Revelation! - "Written To Us, About Us or For Us?"

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Lesson 5 - Chapter 1

Watch This Gospel Call TV VIDEO to Answer These Questions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFcRMS86kkU&feature=youtu.be

1.      Review:

a.      Whose Revelation is it?

b.      Given from who to whom?

c.       The recipient then gave the Revelation to whom?

d.      That recipient then gave the Revelation to whom for recordation?

e.      The Revelation was written about events that would happen when?  The word translated “soon” literally means I___ S____________ in the original.

2.      According to I John 1.1 – 3, what 3 things can John testify to?

3.      The angel signified that John could testify to what 3 things per vs. 2?

4.      The word translated “signified” is from the original esmainon which means A S________, A M___________ or I________________.  This word occurs in only 5 other places which sheds light on its meaning:

a.      John 12.23 ____________________________________________________

b.      John 18.32 ____________________________________________________

c.       John 21.9 _____________________________________________________

d.      Acts 11.28 _____________________________________________________

e.      Acts 25.27 _____________________________________________________

5.      This word tells us very early on that Revelation is written in S_______________ language, not L______________.  The only exception is the A______________ which goes from 1.8 – 3.22.

6.      Though there are many descriptions, what is the “Testimony of Jesus Christ” according to John 11.25 – 26?

7.      Blessings come to what two parties in 1.3?  These blessings come with what caveat?  Why is this principle so very important?

8.      Why is the word “are” so very important in 1.3?

9.      What attribute of God is described in 1.4?  Does Satan possess this attribute?

10.  The letter comes from what 3 parties identified in vs. 3 – 4?

11.  Does this conflict with vs. 1?  Why or why not?

12.  Jesus Christ has made us all what?

13.  To what end has He made us thusly?

14.  Does the phrase “coming” always refer to the 2^nd coming of which we have already studied?  (See 2.5, 2.16, 2.22, 3.3, 3.11 et.al.)

15.  In THIS CONTEXT, what indication do we have that Christ already came to the 7 churches of Asia?



Lessons from Jabez's Mother - I Chronicles 4.9 - 10 - Gospel Call TV Video Presentation - Mother's Day - 2015

Mother's Day - 2015 - May 11

 

Lesson's from Jabez's Mother

 

Click on Link Below:

 

https://youtu.be/jdGjqv-J1GU

(NOTE: Audio does not start until 45 seconds into video)

 

 

Synopsis:

 

 

She is never identified, we have not a clue to what her name was or anything about her...with one exception, she left a legacy in the form of a faithful son!  His name?  Jabez.

 

The Chronicles are two books rarely read or studied today but contain many a hero of God's faithful.  Jabez was a man of faith because his mother was a woman of faith.  Paul says that the gospel is spread from "faith to faith" in Romans 1.17.  Jabez's mother was a Romans 1.17 woman.

 

The Bible asserts several things concerning Jabez that he learned from his mother, his father not being mentioned at all in the text.  They are stunning.

 

 

1. Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, he was a Bible man, a real Berean!

 

2. Jabez called upon the Name of the Lord God of Israel - he sought salvation.

 

3. Jabez asked God for blessings - no self made man here.

 

4. Jabez sought from God expanded influence - a man of the message.

 

5. Jabez placed himself under the protecting Hand of God - he surrendered control totally.

 

6. Jabez besought God to deliver him from evil - he knew that "sin was crouching at the door and he had to master it." 

 

7. Jabez exercised the kind of faith that brought a full answer to prayer!  -  He prayed in faith, never doubting.

 

 

Jabez learned all of this from his Godly mother.  Let's be like Jabez.  May we all call, ask, seek, place and beseech from God those things that Jabez did.  It's never too late to become a "Jabez Mother!"

Revelation! - "Written To Us, About Us or For Us?" - Lesson 3 - Introduction Part 3 - Video and Lesson

Emperor Vespasian courtesy Wiki Commons, photo from 2007 by user.shanko

Complete Video Linked Below

https://youtu.be/GZ0VhN6_-aY

 

1.  The date if the writing of Revelation is critical to the understanding of the times of it's writing.  Here is the EXTERNAL data:

• John was writing about a persecution that remained in the F_____________ for the S_____________ churches of A_______, events that were to take place "S_________."
• The persecution of Nero was local to R_________ and did not affect A_________.
• The very first persecution of Christians in Asia took place late in the reign of Emperor D____________, 95 - 96.  Domitian was assassinated after demanding worship as a god and declaring himself perpetual "Roman Censor."  The office of Roman Censor was elected by an independent body.  The Roman Censor was then put in charge of 3 major tasks; 1) The C_____________ of the people, 2) To maintain P__________ M__________ and to 3) Oversee the F________________ of the empire.  According to the Roman historian Suetonius (69 - 122), Domitian demanded worship as dominus et deus, "M______________ and L__________."  He was the very first emperor to make such a demand.  Every prior Senate recognized emperors were D___________ after D_________ but none had demanded worship before. 
• The "Emperor Cult" began during the reign of the first Senate recognized Ceasar, Augustus.  The center of the cult was in E____________ part of A_________, the same regions as the 7 churches.  Before Domitian worship of the reigning emperors was strictly voluntary but was demanded first under Domitian.
• Revelation was written before the P_______________ but after N_________.  The most likely date for the writing is somewhere between 77 and 79 during the latter years of V_________________.   He began the siege of Jerusalem in 68.  He was called back to Rome after the suicide of Nero in December of 68.  His son Titus finished the destruction of Jerusalem in August, 70.  Between Nero and Vespasian, during most of 69, there were T________ pretenders to the throne that were never accepted as emperor outside of Rome.  They were Galba, Otho and Vitellius.  Vespasian reigned as emperor from 69 to 79 and was the first of the Flavian Dynasty.  He was followed in the emperorship by his two sons, T_________ and then D________________.  Titus reigned from 79 to 81 after contracting a fever and dying an untimely death.  Vespasian then reigned from 81 - 96.  The I______________ evidence contained in Revelation demands a V______________ reign date of writing.  The Flavian Dynasty ended with D_____________ as he was declared damnatio memoriae, "E______________ of M_______________."  This is why there is very little contemporary information concerning him.

2. INTERNAL evidence to the date of writing:

• Revelation 17.9 - 11 -  "This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction." (ESV via e-sword.com)
• Rome was city built on S___________ hills.
• John notes a series of E_____________ rulers, the last of which "goes to D____________" for he is the B_____________. 
• Those who favor a Neroian date start the list with J____________ C_____________ but he was unlike all the succeeding Caesar's as he was an emperor in name only, the rest were institutionalized as such.  "IF" John wrote while Nero was alive, the message would have had N_______________ to do with the S_____________ C___________ of A__________.
• The list as it "best" integrates" with what we know of the times:
• 1) "The Five Fallen Kings" - a) A____________, b) T____________, c) C___________, d) C___________, e) N________.
• 2) "The One That Is" - V_________________
• 3) "The One That Will Come But For Only a Short Time" - T_____________
• 4) "The Beast That Is To Come" - D_______________ 

3. Just why were Christians targeted for persecution?  Summers notes ten reasons in Worthy is the Lamb:

1. After Nero, Christianity's legal status C________________, no longer considered a part of Judaism, a L__________ religion, its legal status became religio illicita, an I__________ R______________.  Why?  Jesus Christ was condemned and executed by Roman law and was therefore a C_______________.  Any persons following a criminal were also C______________ by D_______________.
2. The state demanded P______________ status, Christianity gave it S____________ status at best.  Christians were seen as T______________ to the state.
3. Christians were considered A______________.  Typically, emperors who persecuted Christianity attempted to reverse deteriorating morality, economic fortunes and external pressures by attempting to appease the "gods" as their "A___________" was seen as the cause of all this misery.  Since Christians rejected E______________ god except the ONE TRUE LIVING GOD, they were seen as A______________ and were to blame for E________________ wrong in society.
4. Christianity was seen as a secretive society that met for self G_______________ and C____________________ meals.
5. Christians were considered traitors because they refused to go to W__________.  One had to A_____________ the "gods" in the service, they were called upon to M____________ and P________________ in the name of the emperor and F___________ for the very government that persecuted their brothers and sisters,
6. The church of Christ was made up principally of S_____________ and the lowest of the P____________________, naturally looked down upon by the affluent and educated.
7. Since Christians refused to C_________________ they were seen as I_________________, something Roman cultural could not stand.
8. Christians were seen as "Wild Fanatics" for their "Enthusiasm," quite opposite of the passive Roman culture.
9. Christians angered the business community for they put quite a dent in the pagan S____________ economy.
10. Christians refused to worship the E___________________!



The Diogmos (Persecution) of the Church (Video Sermon)

"The Sect Everywhere Spoken Against."  Sunday evening exposition of Paul's last recorded sermon in Acts 28 by Russ McCullough.

https://youtu.be/epdSTQbLdRg

Revelation! - "Written To Us, About Us or For Us?" - Lesson 2 - Introduction Part 2

1.      Review From Our Previous Lesson:

a.      The two “book ends” of Revelation are summed up with what one word?

b.      What is Eschatology?

c.       What one sign of Christ’s second coming will there be?

d.      When is / was the “Great Tribulation?”

e.      Revelation cannot be understood differently from what?

f.        Christ said that His Kingdom was neither of this W_________ or from H_________.

g.      Noting these facts from Scripture, will there ever be a millennial kingdom here on earth?

2.      What two dates predominate the views of people regarding as to when the book was written?

a.      What assertion supports the former date?

b.      What facts support the latter date?

c.       For the purposes of this study, we will using the ______________ model.

3.      When did Christianity begin to be seen as distinctive and separate from Judaism?  Why is this important to understand?

4.      What two historical events caused this to take place?

5.      Why did Nero’s persecution of the Christians in Rome NOT affect the Christians in Asia?

6.      For the purposes of this study we will assert that the author of this book is _________ the A____________ whom Christ L_________ and gave charge of His M_____________.

7.      Note at least 3 inaccurate titles of this book:

a.      ________________________________________

b.      ________________________________________

c.       ________________________________________

8.      Whose Revelation is it, in the first place according to 1.1?

9.      Who was this Revelation given to initially according to 1.1?

10.  For what purpose was it given according to 1.1?

11.  What first comes to mind when you hear the word “apocalypse?”

12.  The word actually means U__________________!

13.  The word translated “shortly” in 1.1 is from two Greek words; en taxei literally meaning: I____ S______________. 

14.  The angel was sent to John for what purpose in 1.1?

15.  Contrast 22.10 with Daniel 8.26 in command.

16.  Contrast 22.10 with Daniel 8.26 in time.  (NOTE: Approx. 400 years between Daniel’s prophesy and it’s fulfillment; “M_________ D_________.”

 

PAST LESSONS CAN BE FOUND AT: HTTP://GOSPELCALL.BLOGSPOT.COM

REMEMBER TO INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND COWORKERS TO THESE STUDIES WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME!

 

 

 

 

1.      Review From Our Previous Lesson:

a.      The two “book ends” of Revelation are summed up with what one word? A. Soon

b.      What is Eschatology?  A. The study of end times

c.       What one sign of Christ’s second coming will there be?  A. His descent

d.      When is / was the “Great Tribulation?”  A. In 70, in and around Jerusalem

e.      Revelation cannot be understood differently from what?  A. All the other end of time passages of the New Testament

f.        Christ said that His Kingdom was neither of this WORLD or from HERE (HENCE).

g.      Noting these facts from Scripture, will there ever be a millennial kingdom here on earth?  A. No, there will not be

2.      What two dates predominate the views of people regarding as to when the book was written?  A. 68 or mid 90’s

a.      What assertion supports the former date?  A.  Just Revelation 11.19 in strict literal terms only

b.      What facts support the latter date?  A. Domitian was the first emperor to demand deification while he still was alive.  His greatest support for this emperor cult was in the vicinity of the 7 churches of Asia.  They were the first to be persecuted not worshipping him as a god.

c.       For the purposes of this study, we will using the LATTER DATE  model.

3.      When did Christianity begin to be seen as distinctive and separate from Judaism?  A. When Christianity was perceived to be a complete separate entity from Judaism.  Why is this important to understand?  A. Christianity was protected under the umbrella of Judaism which was a legal religion in the empire.  Once Christianity was seen separately the church had no legal standing.

4.      What two historical events caused this to take place?  A. The persecution of Christians by Nero in 68 and the destruction of Jerusalem, along with the Temple, in 70 by Titus.

5.      Why did Nero’s persecution of the Christians in Rome NOT affect the Christians in Asia?  A. Nero’s  persecution was enforced only in Rome and its environs.

6.      For the purposes of this study we will assert that the author of this book is JOHN the APOSTLE whom Christ LOVED and gave charge of His MOTHER.

7.      Note at least 3 inaccurate titles of this book:

a.      “The Revelation of St. John”

b.      “Revelation(s)”

c.       “The Apocalypse of St. John”

8.      Whose Revelation is it, in the first place according to 1.1?  A. God’s

9.      Who was this Revelation given to initially according to 1.1?  A. Jesus Christ

10.  For what purpose was it given according to 1.1?  A. To show to God’s servants that which will soon come to pass.

11.  What first comes to mind when you hear the word “apocalypse?”  A. Disaster, etc.

12.  The word actually means UNVEILING!

13.  The word translated “shortly” in 1.1 is from two Greek words; en taxei literally meaning: IN SWIFTNESS. 

14.  The angel was sent to John for what purpose in 1.1?  A. To signify the unveiling

15.  Contrast 22.10 with Daniel 8.26 in command.  Seal not vs. Seal up

16.  Contrast 22.10 with Daniel 8.26 in time.  (NOTE: Approx. 400 years between Daniel’s prophesy and it’s fulfillment; “MANY DAYS.”)  If 400 years is “many days” how can over 2,000 years be “soon?”

 

PAST LESSONS CAN BE FOUND AT: HTTP://GOSPELCALL.BLOGSPOT.COM

REMEMBER TO INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND COWORKERS TO THESE STUDIES WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME!

 

 

 

Revelation! - Written To Us, About Us or For Us? - Introduction Part 1 - Lesson 1

Question and Answer Sheets

Premise: We cannot possibly understand the Revelation differently than the end of time teachings in the rest of the New Testament!

Frame #1 – Luke 18.36

1.      Jesus said; “My Kingdom is not of this W_____________.”

2.      Jesus said His servants WOULD fight if what?

3.      Jesus said that He would have escaped His captors if what?

4.      Jesus said that His Kingdom was not from where?

5.      Where in this passage is an earthly Christological kingdom predicted?

Frame #2 – I Thessalonians 4.13 – 18

6.      Is Jesus coming to the dead or are they going with Him somewhere else?

7.      Paul says these things as a clear message from whom?

8.      What happens first on the Last Day?

9.      What are the three “withs” of the Lord’s Decent?

10.  Who shall rise first?

11.  What will then happen to those Christians who are alive and remain?

12.  Where in this passage is any prediction of Christ ever setting his foot on the earth ever again?

Frame #3 – Matthew 24.29 – 31

13.  The “Great Tribulation” takes place when according to prior verses?

14.  The very next Eschatological event after the Destruction of Jerusalem is what?

15.  What is the sign of this event?  What effect will this sign have?

16.  At the time of this sign, Christ will send his angels with what?

17.  What task are the angels given at the time of this sign?

18.  Is there a “Great Tribulation” at the very end of time rendering a clear sign of the pending return of Christ?

19.  Where does this passage teach of any kind of earthly Christological kingdom and any indication of Christ physically returning to this earth?

II Peter 3.10 - 13

20.  The Last Day will come how?

21.  At His coming, what will happen to the Heavens?

22.  At His coming, what will happen to the elements?

23.  At His coming, what will happen to the earth?

24.  Where is the “Great Tribulation” if His coming is without warning?

25.  How can there be any possibility of Christ returning a second time to a non-existent earth?

26.  How can there be a millennial kingdom here on earth if the earth no longer exists?

 

One key to understanding the book of Revelation is to always keep in mind the B_____________  of this epistle, Revelation 1.1 and Revelation 22.6 that clearly state that the events described in the book are to take place when?

 

REMEMBER TO INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND COWORKERS TO THESE STUDIES WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME!

 

 

 

 

 

Premise: We cannot possibly understand the Revelation differently than the end of time teachings in the rest of the New Testament!

Frame #1 – Luke 18.36

1.      Jesus said; “My Kingdom is not of this World.”

2.      Jesus said His servants WOULD fight if what?  A. If His Kingdom WERE of this world.

3.      Jesus said that He would have escaped His captors if what?  A. If is Kingdom WERE of this world.

4.      Jesus said that His Kingdom was not from where?  A. Here or “hence.”

5.      Where in this passage is an earthly Christological kingdom predicted?  A. Nowhere

Frame #2 – I Thessalonians 4.13 – 18

6.      Is Jesus coming to the dead or are they going with Him somewhere else?  A. They are going with Him somewhere else, He is not coming back here.

7.      Paul says these things as a clear message from whom?   A. The Lord

8.      What happens first on the Last Day?  A.  The Lord shall decend

9.      What are the three “with’s” of the Lord’s Decent?  A. With a shout, with the voice of the arch angel and with the Trump of God

10.  Who shall rise first?  A. The dead in Christ

11.  What will then happen to those Christians who are alive and remain?  A. They will meet him in the air

12.  Where in this passage is any prediction of Christ ever setting his foot on the earth ever again?  A. Nowhere

Frame #3 – Matthew 24.29 – 31

13.  The “Great Tribulation” takes place when according to prior verses?  A. During the siege and destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem in 70

14.  The very next Eschatological event after the Destruction of Jerusalem is what?  A. The Return of Christ in decent with the shout, arch angel and trumpet

15.  What is the sign of this event?  A. His decent.  What effect will this sign have?  A. Absolute panic and despair among the lost

16.  At the time of this sign, Christ will send his angels with what?  A. With a great sound of a trumpet

17.  What task are the angels given at the time of this sign?  A. To gather His elect from the 4 winds

18.  Is there a “Great Tribulation” at the very end of time rendering a clear sign of the pending return of Christ?  A. No, the  “great tribulation” took place in 70

19.  Where does this passage teach of any kind of earthly Christological kingdom and any indication of Christ physically returning to this earth?  A. Nowhere

II Peter 3.10 - 13

20.  The Last Day will come how?  A. As a thief in the night

21.  At His coming, what will happen to the Heavens? A. They will pass away with a great noise

22.  At His coming, what will happen to the elements?  A. The elements will melt with fervent heat

23.  At His coming, what will happen to the earth?  A.  It, along with its works, shall be burnt up

24.  Where is the “Great Tribulation” if His coming is without warning?  A.  It already took place in 70, there is no warning whatsoever other than the sight of the  Descending Christ

25.  How can there be any possibility of Christ returning a second time to a non-existent earth?  A. No possibility for His Kingdom is not of this world, it is not from here

26.  How can there be a millennial kingdom here on earth if the earth no longer exists?  A.  No possibility for His Kingdom is not of this world, it is not from here

 

One key to understanding the book of Revelation is to always keep in mind the BOOKENDS of this epistle, Revelation 1.1 and Revelation 22.6 that clearly state that the events described in the book are to take place when?  A. Soon!