Revelation 14, Part 2 - The Victory of the Lamb Over Satan, Rome and False Religion

REVELATION! - “Written To Us, About Us or For Us?” Lesson 45

Chapter 14 –Part 2 – Primary Sources: The Holy Bible

and Homer Hailey’s REVELATION: An Introduction and Commentary

 Archdale church of Christ 04.013.16

Image Courtesy - Bing Images

What are our 6 principles of understanding Revelation?  1) No CONTRADICTIONS  with other passages, 2) These events will take place SOON and 3) This letter is written to the 7 CHURCHES of ASIA  and are not written To US or About US.  4) Theses things are, however, written FOR us!  5) This letter is written in highly SYMBOLIC language.  6) One will find Revelation most difficult to understand, comprehend and apply without always having open the OLD TESTAMENT.

The contrast between Revelation 13 and 14 is the contrast between the ____________ and the __________.  John heard a ___________ from heaven that sounded like the ________________________________________.  The 144,000 are the ________________ and they are characterized as _____________.  They follow the Lamb wherever He _________ and in their mouths are found no ______________.

1.      Per vs. 6, what does John now see?

2.      He carries what for whom?

3.      What 3 commands are given in vs. 7?

4.      What 4 things did God create?

5.      How could “Babylon the Great” be spoken of as having “fallen” though Rome was still at her height of power?

a.       Isaiah 46.10 ___________________________________

b.       Isaiah 48.3. __________________________________

c.        Jeremiah 51.8 _________________________________

6.      What kind of message would this be to the 7 churches?

7.      What was announced as being the great sin of the Great Babylon?

8.      What does John now see?

9.      What is the fate of those who worship the Beast and receives his mark?

10.  Just what is the “endurance of the faith?”

11.  A voice from heaven commanded John to do what?

12.  What does the Spirit now say?

13.  What does John see in vs. 14?

14.  What 3 things describe the one sitting on this cloud?

a.       _____________________________________

b.       _____________________________________

c.        _____________________________________

15.  What does the 2^nd angel now say to the one seated on the cloud?

16.  What now happens to the earth?

17.  Describe the next angel that comes out.

18.  Describe the 4^th angel.

19.  What does he now do?

20.  How high and how wide was the blood of the wrath of God?

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TEACHERS COPY

REVELATION! - “Written To Us, About Us or For Us?” Lesson 45

Chapter 14 –Part 2 – Primary Sources: The Holy Bible

and Homer Hailey’s REVELATION: An Introduction and Commentary

 Archdale church of Christ 04.013.16

What are our 6 principles of understanding Revelation?  1) No CONTRADICTIONS  with other passages, 2) These events will take place SOON and 3) This letter is written to the 7 CHURCHES of ASIA  and are not written To US or About US.  4) Theses things are, however, written FOR us!  5) This letter is written in highly SYMBOLIC language.  6) One will find Revelation most difficult to understand, comprehend and apply without always having open the OLD TESTAMENT.

The contrast between Revelation 13 and 14 is the contrast between the DRAGON and the LAMB.  John heard a VOICE from heaven that sounded like the ROAR OF MANY WATERS, LOUD THUNDER AND THE SOUND OF MANY HARPS.  The 144,000 are the REDEEMED and they are characterized as VIRGINS.  They follow the Lamb wherever He GOES and in their mouths are found no LIES.

1.      Per vs. 6, what does John now see?

Another angel flying directly overhead

2.      He carries what for whom?

An eternal or everlasting gospel for those who dwell on the earth

3.      What 3 commands are given in vs. 7?

Fear God, give God the glory, worship Him

4.      What 4 things did God create?

Heaven, earth, sea and the springs of water under the earth

5.      How could “Babylon the Great” be spoken of as having “fallen” though Rome was still at her height of power?

a.       Isaiah 46.10 – He declares the end at the beginning

b.       Isaiah 48.3 – “I announce and suddenly they are done”

c.        Jeremiah 51.8 – He announced once before that Babylon had “fallen” and she then she did!

6.      What kind of message would this be to the 7 churches?

Hope, faith, encouragement, triumph, victory, etc.

7.      What was announced as being the great sin of the Great Babylon?

Making religion one with the state and making sexual immorality one with the state religion

8.      What does John now see?

Another, a third, angel

9.      What is the fate of those who worship the Beast and receives his mark?

He will drink the wine of God’s wrath…at full strength

10.  Just what is the “endurance of the faith?”

Keeping the commandments of God and keeping faith in Jesus

11.  A voice from heaven commanded John to do what?

Write this

12.  What does the Spirit now say?

“Blessed indeed!”

13.  What does John see in vs. 14?

A white cloud with one like a son of man sitting on it

14.  What 3 things describe the one sitting on this cloud?

a.       He is like a son of man

b.       He has a crown on his head

c.        He has a sharp sickle in His hand

15.  What does the 2^nd angel now say to the one seated on the cloud?

Put In your sickle and reap for the hour to reap has come

16.  What now happens to the earth?

The earth was reaped

17.  Describe the next angel that comes out.

He too had a sharp sickle

18.  Describe the 4^th angel.

One who had authority over the fire

19.  What does he now do?

Called for the 3^rd angel to gather the grape harvest from the earth

20.  How high and how wide was the blood of the wrath of God?

As deep as the height of a horse’s bridle and approx.. 184 miles wide (1,600 stadia)

Conclusion: Chapter 14 describes the total victory of Christ over Satan and his surrogates, the Roman Empire and it’s false religion of emperor worship.  Rome falls and the church of Christ lives forever!

Groups, Ghettos and the Mega Church

Public Domain Image via Bing Images via shadowwings.com

11 April 2016 (Mint Hill, NC)  The so-called "Mega Church" movement is accelerating here in America.  What appears to be growth, strength and progress is in reality, shrinkage, weakness and decline.  It is no more than a modern day version of "circling the wagons."

We live on a "different planet" that that which I grew up on.  "Back in the day," what was characterized as "church growth" was individual, sacrificial and organic.  Instead of "seeking out a church home" that would cater to one's own narcissism, people would jump at the chance to build something from the ground up to serve the needs of others.  Individuals would work to build a congregation by sacrificing their own wants, wishes and expectations for the sake of others.  These were the days when there was no need to call for "volunteers," the work would have to be shared because there were always more of the "willing" than could be accommodated.  In other words, there were growing churches with deep benches as opposed to swelling churches with nearly everyone "sitting in the recliners."  Worship was a very public participatory event and not a time when one would privately view "professionals" do it all.  In short, the church of yesterday was a place of service.  The "mega church" of today, however, is a place to be "served."

What has changed?  A number of things but primarily just three.  First of all, people today no longer see themselves as the sinners that they are.  Its society that needs changing not individuals.  Secondly, only accomplished professionals should preach, teach and lead in worship.  This false humility has led to only those with extreme talent being allowed to "perform."  Finally, the one change that has led more to the so-called "mega church" movement than the previous two is that people no longer identify as individuals, they identify themselves as part of a "group."  (By the way..."groups" aren't as guilty sin as much as individuals are!)  Not only groups per se but groups that deserve to have "church" catered to them in a very precise and targeted way.

Whereas individuals see deficiencies as challenges to be overcome, groups see deficiencies as evidence of discrimination...the kind of discrimination that demands special treatment in repreation.  This change has come about as society has come to elevate opinion, toleration and diversity as somehow being virtuous.  No longer do people look to the "good of others," they demand to "have it their way."  This, of course, leads to a very "mobile church."  A mobile church is one that is made up of extremely sensitive people threatening continually to leave.  Should their ever changing "felt needs" be not catered to, they're gone to the next "retail outlet."  Not only do they demand that their "felt needs" be catered to, they demand that they be catered to in an ever increasing upward way, "continuous improvement" if you please.  If you "bring them in with hamburger, you'll have to keep them with steak!"

Churches used to have events a number of times a year.  These events, such as outings, picnics, fellowships, etc. were always for EVERYONE.  From the tiny infant to the most elderly, everyone came, no one was left out and no one was catered too.  "God is no respecter of persons" and neither was the church.  Today, people afflicted with what we will call "groupism" would be insulted if they were invited to an event that did not reflect their own perceived demographic preference.  Just look at where we've come!  There's "Kids Church," "Pre - Teens," "Teens," "College Age," "Young Professionals," "Families With Children," "Singles," "Divorced," "Empty Nesters," "Senior Saints" and the list just keeps expanding!  Of course the most damning "groupism" is that which is institutionally imposed upon many congregations by their own elderships.  Many formerly faithful congregations have been purposely divided into the "instrument" and the "non-instrument" factions. As displeased as God is with divisions that "just happen," how much more is He displeased when His own shepherds divide the flock on purpose?  Each group demands, not only their own separate activities, often they demand their own "paid professional" to continually pander to their ever increasing selfishness. Individuals serving others makes a congregation of God's people.  A collection of self serving groups is nothing more than the world gathered under the roof of a building.  The "mega church" movement is the Balkinization of God's people.

So...what does this look like in reality?  It DOESN'T look like that for which Christ prayed for in the garden; "...may they all be one in Me as I am in Thee."  It looks, instead, like that which Paul so strongly taught against to the Corinthians and the Galatians!   "...let there be no divisions among you but..be united in the same mind and the same judgement." ((I Corinthians 1.10b)  "...If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."  (Galatians 1.9b)

Here's the bottom line...when congregations Balkanize themselves along the lines of demographics and preferences, they create spiritual ghettos within the church.  Ghettos, by definition, are cut off from the rest of the world - AND THEN THEY DIE.  Whether the ghettoization is forced from the outside or is a result of the desire of the group inside...the end result is the same.  The Mega Church is killing off the Body of Christ one ghetto at a time. 

Let us return to the "old paths."  Let us serve others as did Christ and rebury the old man of sin and selfishness.

72nd Annual Carolina Lectures Address of 7 April 2016

“Forgiveness – The Defeat of Revenge & The Victory of Surrender”

Russell H. McCullough / 72^nd Carolina Lectures / Mountain Island church of Christ

http://www.micoc.org/sermons/CL0709AM.mp3 

Text:  Matthew 6.14 – 15 (Context: 5 – 15)

Job 42.10 – “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends.  And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.”

James 5.19 – 20

The IRONY of Christianity: The more we mature, the more we are aware of our own sins.  The more aware we are of our own sins, the more our need of forgiveness.  In order to receive more forgiveness, the more forgiveness we must give to others.  The only way that is accomplished is to be increasingly engaged in the lives of others.  AND the only way that is accomplished is to increasingly spread the gospel,

Thesis:  “Biblical forgiveness isn’t emotion, it isn’t action, it isn’t even theological – Biblical forgiveness is DEFINITIVE, it is who we are!”

“In short, The Who of Forgiveness is ME, the What of Forgiveness is SURRENDER, the When of Forgiveness is NOW, the WHY of Forgiveness is God’s Will, and the Where of Forgiveness is EVERYWHERE.”

OBSERVATIONALLY:  Forgiveness is “Ify,” – I get what I give, forgiveness is necessary for OTHERS, forgiveness is necessary for me and…forgiveness is definitive of God!

1          Intro: “Forgiveness in the Pharisee’s Theology”

A.   The Pharisee followed, not the Law and the Prophets, but the Oral Law of the Jews…what is now known as the TALMUD.

1.      The TALMUD is a written commentary by many Rabbi’s over about 400 years beginning about 200 B.C and ending about 200 A.D.

2.     By the time of Christ these “traditions” had become superior to the Scriptures themselves.

3.    In truth, the concept of “forgiveness” was nearly foreign to the Pharisees theology.  As he saw it, he didn’t NEED forgiving!  Why?

             He was of the chosen race

             He was the child of Abraham

             He was the possessor of the Law

             He was the possessor of the Land

             He was the possessor of the Temple

             He was the possessor of the Promise

             He was the possessor of the Mark of God

             He was the possessor of God’s blessings of health,

             wealth, power and position

             His atonement was accomplished in Babylon

             His restoration was accomplished upon the return

             Forgiveness was only for others beneath his station

             not himself

             Forgiveness was only for those who asked him for it

             Forgiveness was given by him only to others who

             deserved it

             Forgiveness was only for those poor and sick

             Forgiveness was a quid pro quo, reciprocity,  

             transaction where the giver got something of “equal or

             lesser value” in return

2        The Meaning of the Word “Forgiveness” in the NT:

A.   The Root Word for “Forgiveness” is Translated 3 Ways:

1)     Matthew 26.28 – “Remission”

2)    Mark 3.29 – “Forgiveness”

3)   Luke 4.18 – “Liberty”

B. THAYER – “Release from bondage or imprisonment.  Forgiveness or pardon of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty.”

C. STRONG – “Freedom, pardon, deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission.”

D. In reality, forgiveness defined is a process.

             1) Defeat one’s “right” of revenge

             2) Seek the good of one’s adversary

             3) Pour out the gospel of forgiveness

             4) Achieve victory for both you and your adversary by your

                   surrender to the will of God - 

“Forgiveness – The Defeat of Revenge and the Victory of Surrender!”

3        What Does Forgiveness Look Like to JESUS?

A.   Forgiveness is EXEMPLARLY – Luke 23.34

B.   Forgiveness is PURPOSEFUL – Luke 4.18 - 19

C.    Forgiveness is REACTIVE – Matthew 5.43 - 46

D.   Forgiveness is PROACTIVE – II Corinthians 5.10 – 11a

E.    Forgiveness is CONDITIONAL – Matthew 6.9 - 15

F.    Forgiveness is COMMANDED – Matthew 28.18 - 20

G.   Forgiveness is REWARDED – Matthew 6.19 - 21

4        The Meaning of the Text

A. The longer one lives, the more forgiveness one needs!

B. The way to receive more forgiveness is to give more of it away!

C. The more forgiveness one gives away, the more one receives!

5        The Challenge of the Text

A. II Corinthians 5.16 – 21 – Surrender to one’s calling

B. Seek out the enemy

C. Surrender your “rights”

D. Engage the enemy through love and caring

E. Pour out the sweet wine of the gospel from your vessel to theirs.

6        “The Gospel Call” – Defeat Revenge, Find Victory in Surrender, Find forgiveness by giving the gospel away to the enemy”

The Triumph of the Lamb Over the Dragon - Revelation 14 - Part 1

REVELATION! - “Written To Us, About Us or For Us?” 

Lesson 44 - Student Questions

Chapter 14 –Part I – Primary Sources: The Holy Bible

and Homer Hailey’s REVELATION: An Introduction and Commentary

 Archdale church of Christ 04.07.16

Image Courtesy - Bing Images

What are our 6 principles of understanding Revelation?  1) No __________________with other passages, 2) These events will take place _______ and 3) This letter is written to the 7 ___________ of ________ and are not written To ____or About ____.  4) Theses things are, however, written _________us!  5) This letter is written in highly ____________ language.  6) One will find Revelation most difficult to understand, comprehend and apply without always having open the ___________________________

The “Emperor Cult” was used as a _____________ tool to bind the empire together.  The emperor was “worthy” of worship because he “provided” things that no one ever had before such as world-wide __________, Trade and Travel on the high seas free of __________, a world-wide systems of ____________, fresh ___________ to cities and a world-wide _________________ system.  Universal worship of the emperor was used as a proof of _____________   to the state.  The most fervent followers of the emperor cult were found in ______________ in the area of the ______________, most notably ________________.  The _______________ is Satan, the 1^st Beast is _____________ and the 2^nd Beast is the _________________ of the worship of both the Beast and the Dragon.

1.      The contrasts of Revelation 13 and 14:

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

2.      What did John hear from heaven?

3.      How does John describe what he hears?

4.      Is Revelation 14.2 a “proof text” for instrumental music in worship? 

5.      What were the 144,000 singing?

6.      What certain group could even learn the song?  What 4 characteristics did they possess?

a.

b.

c.

d.

Teacher's Answer Sheet

What are our 6 principles of understanding Revelation?  1) No CONTRADICTIONS  with other passages, 2) These events will take place SOON and 3) This letter is written to the 7 CHURCHES of ASIA  and are not written To US or About US.  4) Theses things are, however, written FOR us!  5) This letter is written in highly SYMBOLIC language.  6) One will find Revelation most difficult to understand, comprehend and apply without always having open the OLD TESTAMENT.

The “Emperor Cult” was used as a UNITY tool to bind the empire together.  The emperor was “worthy” of worship because he “provided” things that no one ever had before such as world-wide PEACE, Trade and Travel on the high seas free of PIRACY, a world-wide systems of HIGHWAYS, fresh WATER to cities and a world-wide MAIL DELIVERY system.  Universal worship of the emperor was used as a proof of LOYALTY to the state.  The most fervent followers of the emperor cult were found in ASIA MINOR in the area of the 7 CHURCHES, most notably PERGAMUM.  The DRAGON is Satan, the 1^st Beast is ROME and the 2^nd Beast is the FALSE RELIGION of the worship of both the Beast and the Dragon.

1.      The contrasts of Revelation 13 and 14:

a.       DRAGON                           LAMB

b.       THE SANDS OF THE SEA   THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD

c.        ROME                                MT. ZION

d.       EMPEROR CULT                CHURCH OF CHRIST

e.       MARK OF THE BEAST       MARK OF THE LAMB

f.         666                                    144,000

2.      What did John hear from heaven?

3.      How does John describe what he hears?

4.      Is Revelation 14.2 a “proof text” for instrumental music in worship? 

5.      What were the 144,000 singing?

6.      What certain group could even learn the song?  What 4 characterisics did they possess?

a.      They has been REDEEMED (purchased)

b.      They were VIRGINS (discuss significance)

c.       They FOLLOW the Lamb wherever He gose

d.      They were PURCHASED from among men (James 1.18)