In Revelation 6:9-17 Christ opens the fifth and sixth seals of the scroll given to Him in chapter 5. As Christ opens these seals during the age the church, we understand that two things are true: The Church will be persecuted and the Church will be vindicated.

In Genesis 15:1-6 God makes a promise to Abram that does not appear likely to be fulfilled. Abram, however, knowing in the omnipotent power of God, believes the promise. In response we are told that Abram's faith was counted to him as righteousness. Thus, the patriarch, whose life centers on the theme of faith, is justified by faith, not works.

In Revelation 6:1-8 four horsemen are sent out to bring judgment to the earth. What do these horsemen mean? Ultimately, they show that Christ is sovereign over all the affairs of man. This means that the Christian can be at peace when he sees disasters in the world. It also means that those who are not Christians should repent and turn to Christ.

In Genesis 14:17-24 Abram interacts with two people after defeating the giant slayers: Melchizedek and the King of Sodom. These two interactions are instructive for us. On the one hand, Abram's heart is knit together with Melchizedek because of their common faith. On the other hand, Abram refuses to receive anything from the King of Sodom that he might not be unequally yoked with an unbeliever.

In Revelation 5:1-14 no one is found worthy to open the scroll with its seals except the lamb slain. Christ's glory and worthiness is in His death, whereby He has begun to reign. He is, therefore, worthy to be worshipped forever for redeeming a people for Himself from every nation, tribe, and tongue.

In Genesis 14:1-16 Abram is able to take down the giant slayers Chedorlaomer and his allied kings. Abram conquers where the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, and three others fail. Why? Because God fights for him. As Psalm 33 says, the king is not saved by the strength of his army, but the Lord's eyes are on those who fear him.

In Revelation 4:1-11 John is given a glorious vision of the throne of God. Surely if God is as glorious as He's described in Revelation 4 He should be worshipped forever.

In Genesis 13:1-18 conflict leads to the separation of Lot and Abram. Abram lets Lot choose what land he wants to use for his flock. The choice is between a land filled with the wicked that looks like the garden of Eden and a land with God's promised blessing that is less impressive. Lot chooses according to what his eyes see, not walking by faith, but by sight. We, however, like Abram ought to walk by faith, trusting that God's promises will always be fulfilled even if we cannot see it.

The church at Laodicea believed itself to be alright, but it was seriously lacking. It had an outward form of religion that was comfortable, thinking that it could compromise with the world, live a comfortable life, and still serve God. It is not possible, however, to serve two masters, and Christ counts such lukewarmness as highly offensive. If you follow Christ, you must follow him with your whole heart.

In Genesis 12:10-20 Abram goes down to Egypt foreshadowing the Exodus. Abram disastrously asks his wife to lie about being married to him seemingly putting the promise of God in jeopardy. God, however, in His grace intervenes. Even faithful Abram is saved by grace alone.