Affliction is something that every human being experiences in this life. What distinguishes Christianity from humanity is that the Church is guaranteed hope and comfort in affliction. This hope is not based on something passing in the temporal, but the incorruptible in the eternal. Earth is not the believers permanent residence and a greater inheritance awaits us on God's eternal shores.

This passage in Revelation describes the wonderful conclusion of God's work in us. He is able to make us stand, to endure to the end, and to see us safely to our promised land where we will worship and serve in His glorious presence.

The sixth seal is opened and forecasts utter devastation. Chapter six ends with the question, "Who can stand?" Chapter seven answers the question with the 144,000. But who are they? Jews? All believers? Various interpretations are addressed.

The mercy of God understands our weakness, and meets us in our frailties; The sovereign magnificence of God fulfils his own purposes without adjustment or alternation – from beginning to end. In spite of all his excuses, Moses obeyed. God used him because he obeyed. Because the Lord is truly sovereign over all things, then the only reasonable response to his call on our lives is to trust him. It is his omnipotence that matters, not our incompetence.

Seal five on the scroll is opened by the Lamb and we see the souls under the altar asking, how long before they are avenged and justice is executed? This is followed by a seal six that previews the final judgment that will come after the last soul comes into the kingdom of God.

As Jesus opens the seals horsemen are released causing war, famine, and death. There are various interpretations, some of which are covered in the message. But we know the theme is that God oversees it all to judge the wicked and purify the believers lives. What we see as disaster is often God bringing His people home while judging the wicked. We are in a spiritual war!

The resurrection revealed a mystery that was hidden in God. God's plan was always to redeem the lost, but until the disciples saw the risen Lord, the plan was not fully understood. Many Jews even thought there was no afterlife. Jesus' resurrection not only proved that there was, but that faith in His death on our behalf was the way to eternal life.

The death and burial of Jesus are central events in Christian theology. Jesus was crucified and died on the cross. This act of burial was done in haste due to the approaching Sabbath, during which no work could be done. The accounts of Jesus's death and burial are found in all four canonical gospels, with each providing unique details to the narrative. These events set the stage for what is considered the cornerstone of Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus.

Will there ever be justice in the earth? Will pain and suffering and heartache go on forever? Will the kingdom of God ever be established as an experiential reality on the earth? Revelation 4 introduced us to the throne room of God. Revelation 5 reveals the Victor who bring all these things to pass. All of creation comes together to praise the Lamb of God for the victory He is ushering in.

Welcome to Wayside Bible Chapel's Live Stream. Please join us virtually or in person in our sanctuary on Sundays at 10:30 am!

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https://Waysidechapel.sermon.net/21474586