Revelation 13

So, Revelation 13 seems to be one of the most highly quoted chapters. 'The Mark of the Beast' chapter.

I'm paraphrasing here. The beast was given great authority by 'the dragon' Satan. It had 10 horns, 7 heads , 10 crowns on it's horns, and each head had a blasphemous name.
It looked like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and a mouth like a lion.
One head of the beast had a fatal wound that had been healed.

The whole world was filled with wonder as they followed the beast, and people worshipped the dragon because it gave authority to the beast, but also worshipped the beast because it asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” It was claiming to be undefeated. It spoke blasphemes of God, heaven and all that was in it. It had the power to wage war against 'holy people' and conquer them, and given authority over all people, all who were not written in The Lamb's book would worship this beast. 

At this point, it is easy to get lost in the imagery. A beast that everyone worships? How absurd -right? Well, we have to understand that sometimes metaphors are used in the Bible, but they are still full of truth. In fact, I would think that it sounded like Hitler almost. This just shows us how possible it is. 

The chapter continues to say...


“If anyone is to go into captivity,
    into captivity they will go.
If anyone is to be killed[c] with the sword,
    with the sword they will be killed.”[d]

This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.

Then comes the second beast... 

this time come out of the earth with 'two horns like a lamb  but spoke like a dragon'
"It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people...It ordered them (the people) to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived...It also forced all people...to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads,  so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name; 666 (there is a little clause about calculating the number).

Revelations 12

The first time that I glanced at this chapter, I thought that it spoke about the birth of Jesus Christ, but with a lot of symbols. However, after careful contemplation, writing a summary like that did not sit well with my soul. I felt a constant urge to revisit it. And so I did, I recognize the book of Revelation as John's vision of prophesy for the future, not the retelling of the past.

This vision tells of a war breaking out in heaven. It talks about the devil appearing as a 7-headed red dragon. It says that the Arch Angel Michael defeated the dragon, Satan so he lost his place in heaven.

This chapter tells about a pregnant woman experiencing labour pains, "a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head"(Revelation 12:1)

The dragon was trying to destroy the baby of a pregnant woman.  She had to flee to the wilderness to be cared for in accordance to God's will.  In the vision, "She gave birth to a son, a male child, who 'will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.'[a] And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne." (Revelation 12:5) Finally, it also talks about the devil having a limited reign on earth.

Revelation 11

In chapter 11, John was told to measure the temple of God and the alter -but not the outer court which belonged to the Gentiles -the Gentiles would trample the Holy city for  42 months. 

Then there was a promise of what's to come. "And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” (‭Revelation‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬ NIV) The prophecy period is just shy of the 42 months. The voice from the heavens also told John  that no one was to harm the prophets or they'd die by fire from their mouths. These prophets were given the ability to stop it from raining, turn water to blood and bring plagues. When they're done with their testimony the beast from the abyss would attack them, over power, and kill them. Their bodies would lie in the public square where Jesus was crucified. They'll be refused burial for three days, then people will exchange gifts to celebrate their destruction. However, after 3.5 days they were raised to life  "Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.(Revelation 11:12)" Then there was a severe earthquake killing one tenth of the city.

This chapter continues on to talk about the sounding of the trumpet by the seventh angel, after which, loud voices proclaimed,“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” (‭Revelation‬ ‭11‬:‭15‬ NIV)

Twenty-four elders worshipped and spoke about the arriving day of judgement where God rewards his servants who prophecy and revere his name, and brings destruction to those who destroy earth.
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm. (‭Revelation‬ ‭11‬:‭19‬ NIV)

Revelation 10

An angel robed in a cloud with a rainbow above his head, face like the sun and legs fiery -one in the sea and one on land, gave a loud shout as though seven thunders spoke to John, some undisclosed secret. 

The angel reached his right hand to heaven and he swore by our creator there will be no delay that the day the seventh angel sounds his trumpet the mystery of God would be accomplished. 

John was instructed to take the scroll by a voice from the heavens and eat it though it would turn his stomach sour, his mouth will taste honey. Next he wrote, "Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.” (‭Revelation‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ NIV)"

Revelation 9

Here is my summary of Revelation 9...a lot is quoted, but I only took as much as was necessary to understand the chapter.
The fifth angel sounded the trumpet and a star was given a key to open an abyss and locusts came out looking like horses with crowns with human faces. They were to fly over the earth for five months and torture all of those without the seal of God on their foreheads, and were not permitted to eat the grass plants or trees. The locusts had tails like the stingers of scorpions and looked as though they were racing into battle. They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer). (‭Revelation‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬ NIV)The first woe is past; two other woes are yet to come. (‭Revelation‬ ‭9‬:‭12‬ NIV) Next, the sixth angel sounded his trumpet and It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number. (‭Revelation‬ ‭9‬:‭14-16‬ NIV)A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths.

The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts. (‭Revelation‬ ‭9‬:‭18, 20-21‬ NIV)

Revelation 8

One reassuring thing about this chapter is that it opens up talking about our prayers being presented before God. He cares about us, and our heart's desires -even right before judgement day.

This chapter is a continuation of John's vision. At this point, all but the seventh seal was opened. Once it was opened, there was a great silence in the heavens in his vision. Then there were seven angels with seven trumpets standing before God. Then another angel with a censer appeared. He offered a bowl of incense that symbolized the prayers of all of God's people.

The angels prepared to sound their trumpets...

The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood...A third of the earth was burned up...The second angel's trumpet plunged a firey mountain like thing into 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... called wormwood plunged into the sea and turned a third of the water bitter, and many people died. 

With the fourth angel's trumpet, a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night. 

As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”

Revelation 7 The promise of salvation

Some may find this chapter of Revelations a little scary -and I admit it can be. It is that degree of uncertainty that Jesus will recognize us as his servant and not as a common sinner that will perish when this prophesy comes to fruition. I cannot go into this chapter without clearing up something that I constantly battle with myself. Accepting God's promise of salvation, and hoping that my sins are not so great as to lose God's love. Remember, God loves greater than all of us. Stop doing things that you have to be sorry for later. Commit your life to God, it is a constant battle, God knows that. While your right hand is praying, try to not let your left hand be sinning. Romans 7 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing....24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!...I found this explanation from 'Love Worth Finding Ministries' it almost brought me to tears, because this is my desire to be saved. God has transformed my heart... it has been a process... but he has. Read this to understand what the Bible says about gaining salvation. When the Bible says “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved,” believe means to have trust in, to commit to, or cleave to. You trust fully in and commit your life to this truth. You can “believe” that the next train will take you to Poughkeepie. But until you get on that train and entrust yourself to it, to take you to Poughkeepsie, you haven’t “believed,” in the Biblical sense.By WHAT MEANS Are You Saved?If salvation depended on our own efforts, we would be in trouble. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it abundantly clear:“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”By what are we saved?Self cannot save. Works cannot save. It is the GRACE of God through our faith in Christ.You cannot save yourself by “being good.” I can't trust the best fifteen minutes I ever lived to get me into heaven. God isn't Santa Claus, mak­ing a list and checking it twice to find out who's naughty or nice. He isn't weighing your good works against your bad works. You will never experience assurance if you depend on your actions.Most people are counting on their good works in the end to tip the scales in their favor. That's why they don't have salvation: they are counting on their works!You are dead in your sins if you don't know Christ, and a long list of good works won't balance the scales, because we aren't saved by works but by grace.A CLOSER LOOK AT GRACEGrace is the unmerit­ed love and favor God shows to sinners.Grace is what makes God love us when we are unlovely. He doesn't love you for what you've done, He loves you out of grace.Grace is the hand of God reaching down out of heaven. He says, “I love you; I want to save you.When you put your hand of faith in God's hand of grace, that's salvation.Now, let's get into Chapter 7...There were four angels protecting the servants of God before four other angels who were given athority to let the winds bring distruction. The plea by the protective angel was not to let harm come to the servants of God, a seal needed to be placed on their forehead to protect them. Then there were 144,000 people who were from the tribes of Israel who needed to be sealed, and a great multitude that no one could count from every nation wearing white robe. Voices cried out that salvation belongs to God and the Lamb. All of the angels, elders, and animals fell down to worship God. Although this is all important, this part should not be summarized so that you can get a better idea of who will be saved. Revelation 7:13-1713 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15 Therefore,“they are before the throne of God    and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne    will shelter them with his presence.16 ‘Never again will they hunger;    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’[a]    nor any scorching heat.17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[b]    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[c]”I hope that helped someone... maybe myself too...

Revelation 6

Sorry, I was sick last night, there will be another post later today! Have you ever heard about the four horsemen of the apocalypse? Well, this chapter, chapter 6 is where you'll hear more about them. Recap, John is having a vision while in the spirit and he sees a lamb that represents Jesus accepting a scroll with seven seals from a being who occupies a thrown in the centre of his vision which represents God the father. There are four winged animal creatures with several eyes resembling an ox, a lion, a man, and an eagle. As he open each seal a horseman appears. I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. (‭Revelation‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬ NIV)...Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword. (‭Revelation‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬ NIV) When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. (‭Revelation‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ NIV)
Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!” (‭Revelation‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬ NIV) I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth. (‭Revelation‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ NIV)When he opened the fifth seal, and the sixth seal, there we no horses, instead for the fifth martyrs who died preaching the good word asked when their death would be avenged, the sun turned black, the moon blood red, and the sky receded and the mountains, and islands were all moved from their place. All of the kings, princes, generals, the rich and everyone else hid away in caves from the one who sits on the throne and the wrath of the lamb.

Revelation 5

In chapter 5 we continue with John's vision. At this point he sees to the right of the on on the main throne a scroll with seven seals. When an angel asked who is worthy to open the scroll John started to weap because he thought that no one could but, "Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” (‭Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ NIV) Next, a lamb looking as though it had been slain, with seven eyes and horns, which represent God's seven spirits to go throughout the world, took the scroll away from the one on the main throne and the four animals and elders fell down to worship, then each had a golden bowl of full of incense which represented people's prayers. They each had a harp and sang a song with the words in Revelations 9-10. Next, thousands of angels circled the lamb, animals and elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (‭Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ NIV) Then revelation comes to a close after these two verses about the lamb, and the one who sits on the throne. Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. (‭Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭13-14‬ NIV)

I think it is safe to interpret that the lamb represents Jesus and the one in the main thrown as God the father.

Revelation 4

Here is my summary of Chapter 4, John's vision continues. 

While in the Spirit, he sees a door open in heaven, with a voice saying what he will see -is to come. In the vision there was one main throne shining like gems, and twenty-four other thrones holding twenty-four elders with clothes of white and crowns of gold. Surrounding them was thunder and lightening and seven lamps signifying the seven spirits of God. In front of the throne was a sea of glass-like-crystal with four creatures in the center. "Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “ ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.” (‭Revelation‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ NIV)". Then the the twenty-four elders fell to the feet of the one in the main throne threw down their crowns and said,"“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.” (‭Revelation‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ NIV)".

Here is my summary of Chapter 4, John's vision continues. While in the Spirit, he sees a door open in heaven with a voice saying what he will see is to come. In the vision there was one main throne shining like gems, and twenty-four other thrones holding twenty-four elders with clothes of white and crowns of gold. Surrounding them was thunder and lightening and seven lamps signifying the seven spirits of God. In front of the throne was a sea of glass-like-crystal with four creatures in the centre. "Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “ ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.” (‭Revelation‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ NIV)". Then the the twenty-four elders fell to the feet of the one in the main throne threw down their crowns and said,"“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.” (‭Revelation‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ NIV)".

Revelation 3

Have you ever heard of 'Philly' more officially known as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA? 



Could the basis of it's name be, that it was to resemble a biblical church? Find out about this church in Revelations 3. 

There was once another Philadelphia...

Amman, Jordan's capital, once named Philadelphia (after an Egyptian conqueror), it's a modern city of 1.5 million people, overlooked by a hill full of temples and shrines dating back to the Bronze Age.  -Huffington Post

Recap 

In the last blog post we covered Revelations 2, which covered the message to four of the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia,  and Laodicea. Here is a summary...

Ephesus, which tested those who called themselves apostles to see if they were false, hated the practices of the Nicholations that God hated, but were lacking in love.

Smyrna, a church racked with poverty, was about to suffer persecution and imprisonment, but they were promised that if they remained faithful they wouldn't suffer the second death. 

Pergamum, characterized as being faithful, but misguided in following the teachings of Balaam and the Nicholations. They were warned to repent.



Thyatira, Characterized by love, faith, service, perseverance, and the effort to improve its efforts. They needed to stop tolerating Jezebel's false and misguiding prophesy. Jesus promised them the 'Morning Star' (his spiritual guidance) and ruler-ship of nations for those who remained faithful. 

Finally, we're in Revelations 3...

It starts with the message to the church of Sardis... Jesus says, "...You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. (‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ NIV) Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. (‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ NIV)"

"...Repent! ...If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. (‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ NIV)" He also acknowledges that there are a few people in Sardis who have 'not soiled their clothes' and they would 'walk with him dressed in white' but for those who didn't repent he'd come for them like a thief in the night.

The next message was for the angel of the church in Philadelphia, among other things it was stated, "These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. (‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ NIV)"

At this point I asked: "What is the key of David?" I referred to GotQuestions.org... see the answer below.

When I was about to read the message to the church of Philadelphia I thought to myself this has got to be good, in the States they name a whole city in the state of Pennsylvania  after this church. I was really impressed by the message to this church including Jesus' recognition of it's character...

"...I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. (‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ NIV)."

"...Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. (‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬ NIV)"

It is reassuring.

He also promises that he will make false Jews fall at their feet, he'll make those who are victorious, a pillar in the temple of God and on them he'll write God's name, the name of God's city (new Jerusalem), and Christ's new name.

The Final message was to the church of Laodicea

Jesus says, "I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown...I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! (‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭11, 15‬ NIV)

The description of the character of this church is an interesting one. This church is described as neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm in their deeds -for that reason Jesus says he is about to spit them out of His mouth (Rev. 16) They decribe themselves as rich, needing nothing -but Jesus describes them as "Wretched, poor, pitiful blind and naked." He encourage them to seek their "gold" and "white clothes" and "eye salve" from Him so that they can be rich, see and cover their nakedness. He says, "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent."

I find that line interesting. Sometimes I felt like that myself. I felt like when I did something wrong God would discipline me. I would do the others do the same thing and come out without a scratch but when I did, I'd 'Feel It', if discipline makes you retreat back to God's shelter and loving kindness... is discipline that bad?

He continues by encouraging them to be victorious to earn the right to sit on His throne with Him just he was allowed to sit on our Father's. 

We'll see what's next in Revelations 4...

*Scriptural UsageThe Key of David is most directly referenced inRevelation 3:7, “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: these are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David.” The Old Testament reference isIsaiah 22:22. There, the prophet tells the palace secretary Shebna that he will be replaced by Eliakim, for God “will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David” (Isaiah 22:22). The one who holds the keys has the authority. Thus, the “key of David” implies control of David’s domain, which was promised to the Messiah in both the Old and New Testaments (Isaiah 9:7;Luke 1:32).Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/key-of-David.html#ixzz3RCB5gdSj

Revelation 2

Now that I have your attention, this is the second chapter of the Revelation series.

Note: By using this photo I do not mean to promote this magazine or their message, I just want to shed light on how biblical references are being used. In this case, probably to promote lust. Which is not what Revelations is about at all! 

Why did I use this photo -you ask? The truth is Google... when I typed in the word Jezebel into Google I got images of cover pages of an Atlanta Luxury Living magazine. We are not talking about the magazine, we are talking about the famous name Jezebel. Who is this mysterious woman?

Jezebel is cited in Revelation 2:20 and there is a another citation of (what is probably a different) Jezebel in 1Kings. These books are written like 600 years apart. 1 Kings is estimated to be written in 538 BC and Revelation 60 or 95 AD.

Let's cut to the Jezebel in Revelations... Thyatira is known by Jesus as one that, "tolerate(s) that woman Jezebel,who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols."

Recap, John had a vision while in the Spirit, where Jesus appeared to him to deliver news to seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

Based on John's vision, Jesus wants to deliver a message first to the church of to the angel of the church of Ephesus which had persevered and endured. The church had tested those who claimed to be apostles and found them false. They hated the same practices of the Nicolaitans that were against God. The main critique was that they were failing to deliver the same love that they had at first, they were to repent and return to deliver the love they once showed.

The church of Symrna was wracked with poverty, ridiculed by so-called Jews, and were about to suffer persecution, imprisonment and possibly death to be tested by satan. In the vision, Jesus asked John to deliver the message so that they could prepare themselves and their faith to endure those ten days of trials. However, he reminds them that there is life after death and that those who are faithful will not suffer the second death.

The church of Pergamum was faithful even after a man of faith, Antipas was put to death in their city.  But some were following the teachings of Balaam which led people to eat food sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. They also followed the teachings of the Nicolaitans. They were warned to  repent before facing consequences, "Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." (‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ NIV)

The message to the church of Thyatira was to recognize their love and faith, service and perseverance, and effort to improve efforts. However, they were tolerating or following the teaching of a false prophet, Jezebel, who was teaching sexual immorality. She was given time to repent, if she didn't she would be made an example of, and her children would be put to death, to show that people would be repaid for their deeds. Those remained faithful were asked to do so until the end, and they'd gain rulership over Nations. Jesus promises, "I will also give that one the morning star. (‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭19, 28‬ NIV)"

Each message to each church ends in some variation of this last verse... "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭29‬ NIV)

Questions:

I had a few questions after reading this chapter. "Why did John's vision ask him to deliver a message to the angel of each church? What does sword of my mouth mean (in Revelation 2:16 when Jesus promises to those in the church of Pergamum who don't repent I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth?" And why does she promise to Thyatira that all of those who are faithful to the end recieve the morning star?

Possible Answers:

Morning Star Question... 

Grace Communion International says...
Perhaps Christ is in view here, if we are

guided by his symbolic self-description at

the end of Revelation: “I, Jesus…[am] the

bright Morning Star” (22:16). To “have”

Jesus as the Morning Star would mean to be

in his glorious presence – to be with him.

This would explain the promise that in the

resurrection the saints glorified will be

with Christ, wherever he is (John 14:3).

https://www.gci.org/bible/rev/ephesus

Bible.org...
The context suggests that in some way it

relates to the overcomers and their reward

in ruling with the Savior. Perhaps it is

the assurance of His presence and provision

to be able to handle the authority given

over the nations assigned.

https://bible.org/seriespage/message-

thyatira-rev-218-29

Message to Angels Question

The Greek word angelos simply meant

“messenger”; usually, the word was used for

supernatural “messengers” from God.

However, sometimes the word was applied to

human messengers of God’s Word: John the

Baptist is called an “angelos” in Matthew

11:10.

Question: "Are the ‘angels’ of the churches

in Revelation 1–3 real angels, or are they

human messengers?"


Some scholars interpret the angels of

Revelation 1:20 as heavenly beings. Others

view them as the human messengers who bore

John’s letter. Others identify them as

those who actually read the message to the

congregations, that is, church leaders such

as pastors, elders, or bishops. A pastor of

a church functions as a “messenger” for

God, delivering God’s Word to the

congregation.

Read more:

http://www.gotquestions.org/angels-seven-

churches-Revelation.html#ixzz3R5Qqy3Pp


With the sword of my mouth Question 


Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12. That is,

he would give the order, and they would be

cut as if by a sword. Precisely in what way

it would be done he does not say; but it

might be by persecution, or by heavy

judgments. To see the force of this, we are

to remember the power which Christ has to

punish the wicked by a word of his mouth.

By a word in the last day he will turn all

the wicked into hell.

Interpretation of Prologue

The word 'Revelation' means to reveal something in a surprising way. The first chapter in the book of revelation opens up saying that the revelation from Jesus Christ was given by God to show his servants 'What must soon take place.'
And that God sent an angel to John to share his testimony of the word of God and Jesus Christ. The prologue ends saying "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words in this prophesy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."

There are 22 chapters in Revelaton and 22 more days in February I'd love it if we all could contribute to at least one of these chapters.

Revelation 1

Here John testifies to the Seven churches of Asia the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen"

I love how John introduces himself as a "Brother and a companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus."

He then Identifies the seven churches:

Pergamum (North West of Thyatira)
Thyatira (North of Sardis)
Sardis (Slightly North West Smyrna)
Smyrna (Slightly North West of Ephesus and West of Philadelphia)
Philadelphia (North of Laodicea and North East of Ephesus)
Ephesus (North West of Laodicea)
Laodicea (The Furthest South and East of the 7 churches)

When he was in the Spirit he heard a voice from what resembled the son of man, telling him to deliver what he witnessed to the seven churches, he saw seven lampstands, and seven stars that he was told were the seven angels of the seven churches.

Revelations Series

Happy New Year Everyone! I love that feeling of newness that washes over us at the beginning of the year, a chance to turn over a brand new leaf! This year I want to reawaken this blog...which is a group blog and encourage people to share feedback, and contribute written works to the blog. I spent January reading the beginning of Revelations. This February I hope that you will join me in this journey through the book of Revelation. Share your input, correct me if you know that I am wrong in my interpretation etc. Also, contact me if you wish to share a post with the group. 

I confess that I have been afraid to journey through this portion of The Bible because I have seen people try use this portion of The Bible to scare people into faith...instead of drawing them into faith with love. I also can note that this portion of The Bible can be interpreted in several different ways. I will pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us to understand the way that it was meant to be interpreted as we journey through it this winter.

I want to prove to myself that this book is more than 'Fire and Brimstone' and more than people feeling that they'll be blessed if they go down to Dundas Square and scream to everyone 'Repent and accept Jesus or you'll  burn in hell' (or a lake of fire), or that 'Fire will rain down on us', or that the anti-christ is so-and-so.

(Loud Sigh) I believe that our God cares for us and intends to draw us close to Him kindly and gently if possible. I believe Revelations is best understood as a statement of faith -not fear for the future. This is the beginning of this series... please join me until the end. I plan on reading with the understanding of that age-old cheer -that i'm sure you've heard in one church or another -"God is good, all the time -All the time, God is good."