When you talk to the average person about the Bible, there is a good chance that the book of Revelation will be brought up. In all my discussions with people good or bad, usually if you ask a typical person on the street if they have a Bible they usually say, "Yes", and quickly that will be followed with the following statement, "I really like the book of Revelations." I usually agree with them, but not for the same reasons. I believe the majority of Americans are fascinated or even scared by this book because many see his book as the movie and TV shows "Star Wars" or "Star Trek". These shows and many others like them are very popular in a culture that loves to explore the unknowns that our future holds. But when I read this book, I try not to get get caught up in whether the Bible describes nuclear war, Apache helicopters, comets hitting the earth, or numbers engraved on people's foreheads. The theme of this book is simple, "Jesus wins, Satan loses...and the children of God rule and reign with Christ forever."
Revelation 6 is one of those chapters where we can get so caught up in trying to figure out who the four horsemen of the Apocalypse are that we miss the purpose for the events described. God's judgment is being poured out upon humanity because they have rejected Him as Savior and Lord. The war, famine, death and terror all play a rightful place in this drama brought on by man's rejection of God. Note, that even as these horrible events plague men during the tribulation of the earth, their reaction is total rebellion against the "One who sits on the throne." (6:16-17) Just like in the OT when the ten plagues were brought upon Egypt, so too on a much larger scale, the power of God is going to be unleashed upon humanity. God wants mankind to acknowledge His has the only true and living God, but like Pharaoh, they will not. The good news is that many will turn their hearts to Christ and be saved, yet they will suffer martyrdom for the faith (9-11). We should not read this book as a futuristic space age novel, but rather a glimpse of what awaits all men who continue to reject Christ as Lord. For the reality of hell is a place where people choose to go because they chose to reject a relationship with Christ, and their life on earth was lived in a way that made it clear to God that they did not want to do things His way, and so hell is that place - a place where God is not. So even as this world keeps turning more opposed to the God of the Bible, you can live a less stressed life knowing God will always be with you and keep you to the very end. Until next time, keep walking close with Christ.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Back to the Future (Part 8)
One place that many people run to lessen a stressful day is into the arms of music. Whether country, rock, pop, contemporary, 80's, classic, etc., music has been a safe place for many to find refuge from a difficult life or day. If you listen to the lyrics of most songs, you will hear that even the artist who either has written the words or sings the melody does so in order to voice an inward or outward stressful situation in which they find themselves dealing with. How many songs deal with a loss of a job, lover, friend, or even life? How many songs deal with poverty, abuse, loneliness, war, and dysfunctional people? Most of the music being sung on many radio stations reflect people who are hurting, worried, and simply stressed out.
The scene is not this way in heaven. The music in heaven will not deal with any loss or any pain. The melody of the angels will not focus on poverty, abuse, loneliness, and war. The choirs of heaven will not contemplate losing family, home, job, or favorite pet. The music and songs flowing through the New Heaven and the New Earth will all be praises to our Victorious King. We get a glimpse of this reality in heaven in Revelations 5:8-14. From the inner circle, to the other courts, to the whole earth, the theme, melody, and tone will be to praise the One who reigns forever. Jesus Christ will be the central message of every song sung. He will be the single reason that our problems, fears, and stresses are forever alleviated. He will be the theme of each chorus that will speak of peace, joy, love, and victory without a single stanza of regret, worry, and hopelessness. If heaven is this way, why can't the child of God feel the same way on this earth? He or she can, but only when they choose to walk with Christ and pursue God with all their heart. When He is the most center part of your life (as the throne room is the center of heaven), then worship will constantly flow from your lips, and this will lead to a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
The scene is not this way in heaven. The music in heaven will not deal with any loss or any pain. The melody of the angels will not focus on poverty, abuse, loneliness, and war. The choirs of heaven will not contemplate losing family, home, job, or favorite pet. The music and songs flowing through the New Heaven and the New Earth will all be praises to our Victorious King. We get a glimpse of this reality in heaven in Revelations 5:8-14. From the inner circle, to the other courts, to the whole earth, the theme, melody, and tone will be to praise the One who reigns forever. Jesus Christ will be the central message of every song sung. He will be the single reason that our problems, fears, and stresses are forever alleviated. He will be the theme of each chorus that will speak of peace, joy, love, and victory without a single stanza of regret, worry, and hopelessness. If heaven is this way, why can't the child of God feel the same way on this earth? He or she can, but only when they choose to walk with Christ and pursue God with all their heart. When He is the most center part of your life (as the throne room is the center of heaven), then worship will constantly flow from your lips, and this will lead to a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Back to the Future (Part 7)
John has been given a glimpse of the throne room in heaven, and he sees all creatures great and small worshipping and praising the One who is sitting on the throne. When we come to the 5th chapter of Revelation, John is caught up with the joyful atmosphere when a problem arises in heaven - there is a book or scroll that no one is able to open. This scroll is very important, because it is a legal document, a deed or contract to the earth. The one who is able to open the seven seals is the trustworthy executor of this document, to put in place what has been predetermined by God the Father. We read that John begins to weep because no one is found worthy to open this document when given the opportunity. Why the great anguish on John's part? (Notice, all of heaven are not weeping but praising) Without the final judgment upon the earth. the church is left unprotected in the bitter hours of trial and judgment. There is no future judgment for sin nor any triumph for the believers in Christ. For a short moment in heaven, things look very hopeless.
John does not have to weep long, because we read that Jesus Christ, the Lamb, the One who has overcome death and hell, steps forward to take the book from the hand of the Father and takes His rightful place to begin to execute the promised judgment upon the earth. In verse 5, one of the elders tell John that the "Lion from the tribe of Judah" has prevailed. This word in the Greek is "nikao" where we get our English word "nike", meaning victor. He is called the Lamb who is seen "as if slain" but He is standing. This One received a mortal wound, and yet now lives and is the Champion of all heaven and earth. As Jesus takes the scroll, and soon begins to peal back each seal that will bring judgment upon the wicked and vindication for His saints, the sound of praise and worship rings throughout heaven. When you chose to side with the One and only True and Living God, Jesus Christ, then your future will be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close with Christ.
John does not have to weep long, because we read that Jesus Christ, the Lamb, the One who has overcome death and hell, steps forward to take the book from the hand of the Father and takes His rightful place to begin to execute the promised judgment upon the earth. In verse 5, one of the elders tell John that the "Lion from the tribe of Judah" has prevailed. This word in the Greek is "nikao" where we get our English word "nike", meaning victor. He is called the Lamb who is seen "as if slain" but He is standing. This One received a mortal wound, and yet now lives and is the Champion of all heaven and earth. As Jesus takes the scroll, and soon begins to peal back each seal that will bring judgment upon the wicked and vindication for His saints, the sound of praise and worship rings throughout heaven. When you chose to side with the One and only True and Living God, Jesus Christ, then your future will be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close with Christ.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Back to the Future (Part 6)
Heaven has always been described as a place of peace and rest. Even in the teachings of many other religions, heaven is usually described as a place of escape from all the fear, pain, conflict, and hurt that this world holds for humanity. The Bible speaks a lot about heaven, and this is clearly seen in the book of Revelation. In chapter 4, John gets a glimpse of the center of the universe - the Throne Room of Almighty God. In this chapter, John experiences three situations that are both a source of great joy and comfort; which if taken to heart can also bring a Christan great comfort and joy even in this stressed and sin-filled life.
First, John gets an invitation to heaven's throne (4:1-2). No one dare approach the gates of heaven without an invitation from it's King. How foolish are men who think that they can get to heaven any way they deem possible. This mentality does not even make sense when trying to get into the White House, Buckingham Palace, or even the Vatican. All men must have an invitation to heaven, and the pass is clear from Scripture, Only those who accept the Son, Jesus Christ and His work on the cross may enter heaven (John 14:6). Second, John experiences the person of Jesus Christ (4:2-3). The one who is greater than the greatest light, more precious the the rarest jewel, the Lover and yet Savior of the Redeemed, now is seated in His proper place, the throne in heaven. What a source of comfort to know that Jesus rules and reigns over all. Third, John experiences the praise before the throne (4:4-11). All the creatures and all the saints in heaven behold the throne and worship He who reigns. The one who died for the sins of the world, is now declared by all creatures as holy, eternal, and the only one worthy to receive all glory, honor, and thanks. When you read these verses, and put yourself in John's shoes, how can you keep from having a less stressed life, as you constantly remember the end of the story for all those who are children of the King - HEAVEN. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
First, John gets an invitation to heaven's throne (4:1-2). No one dare approach the gates of heaven without an invitation from it's King. How foolish are men who think that they can get to heaven any way they deem possible. This mentality does not even make sense when trying to get into the White House, Buckingham Palace, or even the Vatican. All men must have an invitation to heaven, and the pass is clear from Scripture, Only those who accept the Son, Jesus Christ and His work on the cross may enter heaven (John 14:6). Second, John experiences the person of Jesus Christ (4:2-3). The one who is greater than the greatest light, more precious the the rarest jewel, the Lover and yet Savior of the Redeemed, now is seated in His proper place, the throne in heaven. What a source of comfort to know that Jesus rules and reigns over all. Third, John experiences the praise before the throne (4:4-11). All the creatures and all the saints in heaven behold the throne and worship He who reigns. The one who died for the sins of the world, is now declared by all creatures as holy, eternal, and the only one worthy to receive all glory, honor, and thanks. When you read these verses, and put yourself in John's shoes, how can you keep from having a less stressed life, as you constantly remember the end of the story for all those who are children of the King - HEAVEN. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
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