Gardendale Church of the Nazarene Podcast

Chapters 15 and 16 the final sequence of sevens in Revelation. Revelation is an interesting book that confuses many people. Why not? It is full of strange imagery and animals. There are strange scenes that scare us. But why do we over look something that we do understand- worship. Worship is a central act in Revelation and it should be for us. We must, however, hold close to what is right and true and remain tied into our God. These chapters prepare us for the wrath of those who have bowed to the beast and pledged their allegiance to someone other than God.

This morning, we look a little deeper at the message of the angels in chapter 14. This is a passage that helps us during times of uncertainty. Chapter 14 is a message to us- a message to believers who need to be reminded that we are God2019s people and God does hold us close to Himself. We are people who have been sealed by God.

Today we look at a few chapters in Revelation. Chapter 12 tells us a great story- what many have called the Christmas story in Revelation. This chapter is a chapter of hope, because we know that Christ is on the throne. It is also a chapter of warning, because satan has waged war on us- the children of God. What are we to do? We are to understand that we are in the midst of a battle and we are to rely on the Scriptures.

Chapter 7 is upon us, and we enter into one of the great interludes of Revelation. In this chapter, we are able to see how God fulfills promises. God does more than just fulfill His promises- He goes beyond anything we can perceive.

This is also a chapter that responds to the evil of chapter 6. How do we as Christians respond to evil? We respond as the church has for centuries, we sing. This does not mean that we ignore the evil, it means that we view evil in its proper place. We view evil as temporal and our life with God as eternal.

Revelation 6 is a chapter that many people shy away from. However, it is part of a rich story that provides hope in the midst of fear and insecurity. In the midst of the world’s claim of national security, claims of peace, economic security, and health, the church stands to proclaim that there is One to whom we should place all of these things.

In many ways, chapter 5 wraps up the introduction to Revelation. In chapter 3, we read the letter to Laodicea. In this letter, Jesus says, “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, I need nothing...” In chapter 5, John has a realization- there is something that we need- we need someone to carry out God’s plan! There is only one who is worthy and that is the Lamb who was slain.

Chapter 4 and 5 are closely connected and they tell one story, but we are going to break them into two weeks. Chapter 4 gives us a glimpse into heaven- John describes the beauty of being able to look into the throne room of God. This chapter contains two songs- the first one is sung by the living creatures and the second one is sung by the 24 elders. You will see in chapter 5, this singing will grow in both complexity and magnitude. Chapter 5 will end with everyone singing together!

These two chapters of Revelation are ones that speak directly to the churches of the New Testament, but also speak to the church today. The letters all follow a basic structure and end with the statement, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches...” It is my prayer, that we are open to what the Spirit says to our church.

What happens when the curtain that divides heaven and earth is pulled back? We are people who live in uncertain times. There is only one thing that the world can hold over Christians- death. In the midst of this, Jesus proclaims, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”

Today we wrap up our series on the Articles of Faith. We look today at the article on Divine Healing. We look at John 9 and the story of the man healed from his blindness. How has God healed you? Whatever darkness you face- whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, God can heal you.