3.   The Reckoning (20:11-15)
a.   A great white throne, earth and heaven fled, no place was found for them
b.   The dead stood before the throne, and books were opened.
                                         i.    The Book of life was opened.
                                        ii.    The dead were judged by what was written in the books.
                                      iii.    All the dead were raised and judged.
c.   Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, the second death.
d.   All those not in the Book of Life were thrown into the lake of fire.


Revelation 21-22: The New Jerusalem, Paradise Restored
1.   The New Jerusalem (21:1-27)
a.   The New Heavens and the New Earth (1-8)
                                         i.    A new heavens and earth, the first are gone, there is no more sea
                                        ii.    The holy city, New Jerusalem, came down like an adorned bride.
                                      iii.    A voice from heaven: “The tabernacle of God is with men.”
1.   “He will wipe away every tear, remove every sorrow and pain.”
2.   “The former things have passed away.”
                                      iv.    He who sat on the throne: “I make all things new. This is true.”
1.   “I will give the fountain of life to him who thirsts.”
2.   “He who overcomes shall inherit all things as My son.”
3.   “The unbelieving will be assigned to the lake of fire.”
b.   The New Jerusalem (9-27)
                                         i.    One of the angels with the seven bowls took John to see the bride.
1.   A great and high mountain with a great city
2.   Holy Jerusalem descends from heaven with the glory of God
                                        ii.    Description of the New Jerusalem:
1.   Light like a precious stone
2.   High wall, 12 gates with 12 angels, names of 12 tribes of Israel
3.   12 foundations with the names of the 12 apostles
4.   Measurements of the city:
a.   The city is a cube: 12,000 furlongs wide, long, high
b.   The wall is 144 cubits constructed of jasper
5.   The city was pure gold like clear glass, street of gold
6.   Foundations were adorned with 12 varieties of precious stones
7.   Twelve gates were individual pearls
                                      iii.    Glory of the New Jerusalem:
1.   There is no temple, the Lord and the Lamb are the temple
2.   No sun or moon, the glory of God illuminates it, Lamb = light
3.   Nations bring glory into it, the gates never shut
4.   Nothing unholy can enter, only those written in Lamb’s book
2.   Paradise Restored (22:1-21)
a.   The Description (1-5)
                                         i.    A river of water of life, pure and clear, proceeding from the throne
                                        ii.    The tree of life was in middle of street and on either side.
1.   It bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month.
2.   The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
                                      iii.    There is no curse. The throne of God is there, and His servants serve.
1.   They shall see His face. His name shall be on their foreheads.
2.   The Lord God gives them light. They shall reign forever.
b.   The Exhortation (6-17)
                                         i.    The prophecy is coming to pass quickly.
1.   Stated by the angel to John.
2.   Affirmed by Jesus.
                                        ii.    John sought to worship the angel but was rebuked. “Worship God.”
                                      iii.    “Do not seal this prophecy, the time is at hand.”
1.   Jesus affirmed: “I am coming quickly. I will reward for works.”
2.   Obedient will have access to the tree of life; unholy are outside
                                      iv.    Jesus said: “I have sent My angel to testify of these things.”
1.   The Spirit and bride say: “Come.”
2.   Whoever thirsts, let him take of the water of life freely.
c.   The Admonition (18-21)
                                         i.    Do not tamper with the message.
1.   If anyone adds to the prophecy, God will add plagues to him.
2.   If anyone takes away, God will take his name from the book.
                                        ii.    Jesus says: “Surely, I am coming quickly.”
1.   Even so, come Lord Jesus!
2.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.